docs says "pack your bags"

So, as many of you know, the time is drawing near. I see my doctor every week now. Everything is always good news. My group B strep test came back negative. I was worried the baby had flipped (nope). My eyelid is twitching (get more sleep). I was suffering from severe heartburn (under control now). Feet are swollen (she just laughs at me). All normal pregnancy stuff.
And to our surprise, we're already 2 cm dialated. Never thought this was a big deal... people walk around dialated for a long time.
But the doctor looked surprised and then said "If you haven't packed your bags yet, I would". She then proceeded to look at Joel and say "And if she tells you she's in pain, take her seriously". She thinks we're going early. As a matter of fact, she thinks we're going to have a baby in the next two weeks! Now, that's only a week and a half early, but still!
To be honest, I'm nervous and anxious and excited all at the same time. Everyone keeps telling me how difficult the first couple of weeks are. Women at work are telling me that my summer won't be as fun as I think it will be. I don't know what to do with a baby. And to be really honest, I'm selfish. I love my time alone with my husband and now I will have to share that. I know - all very normal fears, but still.
On the other hand, I've waited to be a mom for a long time. And for how much I love other people's children, I can guarantee this will be far greater. I look forward to seeing our child, giving Squirt a name, and spending our time together as a family. Life will change, yes... but from what other people say, it is for the better.
So starting Saturday (37 weeks)... we're going to start with all the natural induction methods I can think of: spicy foods, walking, and well, the other thing. And sooner or later, Squirt will be here... and we will wrap up this great gift of God and start a new journey together.

home projects

Joel is nesting. Or so he says. I think it's just excuse to start a huge home project just 6 weeks before the baby is due. But, since the project will likely benefit me, I let him proceed. :)
The project consists of replacing the basement stairs (done), building cabinets in the basement, and putting in a counter top with a slop sink. The fronts of the cabinets are virtually done, but he still needs to build the "boxes". Then the walls have to be scraped and painted (just where the cabinets are going, due to mold), and then the countertop and sink (which Mike says will not take long at all). We are now about 5 weeks out and I'm getting a little nervous about all of this getting done. Not because it needs to get done, but so that it clears Joel's head for when the baby arrives.
The joy for me is that all of our wonderful wedding gifts will now have a permanent home, we'll have a pantry in the basement, and I will be able to make my piles of clothes on the countertop and not on the floor. It's pretty fantastic to have a carpenter for a husband!

On another note - Joel and our doula, Tiffany, have become fast friends. Their friendship though, is built on debate. Tiffany is a very "natural, holistic" type person. Joel, not so much. Our visit last night consisted of at least 10 minutes of debate about chiropractors. It was very intelligent and respectful, but I can assume the time I'm in labor and we need something to amuse ourselves with (besides the contractions!) - these two will have plenty to talk about.

AND - I had the most fantastic birthday last week. Everyone in my life really made me feel special and honored. Joel treated me like a queen.

nashville

I know that my life has been consumed by all things baby (including the now restless nights of sleep). But one other thing has managed to get into my conciousness lately.

Nashville. If you haven't spent any time there, the story of the floods may have come and gone for you. The truth is, the town (and a lot of the state of Tennessee) is still under water.

Once upon a time I worked for a photography company based 45 minutes outside of Nashville. They flew me out a couple of times for training - each time, I was able to stay for a few days and visit the city. It was an absolute pleasure. I even had the privilege of staying in the Opryland Hotel and went to a taping of the Grand Ol' Opry. WOW!

The other time I spent a night walking around downtown Nashville - music coming from every doorway and fanastic food. Then I spent a good chunk of time visiting all the historical sites.

I have always sworn that I would take Joel there. He may not be a fan of the current pop country - but he loves the classic country. And with all the live music, I believe my husband would be in heaven.

The last I heard - the Opryland hotel may be all but lost - and the Grand Ol' Opry has 4 feet of water inside. The Country Music Hall of Fame has water in the basement. The Titan's stadium is filled with water. And though it may not be a huge number, 31 people to date have lost their lives.

I still hope to take Joel someday, but I wonder what the city will be like. Some of these great monuments to music (country and otherwise) have been forever changed.

I know a few people in the area - and from their guts and stamina, I know the city will survive, and may even come out of this stronger than ever.

Please don't forget about Nashville right now - keep those people in your prayers.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/8658783.stm

showered

The Lullo/Carpenter family is all in Chicago. Because of this, Squirt and I have been showered two fold now and this isn't the last of it.

It was perfect! My Aunt Laurie opened her home, prepared food and asked others to help with centerpieces, favors, games and dessert. The house looked great and the company was wonderful. It is always such a treat to be with family.

And man did we come home with a car load. People were beyond generous (again)! Here are a few shots from the day. Man, I feel like I'm getting so big and we still have 7 weeks to go!

Thank you to all who were able to make it out! If anyone has more pictures, I'd love to have them!

quickly

Sometimes squirmy babies wake you up early... so here is an update.

Doc appointment yesterday was great! The baby was totally settled on to my left side of my stomach - the minute I lifted up my shirt (to hear the heartbeat) the doctor said "well, I guess this baby likes to lay on your left side". She then showed me exactly where the baby's back and head was (down). Now we just pray the baby's head stays down! :) The heartbeat was 150 and I'm healthy too. I now have visits every two weeks!

Other updates: I prepped cloth (prefold) diapers this weekend. Check out the transformation:

Before........................... and after (nice and fluffy and ready to absorb!)

And Joel has accomplished the ultimate task. And of course, the pictures do it NO justice, but I had to try. Guess you'll just have to come over and see our beautiful cradle!

one more thought

Joel and I were laughing so hard last night. We were laying in bed and this child must have been having a really hard time getting comfortable - we could see some body part just sticking up for long periods of times and then "thud" we'd see a HUGE kick. We have seen the belly move before - but last night it was truly a scene from a horror flick - except cute :) Joel would cover my belly up, but I was so intrigued, I had to keep watching!

friend shower

Cute baby cards! :) Me, Ashley, and my belly glory.

Creating unique onesies for the baby

We are so blessed to be surrounded by so many loving people! Our cloth diaper stash has been added to and many more needs have been filled - plus Squirt got a few books that Mommy is very excited about! Daddy already read one (Barnyard Dance) to Squirt on Sunday morning.

This pic is an added bonus - just another little something for the baby... elefante for the room!

More pics from this and Easter on my shutterfly site: http://klullo.shutterfly.com.