He is coming sooner than later.

On Wednesday we went in for our final ultrasound to see if it would be possible for me to have a normal delivery and the result was - it is not. Now we are preparing for a C-section. We get to continue our care with the Midwives, but now we choose an OB (that works in conjunction with the Midwives) for the surgery. (We should know by late tomorrow what day the C-section will take place.)

I was told at one time that I would have to transfer my care to an OB, so I was very relieved that things will stay how they are now. Many people may think that I am crazy.....but I am more nervous now, knowing that I will have to have surgery! The things that I am thankful for are that Liam is healthy and this C-section is the safest delivery option for each of us.

Speaking of Liam - check out his profile picture - he sure looks like a Lancaster! He seems to already have chubby cheeks!

One last thing.....my belly is huge and we thought you guys might like a glimpse before it is (mostly) gone in a couple weeks. This is really for my dad who didn't want to miss my biggest stage :)

Hospital Preparations

So today I started packing a bag for the hospital! I have a nice little checklist and I am making my way through it. Even though the end is approaching, it still seems so far away. I am sure it will feel real once Mike is escorting me through the hospital lobby, with bags in tow!

One other thing we hope to do this week or next is get our car seat installed. We have to make an appointment with the police department; they check the seat to ensure it meets safety requirements and teach us to install the car seat. Once we pass the installation check we will be allowed to bring Liam home in the set-up. Meriter requires this before you can leave the hospital with your newborn, so better to do it now than Mike have to scrabble while I wait for him at the hospital.

Practice Time

At 34 weeks my body seems to be practicing for the big event. This past Saturday evening I started having contractions. I have had other Braxton Hicks which only caused slight discomfort, but this past Saturday they were more than just uncomfortable! It felt like the real thing (at least what I think what the real thing will feel like). They started around 4:30 and ended after two baths and a shower around 11. Sunday and Monday have felt like those first couple days after a really hard work out, so I know that my body will probably need more practice!

Mike and I are starting to feel the crunch of time. Mike is finishing the bathroom, I am really just the tool holder, and I can't wait for everyone to see it! The nursery is coming along as we continue to add bits and pieces. We made a big purchase -at least we like to think of it as that- we have Liam's coming home outfit! We will also use it for his first photo shoot. (Knowing his dad, it will be the first of many.) Here it it:

32 Weeks

So technically we only have about 8 weeks left! It is very exciting but overwhelming at the same time. My belly keeps getting bigger; I am starting to make some of my co-workers a little nervous. Many of these younger folks have ever been around pregnant women, so I get the feeling they think I may pop at any second and need to be very careful!

We have so much left to do but it seems as if no matter how much we move forward, there is always more. I am currently in a battle with our insurance company because something was billed incorrectly, our bathroom is still not finished and we have to find a doctor for Liam! Besides those things we have gotten some things finished and into the nursery. I have everything we have so far washed and ready to go. The many wonderful hand-me-down clothes we have are folded nicely in their dresser. Here are some other things that we have gotten new for our little one: