Countdown: 1 week to go

We find ourselves in the end run of this pregnancy. I have been extraordinarily lucky throughout with only a little morning sickness, the ability to work until my maternity leave started a few weeks ago, and no complications to speak of. I do find myself trying to recover from yet another cold - that would be the third for those counting - but even that has been more annoying than alarming. Biggest impact so far is my snoring, and Max has moved to the pullout sofa in the nursery to get some sleep before the little one comes.

The nursery is almost complete and we are just finishing the closet organization this weekend. The baby clothes are washed, put away, and the blankets are folded. My parents have a bassinet and changing table set-up and ready at their place 6 minutes away. Also, the Audi lease is up on November 25th, so we had a great excuse to look at other vehicles to accommodate Max's lifestyle - triathlon, technology, and now fatherhood. The winner is a Highlander, which Max is referring to as BIG BLACK. I am working on a geek decal (geecal?) which we will share soon.

These days, the most common question after when am I due, is how am I feeling. Physically I feel bloated, and uncomfortable, achy, and tired. I have gained 40 pounds and the edema especially in my ankles, hands, and face is unpleasant and uncomfortable. I am trying to rest as much as possible, helped by being exhausted all the time. Now it is up to Minor Threat to get this party started. As of last week, I was not dilated at all, and she is still not engaged. At least she is head down. Lady is going to take her sweet time, and a healthy big baby is definitely my plan, though I am getting impatient. It is also hard to feel so helpless to move heavy or large objects, and I am learning to ask for help which turns out to be harder for me than I would have anticipated. Mostly I feel a great sense of anticipation, curiosity as to who we are bringing into the world, a healthy dose of anxiety as I think about balancing home and work in a few weeks, and hugely thankful for the love and support we continue to receive from family and friends.

As we approach Thanksgiving, I am grateful we are surrounded by people who actively work to build a better world for all of us everyday, a world I am excited to share with my daughter. Whenever she is ready. Which we hope is soon.