Chaz's new digs

October 24, 2008: No Chaz yet.  However, as consolation prizes the Carpal tunnel and heartburn are still here.  Sleep seemingly wisened up and has not really been around (at least at night) for many weeks.  Wheee!

So...since I'm just sitting here waiting...I've resorted to taking photos of the crib.

Here is the beautiful crib!  Uncle and Aunt-to-be David and Melissa gave the baby the crib and mattress - and we're excited to start using it!! 

Babyclothes!

These are gifts from the great-grandparents.  The (very dusty) cradle was made for me by my Grandpa Kellerman when I was a baby.  My mom and dad have saved it and I'm very proud our baby will be able to use the cradle as well.  We'll be using this cradle on the main level for baby naps.  And, the white blanket with color strips was made for the baby by John's grandma Lorraine.   

The baby has a 3rd bed...it is the co-sleeper in our bedroom.  Chaz will be spending nights next to us so the initial wakings, feedings and comforting is easier on all of us.  We have also learned that having the baby sleep in the same room as the parents may teach the baby better breathing patterns and regulation possibly preventing SIDS.  So, it seems to be good all around!

Last but not least, here is the view out of Chaz's window. 

In the distance are the mountains - with Meeker and Longs clearly visible.  I think it is the best view from inside the house.  Only the  best for our baby.

Ouch, ouch, ouch...that hurts

Ok- so no one told me that I could get carpal tunnel. I was expecting the swelling, the sleeplessness, the strange emotions, the strong need to "nest", the food cravings...but I wasn't expecting any carpal tunnel nonsense. For about the past 2 weeks - I no longer wake up with leg cramps because I wake up with hand and arm cramps. What the heck?

Now, I don't mean to complain too much. I have been really blessed so far with this whole pregnancy thing. But, I now understand why the last couple weeks are not so much fun. Movement is restricted, food is unappealing, sleep is difficult...ah well. The joys of mother-to-be-hood. I'm in the home stretch and I'm ready for the baby to come home. The nursery is painted, crib is put together, linens and clothing is washed and hanging, bag is packed...now we need a baby and many sleepless nights.

Today I was treated to a baby shower lunch by my fellow women co-workers here in the Denver office. We had a great time- I need to get the pictures back and I will post. The lunch was wonderful and the cake was spectacular! I also got some lovely gifts to help welcome Chaz. It was so sweet of the ladies to host a lunch for me & babe- and made me feel very special, especially when these ladies have only known me for a couple months. Thanks to Melissa S, Melissa L (aka cake goddess), Karen, Melanie & Jenn - not to mention all the guys who stayed back in the office (understandably...for it was a very estrogen heavy lunch). Again- it was a really fun time - I was really touched.

So...now my time is taken up with working from home, creating "to-do before baby" lists, doing my prenatal exercizes and trying to convince Chaz that this week is as good as any for Chaz to join us. I'm trying to use some logical reasoning: the sooner Chaz arrives, the easier it will be on everyone involved in the labor process; Chaz's daddy is REALLY tall...so...it's ok if Chaz wants to come out a little bit early; once Chaz arrives, there are SO many gifts Chaz will get to enjoy all to her/himself; the middle of October allows Chaz to have a birthday party and also take credit for Halloween...instead of having to blend them into one event; um...and if Chaz comes in the next week or so then I don't have to buy any more pregnancy clothes...cause I got nothing to wear when the weather dips under 50 degrees. So...send your "induction" vibes along to the little one - we're ready to go. Hopefully Chaz is, too.

I'll try to post again before the big day and I don't mean the election... :)