Last Day of Work

Today was my last day at work until after she arrives. It is just a matter of a few days at this point, because it turns out that my doctor will not let me stay pregnant forever. Ben and I are both staying home now until she comes, which won't be any later than the 16th. It was a very strange feeling turning off the light in my office today and knowing that I wouldn't be back for several months. I wish I could think of some poetic, creative, beautiful words to describe how it felt to finish up work this evening, only to come home and wait over the next few days for our lives to change in the most dramatic of ways, but the best word I could come up with was eerie.

I am just going to say it one more time: I hope she arrives soon, (although the idea of begging the powers to be in the world to send me into labor does seem like a sort of weird request).

When Will Baby Girl Champa Arrive?

I am getting crazy (did I say getting crazy or going crazy?) and trying to find ways to distract myself in these finals days, so I am expanding my blog skills to include a poll (see insert on the left) - I figure the oh so scientific art of guessing when babies will arrive was a perfect way to try out this new (to me) feature! So, anyone out there interested in venturing a guess. The doctors haven't given us any info to go on, so it's a level playing field. Stay tuned for any updates we get in the next few days!

Spoiling Baby Champa Some More

I hope that this little girl doesn't start out life with a princess complex because she certainly has been the recipient of a lot of parties and attention and she is not even here yet. (I guess that's one benefit of our geographically-diverse family!) Anyway, below is a shot of us with the fabulous hostesses of the latest shower in her honor. Both Baby Girl Champa and I wanted to say thank you to the hostesses as well as all of our family and friends who have made us feel so loved and blessed over the last few months. We can't wait for you all to meet her (once she arrives and we figure out what we are doing a bit).

Carolyn, Me, Shannon, and Sarah

The Nursery

Well, the nursery is done. Note I didn't say neat or suggest that everything is put away in its proper place. But the crib is put together. She has a dresser for her clothes and a book case for her books.

However the coolest part of the room, at least until the baby gets here, is the mural. Since we know she will be traveling a lot during her life to see grandparents, aunts/uncles, cousins, and other cool places, we wanted something that would represent that. We are really pleased with how it came out.

- Ben

H1N1 Adventures

Last night I succeeded in getting my H1N1 Vaccination! It was a fun adventure with our friend Laura traveling from NYC to get her shot too. (Laura had another pregnant friend getting the shot too - so we made quite a trio - especially with Ben as our personal chauffeur).

I have never been prouder to be a DC resident. DC offered free shots to pregnant women and young children at a number of clinics set up in schools around the city. The first site we planned to go to was swamped with people, but the trusty DOH officials there directed us to another site where we were in and out in about 30 minutes or less. The three of us left very grateful to have gotten access to the vaccination. The photo here is the super cool sticker that we were rewarded with for coming to get our shot!

Baby Shower - Part II

A few weeks ago, Baby Girl Champa and I made our last flight together - to Indiana for a baby shower there and to meet my nephew! We had a wonderful whirlwind trip visiting with family and friends in my home town. Below are a few photos from the weekend.

Me and My Mom Before the Shower

Me and my Nephew Gable

Cool Baby Tricks

Jes and I were sitting on the couch the other night watching tv. Jes was resting one of our remote controls on her stomach and the baby started kicking.

- Ben