Where did the past 8 weeks go?!

I've been meaning to do this every day for several weeks now, but somehow there is always something else that needs to be done, someone else's needs that must be tended to. By now you know we have had an addition to our family. We've gone from C 'n T to C, T, and Little C. Have our lives ever changed! It has been an amazing (albeit tiring) experience thus far. Little C has brought so much joy to our lives! I've been debating whether or not to continue this blog since I do a mini blog on our photo website, but I've finally decided that yes indeed I will continue blogging. It's just a good thing to do!

Currently we are at my in-laws house in Galt, CA. We drove over last Thursday with my BIL and SIL after being in Capitola to celebrate my FIL's 60th birthday. After spending the weekend here with everyone I decided it would be fun to stay the week since I am lucky enough to not have to work and we were down here anyway. It was a tough decision for C, who had to fly back in order to work. He was not looking forward to a week without his wife and baby. However, we decided he would fly back on Friday and spend the weekend here, then we'd all fly back together on Monday morning. The week was wonderful and very relaxing. I enjoyed napping by the pool while Little C napped in the swing under the covered patio while listening to the waterfall. C flew in last night and tomorrow we are heading to San Francisco to see the 49er's beat the Seahawks!! We were invited to go to the game with Dean and Candy Hadley and will be joined by MIL and Gar-ball as well. Can't wait! Little C's first professional football game!

Ready or not?

It is difficult not to wonder if (hope?) the baby will arrive early. I have enjoyed every single moment of being home this summer and have done my best to take advantage of it. However, now I fully understand what it means to be a part of the "waiting game." I didn't think I would actually find myself sitting on the couch "waiting" to go into labor, but...
So today as I was sitting on the couch I took out my "To Do" list:

-Install car seat √
-Prepare baby's room √
-Purchase all the "essentials" √

-Wash all baby items √

-Read baby books √
-Watch birth videos √
-Watch baby care videos √
-Get toenails painted √
-Prepare meals to eat later √ish (I made meal lists)
-Clean house thoroughly √√√
-Pack bag for hospital √
-Charge cameras, computers and cell phones √
-Pre-register for the hospital √
-Make a call/email list √
-Type up a birth plan √

I felt pretty proud of myself after looking at my list and seeing all of the √'s. It made me feel good to know that I had accomplished this list of things to do. So, as I sat and looked at my list, looked around my house, looked at the bags sitting by the door I said to myself "It looks like we're ready!" but what I was really thinking was "We have NO idea what we're in for!"

9 Months!

So here we are. Officially in the 9th month and counting down the days until our lives are forever changed. Is it possible to be completely prepared? We have the room ready. The baby has a place to sleep. The car seat is installed so baby can come home with us. We took birthing classes and have spent a lot of time reading books. We've listened to lots of good advice. We are packing our suitcase this weekend and finishing the birth plan to take with us to the hospital. Are we ready? I'm not convinced that anything will prepare us for what is about to take place. But we're excited! And soon we'll find out. Stay tuned!

Painting the nursery

What a fun week! I am so sad that it is already over so soon. It seems like it was just Monday and now it is Friday evening. The nursery is painted and looks so beautiful, but Lindsey is gone. The next time I see her will be when I introduce her to her new niece/nephew. I had the best time! Not just painting but shopping, baking the most delicious cinnamon rolls, and just spending quality time together. Thanks for coming up, Lindsey. I miss you already!

I am not going to post the photos here because there are so many of them, but I am posting a link so you can visit our Photo Gallery to see the photos.

Happy Father's Day!

The soon to be daddy!

More guests!

This week was my last week of school, can I get a YAHOOOO?!?! I am so happy to be done! The last day went very smoothly and I was able to check out at 4:00 p.m. that day rather than returning the following day for the scheduled teacher work day. I had been working very hard to clear my things out of the classroom in order to be ready to leave on the last day. My MIL came with me and was a tremendous help getting last minute things off the walls and packing up the rest of the boxes. I got everything checked off my list, handed in my key, and left. All done.

Janet and Gary drove up on Friday and were able to spend time with us as well as with Gary's daughter, Abby, and granddaughter, Brandon. We all got together on Saturday for a scrumptious lunch at a Thai restaurant and to Dairy Queen for dessert. The rest of the weekend was spent cleaning the house, playing in the yard, going on walks around the neighborhood, and setting up the furniture in the baby's room. We now have a crib and changing table/dresser all ready to go! Next is a visit from SIL, Lindsey!

A friendly visit!

My longtime friend, Stacy, came to visit us this past week! What fun we had catching up after not having seen each other in such a long time. She is currently teaching 4th grade in Taiwan at Taipei Adventist American School and absolutely loves it! We had the best time together and I am so lucky to have had her visit!