Time

Yikes! Where as it gone? Yet there are days it seems to stand still. I'm excited for the next 5 months, but also scared to death at the same time!!!

I feel like I still have so much to do before the arrival of Breanna, Danella ,Megan, Elizabeth, or whatever we decide to call her arrives. I have never really feared parenthood, but now as my last trimester approaches, I begin to wonder. I've helped raise boys since I was 12. Girls, not too sure of. Of course I'm one, but she's the first one I have to raise 24/7. I can already hear myself saying, "Don't cut off your nose to spite your face." as my mother so often said to me growing up. I will be so in for it!!! If she's anything like me I may need to start drinking!!! I do not doubt that Jim and I can handle this, but there are days and moments I simply sit in shear wonder of what we're getting into. Too late now!!! I know deep down we'll be the best parents we can, but wow!!! And she's not even home yet.

We got so many gifts at the shower in MI on Jan. 17th, I still can't get over it. I cannot believe how many people showed up and how generous they were. I was sad to leave so much of it in MI and fly back to MD, but Jim, Finn, and I are planning a weekend trip out there shortly to retrieve it. I wish I had more time to talk to everyone more than I did. I LOVED opening all the gifts and seeing all the cute outfits and things that we registered for. I guess I'm still in present shock!!!

Our good friends, here in Annapolis, are planning another baby shower for us. I couldn't believe it. I'm very grateful for them and for another shower, please buy bottles! Just kidding but not really. We still need those...have yet to get any. I'm excited again because I love our friends here and can't wait to spend an afternoon with just the girls and family. Sometimes the boys just get on your nerves.

Jim and I have begun the hunt for a home. We're still in the very early stages because we do not have enough set aside that we feel comfortable with. We're just trying to see what is out there and what we want. I would a basement, garage ,at least 2 full baths, and a fenced in yard. I'm willing to live without the garage and the fenced in yard. Hey, we're going to be in this place for the next 10+ years so I should get what I want. We decided right off the bat not to plan on being in a place for 5 years. I've seen so many friends do that and they're still where they were 5+ years ago. We want someting that we can grow into and with as a growing family. Lots too look at out there and the market is one for a buyer. We're hoping to get something by the end of summer. Let's hope on that!!!

Throughout this pregnancy I have come to realize something, people look at you different when you're expecting. It's great with my students, but there are some friends that no longer contact me or us because of it. I guess it's mainly because Jim and I are in a different place then others. I just find it strange because we're still the same people, I'm just knocked up! I remember when some of my close friends became pregnant, I still hung around. I got that they didn't want to go out late or even go out. I had fun just hanging out and talking or whatever at home. Sometimes I think life is better when you slow down and enjoy the simply evening of conversation. Oh, well. Maybe someday they'll get it and understand, until then I'm just as happy as a clam to watch television with Finn and nap. I'm sure Jim wishes I was on the treadmill more often, but I'm still under the weight gain of 20 pounds. I'm slowly getting back to the treadmill, but it sucks no matter what anyone says, with or without television and music.

Other than that we're all just plugging along awaiting the little ones arrival. I've begun wedding plans again. Had a nice panic attack about all the things we didn't have done yet. Still working a few and finishing up others. Just need to keep working on the check off list and tick items off as I go.

Take care of yourself and yours. I'll try and post again.