- Baby shower! Not only am I so excited to celebrate this little one with my friends and family, but I am also so anxious to see how my sister pulls this one off! She is so creative and always has the best decor and themes for parties. I know she's going to make me feel so special that day. I also can't wait for all the gifts! Might sound selfish, but hey, why not get excited about that? I'm so excited to complete Jane's room and get familiar with all her gear before she arrives (64 day countdown!!).
- Childbirth Classes! We had a hospital tour night last week. It's not to say that I wasn't looking forward to it, I just didn't think it would be a super exciting night. I'm a planner and I was definitely looking forward to seeing the rooms I'll deliver and recover in. Little things like that give me peace of mind. But to my great surprise (and Jake's!) we had a really fun night. There were about 10 vendors in the lobby selling everything from baby gear to massage sessions. We were in a room surrounded by over 100 other mommies and their partners. It's really a strange bond you feel when you're pregnant and next to someone else who is pregnant- sometimes there are no words necessary. You both get it :) But being in a huge conference hall with so many other preggo's was quite a treat! One of the nurses walked us through what to expect on delivery day through a powerpoint and then we took a tour of the Women's Hospital with another nurse. A very fun night! This Thursday, we have our Breastfeeding class, and then in August we have 3 weeks of Childbirth Classes. So much to look forward to! I am so thirsty for knowledge of this experience.
- Labor! Maybe a strange thing to be excited about, but I'm really anticipating all the little moments that lead up to that final push. I can't wait to feel my water break, see how I handle contractions, experience mine and Jake's partnership in getting through the pain, that elusive car ride to the hospital (you know, then one everyone talks about when there are those moments of silence as you and Dad realize it's the last time it will be just the two of you!), and so much more!
- Meeting my sweet Baby Jane! I'm overcome with tears and a welling sensation in my chest everytime I think of this little blessing. Jacob and I are so looking forward to meeting her.
As I think of all the things on my short- term list, I can't help but think of the long-term for, actually, the very first time. I guess I thought my baby was going to be an infant forever? Duh! Reality just sunk in that she grows up and changes. And while there are some aspects that really scare me, I am so excited for the things to come! I am so glad I'm having a little girl so we can share some really cool stuff. I can't wait to have movie nights with my little bug- chick flicks galore! I can't wait for her to confide in me about her friends and boys. I can't wait to take her shopping and occasionally spoil her for a day! And even better than all those fun moments, I can't wait to see the type of woman she becomes. What types of choices she makes and what kind of outlook she has on life. Man, am I blessed?!
