Update

Dr appt today:
dilated: 2
effaced: 50%
membranes: stripped
excitement: 110%

Last Friday one of my sweet clients shot some maternity pics for me at almost 38 weeks. Here are just a few, not to bore you with the 180 on the disk. I'm so glad that I did them so he can see what I looked like right before I had him!



Joel dropped me off and when he picked me up we coaxed him to get in on the action too! He was thrilled ;)!

Bad Santa?

Dear Santa,
I was a really good girl all year long but I understand that this didn't fit in your sleigh.



There's always next year, right?

Nursery

Baby Boy O'Neill's nursery (corner of our office) is pretty much complete. We didn't paint the room because when we move we don't want to have to re-paint, so its pretty simple but I am happy with it. I told Joel this room has the most love in it because I spent so much time making things for it as it's mostly filled with do-it yourself projects.

Now we just need the baby to rest his little head in the crib!

December 21

A day to celebrate some of my favorite people!! Happy birthday!

"Amigo, Amigo for sun and love and joy" Chelsea


"That's Nasty" Lindsey


"Luggage in the Mediterranean" Cousin Emily


Good ole brother Josh- it's not his daughter's birthday, but she's too darn cute to crop out!

Winter Wonderland

Or something like that! This is the view outside my window today- not the best picture but you get the idea. We are getting pounded a big snow storm, coupled with extrememly strong winds that are causing huge drifts. All my clients cancelled today so I get to stay home bound and finish my projects before the babe comes. After all is said and done we should have a foot of new snow with 3-5 more inches coming Sunday.
Just thought you all might like a "taste of Wisconsin"!

Glory.

Me, in all my pregnancy glory:

36 Weeks

You would think that first time expectant parents would be completely ready for their child by now. I am sure all of you good parents were. But are we? No.

Do we have his crib? No. We still have a couple of weeks before it arrives, at best.
Do we have his car seat and stroller? Working on that too- have to pick it up once it comes in.
Do we have a dresser/changing station? Waiting to be painted by my betrothed.
Do we have diapers, wipes, bath supplies? No
Do we have a swing? I found one I wanted for a really good price but it sold out very quickly. Joel promised me he would find one SOON.
Do we have a bassinet/pack 'n play for him to sleep in the beginning? No
Do we have a name? No
Have we picked out a pediatrician? No, but hope to this week
Have we done a hospital tour? No, but its scheduled for next weekend

But...
Do we have a gross amount of cute clothes? of course
Do we have lots and lots of love to give? absolutely

Pretty sure if he makes an early debut(wishful thinking), everything will turn out just fine. He will still love us even if we don't have everything perfect the moment he comes home, right??
There are days when I surprise myself because I seem so calm with all that is left to do and then there are days(more frequent) I find myself freaking out. This has definitely been the fastest nine months of my life!

We cannot wait to meet our little guy!

And yes, that puny little tree on the table is our only tree this year and we love it. We want to make sure that if he arrives early he won't be intimidated by such a large object in his house.

Life is Precious

Tonight we were reminded just how precious life is. Joel's Grandmother passed away and although we are sad, we know she is much happier and in a better place. It's times like this that makes us even more grateful for eternal families. Until we meet again.