T Minus 3 Months

Yes, THREE MONTHS LEFT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And that's if I deliver on time and not early...

I know some of you have heard me say this recently, but three months is seeming like a long amount of time in which to grow ever so gradually more uncomfortable and awkward... but a short amount of time in which to "get things done" on the OTP list. I know, I know, the proverbial in-box is never empty...

I've had some friends and family, through different conversations and e-mails, share LOADS of wisdom developed through their own trial-and-error experiences. They've also offered some reminders to cherish not only this special time, but the highlights of what's to come once Tot is part of the "outside world". I'm embarrassed to say I've had to pause and realize, oh yeah, you're right - this is an exciting life change and we're going to have a new little family member join us soon; this is not just an extra-important To-Do list! I don't think I'll shock anyone when I say that I come from very productive, task-oriented stock. Which has its merits and has served me well in life. It's also helpful to get those reminders to breathe and smile every once in a while. I've been taking these words of wisdom all in, and immensely appreciating every word.

But if you still MUST know about some of the successfully completed OTP tasks, read on:

We signed up for Lamaze, Breastfeeding, and Baby Care classes. Not sure if they think I'm a nerd already at the hospital, but hey, I figure why not soak up the knowledge. With my partner in crime by my side.

I had a VERY successful trip to BabyLand again today, this time with the help of my oh-so-experienced friend and mom of 3 months, Stephanie, to give me the low-down on what's a must, what's a bust, and to agree me with about how much this gig is a total racket. A MILLION thanks to her. I know that at some point, I, too, will be in her position in this cycle of new parents, passing on wisdom and goods. Priceless.

So right now our registry looks like we went around the store and selected every item with the parent-to-be zapper gun. But some of the items were temporarily selected as a reference... there is still tweaking to do.

I am also eternally grateful to friends and family that have lent maternity clothes. Every week I dip into the supply as my belly grows and the weather changes. WHAT a help.

Both grandmothers have gotten to feel Tot's kicks - my mom last night, Nate's mom tonight. VERY thrilling to share the joy :)

Tot's room has finished being painted "Celery Sprig", or "Celery Stalk" as Nate calls it. A million thanks to Aunt Leigh and Punchy for insisting that primer fumes are too strong for a pregnant lady, and doing all the prep work for the fun part of painting the color.

Tonight we picked up the tools and supplies leftover from the paint job, and next thing we know we were taking apart the twin bed that has been the main feature of our former "guest room". I was not planning on packing up that bed today, as it has also served as my late-night-reading getaway so as not to disturb Nate. But I guess the time would have come soon enough, anyway. So we put it in the attic, and will take it out again when Tot "graduates" to it once he or she gets too big for the crib. Wow.

So right now the room has, resting at the edges of the floor, the collection of baby books, some outfits, free stuff from BabyLand and prenatal visits, and a lamp. All I can think is that this room will never again be as empty as it is now. This room, and our lives, are about to get pretty darn full. Which is what we wanted. Although I'm very aware that we can not possibly have any concept of how full they really will be until we really get there.

I remember talking with Nate years ago about the idea of having kids, or not, and he said that while the time to start trying seemed pretty far in the future at the time, he anticipated that there would come a time that the status quo got pretty boring. To which I raised both eyebrows and suggested that having kids because we're "bored" doesn't sound very responsible or justified. I just KNEW he didn't really mean it that way. To which he clarified, "Well, no, it's just that I think we'd get to the point where it would seem like, there's something missing." That's more like it.

I forgot to take a belly pic this weekend, but take my word for it, I've got a belly. Looks a little bigger than the last pic.

Nicky and Nate
27 weeks tomorrow
And, did you know, we're in the last month before delivery that doesn't end in "-ber"...