holy cow, it's september

Less than 2 weeks until my due date. People keep asking if I'm ready. In some ways, absolutely and way more than I was with Everett. This time around, being at home has definitely helped me get more done around the house. If you know me, you know I'm a list person. I love writing up a to-do list and then checking that bad boy off. I started one at the beginning of the summer --- reorganize the basement, move the guest bed down there, paint Everett's new walls/trim/ceiling/doors, move Everett into his big boy room and bed, etc. We accomplished all of that before we headed to Canada. When we got back, I made the mother of all nesting lists. I spent the month of August cleaning, organizing, throwing away, and sending things to Goodwill. We spent yesterday finishing up all of my lists including Aaron's honey-do list. My hospital bag is packed, the co-sleeper is set up, I think I'm as prepared as I could be, at least when it comes to stuff. Emotionally, well, it's taking a little longer.

The second time around there are less worries about how to do things and what will happen and more worries about how Everett will hold up and what our family of four will look like. This delivery has lots of uncertainty - especially like what in the world are we having and what will be his/her name?! I think because we don't know those details it has been a little harder for me to connect with the baby. That's not to say I'm not excited and won't be totally and completely smitten with our little one... it's just different.

BUT - now that all my lists are checked off, I am getting excited for this baby to come. With Everett, my water broke in Walmart (you can read his birth story here).  I was grocery shopping last night (at Walmart) and suddenly thought maybe I shouldn't be there alone for fear of a repeat. haha. I'm wondering how and when this baby will show up and if it will be as surprising as Everett. I've started wondering what he or she will look like and if they will be like Everett. I've started to get excited about having a tiny little baby to curl up on my chest again and all the awesome-ness that comes with sweet new life.

Speaking of awesome-ness, I can't wait to see Everett and his brother/sister. He is getting more and more excited. He has come to a bunch of my doctor's appointments and loves them. He likes the trucks in the waiting room. He gets his weight checked after I get mine. He likes hearing the heartbeat of mommy's baby. For the last month Everett has let us know that he has a baby brother in his belly. It's adorable.  This week he asked the doctor to check "his baby brother"after she checked mine. I'm pretty sure she had no idea what he was talking about. I catch him changing Woody's diaper and burping him. He has a little rocking chair and has let us know he plans on rocking the baby in it. I absolutely cannot wait to see him as a big brother. It's one of the things I'm looking forward to most!

baby!

As for me, I'm feeling okay. I'm sleeping pretty well, which is nice. I have had indigestion a lot lately, but nothing a little pepcid can't fix. For the last month, I have been obsessing on crushed ice water. Like 6 cups a day obsessing. That doesn't help with the getting up in the middle of the night to pee, but it does help with the indigestion. My belly is feeling huge. The doctor said there's been some movement in the last few weeks, so that's a good sign. I've had a few days that I thought the baby might make an early appearance, but to no avail. For some reason though, I feel like the baby will be here early. Everett was 5 days early. I'd be happy with that this time around.

feels and/or looks swallowed a beach ball

So now, we wait. Come on baby --- we can't wait to love you!