C'mon, Christmas

The lights are up (after only one minor mishap that required a run to the store -- by minor I mean that over half of the lights didn't work after going up, but they all work wonderfully now), the tree is decorated, and the stockings are hung. 'Tis the season ... we're ready and waiting!

Giving Thanks

This year, I'm thankful for (in no particular order) ...

... family recipes, like my sister's pumpkin pie and my mom's sweet potatoes, both of which I'll be making for tomorrow's festivities.

... the kind lady in the cereal aisle this morning who asked me when I am due, who proceeded to tell me not to believe all of the delivery horror stories I hear, and who then said, "Just get the epidural and enjoy, because delivery really can be super fun." Bless you, lady from the cereal aisle.

... web cams and Skype. Even though they are very far away, my parents and sister will be able to be part of the baby's life on a regular basis, thanks to technology.

... Little Debbie's array of snack cakes, specifically Fudge Rounds. Over the past week or so, I plowed my way through an entire box ... no guilt, no regrets. I'm not even going make excuses; it is what it is, and I enjoyed every bite.

... our jobs, home, cars, and everything else we've been fortunate enough to keep during these difficult economic times. I realize that our ability to maintain our lifestyle could disappear at any moment, and I know we're luckier than many this holiday season.

... my mother-in-law and the ladies at work who keep saying, "You are all baby; that weight will just fall off." I don't know how much truth there is to this statement (a lot, I hope), but it's nice to hear on days when I feel like little else than a blob (this feeling is in no way connected to my thankfulness for Little Debbie, so don't go trying to make connections that don't exist).

... a short break from work to enjoy breakfast with a friend, a leisurely trip to the grocery store, an afternoon to relax at home, and some baking later tonight.

... my husband, who has spent the better part of 2008 dealing with my unruly emotions and my constant tossing and turning at night, among many other "pregnancy firsts". He just texted to tell me he's on his way home from work now to hang out. I guess that makes me thankful for his boss, too!

... a relatively easy and stress-free pregnancy. There have been times when I've wondered whether I'd ever make it to the end, and now I realize how quickly the nine months flew by, especially the last three or so. Besides the normal aches and pains and the inability to sleep well (which is probably just preparation for the next 18+ years), everything about this pregnancy has been great. Now we're just ready to meet her!

... the fact that ABC still finds value in showing the Charlie Brown holiday specials. Last night the Thanksgiving one was on, and it was just as good this year as it has been forever.

... a year of growth and new opportunity both personally and professionally. So many things have just "gone my way," and I'm incredibly thankful.

I'd love to hear from you ... what are you thankful for this Thanksgiving?

Not long now ...

Doctor's Notes (wk. 37) & An Unrelated Update

I had another fairly uneventful visit to the doctor today. I'm still not dilated at all, and apparently my cervical something-or-another is still rear-facing. I guess the gist is that the baby is not quite ready yet. I did have a little scare because, after checking the baby's heart rate with the doppler, my doctor decided she needed to hook me up to a monitor for 30 minutes to track the fetal heart rate. The baby's heart rate was significantly lower than it had been during all previous visits, so she wanted to make sure that it was a result of the baby's heart rate settling at a lower rate and not one of stress or other problems. Everything turned out to be fine, which is what the doctor was expecting, but it was a little scary nonetheless. One bit of good news I did receive is that I didn't gain any weight over the last week. I'm sure that will change at my next visit, which is scheduled for a few days after Thanksgiving. Like I said in a previous post, though, I'm not skimping for any reason on my meal this year!

In totally unrelated news, we're just about done Christmas shopping! It feels good to have most of it finished early ... just in case. I have to give us props for shopping with/sticking to a pretty reasonable budget this year. The Christmas carols finally started this week on the radio (a week later than last year, mind you), and a cold front is on its way in. Something about singing along to Christmas music in 75 degrees just doesn't feel right, but the cooler weather should help create the appropriate mood. It's almost time to put up the tree & the lights and to start watching Christmas movies. Is there anything better? Hope the spirit of the season is starting to find all of you!

Doctor's Notes

Today I had my 36-week visit, which was highly anticipated because it is at this appointment that the doctor officially begins checking the cervix for dilation. I'll spare you the details, but I will tell you that I'm not dilated at all. This is the news I was hoping for! I'm currently in no rush for this whole labor bit to happen, and it appears that the baby isn't either; we're on the same page for now. I realize I'm to the point in my pregnancy when the baby really could decide to make an appearance at any time, but I do have my heart 100% set on a December baby, and I have a lot of loose ends to tie up at work before all is said and done.

I go back to the doctor next Thursday for another check; an update will follow!

35 Weeks

Well, we've finally made it to the point where we can count the number of weeks 'til baby on just one hand. Who can believe that?! I'm having some back pain, especially at night, but I generally feel very good. In case I wasn't doing so before, I'm definitely living for the weekends. I am feeling really ready to have my body back, but I certainly won't go so far as to complain about being pregnant at Thanksgiving ... bring on helpings 2, 3, and 4!

Our leaves are finally changing colors and we're having some crisp autumn weather; I'm savoring every bit. We started Christmas shopping today in hopes that we'll have it finished with some time to spare before the baby arrives. I love the decorations, the stores that smell like cinnamon, and the fact that the Christmas music will start Monday on the radio. While Steve and I probably won't be able to take our annual date in mid-December to the Lakewood Theater to see "White Christmas", we have plenty to look forward to nonetheless. I hope you are all enjoying the start of the very best time of the year, too!