Packing the hospital bag

Yes, I know we are 7 weeks away from Katelyn's arrival, but the e-mail sent from "What to Expect" today said "Time to pack your bags!" REALLY? Could we be that close? Why is that scary to me? I know i'm pregnant, she has the hiccups right now in my belly. But bringing her home, that's a different story, that's REAL.

Don't get me wrong, I CANNOT wait until we get to meet this little baby girl, see who she looks like, get to know her, be her mom - it's just getting CLOSER, that's all. I guess i'm a little nervous, but I know deep down that we are so blessed to have her coming into the world, and she is one lucky kid to be born into our families. It's just the packing of the bags that freaks me out!!!

Pink lint

I did Katelyn's first load of laundry! It was so fun to fold all those little outfits! I got the cutest call from Andrew yesterday, he was doing some laundry and went to clean out the lint, and he called me to tell me it was PINK! How fun is that? We were talking about it last night and I got all choked up when he said "It's like she's already bringing color to somthing that's normally colorless."

We are officially in love with this little girl.

August Reflection- what a difference a year makes part 2!

I was driving into work this morning, thinking about all the things that the last year has brought, and realized it's annual August reflection time! I don't do it in January, it just naturally comes in August, so i'm going with it. The last 365 days have been quite an adventure!

I've grown a baby! Well, almost.
Andrew and I have gone from family of 2 - to a family of 3- thinking.
I walked 60 miles for Breast Cancer and ADORED it- even the blisters (in retrospect, of course).
I experienced morning sickness.
I laid off 18 people, while thinking I was going to be laid off myself- I'd like the layoff business to stop with this years reflecting!
Then I experienced the relief of keeping my job! Whew!
I've watched Andrew begin to turn into a Dad - I'm looking forward to watching how this grows every year.
I learned I have a short cervix- who knew!
I'm trying to choose my attitude on a daily basis.
I've felt at the top of my game with my job, then I lost some confidence in my abilities to do my job - not sure if it was the threat of being laid off, shifting of priorities, or the idea that i'll be gone for 3 months?
Friendships that were weak naturally fizzled a little, and friendships that are strong have gotten even better.
I'm learning how hard it is to help aging grandparents.
I appreciate baths more - they can help a headache, nausea, or just help me relax!
I've watched my family experience true joy because of this little girl coming shortly! They literally thank us often for giving them this bright spot in their lives.
I learned that maternal instincts kick in immediatly- I would already do anything for her.

As I sit here and type, little Katelyn is inside kicking me (I think she doesn't like my chair at work, squishes her). I know i'll miss this feeling, but I am so excited to meet her and see what she looks like, what her personality will be. I can't wait to be a family of 3. Andrew and I have been talking a lot about trying to enjoy each stage of her life - I know the last 30 weeks of pregnancy have gone by rapidly, and next thing we know we'll be planning her first birthday. Maybe i'll think to go back and read this in the middle of a sleepless night a few months from now and remember to enjoy this stage, it will end before I know it!