The final month

It is hard to believe we are down to one month now!! Exactly 4 weeks from today is my due date! Of course, that doesn't mean a whole lot since it could happen anytime between now and a few weeks after the due date! I am personally hoping she will sit still for another two weeks or so at least...first because obviously the closer to her due date the more time she will have had to mature and grow. But selfishly, the closer to her due date she is the better off we are because my maternity leave will lead right into Jason's summer break. If she comes early we will have to scramble for a few weeks of child care to fill the gap! But of course, I do not want her to come late, I am ready to meet this little one! I had a doctor's appointment this past Thursday. The Dr. was on vacation so I met with the PA. She did a lot that the doctor usually does not, like measuring my belly which measures right where it should around 35 1/2 cm. Babies heartbeat still sounded great. And she did an internal and announced that I am 50% effaced. That was pretty exciting. Of course, from everything I have read all that means is she is moving into position, but it could still be weeks. At least she is head down and ready!!

Two weeks ago was the Scotia baby shower. It was wonderful! My mom did a beautiful job planning it. The theme was nursery rhymes and there was an amazing quilt that my mom made with nursery rhyme fabric. And everyone who attended also decorated a quilt square with a nursery rhyme theme which my mom will now quilt together to make a wall hanging for the nursery.

I had a wonderful time at the shower. It was amazing and a little overwhelming to be surrounded by so many people who love me and this little girl. And we were very spoiled with many wonderful gifts. Next weekend is the Rochester shower with Jason's family and I am looking forward to sharing in this blessing with all of that family!

We have been busy getting things ready around the house and in our lives for the arrival of the baby. Our birth classes are over and we had our tour of the hospital. I have been steadily cleaning the house room by room. Last weekend we organized the nursery and got it pretty much finished. And yesterday we spent all day cooking meals to put away in the freezer. As I get more uncomfortable and tired (which seems to happen more every day) I am trying to get as much done as possible so at the very end I can do nothing!

I thought it might be time to post one more progress photo. Jason and I went out on what we figure will be our last real date night last night. We had a gift card to a restaurant downtown and had a wonderful evening out! It was one of those date nights where we even dressed up a little and splurged on ourselves! Before we headed out I had Jason take a belly shot so I could post for everyone who has been asking. I definitely feel like in the past 2 weeks or so I have gotten bigger and have dropped a fair amount.