Full Term

This weekend marked the significant moment in pregnancy when mothers let out a sigh of relief. Full Term. Those words are so comforting, as I reflect on the occasional moments of anxiety over the health of our little one throughout the past nine months. Although in many ways I would consider myself to be quite calm as a pregnant woman, the potential health risks for baby and mom during a pregnancy are enough to cause slight anxiety, much of which has quickly dissipated as my due date draws near.

My goals the past month or so (being without full-time work) have included preparing the nursery, which is now complete! My mother came a few weeks ago to paint the walls, the dresser, the changing table, and she even gave me the rocker she used with her four children (including me) :) I'm blessed to have such support during this phase, because preparations such as these release any fear and enable me to simply enjoy the excitement of seeing our little one in the crib soon!

 my sister Leslie gave me the decor from my nieces' nursery, the furniture is from my childhood, and the rocker is from my infancy.

 The crib is one of the few baby items I have purchases new thus far, and I love it (but I have to say, the assembly directions weren't my forte- AJ handled most of it).

This diaper cake was created by my sister Alison for the wonderful shower my sisters and mom threw for me! I'm thankful for family and friends to celebrate with!

My list of needed baby items is growing much smaller. I am the "prepared girl scout" type (without ever actually having been a girl scout), so I have checked multiple lists of necessary baby items to ensure that I have my bases covered. Never mind we have stores in close proximity that carry everything I need.... :)   Nursery, done. Freezer meals, cooked. Diaper bag, packed. Towel and garbage bag near the bed, check (I can't quite bring myself to sleep on a garbage bag just yet, but my prepared self says better safe than buying a new mattress). Hospital bags, ready to go!

Today I will practice putting in the car seat, sterilize all the plastic baby gear, and clean. I will likely run a pretty tight ship around here until the baby comes, due to my love of coming home to a clean house (regardless of where I've been).

And so the waiting continues- sometimes I think this baby wants out soon- other times (probably when he/she is sleeping) I feel as if I will never have the baby. Thankfully I am not anxious- only excited. And since I preached my final sermon for awhile yesterday, I have only to hope the baby doesn't come tomorrow on my drive to Chamberlain for an ordination hearing. From the 19th on, little one, you are welcome into this world!