Full Term

I had no idea what 'full term' was going to mean to me at the beginning of this pregnancy.  Actually, I probably didn't even really think it would mean anything but 'baby is here!'.  Oh, how wrong I was.

My mis-calculation of the term starts with the mis-understanding that full term starts at 40 weeks.  Full Term is 37 weeks! What!?  So the day you find out that the baby can come any day now, means today, tomorrow or 3-4 weeks from now.  To some this may not seem so bad, we are at the end of the road, we've been 'waiting' for 8 months already.  What's another 3-4 weeks, right?

Well it's 3-4 weeks of constantly second guessing every twinge, ache, and 'odd feeling' I have.  Was that a contraction? Maybe a Braxton Hicks? Or no, just gas... I've scanned message boards, websites, books for hints about what could possibly indicate to me that labor is imminent (like within days imminent), but the response is always the token: "Every pregnancy and labor is different."  I have even tried to negotiate with Piccadilly a deal of extra bully sticks if she gives me a heads up when labor may be starting (dogs can tell these things, right?).  Her response was to lazily put her head back on the couch, no such luck there.

In addition to my own anxious anticipation, I also have the honor of hearing "are you in labor?!?" on the other side of the line when I call my mother, husband and even brother! I've decided that a baby line should be invented and given to all 'full term' mom's to be.  That way all family members and friends will know the time has come when that number flashes on there phones.  Or maybe just a bat signal, but for babies.

So unless you have a way to tell this kitchen timer is ready to ding, then please just pass the ice cream...with salted caramels on top.  I'm going to milk these last 3-4 weeks as much as I can!

Nursery, as good as it will get for now!

My dad visited this past weekend and we had a list full of projects for Ryan and him to tackle.  Mostly to do with the nursery.

Well, the boys did a wonderful job!  The nursery is as far along as we can get it for now.  Both Ryan and I are very pleased with how it is shaping up!  The next big addition to the room (besides baby of course) will be our glider.  

Before we post the pictures, there will be an obvious announcement with-in them...the baby's name!  We have decided Baby Crowley will be known as Oliver Adin Crowley once he makes his debut.

So without further ado....

We got the letters from Etsy!  And we were so happy with how well they went with the decor.  

You can just barely see the new fan/light which was one of the weekend projects! 

One of the big projects was installing the closet organizer.  I just need to get all his clothes in there now!

What have we missed?

Just a couple of quick updates in pictures!

Brian and Kristen are married!  The Mr. and Mrs. were official on 15 July! It was a gorgeous day. 

These 4 lovely ladies threw me an amazing jungle themed Baby Shower on 13 August!  More to come on this!

Kitchen updates are all done!  We have our new stove and microwave, so we have one part of our home officially complete.  (I think...)

Are you ready?

We just returned from a fantastic trip to Portland, OR.  Where we celebrated the marriage of my brother, Brian to Kristen Pitstick.  It was a fantastic day and the ceremony was incredibly personal and moving.  We couldn't ask for a better person to join our family and to stand beside my brother.

Not only did this trip mark the beginning of their life together, but it has also come to mean it's 'go time' for getting ready for Baby C! My travel restriction starts on Aug 1, but we don't have any additional travel plans until then.  So it's just us and the house getting ready for baby to arrive.  We have gotten some major things done (new carpet laid down, painting done, switch plates all changed, overhead light fixture installed, baby furniture ordered) but are still working on quite a bit.  

Here is what we still need to do!
-install closet organizer
-put babies clothes (and shoes-Thanks to Aunt Kristen!) away
-install overhead fixture with fan
-move baby furniture in (Delivery scheduled for 27 July!)
-decorate walls

Below is some evidence of out lack of preparedness!  It's doable in less than 2 months, right?!?

Piccadilly enjoys the babies room and all of the little things she has decided are her toys!
I'm going to have to find a new ironing room!

This baby boy is going to need some serious extra space for all his clothes and shoes!