36 weeks

Hello everyone! I thought it was time for an update. The countdown has begun. We are in our last month! The due dates have changed a few times. Our original was the 24th, the ultrasound said the 20th and the latest was the 22nd. hmm. Well. We'll see I guess!

I am still feeling pretty great. I do have my moments of complaining ( because I'm not sure my body can hold any more extra weight!) but all in all I feel like a very lucky pregnant woman. No wierd stuff so far. Although I have picked up a bit of a cold from my little rascals at school.

The little girl is a true pleasure and we are so very anxious to meet her. She is moving a lot still and it's pretty funny to watch her little behind stick up and make my tummy completely lopsided. When we rub my stomach it only takes about 3 seconds for her to start moving. I like to think that means she will be an affectionate baby. The OB said she is head down already and it is unlikely she will change positions again; this is good as it makes it all the more likely we can have a natural delivery.

We start our weekly appointments with the OB on Tuesday. It's so hard to believe that we are at this stage of pregnancy already. Alison, I keep thinking of you and how they told you at your 37 week appointment that it was time for the baby to come out!

Are we nervous? Yes. A bit. There are a lot of emotions. It is pretty crazy to know that your life is about to change, and you cant really know how. I feel somewhat anxious about delivering. I am a big planner, so having something so huge about to take place and not being able to plan for it is very hard for me. I am so grateful for David's constant encouragement. I know he is going to be a terrific labor coach and it puts me at ease to know he will be there with me.
We have started and finished our prenatal classes. They were quite helpful. I would definitley reccomend them to first time parents. You learn a lot and my feeling is that the more you know, the more confident you can be about labor and parenting.

So what is left? Not much! I am still doing my internship and I have three weeks remaining. The school I am at is a Christian school and they have been very supportive and understanding of me. I feel very blessed to be there. If I deliver early and cannot finish, they have told me that there is no problem. What an answer to prayer! David is waiting to begin his practicum, which should start within a week or two. We are hopeful that it will turn into a job when he is finished, so if you remember, please keep us in your prayers!

I am thinking about packing a bag for the hospital this weekend. I want to be prepared! The nursery is pretty much complete and we spend a lot of time in there imagining her there with us.

We are very thankful for our families. They are making such an effort to be here with us for the big day and we are forever grateful for their love and support.

We can't wait to share our little girl with all of you.
Signing off with 4 weeks to go,

Carmen