In the Bag -

I haven't participated in all of Cassie's baby series blogs but I had a few minutes at work and thought I would do this one. The topic was what to bring to the hospital. For the most part I liked what people have said so far (see McLinkey's for other posts).

For Mommy:

*Comfy nursing bras or looser sports bras. I didn't like not having a bra on because of "leaking" and it just kinda hurt. The nursing tanks from Target are AWESOME.

*Lotion that smells good (I used some from Avon). I used the Orange Ginger Aromatherapy lotion from Bath&Body Works. It made me at least smell clean and relaxed me in labor when Josh rubbed it on my hands and neck.

*Comfy, soft pjs - I got the same Old Navy matching pjs that Ashley had. I also had my mom bring me a pair of old work out shorts that were loose and that I didn't care if they were messed up. Don't bring anything you would be sad if it got stained. I also had a soft robe that was great.

*My ipod. I made a "Shiloh's Labor List". I didn't even have time to listen to it while I was in labor except in the car on the way there but it would have been good.

*Things that hospital gave me that a necessity - Lanolin cream of breast feeding, Tucks pads, Dermoplast spray, the weird net underwear (some people hate them, I loved them), drugs.

Things for Baby:

*I only brought a nice going home outfit and a few onesies. I used mainly the hospital clothes while we were there. They got messy and icky and I didn't want any of the cute stuff I bought or was given to get stained right away.

*A hat was important but I didn't even think about bringing my own. It was probably good anyway because Addison was small so nothing really fit her.

*A baby book to put footprints in.

*A special blanket.

I have to get back to work or else I would keep going.
* On a totally random note: How can I change my font color or style on the blog?

Baby Registry

My friend Cassie started having people post about baby registry items that are essential so I thought I would join in.

Several people have already mentioned some of my favorites but I'll go ahead and say them again:

Boppy Pillow

I love this thing. It's so much more comfortable when nursing Addie. It's great to prop her up on her back or on her tummy. Josh likes it too because when he was holding Addie and sleeping in a recliner at night it helped his arm and shoulder not cramp up.

Johnson & Johnson Bedtime Bath and Lotion

I LOVE the way this stuff smells. It's also gentle and soft on Addie's skin.

Velcro swaddle blankets -
Didn't get a picture because there really isn't one kind that I like better so far. They are great though because the little girl can't wiggle her way out of it as easily.

Swing and Bouncer -


I've used the swing since Addison was born and it's great to help her go to sleep. I also got this one that is marketed as a "take along" swing. We took it to Texas for Christmas and it was great. I recently got a bouncer off of Craigslist and it was the best $30 I have ever spent! Addison loves that the lights and sounds come up when she jumps. So she jumps, laughs, waits for the music to stop and then starts all over. This is a life saver when I need to cook dinner, do dishes etc.

Other people have also added things that they don't recommend registering for. I agree that I don't think I need a wipes warmer. I also didn't register for a shopping cart cover. I may cave and go buy one later but it seemed like an extra expense and I'm not that much of a germ freak - I just wipe the cart down. Don't register for clothes or even blankets unless there are a few that you really want to go with the bedding etc. I also agree that while it's hard, go for gender neutral colors for big purchases - stroller, swing, car seat, high chair, rocking chair etc. I guess you could always buy new stuff but I know that I won't have enough money to do that...

On a side note - my mom and I made my sling instead of buying on. I could make it bigger so it fits better. I also got to chose whatever fabrics I wanted. I love it! If anyone is interested in having me make one just send me an email or comment...
Here's a picture of it - not that great though. It's is brown polka dots on one side and red and cream pattern on the other. There is padding for Addies legs when she can sit up more.

Pictures

These are a bunch of pictures of the nursery, presents at the church baby shower, me before our false alarm etc. Enjoy!

37 Weeks

I have been getting super impatient lately wanting Ms. Addison to get here. We had a doctor's appointment this morning and even though it wasn't as good as I had hoped, it did make me feel better. I'm dilated more than I was even earlier this week. The doctor said her head is as low as it can get without coming out and that there is a good chance that will make labor quicker. I like quicker. I have been having tons of pain and pressure because her head is low and pressing on nerves so that isn't great and apparently won't get better either.

I'm trying to keep busy with work at home so that is helpful but other than that we are just waiting. Josh has his Daddy Boot Camp class tomorrow and I'm interested to hear how it goes. We have heard really good things about this class so I 'll update about it later.

After my stroller meltdown last week we found one that I loved and got it in the mail Wednesday. We were also lucky enough to have a family from church give us two extra car seat bases that fit the one we ordered so we will have a base for my car, Josh's car and Connie's car.


Connie is the sweet lady that will be watching Addie when I go back to work. Her family is so special to Josh and I and have been since he started working at University. They have had two other kids go through the youth group at least a year with Josh and now the youngest daughter is a senior. Connie was working part time at an adoption agency as well as running University's Thursday School Program (Mother's Day Out). She actually asked us if she could keep Addie and we could not be happier about it. There really isn't anyone else I would rather she spend so much time with when Josh and I are working. This whole situation is definitely one of the ways God has blessed us during this pregnancy and preparing for Addison.

That's about it for now. I keep hoping that the next time I post will be announcing that Addison is here but I guess we'll see....

Grateful

Since the past week has been pretty rough for me, I decided to make a list today of things that I am grateful for right now.

1. Josh - He has been so incredibly patient, understanding and helpful. He also always makes me laugh at just the right times. He will do something silly like poke my belly and then say "Addison likes it. She told me"

2. My Mom - She has now been here for almost two weeks. This is longest she has ever been apart from her husband Larry and I know that is a huge challenge for both of them. She has made me meals, cleaned my house and hugged me when I cry. She will be here until Addie comes and then for a little while afterwards. It was hard to be pregnant when she was in Alaska and Canada all summer and even though we weren't sure when Addie will come she decided to come early just in case and to help out.

3. Swimming - I have loved being in the water the last few weeks. I don't necessarily notice that my belly feels a lot lighter when I get in the water, but once I get out I definitely notice that it feels heavier.

4. Books- I have always loved to read but while being pregnant reading has been a sanity saver sometimes.

5. My boss and my team at work - The agency I work for is small and my foster care team that I work directly with is 3 other women and my boss (the only man in the whole agency). They have been incredibly flexible and supportive during the whole pregnancy but especially the last few weeks while my work schedule had to change and now I'm working from home.

6. Sonic Ice - One of my favorite things has been to get a large water with lemon and then eat the ice.

7. Foam Rollers - if you don't know what this is - sorry, it is a little hard to describe but it is a dense foam cylinder that I use to stretch. It works wonders on my hips and thighs when they are sore. I got mine at my gym but they also have them at target.

8. Bath and Body Works Sugar Scrubs - they feel so good and have helped exfoliate and moisturize my skin (especially my belly) so it doesn't itch.

9. Linda - this is the nurse practitioner that I see every other doctor's visit. She is so sweet and patient with all of my questions. She has seen me off and on throughout our whole history of the miscarriages etc and that always makes me feel better.

10. Other people - Our church family and friends have been so supportive! I was overwhelmed at the generosity at our baby shower and so many people offer to help with anything. It has been good for Josh to know that there are also people who can help out with youth group stuff when ever he is home with me.

That's it for now. There are so many more things that I have been thankful for but I am needing to take a nap. Hopefully Ms. Addison will decide to come meet us soon!

Stroller Meltdown

The past 48 hours have pretty much stunk. Yesterday Josh and I went to Babies R Us and realized that the stroller/car seat combo we wanted had been discontinued and no one let us know. So, we had to try to pick out another one. There was one that was basically the same as the original just different fabric and $70 more. Then we went to Target and found one that was cheaper but about 30 lbs heavier. So, I started crying, upset because I couldn't even pick out a stupid stroller and car seat. Eventually I found one on line at Target that was a reasonable price and still lite weight with the other features we liked. Crisis solved.

Today I had another meltdown or two. The first was putting away clothes in Addie's room and trying to figure out where to put things. I am having lots more anxiety lately that I am going to do a terrible job taking care of this tiny little person.
The second meltdown was a the doctors appointment this afternoon. I was already worried that she would tell me that nothing much had changed (which she did) and it didn't help that they were running 45 minutes behind and my blood pressure was high. I have been getting so easily overwhelmed and unfortunately my body's first response is tears. I think I have cried more this week than in the last 3 months of the pregnancy. I hate crying. I really, really hate crying. It makes me feel stupid. I've also been completely over analyzing everything. I get so worried that other people are upset that it makes life worse. Hormones suck. I honestly thought I had been doing really well most of this pregnancy - I've been easily frustrated and more sensitive lately but the crying at the drop of a hat is new.

Back to the doctor's appointment - I'm dilated to a 1 which is an improvement over last week I guess. I can stop taking the medication to stop contractions and I can do more activity now too but it could still be 24 hours or 28 days. I'm praying she comes early - the doctors have no more concerns about her development or health if she comes now and I am super uncomfortable with her head being so low. We also got and put together my glider tonight and Josh also finally packed his hospital bag so I really am ready whenever she decides to come out.

Baby Class

Today Josh and I went to the Weekend Express Birth class at the hospital. They normally do a 4 or 6 week series but we couldn't fit it into our schedules over the summer. I was actually worried this past week that we wouldn't make it long enough to go so I'm glad we did.

It was a small class to start with - about half the size of their usual ones. Within the first ten minutes one of the women had a seizure or big blood pressure drop and passed out. So, even though we were in a building on the hospital campus it wasn't an actual medical building so the teacher called 911 while a class participant (who was an EMT) helped the woman. It started off the day with a bang.

It was a pretty good class. I started to get really overwhelmed right at the end - lots of information, lots of things to think about and lots of emotions. Overall it was good and informative. We talked a lot about, and practiced a lot of different positions to help with labor contractions, massage techniques etc. It was helpful and I think I have a better idea of what will be or won't be comfortable for me and the way my body is. We also talked a lot about being able to vocalize what we need during labor so that our husbands or whoever can help the best possible way.

I was nervous about watching super graphic videos but the stuff we saw wasn't bad at all. The teacher was also about to use some good visual aids that were helpful.

Overall it was a good day. Tonight I am hoping to maybe play a game with my mom and Josh after dinner then curl up with Josh and watch a movie. That was another thing that the class made me think of - I have been craving time with Josh even just sitting and doing nothing.

Tomorrow is the shower at church and I am so excited. I will post stuff about that later.

Last nights' adventure

So yesterday we had our 35 week appointment. The doctor was more rushed than usual so I wasn't able to ask him all of the questions that I had. He did take me off of working at the office completely but said that I can work from home. He told us that my cervix is still thinning and Addie's head is at a 0 which is "engaged".

I was pretty stressed out after the appointment because I had other questions and I'm not excited about bed rest. Really, it's ok if she is coming early but I'm anxious about being on full time bed rest for 5 more weeks. A lot of that stress is about finances and not getting my full paycheck for as long as I was hoping to.

Yesterday after the doctor I took a nap and then ate dinner with my mom. I've been meaning to write about that and can't remember if I did or not. Mom flew in on Monday and will stay until a week or so after Addie is born. Anyway, last night Mom and I went to the fabric store and just watched tv. Josh and I hung out for a little while after he got home from church last night.

Around 10pm I started having more intense contractions - not super painful but worse than they have been up to this point. I took the medicine that is supposed to stop them but it didn't help. Around 11pm Josh and I called the after hours nurse line and they said to go into the hospital to get checked out. Josh woke up my mom and the three of us grabbed bags and headed to the hospital. It's normally about 40 minutes away and Josh made it in 30. We went into the triage room where they monitored my contractions for awhile and then basically just sent me home. The midwife that was working said that she didn't understand why the doctor had me on bed rest or medication to stop the contractions and that they aren't strong enough to stay at the hospital. I was kind of anticipating that this would happen anyway. I was feeling embarrassed and frustrated that we went all the way there for nothing but Josh keeps telling me it's better to be safe than sorry. I keep coming back to the frustration that the doctor said they think she could come anytime but there is still the chance it could be awhile. I don't like not knowing and feel like I'm on edge with every little contraction, pain etc.

So, we ended up going back home but I guess it was a good practice run. Josh was able to show my mo how to get to the hospital in case something happens while we are at home without him.

That's really about it. I hope that we don't have any more false alarms but I guess you never know. We are supposed to try to retake maternity pictures tomorrow since it was raining on Monday and Josh and I have the birthing class at the hospital all day Saturday. I am going to still plan on doing those two things but am not planning anything for after that. My shower at church is Sunday so hopefully we will be able to make it to that as well.

Updates a few days late

Last Thursday Josh and I went to the doctor the for what has become weekly checkup. So far everything continues to look ok. I am still progressing faster than they would like but nothing immediate. I asked the nurser practitioner if she had to bet on how much longer it would be, what would she say? Her answer was "I give you at least a week" That is only mildly helpful. At this point I still don't want Addie to come to soon, but I'm also hoping she doesn't wait until her due date. I'm pretty uncomfortable and I a week or two like this won't be terrible - any more would get really old. She is still sitting super low and I was about 50% effaced. A week ago the doc gave me medicine to take as needed to stop the contractions. I don't really like to take it though because it is actually a medication to lower blood pressure so it gives me super bad headaches and makes me pretty dizzy. The other option was a med that would make me jittery and shaky. Neither was really a good option.

Other than constantly wondering when she is going to come, everything is going fine. My mom flies in today. She has been in Canada and Alaska all summer in their RV. Since there is a chance Addison will get here early she and Larry got to Seattle and then mom will fly in today to stay until after she is born. Larry will come for a few days once Addison is here.

I'm going to brag on Josh for just a minute. He has been so incredibly helpful and sweet it is just unbelievable. Yesterday I kept asking what I could do for him - the poor guy was so worn out. All he would tell me was I should let him take care of me! I really don't know how I would have gotten through the past 8 months without him. I know we are going to need each other even more once we have a newborn and it is reassuring to see how supportive he has been already.

This picture was last week (I think). I'm probably just a bit bigger now but it is still pretty close.

Cradle

I posted pictures of the nursery yesterday but wanted to give special attention to the beautiful cradle that Josh's parents had his uncle make for us. We picked a style that will convert to a toy box when Addison is old enough. I also had Matt paint the top house part general colors so that we can pass this down with all the kids. What a great treasure for Josh and I to have for our kids from their grandparents!

The pictures absolutely do not do it justice. It is all handmade and incredibly beautiful! Matt is so talented. He works out of Fredricksburg,TX - here is his website if anyone is interested:


I have a doll cradle and rocking horse that were made for me when I was a baby. They are in Addie's nursery now. It's neat for me to think that this cradle is something all of our kids, and hopefully grand kids will be able to use.

At last...

Nursery Pictures are here!

The room started out light blue. Josh spend a few days putting primer on the walls-


Then when my dad was here, he and Josh painted the walls a yellow that matched the bedding -



Then, Josh and I found a tree graphic that we agreed on. He projected and traced it on the wall, then painted in the brown. It was a tedious and tiring process but he was so excited about doing and sweet even when his shoulders and back were sore.


Finally, we put up the wall stickers that matched the bedding and they look great. I decorated the lamp I found to match. I made the three frames that are on the wall by using a window valance that came with the bedding that was too small - I cut up the fabric and covered the frames. The picture album is one I bought and put Addison's name on the cover. I am so excited to be able to put pictures in so she can see what we did to get ready for her to be here. The bunny's name is Flopsy. Josh and I went and made her at Build-A_Bear as a present to Addie from us. The whole thing has come together and I love it, love it, love it. The only thing missing (besides Addison of course) is a glider that I hope to get. I can't wait to sit and rock in the room with her and even before she gets here.

Random Updates

I don't have picture to post yet but just wanted to give everyone a quick update on life....

I have hopefully found a good balance between resting and doing things around the house/exercising etc. We go back to the doctor tomorrow and will see if there has been any changes with Addison. This weekend Josh and I were on the church family camping trip. I mainly sat around and played games all weekend. This trip is always one of my favorite parts of the summer. It is probably about 50 people from church, mostly youth group families and we just enjoy being together. This year Josh and I had a cabin instead of our usual tent since I was not thrilled about sleeping on the ground. I did really well except for Saturday when I didn't feel good and didn't sleep much at all. It was not so much contractions as just a constant pain, my guess is from how low she is sitting.

Josh's summer is officially over except for a lock-in/all-nighter in a few weeks. He is working from home most of this week. Yesterday he started painting the nursery with primer and doing a few other things around the house. My dad and step mom come into town from Lubbock on Friday and our goal for the weekend is to get the nursery walls finished, shelves hung up and a few other things. I'm so thankful that they want to come and help us get ready. I will have pictures up hopefully early next week of the almost finished product.

My little sister is in Africa on a mission trip for 3 weeks. I am so, so jealous that I am not with her but I am also so excited that she is getting to have this experience. I know that my time in Africa was definitely life changing for me.

There is a lot of other stuff going on but I should get back to work. More updates and pictures soon!

Fortunes

Each month I go to dinner with my friend Alli that I worked with at Tennyson Center a few years ago.

Last night we went to PF Chang's and after a long time of just talking and eating we read our fortune cookies. Mine said "You are about to embark on a wonderful journey."


Alli's said "Things in small packages can bring a family great joy"

They both could absolutely fit for me, and Alli's sister just had a baby so hers works too.

I just thought it was a neat coincidence and part of my week....

"Modified" Bed Rest

Yesterday when Josh and I went to the doctor for our 32 week appointment. I have mentioned previously that I have been having some mild, infrequent contractions. At this appointment they checked Addison and she looks great! We even got to see her eye-balls move (creepy). Anyway, while she looks good there is also a moderate risk that she will come early. She is sitting really low and they are worried that the cervix is already beginning to soften.

So....I'm on what Dr. Nelson called 'modified bed rest". Josh and I had some confusion about what this actually meant so I called the doctor back this morning. I am still able to work full time for now but may have to cut back. Basically once I go home from work I am supposed to lay around, take it easy etc. I asked if I can do some easy physical activity and the doctor said it was ok as long as it's not too strenuous. That made me feel a lot better - I wasn't necessarily worried about my health or Addison's health (although I want her to cook as long as possible), I was mostly worried about my mood if I was not able to be physical. That is something I know about myself - I get grumpy if I just lay around.

Long story short - Addison is doing great, we just want her to stay in there a little longer. Another thing the doctor said today is that if I make it to 36 weeks then I can go off of the modified bed rest because at that point it won't matter much. I have to go back weekly for appointments from now on so I will keep everyone updated!

Baby Explosion

There is about to be a baby explosion! I have lots of friends who are (or recently were) pregnant.

First, a few weeks ago my long time friend Kristen had her second son Bryce. He was about a month early but is perfectly healthy. Kris and I grew up together in Austin when her family moved there after returning from Africa. We got married almost exactly 2 years apart and moved to Denver within a few months of each other. This is Kris and Bryce before they left the hospital (I got the picture off of her facebook).



Then, my friend Jenny had her little boy last week. Jenny and I were in club together at ACU and she worked Leadership Camps with me one summer. Jenny and her husband Chris welcomed Jude on 7/28/09. (Jenny, I got the picture from your blog).


Seeing Jenny and Kristen's pictures and hearing about their family's joy welcoming their new children makes me so ready for Addison to be here. Now for friends that will have babies soon...Next is Erin and her husband todd. We were in Siggies together at ACU. They are going to have a little girl named Ellie.

Ashley Snow, who was one of my good friends at ACU and bridesmaids, is due about 2 weeks after Erin and is having a little girl named Emma.

After than it is finally time for Addison to be born. I'm due about 2 weeks after Ashley. I'm not only blessed that I have been going through this experience with other christian women that I love, I'm also excited that our kids will grow up together and maybe even be friends as they get older. We aren't even all in the same place but it is so fun to be able to keep up with each other thru blogs etc and share this time.

I also have two friends who are due not long after Josh and I are. Kasey, one of my very best friends, another bridesmaid at my wedding, is actually due on my birthday, November 23. Sara is another friend who is due between Kasey and I (not sure exactly when).

Keep, all of the new moms and moms-to-be in your prayers.

Favorite Things

My friend Ashley has been blogging weekly about some of her favorite things and it inspired me. I won't be doing it on a regular basis but thought I would share a few today.

#1. Palmer's Cocoa Butter Lotion - I have used this after surgeries to help with scars and in the winters when it gets so dry in Colorado. While being pregnant I have loved it! I'm not sure if it does more good than a regular lotion would but I like to think so. Josh always tells me I smell like chocolate when I have it on.


#2. Pina Colada gelato - One of the things I have been craving is anything tropical (that does not include alcohol). Pina Colada gelato has been something I have been indulging in lately. It is super yummy and healthier than regular ice cream. Mine doesn't look this pretty though.


#3. Neutrogena Healthy Skin Tinted Moisturizer - This is my summer favorite. I have to wear a little makeup for work but don't like it to be to thick in the summer. This is a perfect tinted lotion!


#4. LemonHeads - Josh laughs at me because I ate a few lemon heads one day and have been wanting them ever since.


#5. Peaches - Yes, another food...Colorado's Palisades Peaches are so so yummy. I am gong to order a box from a local farm that I should get in August. I don't like to eat peaches like you would an apple because the fuzz hurts my lips so I usually cut it up and eat it with a fork. Random, I know.


#6. Presents - This is totally selfish but I have come to appreciate presents that are just for ME and not for Addison. I know that the stuff for Addison is really for me too but I have gotten a few smaller "grown up" presents lately that have really made my day.



#7. JoAnn Fabric and Craft Stores - I like to just go in here and walk around to get ideas, dream up projects etc. I start thinking of things to make for Christmas presents each summer. This year I may have to get started sooner than I normally would on making things. This store can be a creative person's paradise.


That's it for now. Thanks for listening!

Test results etc.

I forgot to mention that I did get the test results back and they were normal. What a blessing and a relief. Josh got home on Friday night from a middle school camp at OC. Saturday we spent time putting the crib together. Now I have to start working on organizing the room and picking out colors so Josh can paint. The paint colors are proving to be a challenge for a few reasons. Josh and I have different ideas and the room is kiind of a weird shape with a cubby/shelf space way up high that would be a pain to paint. Pictures are below.

Saturday night I started having a few contractions - nothing really painful, just like, well contracting. I called the after hours nurse line after a while and they said to drink some water, lie on my left side and call back if they didn't stop within the hour. I had another one or two but they stopped after that, or at least didn't wake me up anymore. So it was really nothing to be alarmed about, it just meant that Josh and I didn't get a lot of sleep Saturday night.

Today I went to my friend Jenn's baby shower. Lots of fun other than I didn't know many other people. It made me start getting really excited for my own showers.

Tonight Josh is planning on playing a game with the youth group where they put a panty hose with a tennis ball in the ends on their heads, swing their heads at each other and try to pull the other person's pant hose off. Sounds pretty weird and painful to me but I guess we'll see how it goes. That's about all the big updates I have.

Sorry this post was so completely random.

Glucose Test #2

After fasting since last night I went in this morning for the 3-hour glucose test. I drank the stuff fine but then right before the first blood draw it all came back up. I cried because now I have to go back in on Thursday and try again. I did learn that I can take my anti-nausea meds in the morning though. Today I didn't take them because they told me not to. I really think this is all more trouble than its worth.

I have been feeling pretty good overall but had a little meltdown yesterday. I was just so tired and worn out! I've done "ok" with all the crazy hormones so far (although I'm not sure Josh would agree) but yesterday afternoon I guess I just needed to cry. I don't do that very often. Part of the stress was that e
very time I look around our house I am aware of just how much there is to do and I just don't have the energy to do it. Josh keeps telling me to make a list this week while he is gone and he can work on it when he gets home but I don't think that's fair. He will only be home for a week and then leaves for mission trip for a week and I don't want him to get worn out before that.

It will all be so worth it in the end so I just have to get through about 2 more months!

Blood Sugar Testing

Yesterday I had the regular blood sugar test. This morning the nurse called to tell me that the levels were elevated so on Monday I have to go in for the 3 hour test. Gross.

I really did not mind drinking the orange soda stuff very much and may actually enjoy the time to sit and read on Monday. But, I am now worried just because I don't know a lot about the whole gestational diabetes thing. I'm kicking myself and analyzing everything to see if there is anything I should have been doing or not doing. I know gaining a lot of weight can be a risk factor. I have gained more than average but I am also eating healthy and exercising so I'm not sure why. Addison may just be a big baby but that also creates its own problems and worries.

I'm really hoping that this next test will come back normal. Pray that the results are fine and that the elevated levels could have just been what I ate yesterday! I tried looking up gestational diabetes but didn't find a lot of useful information. Most of what I read was long-winded, scary and did not give any practical suggestions. Has anyone else failed the first test? Any ideas, info etc would be helpful! Thanks!

Baby Question

Hi everyone - I have a question for any of you that have either had kids or will have one soon.

I have been really stressing (most likely unnecessarily) about having all of our family come visit when Addy is born. I don't really want everyone here at once because I want everyone to have their own time with her and I don't want to be overwhelmed. But, I also don't really want to have company back to back for a month either since I know its important to settle into our own routine. With 3 sets of parents that this is the first grandbaby for all of them it is becoming a challenge, especially because everyone wants to come as soon as she is born. I'm glad they all want to come to celebrate with us, it's just making me a little anxious.

I have requested that no one actually stay with us since we don't have a lot of space and that way everyone has a place to go if they need to. I'm sure Josh's mom and my mom will sleep at the house a few nights to help in the middle of the night if I need them to though.

So my questions are really: am I worrying about this for no reason? What did you do or have you thought of that was helpful?

I am sure that I have absolutely no idea what the transition will really be like and I am ok with that, I'm just nervous about it too. I know that with my personality I will want to make sure everyone else is ok but I really don't want to be worrying about that with a new baby. Thanks for your help!