10 Weeks and Counting....

So I just realized that this week I am 30 weeks into my pregnancy and there's only 10 left! It's crazy how you feel like these 9 months are taking forever at times, and then all of a sudden you hit the final trimester and it seems to fly. At my 28 week appointment they had me schedule all of my remaining doctor appointments. I start going every two weeks for the next month and then at the end of July, I start to go every week. Writing all of the remaining appointments in my calendar freaked me out a bit. Although I am eager to meet this baby and learn the gender, I also know how fast summer goes by with all of the other activities and commitments we have going on. I know a lot of us women are anxious for the last part of pregnancy to pass us by because we get uncomfortable and well, honestly it's hard to be pregnant for 9 months...BUT I think the end of August will be here before I know it, so I am trying not to wish it away! (Even if I am starting to feel a bit more tired, bigger and it's harder for me to sleep comfortably in this last stretch!) This past week, Braden was pretty sick, then we traveled 5 hours to WI for the weekend and then this week Joe is traveling- and I am exhausted. Oh, I am also painting Braden's room during his naps...so I am looking forward to slowing down a bit in this last stretch...slowing down for me anyway. I need a little rest before life gets really crazy w/ a newborn!

So what is there left to do before baby arrives? We already have the room painted so that is a relief. Now, I just have to add furniture, wash some newborn clothes, buy some diapers and wash and install the car seat. We are considering buying a bigger vehicle before baby arrives so that two car seats can fit comfortably and we can have more storage room. So, we'll see what happens with that. It's funny how with the second child, you really don't do much preparing in advance because you have everything. Plus, you are way more laid back and feel like you can wait until the last minute. With your first child you want it all done by the month before (at least) JUST IN CASE. :) I guess the most important thing to have done is a plan for what we will do when it's time to go to the hospital- where Braden will go, how to get him to/from to visit the hospital, how much time Joe will spend going back and forth, etc...so that is different this time around. This time we will be at a different hospital too, so we have to set up a tour to learn where everything is. It's close to home, and I hear it's very nice!

I am very eager to learn if Braden will be a big brother to a sister or a little brother. I am also curious to see how he reacts to a baby. I am anxious to see what life will be like with two kiddos - a toddler and a newborn. I am excited to not be pregnant anymore- he he. :) I am looking forward to expanding the family. I am NOT looking forward to the labor part itself, or recovery..but I was pretty lucky the first time around so I don't have a lot to worry about. I also can't wait to um, drink wine again and feel "normal" when teaching classes...instead of teaching w/ a bowling ball attached to my mid-section. Ha! Anyway, there are lots of emotions as I head towards the home stretch.. I want to spend quality time with Braden up until this baby arrives and make sure I completely enjoy the stage that he is in right now and don't miss a thing. I know having a sibling will be so good for him, but I also get a tiny bit sad thinking that he will have to share us and how busy I will be with a newborn. I know these are all just natural thoughts for a Mom to have as the family expands, and I will be fine and everyone will adjust...but with any change, you welcome and fear the unknown a little.

So, the last 10 weeks...here we come!

PS- my laptop monitor crashed so it might be a while before I can post pics again.