37 and 38 weeks- still growing!!

Just when I think that I can't get much bigger... I somehow manage to!
Here I am on my last day of work at 37 weeks, and this morning (fully immersed in a life of leisure) at 38 weeks:



Yep! Maternity leave started this week and so far I have been trying to stay busy with house projects, lots of sleep, swims at the beach, and getting in QT with the dogs. Hopefully Lance isn't more than a week late because I think I will go crazy by that point. But, for now, I'm enjoying the time to myself and getting used to hanging around the house- something I know I will be doing A LOT of once he comes.
No hints as to when he'll show up, but according to most of you faithful readers, it will be a week late (thanks, guys). Whenever it is, it will be the right time, I'm sure!
Speaking of the big day, Stef and I are spending lots of time thinking about what it will be like, what we hope for, etc. Of course all we really care about is a healthy, happy Lance at the end- but, since we'll have to get him out somehow it's nice to have an idea of how we'd like that to happen. From what I hear, the best plan is to stay flexible and go with the flow, so that's what we're shooting for. If there are any over-achieving readers out there who would like to watch an amazing short video on childbirth, click here. Don't worry, there aren't any gory crowning scenes or anything like that. Enjoy! It's pretty awesome.

Meet Dr. Nakamoto and Kat!

On the left, we have Dr. Nakamoto, with her faithful nurse Kat on the right (don't be confused by the misleading outfits)! These two women have gotten me through the last many months with tons of patience, support, humor, and a good dose of realism. Dr. Nakamoto regularly entertains my "list of questions" that I come prepared with to every appointment- never making me feel silly... not even when I got so excited about the fact that she would be feeling for Lance's head during the internal that I asked if she would be able to feel if he had hair. NO JOKE!! I actually asked her that! whew, good thing I can use pregnancy brain as an excuse. I don't think I've ever asked such a ridiculous question in my life!! She has also done an amazing job at answering the more sensible questions, always helping me feel more confident and assured in the end.

well, the point is- these ladies are the best!! We are so fortunate to have them with us through this process... Thank you Kat and Dr. Nakamoto!! I'm not sure what my anxiety level would be without you!

36 weeks... almost full term!

We're coming down the homestretch! Just four weeks to go, more or less. It's hard to believe that after all of this waiting, the end is actually in sight. It is so exciting!!!

Here are some pics of me and Lance at 35 weeks:



and at 36 weeks (after a long day at work and apparently a pretty bad hair day)




Stef has had the week off from work and has been hard at work around the house. Lance's room is really coming together! We'll take some photos for another post later this week.

We also finished up our Lamaze classes and attended the childbirth class at the hospital. Part of me is wondering if I'll remember any of this info when the time comes... I sure hope so! I just know that Stef is going to be an amazing support (especially after tolerating all of these classes that I have dragged him to)... but who knows what to expect???

any advice from the mothers out there??

Headline News: Target opens on Big Island and parents to be wipe out the bank account

It's finally here!! and just in time! Today Stef and I braved the crowds at the week old Target, Big Island!! As you can see, we stocked up on TONS of stuff- some essential items, and some not so essential items. I wore my red dress to celebrate the big event. As you all know, Target rivals only Trader Joes for my favorite store on the planet. We got Lance lots of stuff- diapers, wipes, washcloths, burpcloths, etc. The most exciting is his new swing- hopefully he loves it and even more hopefully he loves to snooze in it.

Here's a pic of Stef, with all the money we have left for the rest of the year after we broke the bank...($5)

A Party for Lance and mom to be!

This weekend I was lucky enough to attend my very own baby shower thrown by my good friend, Amanda. Not only is Amanda a great friend, but she is a fantastic party planner! There was lots of good food, good company, and a couple fun original games! The highlight was probably the multiple choice quiz entitled "Melissa's journey through pregnancy." Em scored the prize for the most right and Amanda thought up some hilarious answers for the choices.
I feel so lucky to have all of these great women supporting me through this exciting time!

Here's a pic of Amanda and me, about to enjoy a delicious berry pie brought by Julie. It was a total hit! Thanks Julie!

Somehow, in the middle of time spent building her new house, Meredith found the time to knit Lance this AMAZING little hat!! I can't wait to see him in it! If you can't read it in the pic, it says "Olive You" with little knit olives all over it.

Of course, a little part of me was missing the McLaughlin girls, but mom surprised me with a package full of old cloth diapers that I used (complete with stains!), some fun little treats, and this soft and cozy blanket set for Lance. Love you MOM!

It was a wonderful first celebration for Lance. How lucky we are already!!!