The Count Down Diary

Dec 1st:
We are now within the month of your birth, BH2, and to commemorate the occasion, we went in for our 36 week appointment! Your belly home is measuring right on target, your heart rate is thumping away at just the right pace, and lo' and behold, I'm 1 cm dilated! Dr. Gong said despite that, there's really only 10% - 15% chance that I'll go into labor this week and she'd prefer it if I grow you for at least one more week. What do you say we keep you in the belly for another week-two weeks and we call it?

Dec 2nd:
I'm really tired dear baby H2. I was almost asleep on the sofa, but I really wanted to start your countdown journal before it got to be too late and I forgot. I feel that you are moving lower and lower by the hour. I did your first load of laundry today, washed the bouncy seat fabric, the fuzzy warm bundle me blanket for your car seat, and several neutral sleepers, onesies, and blankets. Phew. We're slowly starting to prepare for your arrival...

Dec 3rd:
Tonight was your sister's Christmas program; though it's always the Christmas story it's always different and it's always hilarious. Your sister LOVES her school and she's made great friends there. We love seeing her run around with her friends, hand in hand, laughing and giggling together.

Today, one of my co-workers joked that you were already hanging halfway out... you're so LOW, have I mentioned that yet?

I can't wait until you get here!

Dec 4th:
I ditched out on some holiday parties so that I could truly enjoy an evening of Christmas fun with my family. I spent the day nesting and preparing for said holiday parties, but it simply wore me out... then I had yet to drive there, I was already running late... in the end, I decided to do what's right for you & I, BH2: I cancelled in the name of rest. I knew we had big family plans in the evening and a probably late night, so I wanted to save my energy for time I was going to spending with my family. We had our annual trip up to Lights of Christmas at Warm Beach with Josh, Lina, friends & family. I'm so glad I chose to rest that afternoon because we walked around enjoying the sights & sounds of Christmas for several hours in the cold. Your sister was enthralled by all the lights, decorations, trains, Santa, snowmen, craft-making, donut-eating, and horseback riding. Of course, she loved being with her friends. We can't wait to have you along on all of our "family traditions".

Dec 5th:
Didn't leave the house at all today and loved it. No sleep and scratchy throat = lounge clothes all day. Your dad and Bella left to make some purchases for you: onesies, hampers, nursing equipment, etc. I stayed home, did another load of your laundry and put it away in your new closet equipment. Your father thinks I should wash all of our 0-3 month clothes - all the girl clothes, too. I gotta tell you though - I finally have a hunch and I think washing all the girl clothes will be a waste of our energy efficient washer and dryer.

Dec 6th:
Start of another week on less than 4 hours of sleep. Had trouble driving in today and actually, the last several days heading to work. Your dad and I finally agreed its time to cut back my hours. I have no idea how on earth I worked full time all the way until we had your sister and my job involved way more physical labor than it does now. So, I'm going to cut down my hours and it feels so good...

Dec 7th:
Total and complete meltdown by the end of the day. Sad.

Dec. 8th:
Had weekly appointment today and to my dismay, was not found to be in labor. How is it possible to feel like the baby is SO INCREDIBLY LOW and yet the doctor to find me quite high still? And still just a centimeter dilated. Ok, this is where I'm going to turn it around: I get another week to smother my Bella with mama love before my attention must be shared...

Dec. 9th:
Another blurry day at work...

Dec. 10th:
Finally: a Friday! We completely and utterly relaxed today once we got home from work. Your big sister and I cuddled up for old school Christmas cartoons...the kind that were even old school when I was a kid. I'm not even sure what kind of animation it was, clay? Bella enjoyed them and has a greater understanding for Santa Clause. I'm thankful to whomever bought us the Christmas TV classics collection...

Dec. 11th:
Got an early start today to run errands and wrap up Christmas shopping... I'm thankful that I was able to sleep upstairs for a change. Sent some packages out and then braved Toys-R-Us to pick out some gifts for your sister. It's easy to hide presents at this stage and even shop with her along. I imagine in no time at all we're going to have to go to great lengths to go secret shopping and find hiding places and battle parents at the toy store...

In the evening we attended our neighborhood progressive dinner. Really interesting to get to know the neighbors more. Your dad and I were by far the youngest of them all as they all had kids in college. But I like the idea that they've all grown up on this street for 15+ years... their kids all went to school together, played sports together, and the women were besties. Your dad and I have always been so mobile, so willing to relocate, it's hard to imagine staying put anywhere that long. But, that is what I want for you kids - to really be part of the community and have a solid group of kids in the neighborhood for you to be a part of... They all had stories of their kids dating, drama, learning to drive together, getting in trouble, etc...

Your sister was with Pastor's daughter, Kendra. She was so cute and excited to have a friend over to play!

Dec. 12th:
Sunday...phew. Woke up to your sister wandering around downstairs yelling, "Where are you?" looking for Kendra. She managed to undo the gate at the top of the stairs and turn on the lights downstairs. She's never gone downstairs alone! Went to church this morning. Ever since I became pregnant with you, I've recurrently been light headed at church. Not sure what it is...I have a feeling it's my hydration status...I drink water like a champ while at work as I carry my nalgene everwhere (sometimes 4 or 5 refills throughout the day), but then during the weekend I don't keep water around me as well. So my theory is that by Sunday morning I'm completely dehydrated. Great sermon on not comparing ourselves to others and being envious... it's like saying God made a mistake as He created you and in His plan for you.

Dec. 13th:
Didn't go to work until late because of my late meetings. Got to work and folks thought I'd either be in labor or on bedrest since I didn't come at my usual time. Today, my dear baby, I'm achy and terribly uncomfortable - which is all accentuated by the fact that I'm still going to work. However, had some great meetings with our VP and other high profile folks - so that made me feel good. What do you say we meet each other soon?

Dec. 14th:
???

Dec. 15th:
Had your daddy's work Christmas part at a swanky place in Bellevue. I can't believe this is our third Christmas party with Evergreen! I got all dolled up (how often do I really get to do that) and even dared to wear little heels (which I eventually regretted). Your sister had her friend (babysitter) Jamie over to play and she was so excited. Your sister insists all her babysitters do all of her puzzles with her - over and over again. Jamie's great and excited to meet you, too, BH2! By the end of the night, my kankles made their first appearance. Luckily, with a little overnight elevation, they disappeared by morning!

Dec. 16th:
Daddy was given a baby shower at work and mommy's work decided to start a baby's weight, gender and delivery date pool.