Still pregnant - 40 weeks

That's right. Panda Wontonio Chuy Nacho Speedy Gonzalez Bergstrom is due today. There is a reason they call it an estimated due date. No sign of labor yet.

Molly is less comfortable, but still doing well. Looking forward to aquatics tonight! Josh finished the night shift rotation. And Siena got a lovely haircut. We're in a holding pattern - trying to take it easy, get lots of rest, and enjoy eating out/going out while we wait for the Panda.


 

39 weeks of Pandamonium

Being 39 weeks pregnant is like having a 30+ lb. medicine ball strapped to your belly. Except it moves a lot. And sometimes kicks you in the ribs.

The housework has slowed down significantly. It's gone from full-on construction zone to completely functional and comfy home over the past 9 months. Just a bit of minor finishing touches left.

Things I'm looking forward to:
1. Meeting the Panda.
2. Spending time with Josh and the Panda. And Siena.
3. Sitting in a hot tub.
4. #3 + a glass of bourbon on the rocks.
5. #4 + a platter of unpasteurized goat cheeses.
 

 

A Letter to the Panda

Dear Panda,

We hope you've enjoyed your accommodations for the last 38 (almost 39) weeks. You've been so good to Molly, letting her sleep (most of the time) and not challenging her with too many pregnancy-related ailments. 

We wonder if you'll really like cereal and milk or peanut m&m's when you grow up. Molly certainly didn't like either of those snacks before you came around.

We have so many hopes and dreams for you. That you'll be happy, healthy, and successful in whatever way you define success. You'll make some mistakes, and we hope you learn from them. And we hope you'll forgive us for the mistakes we're bound to make. You will face new challenges throughout your life. Don't worry about having everything planned out and knowing what exact goal you are heading for, except the goal of experiencing new adventures with love and companionship. 

From Josh we hope you'll learn to be handy and scientific. From Molly we hope que aprendas a hablar espanol. And we're excited about all the things we'll learn from you as well.

You're already surrounded by family and friends who love you immensely, including a dog that is patient and sweet. She may sniff you and encourage you to chase her even before you're mobile, but she'll also let you lean on her and pull on her as you learn how to stand up and walk.

Thank you for not coming early - allowing us the time to get the house in the best possible shape for your arrival.

We love you.

P.S. Please be nice to Molly during labor.

37 weeks!

And we have lots to celebrate.

1. Our kitchen. It's functional and fantastic. The countertop came last week, and Josh installed the sink and dishwasher. We now officially have 3 sources of water in this house. AMAZING.

2. Floors. No, they're not in yet, but we hope to have it all in this week. We've been living on subfloor for a couple years now, so this is going to be, visually and functionally, a huge leap.

3. The Panda's room. It's about 90% done. Painted, arranged, full of clean clothes, blankets galore, and everything Panda imaginable.

4. Molly (and Panda) have reached 37 weeks, which is full term according to some (others say 38). Both are still feeling pretty good! Tired and heavy, but not awful.

5. Napping. Molly and Panda are excellent at napping. 

6. It's Molly's last week of work until the end of March. Refer to #5.

7. Josh is finishing up his night shift rotation. It's been going well, and it's actually given him more time during the day to work on the house.

8. Molly's belly button is still an innie.


9. And we're both getting really, really excited to meet the Panda.