We're wrapping up the last-minute to-do items before baby arrives while at the same time making sure we (and our home) are organized and ready to go for a few changes and a few sleepless nights.
Thanks to Debbie and Calvin (affectionately known as Grandma and Grandpa in this house now), we got a stackable washer and dryer, set to arrive on Wednesday, to replace the busted system that has made doing laundry quite an inconvenience around here. After the new system's in, we'll be doing some laundry and packing a hospital bag, pretty much our very last item to do (other than some heavy breathing, ice chip munching and all that jazz...).
Our fabulous new walk-in closet is complete! It's so amazing and has allowed both of us to feel a bit more organized. I had no idea I had so many belts! Scott had lost track of his shorts! It's amazing how much my handy man helped us out.
We put some finishing touches on your nursery, too.
Our double Z's hang proudly above your nursery door. (Yes, the smoke detector, too!)
Then there's the video monitor that we had way too much fun playing with. We had to sort of ghetto-rig it across a wall in order to hang it above your crib and give us a good vantage point, but after some funny faces and dramatic interpretations in nighttime mode, we think we'll be able to keep a sufficient eye on you.
And your car seat is in Mommy's car! Along with a fun mirror for you to look into and for Mommy to watch you while diving across lanes (just kidding, loved ones!). Daddy was a patient saint and helped to teach Mommy how to put the car seat in and take it out; how to loosen and tighten straps and most importantly, how not to give you Shaken Baby Syndrome (which could have been a real possibility at the beginning of this experience). I think I've got it figured out... you feel totally safe, right?
In not-quite-related-to-your-birth-but-without-it-you-wouldnt-be-here news, we finally hung up a reminder of our wedding day -- a signature quilt made by your Jersey "nana" for us.
And finally, in a bit of sad news, Mommy had to take her rings off the other day. I had made it so far and had done really, really well in not swelling up too badly, but I guess the heat made it an impossible fight. My fingers and hands were so sore and were achy from how tight the rings had become. Plus, we didn't want to get ourselves in a situation where my most important pieces of jewelry had to be cut off. (Two days later and I still have some marks on my fingers!) So, for now, they sit in a box in a drawer in our room. I'm pretty sure your presence in our lives in a few weeks will make my semi-meltdown well worth it, huh?
Mommy's belly is big and falling slowly. I feel you pushing for space and know you're probably as uncomfortable as I am and I want to hold you in the big ole open world.
Your things are ready for you to touch and wear and play with.
There's a stroller and a high chair in our dining room, bottles and bibs in the kitchen and a What to Expect book folded and torn and well-read on my nightstand.
We are ready.
All we need is you.
A lifetime with you.
Mommy and Daddy are anxiously awaiting your arrival... and so are countless other people. You are so loved.
