{the countdown}

While an induction date makes some things easier, it also makes every moment of this week feel like a countdown. As in, "This is my last Monday morning trip to Target for a while..... this time next week I will already be home from the hospital...... I only have two more mornings to take the kids to school this year..... By the time I watch 'The Good Wife' next week, I will have a new baby watching with me....." All weekend, I just kept thinking that it was our last weekend as a family of five. I got into bed last night and realized I only have less than a handful of nights of sleep left for a while that won't be interrupted by a newborn.

The thoughts are constant.

On the other hand, there is such excitement in knowing that this week she will be here. After Thursday (or even sooner, possibly), I will be able to meet and hold and love and cuddle this sweet little life I've been nurturing for the past nine months. It takes my breath away.

(And, oh- how I look forward to no longer being pregnant! )

My dad, wonderful guy that he is, arrived this morning to keep us company this week and help out in the event I go into labor before Thursday. It gives me such peace of mind to know that he is here and he is a great distraction to me. We are also completely spoiled to be awaiting Patti's arrival on Wednesday. Between grandparents visiting, a new baby making her arrival, and this being the last real week of school, things are a little kooky around here. The kids are super-excited and full of energy. It would be so nice if they could share just a little of their excess energy with me. ;)

Happy Monday!