Ready or not...

Alright, this is a big week. I'm not due until August 2nd, but at my last few doctor's visits I've had slightly higher blood pressure than normal. Due to this, and the fear that it could turn into pre-eclampsia, I'm being induced on Thursday the 23rd.

There are a few reasons this is a felicitous date for my little girl to come. First of all, it's exactly 2 weeks before the Kentucky family flies out for their visit. That gives me 2 weeks to get her home, and get us used to having a newborn around before we have company. That is a HUGE relief to me. I was so afraid she'd come late and they'd miss her entirely. Second, and this is a bit superstitious, but it's the 23rd. That's totally my lucky number, and it totally follows suit with the last few babies that have been born in the family. My niece Elaina was born on the 13th of August, while her mom's birthday is the 13th of March. My nephew Ryan was born on the 7th of April, and his dad's birthday is the 7th of December. So Beckie predicted my baby would be born on the 23rd of July, as my birthday is the 23rd of March. Oddly enough, my doctor scheduled the induction date for the 23rd without me even asking. (Of course there's still a chance she'll be born on the 24th, depending on when I get in there on Thursday and how fast things progress, but I thought that was a cool little coincidence. )

At any rate, by this time next week I'll be a mom.

Weird.

But we're as ready as I think we can be. We took a labor and delivery class, we took 2 parenting classes, the bags are packed, the nursery's ready, and now all we have to do is wait. We're so excited to welcome our little girl into the world and I'm still praying every night for her to be happy and healthy. Of course for as much as she kicks the crap out of me every day, I'm not too worried about her physical state. But you never know.

Stay tuned for pictures of the little bundle of joy!