the essence

Yes, my "official" due date came & went, which was no surprise to me. I can tell people are curious to know, even online - I didn't even post yesterday yet my number of visitors jumped quite a bit!

My midwife lives very close by so she just came to my house for my check-up yesterday instead of me going into the birth center. My nice neighbor (who, by the way, bought two new really cute Cocker Spaniel puppies) was so excited to see the midwife here - she can't wait for me to have this baby & thought maybe it was time!

It's very funny, people keep telling both Ray & I when it's almost time:

"Oh, she's been cleaning, that means she's about to ahve the baby, right?" (I always clean. And, believe me, knowing I'm going to give birth at home is that much more motivation to keep the house clean)

"Once the baby stops moving as much you know it will happen in 12 hours." (The baby slowed way down last Friday or Saturday - she's just running out of room!)

There are more, but you get the idea. I'm ready to have this baby, partly because I'm ready for a break from teaching piano! (Definitely not the biggest reason, but I did think I'd be done by now)

Rather than have a baby yesterday, Jen & her three kids came over for a few hours. I just love watching the girls play together, it's so adorable! Ray was home for lunch & got to witness their goodbyes: many, many hugs, over & over. It's just so cute.

Sisters, Hannah & Abby



Addison & Hannah hugging



Tuesday night Ray's dad & step-mom came over & brought Addison's birthday gift - a doll! She was quite excited when she opened it! The doll has eyes that open & close & it was hilarious when the doll was lifted up & the eyes opened - Addison's face looked quite shocked & unsure of such a thing!



I've added more photos of Addison's birthday here.

I found out yesterday that Addison can climb onto our guest bed by herself! (It's not the closest to the ground) Its set up right next to my sewing table & I had Christmas music playing in there. I peeked in & saw her lying down sucking her thumb.



I peeked in a little later & she had discovered my table was filled with many goodies, including a fabric pencil. I hadn't realized what a perfect mess-free coloring tool it is for her, it barely makes a mark!



So, enough for now, I plan to go out to Sam's this morning & stock up on a few things - then maybe I'll have a baby today, who knows?