The beginning of the end

We're down to 9 days on the "calendar." Not that either of us are betting that the due date will turn out to be the day we finally meet our child.  We're getting excited and every time I get a contraction or feel a little "different" I wonder if it's the beginning of the end of this pregnancy.  So far they've all been false alarms, but one of these times it'll be the real thing.  Trust me when I say I'm ready.

I'm only working half days now until baby arrives.  It's been nice to slowly ween myself out of the work routine and be able to take naps as needed and get more "stuff" checked off my pre-birth list of things to do.  One friend shared that she never felt ready until her son finally came and once he arrived she looked at the list and realized how unimportant the items on the list were.  I'm sure she's right.  I look forward to holding this baby and forgetting about all that "other" stuff.

Speaking of "stuff," here's what we've been up to:

• Baby showers
• Pregnancy pictures - I taken them taken earlier this week.  A few are of both Andrew and me, the rest are just of me and the belly.  A preview is available on Facebook and once the pictures are "done" an album will be posted at: http://jenshenkphotography.smugmug.com/.
• Date night - We celebrated six years of marriage a few weeks ago and enjoyed a belated celebration: A quiet, leisurely dinner out.  Probably our last that's sitter-free!
• Guest room - It's pretty much done. We (I mean the guys) are down to painting and other finishing touches. A couple of friends have been over to lend a hand -- Thanks Ken & Angelo!
• Nursery - It's close to complete.  Most of the things that remain won't be done until after the baby is here.
• Car seat is in car and hospital bag is packed and ready to roll.
• Christmas shopping - It's underway and almost complete.  I've adopted a now or never philosophy on this one.  Which will come first? The bottom of the list or the baby?
• Dr appointments - They're weekly now
• Growing - Both me and the baby.  S/he is ACTIVE!

We have several parties in the next few days, so we're hoping to be able to partake in them before the baby arrives -- time will tell!