Wait... so, WHEN are the Olympics again?

I'm typically known around here for my low blood pressure. When the doctor reveals my stats, Gary notoriously asks, "Are you alive?" It's not uncommon for me to black out and hold on to a wall for stability when I stand up. But I think if I hear the countdown to the Olympics on our NBC station one more time, my blood pressure just might sky rocket. It's a little unnerving to hear your TV counting down to your due date on a daily basis. Thanks, 9News!



Yep, we're that close to 08-08-08.

And should I forget we're that close, all I need to do is look down at my large, round belly.

So, here's an update... over 2 weeks ago I was 2 cm. dilated, which doesn't mean I'm about to give birth, it just means that I'm making progress. It was only a little nervewracking to hear that news on the verge of Gary going out of town for a week, but thankfully, this little baby held off making his appearance, and Gary is back safely. However, since then, I've been having lots and lots of contractions! They're only getting more frequent and more intense, so I'm guessing we'll be meeting this baby boy soon.

I'm a little uncomfortable at this point, but have no complaints. Meeting this little guy, feeling his breath on our skin, hearing him cry... it will all be worth it in the end. He moves a lot - A LOT - but I don't have it in me to complain about how it wakes me up at night when a lack of movement is what woke me up before. The baby was very, very quiet on Friday and didn't move a lot, which really scared me. We never called or went to the doctor, but I just tried to control my imagination and emotions throughout the day as I prayed. Just as I'd be on the verge of calling the doctor or panicking, I'd feel the slightest, slightest bump or roll and be comforted. Even this far into the pregnancy, there are no guarantees, and it's easy to still be a little jumpy and untrusting. With 11 days to go, I still have to start every day acknowledging that God is in control and will take care of me. No matter what. Until this baby boy is nestled safely in my arms - warm, and breathing, and making those sweet newborn sounds - I'm not sure I'll rest easy.

Anyway, before we get to the most recent pregnancy pictures, we'll take a walk down memory lane and backtrack a bit. (These are the only belly pics I have... not evenly spaced, are they?!)

In January, at 13 weeks:



Back in March, at 20 weeks:


In April, at 23 weeks:


In July, at 36 weeks:


And a whole bunch, taken just last week at 37 weeks (thanks, Amy!):






My mom took these:
"Nah... I'm not pregnant..."


"SURPRISE!"


During the "photo shoot" with my sister, things started getting a little crazy. Look! I'm in labor! Doesn't it look realistic? You can see my mom and Emma were really concerned. Shortly after that, I wasn't sure if my water had broken or if I'd wet my pants from laughing. I'll let you decide.


I'll post before and after shots of the nursery soon, but I'll leave you with this teaser. The girls LOVED getting to help paint their little bro's nursery. Can you tell?