Get ready...get set...wait!

No, no baby yet...which doesn't surprise me too much, especially since this is the first one. We are scheduled for an induction tomorrow evening, however. So you can probably expect the good news on Friday (yes, Friday the 13th - and no, it doesn't bother me at all).

I figured I would catch up on the blog now that I feel like almost everything is in order for his arrival. The honest truth is that I am trying to keep my mind off of the anxious anticipation of delivery, as well as the infrequent but uncomfortable Braxton Hicks contractions that come and go.

It is so ironic to me that I am a nurse and have had labor & delivery rotations - but am still quite nervous. I guess it is because even when you know something in theory, it is so different in practice. Maybe it is actually in part because I am so familiar with possible complications and things. Jeff told me the other day that I tend to think in worst case scenarios. And I do! Not that I would consider myself a negative person - I just always want to be prepared if particular situations were to occur. Not to mention the fact that I really don't handle pain well.

There are so many emotions and feelings right now. Excitement to meet the sweet little baby that has been growing inside of me the past 9 months, nervous about delivery. But mostly hope...hope that I will be able to teach him the gospel well and love him with all of my heart, hope that I will be patient enough and have enough energy, hope that I will be able to support Jeff wholeheartedly as he goes back to school and stays busy with work, callings, and house projects. And a feeling of deep gratitude that Heavenly Father is giving us the opportunity to be parents to one of His precious spirit children.

I wonder what he will look like and what his little personality will be like.

At my appointment with the doctor on Monday I started to cry a little while she was talking to me about the induction. I was so embarrassed! I'm not usually this emotional, but she was so understanding. She was really sweet about it...handed me a box of Kleenex, put her hand on my arm and said, "You know - I understand. When my first baby was born it was the first time in my life that I felt like I had hit a wall. I had never had to face anything that hard before that I couldn't take a break and walk away from and then go back to it." She is a very competent doctor and is also compassionate and has great bedside manners. She is actually a member of the church and is in our stake (there is only 1 stake for Corpus Christi). She told me at the appointment, "Just remember - you won't be alone. I will be there and the nurses will be there. Your baby will be monitored the whole time...You just have to cast your fear aside."

Yesterday while trying to stay busy I decided to clean out the office closet while Jeff was working on my car. I came across a scripture that I had laminated and memorized a few years ago:

"Fear not thou; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness." Isaiah 41:10

The words came to life and felt so specific to me and my needs at this time. I am so thankful for a Heavenly Father who knows us, loves us, and shows us His tender mercies regularly. I have thought about the words of the scripture over and over since last night, and it has helped to calm my fears and remember that I won't be facing this next phase of my life alone.

Well...this post has been a little lengthy & maybe kind of like a journal entry for me. But it helps me to write it down (or type it or whatever). But here are some pictures - of us getting ready for the baby...

A baby shower that our ward threw for me. They are amazing! They don't call them "ward families" for nothing.



The sweet member that hosted it is a recent convert & is such a good friend. She calls to check on me all of the time. She thought of everything for the shower! Including blue flowers & a baby video (that her husband made!!!).













I don't think my tummy can get much bigger. The OB thinks he will weigh about 8 lbs when born...I guess we'll see.





Jeff was feeling a little left out:



The darling nursery:



I know it looks a little plain right now - but hey, that is fresh paint on the walls (we finally finished painting - thanks Jeff!). And we are planning on getting some vinyl lettering to go on the wall & add some color. (sorry about the bright window in the background)



Closet fully stocked with adorable baby clothes (thanks everyone!!!). I even have his 72 hour kit sitting in the closet in case of hurricane evacuation (told you we're ready).



His own little book basket! I hope he loves stories...because I sure do & can't wait to start reading to him!


Well, I hope this post will do for now, until our little guy is born and then we will post dozens of pictures of the handsome little guy, I'm sure. And by then he will have a name. :)