Keep On Keepin' On

This, my friends, is what 38 weeks pregnant looks like...

I made it another week, and it looks like the baby is really taking advantage of these last few weeks of growing time! For all of you (mostly strangers) who keep telling me I "don't look that big" for how far along I am... I'd like to thank you. You really are too kind. HOWEVER - I believe you less and less with each passing day, so please excuse my eye rolls and snarls. 

It's getting harder and harder to get around these days. Shortness of breath, uncomfortable pressure while standing, Braxton-Hicks contractions, swollen hands, ankles and feet, and itchy skin are on my list of complaints this week. As you recall, though, I'm fine with all of this. After all, what do I expect? There's another human being living inside of me! 

My list of blessings is much larger than my list of complaints! Air conditioning, the ability to sleep, precious days of growth and development for my little one, time to finish up baby preparations around the house, air conditioning, minimal stretch marks, having Ben home, food & shelter, income throughout the summer, and air conditioning!!  Also, I got to hang out with my whole family last weekend. We're usually only all in the same room two days every year - Christmas Eve at Midnight Mass and Christmas Day at my parents' house. Ben and I hosted the "Staley 7" plus Becky (my brother Ken's girlfriend), my Aunt Carol & Uncle Rod, and my Aunt Jeannie and her two adorable grandkids - AJ and Emma. Ben worked his magic on the grill and everyone else brought a side (or two or three). Pretty much all I did for the whole event was vacuum the carpets! Thank you to everyone for coming out and pitching in!! 

Why were we all in one place in the middle of the year, you ask? My sister is moving to Mumbai, India this week and we wanted to wish her safe and happy travels! She will be teaching at an English-speaking school there at least for a couple of years (perhaps longer if she likes it)! My sister has been living in Houston, TX since I was in high school (maybe 12 years?), so I'm used to only seeing her about twice a year, but it will be hard not to be able to pick up the phone at any given time and tell her about my day! 

The Internet and ability to communicate with loved ones on the other side of the planet need to be added to my list of blessings! 

Ben and I toured the Mother-Baby unit of the hospital on Sunday, the car seat has been installed, and I finished cutting the tags and washing all of the baby's clothes. We've also timed out a few different routes to the hospital! I think the only thing left on the to-do list is pack a bag. I'll update again after Friday's checkup. Until then... we wait! :o)