The Countdown

There is something about having less than two months left that makes you realize this is really, REALLY going to happen. I mean really. No turning back now. Tonight's final childbirth class had us preparing for labor and the weeks after the baby is here. We've got 7 weeks to go (unless you listen to our childbirth class instructor who says first babies are usually up to 2 weeks late) and I'm beginning to feel like we're not prepared. Pouring over my baby registry is becoming a little overwhelming as I think about all we might (or might not) need. For instance, even though we've opted to use cloth diapers we are going to need at least one package of newborn disposable diapers for the first couple of days after birth. Evidently there is some pretty disgusting stuff that will be exiting this child's body that will stain. Ah, something new each day it seems.

My back and ribs are still really sore and it's getting more difficult to sit upright at my desk all day. Toward the end of the day today I lowered my chair and leaned back, causing the staff to ask if I was "low riding". Speaking of staff, these pictures were taken (along with the picture on our Christmas card) by one of the very talented members of WaMu-Northwest Boulevard, Stephen Noble. A fantastic teller, Stephen does some even more impressive work behind a lens. Tage and I enjoyed having Stephen (and his lovely girlfriend Chaslin) over to take a few snapshots. My favorite was the one posted in December with The Giving Tree. Tage's favorite features one of his childhood books, Tintin.