Waiting...but much more calm (39 weeks, 6 days)

Thanks to everyone for your nice comments and thoughts, whether here at the blog, via email or text! I am feeling much better after taking the time to adjust my expectations. Last night I got home from work and Joe had prepared me a nice comfy spot on the couch in front of the fire. I got to settle in while he made dinner. Baby M was an absolute riot to watch last night and I am so thankful he is active and healthy. We are still in awe by it. We read him a book last night and this morning I played him my Rockabye Baby Green Day CD (music at belly level) while I got ready for work. Last night I actually slept for two-hour increments throughout the whole night! The previous few nights I had been up every hour on the dot. Honestly, I think the "extra sleep" made me feel so much better. I have now decided I am just going to enjoy these last few days (maybe weeks...gotta be realistic!) with him in my belly. I am very blessed to be experiencing this whole thing in the first place, so I really shouldn't complain!

The wait goes on (39 weeks, 5 days)

Well, it looks like this baby boy knows how cold and horrible it has been (and will continue to be) in Chicago this winter. He does not want to come out! 

I had a doctor's appointment yesterday and it looks like he will certainly make it to his due date, which is Saturday. I will have Monday and Wednesday appointments next week to monitor how he's doing and how I'm doing. Since he'll be overdue, the doctor wants to make sure his vital signs stay strong. Based on how those appointments go she may decide to induce labor at the end of next week. Of course, Joe and I would prefer that he come naturally before then, but we are not in control of this situation! It is so hard to be patient. Please keep us in your prayers!

The belly - 22 and 38 weeks!

38 WEEKS

22 WEEKS

Catching up on posts (38 weeks)

Thirty-eight weeks and still no baby! Not like he should be here already - his due date is a little less than 2 weeks away. I have just had so many friends who've had preemie babies that I expected him to be early too. Now that he is considered "full term" I say, "Come ANY time baby boy!" I sure hope he comes before his due date or on time at least. I am ready!

In the meantime, Joe and I are trying to make the most of these last two weeks. Too bad it has been so horribly cold - we haven't even wanted to leave the house! We've had a leisurely weekend of watching movies, cooking and eating. I am sure after baby gets here we'll remember these low key times wistfully!

Last weekend baby's Grandpa & Grandma Rankin made a trip to Chicago with his crib and stroller. It was a busy day, with the boys setting up the crib (see photo of my dad and Joe below) and all of us rearranging furniture. Since we want friends and family to be able to continue to stay with us, his room will be half nursery, half guest room until he gets a little bigger and needs room to play. Plus, we plan on having him sleep in our room in a bassinet for the first few months. Even though it is a dual purpose nursery it actually looks really great in there!

On Friday January 9th my co-workers surprised me and another pregnant co-worker, Krista (due 5 weeks after me), with a surprise baby shower! I have never been thrown a surprise party before and let me tell you...I was shocked. They decorated one of the conference rooms and set up an ice cream sundae bar with TONS of topping options. It was so perfect! We played a celeb baby game and also set up a pool on when our babies will be born. I think most of them think he will arrive the first week of February. I'll post pictures when I get them!

While I'm posting I also wanted to include some pictures from the holidays. It was sure a great one!

Grandpa Rankin and "Pappa Joe" setting up the crib...

Uncle John, Mary & Joe on Christmas morning...

The Rankin Girls - Cousin Renae and Cousin Katie

Grandma Rankin dishing up her famous Christmas morning egg dish (Baby M will surely enjoy this next Christmas!)

Mom and Dad can't wait until there are three of us in pictures like this!

Look at all of the great gifts Baby's Middleton cousins got him for Christmas...and he wasn't even here to open them!

We're ready! (36 weeks)

My last shower was in Grand Rapids over the Christmas holiday. It was hosted by my bridesmaids for my high school and college friends.  It was all gorgeous. The flowers, food, gifts...I do not deserve the amazing friends I have! Thank you to everyone for your generosity! The picture above is of all of the Northview High School girls that could attend (Cam had to leave before this was taken so unfortunately she is not included either). It is so wonderful to have friends who have known me since I was 15 (or earlier!) around me to share this experience. I love it that we've celebrated life's major moments together. Besides marriage, their is nothing bigger! 

I had the week between Christmas and New Year's off of work and it was such a blessing. I recommend any working woman take a week off before baby (if possible) to get organized! Joe and I got the nesting bug in a major way and got so much accomplished! Baby's room is almost done, his car seat is installed and approved by the safety inspectors (yes, we are now driving around with an empty car seat in the backseat - major nerds!), we are stocked up on diapers and changing supplies...now all that is left is packing my bag for the hospital!