Shrek feet

That's what I have. No baby and Shrek feet! We are so anxiously awaiting this baby's arrival. Friday/Saturday is our "due date" and even though it's no exact science, it feels like a deadline (we know it's not, it just feels that way).

Update from our appointment on Tuesday. I'm 4 cm dialated. As a matter of fact, my doc told us to go right to the hospital. (Note to self: next baby, find new doctor). I knew I wasn't contracting, so I asked her to monitor me and then we'd decide. Lo and behold, not contracting (at least not substantially). So, we went home and got ready... bags packed, showered, all excited... nothing. Wednesday, nothing. Thursday, nothing. Why did she have to get us so excited?

So, I gave up and finally went grocery shopping. I kept hoping what we had in the house would hold out until Squirt came, but we were running low on the basics. We're now stocked (another note to self: shopping at 40 weeks pregnant means you come home with 2 different cake mixes and frosting - which is really funny because we never make cake!).

I have a list of to-do's for the weekend so I don't get too stir crazy.

But, tomorrow is my last day of work. I decided that work isn't making me any nicer right now! But as far as what I'll do for the next two weeks (if it goes that long) - no idea! Here's to hoping Squirt joins us soon.

Good thing we have sports to distract right now. Joel loves World Cup soccer and I'm beginning to understand and enjoy it too. And tonight, we'll be watching game 7 of the NBA finals.

I will be watching from the comfort of my fitness/birth ball.

as promised

Though we're not 100% complete, we're 99%, so I figured it was time.

Here are some before and after pics of the basement. I know I'm impressed! :)

BEFORE

AFTER

38.5

39 on Friday.
We're ready... actually bored with waiting. Doc says I shouldn't go over my due date, but this is the same woman that told me two weeks ago that we'd have the baby in two weeks! :) Still 2 cm, 75% effaced (making progress there), and baby is really low.
I'm not crazy uncomfortable yet, but I still have to watch what I'm eating. I told Joel that when this baby comes, I will need a Diet Coke from McDonald's pretty quickly! I haven't even sipped one in 10 months.
I need to update pictures of Joel's basement project. It looks beyond awesome! Everyone that sees it is impressed with the craftmanship and the amount of use we know we'll get out of it. Now it just needs to be cleaned up from all of the sawdust and organized. Of course, you think this would keep me busy, but the amount of energy I have to do it is pretty low. Maybe tonight. I can't finish this thought without thanking Mike and Kyle - they were absolute God-sends with all their help.

We have really enjoyed our time lately - we have been on two extended dates and spent quality time with family and friends. People have been so generous and thoughtful and we can't wait to share our little love with everyone!

Hintz shower pics!

Hintz sisters

With Cynthia

"Great" Grandma Hintz

With Mom

Beautiful children

Generous gifts!

Thanks Liss!

memorial day weekend

so sweet! we had the most perfect weekend.

Friday night we started the weekend with our friends Becky and Ray. It is a joy to be with them as they are expecting their first later this summer. And we have similar approachs to both labor and parenting. We spent our night talking about vaccines and visits to the doctor. Here is a great picture of Becky and I comparing how we are "carrying". Neither one of us knows what we're having, so we'll see!!

I woke up Saturday with an incredibly long list of things to do and an incredible amount of energy. So, I organized our freezers and refrigerator, pulled weeds, baked bread (5 loaves), grocery shopped, got our bags ready for the hospital, and made meatballs for the freezer. Joel worked in the basement all day - and happily. I will try to update with pictures soon. We then got a chance to see our good friend Kris and his friend Andrea.

Sunday was date day. We slept in, went to the late service at church, had A & W for lunch, miniature golfed in the blistering heat, took a nap, ran to Kohl's, went out for dinner, and then went for a nice walk. We ended the evening just chatting about the coming changes in our life.

Monday morning we woke up very early, which gave Joel another opportunity to work on the basement. My energy level had dwindled (I had been having a few, painless Braxton Hicks contractions), so other than two loads of laundry, I rested for most of the morning with my feet up (catching up on some Glee!). The afternoon was spent with our good friends the Strattons, Ashley and Emily and Maple Reetz. We ate steak and ice cream sundaes! Joel and I ended the evening with putting in the car seat and organizing the basement. Joel still swears he's nesting!

Though we really missed hanging out "up north" with the Hintz's this year, we had a really sweet time!

Hintz shower

Hopefully soon I will have pictures from our wonderful shower on Saturday (hint, hint Elissa) - so I can show off all the lovely ladies that were there.

But again, our family was generous and wonderful to be with. The food was great! The decorations were all coordinated and perfect! And the company was superb. Baby Hintz could not be more blessed!

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.