So ... Pregnancy

So I don't know if you've heard, but we're having a baby. Soon. Horray!

37 weeks

I planned to write about this little adventure called pregnancy later, but the doctor seems to think this little girl is well on her way. When he told me that, I got really excited to have her, then suddenly became very nostalgic about being pregnant. I can't wait to meet her, but I've loved carrying her around with me too. So here are some musings on the last eight and a half months, in the order I thought of them.

1. I absolutely LOVE being pregnant. I realize this is rare. And a blessing, which I try every day not to take for granted. I have a few aches and pains, feel a little woozy once in a while, but overall pregnancy has been wonderful to me. My hair has never been thicker, my skin's never been clearer, I love feeling the baby move around inside me, and I've been able to stay on top of the hunger/sleepiness pretty well. I'm expecting (hoping?) labor will be just as wonderful.

2. I'm excited to give birth. Everything about labor and delivery sounds exciting and beautiful. (Cute? No. Beautiful? Yes.) I can't wait to be admitted, watch the monitors, feel the progression, go through labor and finally meet my little Lyla.

3. Yes, Lyla. That's her name, in case you haven't heard. She'll be named after her great-grandpa Lyle and her grandma Lylene. We love her name.

4. Cravings were as strong as I expected, but not nearly as dramatic. When I wanted something salty, I really wanted it. But there were never any 2 a.m. runs to KFC for their mashed potatoes or anything. I guess you can't believe everything you see on TV.

5. I designed, pieced and hand-quilted a cute little quilt for her. I love it and I loved thinking of her while I made it. I think this might merit its own post, actually. Hold that thought.

6. Ryan is going to be a really good dad. Seriously—the best. He's so cute about picking things out for her, and sometimes he talks to my stomach. It's so tender.

7. Speaking of Ryan, the other day he came in the bedroom when I was just waking up. He smiled and said, "How's my girl ... I mean, girls?" At that moment I felt exactly two things: first, excitement to have another girl in our family. And second, complete adoration for the man who loves this little girl as much as I do.

8. When we were talking about getting pregnant, I checked my work handbook and saw I didn't qualify for maternity leave until next February. We almost postponed because of that, but ultimately decided against it. Two months later, we found out why. I'm so glad she's coming when she is.

9. I hardly gained any weight at all until the third trimester started. And then ... I gained weight. A lot of weight.

10. We are putting the finishing touches on her room today. There is some serious nesting going on over here, and it's pretty adorable in all of its pink, brown and aqua glory.

11. When I went to the doctor after our miscarriage over a year ago, the nurse said, "Everything is going to be OK. You won't believe me until you hold a healthy baby in your arms, but trust me. Things will be OK." I remember feeling like I wouldn't hold that baby for a long, long time. But now, it's just days away. I can hardly believe it's really here.

12. Our friend asked us the other day if we were ready to be parents. My answer? "Ready or not."

But the car seat is buckled in. Her clothes, diapers and pacifiers are all organized. Her bottles will be washed by the end of the day.

So come when you're ready, Lyla. We're ready when you are.