"Patience is a Virtue..." blah blah blah

We are trying to patiently wait for the baby to arrive. Every time I call Kirby when he's gone or at work, he says, "So, did you go into labor yet?" or "Did your water break?" And I have to say no. I mean, we know my due date is still 5 days away, but we just can't wait for our little baby to get out so we can meet him/her! I really can't complain though, I have had a lovely pregnancy (except for a month long episode of PUPPP which was just really itchy) and I am still feeling fairly comfortable and sleeping well. I am not swelling much, we have air-conditioning so I can stay cool, I haven't had heartburn...so anyway, not much to complain about. I have really enjoyed being pregnant. I have been spending my time organizing stuff, cleaning, doing yardwork, cooking, hanging out at home, spending time with friends, and spending time with Kirb. It's been great. Once again, very thankful to be done with school! It's been so nice to be more active again, I feel almost better than I did a couple months ago.

Kirb has almost finished the wall, and it looks great! We will be putting plants in this fall.

We also got the rest of the front yard kind of cleaned up and got more bark mulch spread out. I tackled a couple blackberry branches that were trying to take over part of the yard, and I at least took the yummy berries before I killed it and made a crisp with them. :) It was good.

Well, we think most everything is ready: copy of "Goodnight Moon," diapers, wipes, changing table, crib, bedding, monitor, bonky (thank you Kaija! You Swishers know what I'm talking about), rubber duckies for bathtime later on, room ready for my mom to come, and two excited parents who know they have a lot to learn but can't wait to get started.

At my doctor's appointment on Thursday, I was dilated 1.5 centimeters, 50% effaced, and ripe and ready to go. So it was exciting to know that things are at least on their way. Anytime is good for us! Anyway, here is a picture from today, I am about 39 1/2 weeks. I hadn't seen a picture of myself lately, I am huge!! I asked the doc to estimate how big the baby was, and she said, "Well, you can kiss having a 6-pounder good-bye." Not that it surprised me. The doctor this week thought the baby was around 8 pounds.

Anyway, I also thought it would be funny to see a normal size tank top of mine on with the big belly. That is seriously a top that covers the belly when I am normal sized. Crazy. :) Don't worry, I don't leave the house looking like that if you were wondering.

Please keep the baby, Kirby and me in your thoughts and prayers as the big day approaches. Thank you! We'll be in touch with news soon! love to all!