WEEK 33

Good morning!

What a difference 48 days can make – why’d I say that? Well, we are 48 days from Clay’s due date. Meaning that in 48 days, (I believe less time than Tiger Woods is spending in “rehab”) Jim and I will (hopefully) be welcoming this little guy into the world. This concept – along with the fact that our world is about to change forever – is something that I am trying to wrap my head around! We’ve been looking forward to his arrival for so long and now it seems so much more tangible!

Changes over the past week include feet swelling (it’s limited to nighttime and doesn’t happen everyday but it does produce “mankles” – manly cankles – while the bloating lasts), persistent back aches, and fatigue. I’ve got to tell you though; I am fine with these pregnancy symptoms if it means that Clay is continuing to “cook” until he is fully developed and ready for the outside world. The other big thing is that my nesting instinct has kicked into overdrive. I have a list of projects that I think need to be done; a lot of them like setting up the nursery, washing Clay’s clothes, organizing his closet all make perfect sense. But unfortunately for my husband, there are other projects that I think we “need” to take on that aren’t so baby oriented… like filing old bill information – because Clay is SOOOO going to care if our filing cabinet is perfectly organized - and deep cleaning our refrigerator. My rational mind knows that bottom line, these things aren’t important. The part that’s tripping me up is that I know they are chores that we will not have energy for once the little guy is born – or, for say, the next 18 years! Luckily, I have family coming in town who have offered help and against my control freak tendencies – deep breath – I think I’m going to take people up on their generous offers to help.

Also getting in on the nesting bug is Jim; below is a picture of what Jim’s nesting looks like. I’ll have to explain it a bit… So, I have a couple of diaper bags to use for Clay once he arrives. Admittedly, they are all pretty girly so Jim asked what he’s supposed to do when he goes out with Clay (I have to say, I really appreciated this question because 1. It implies that he is willing to share diaper duty and 2. It means that he is planning on taking little man out on his own). I explained that he would do just fine with loading up a backpack with supplies. About 5 minutes later, I’m standing in the kitchen and I hear Jim say “Okay, I’m ready!!!”. I didn’t look up immediately but there was something about the comment that made me realize he was trying to get my attention. Once you look at the picture, I think you’ll understand why I’m glad I looked up at my oh-so-funny husband!

I hope all is well and I am looking forward to the fact that I get to see many of you this weekend!!!

Much love,

em