Annabelle Tenora, Warm, Cozy, Not Quite Ready for Non-Amniotic World

Crib and glider, complete with gliding ottoman with
nursing step.  

We are officially t-minus 14 days until the due date.  Considering that is "calculated" from a best guess based on a hunch, it could be any day now.  Laura was dilated to 3cm on the 20th and keeps having "cramps" occasionally, especially at night.  We are keeping up the calm environment at home like we always do and making sure we both get plenty of rest for the inevitable, adorable visitor.  Last night I made over a gallon of our new favorite homemade pasta sauce.  Most of it is now residing in our freezer, for future sleep-deprived consumption.

We we vigorously working on the nursery a couple months ago and got the room to about 95% just in case our creation decided to drop in early.  Over the last few weeks we have been completing the final 5% of detail items.  These have been the small but important items like placement of the wet bag, strategic shelving, and organizing of all drawers, shelves and closet space.  Laura has all the clothes hung on tiny hangers, separated by size and labeled just so.  I'm surprised they aren't color-coded to be honest! :-)

Changing Table, Lofted Books and a Bouncer (the kind
without a tight black t-shirt)

Take a very good look at the changing area, this is as organized and clean as it will ever be!  Laura has (of course) sorted and stored all the necessary changing equipment in bins at arms reach.  We will be cloth diapering as well, so that adds a little fun and eco-sense into the whole diapering endeavor.  Right now we have 12 newborn cloth diapers and a few dozen reusable wipes.  Spray extra off into where is normally goes, rinse, wash and repeat.  Nothing to it...  Right...  No gagging involved, I'm sure...

We are committed though, despite all the crazy looks and the not so optimistic comments when we respond to the "Huggies or Pampers?" questions.

The books shelved above are mostly Suess, but there are more on the way via Amazon.  Some Eric Carle, some other board books, but at my behest there is a comprehensive book of American Poetry that I will be supplementing in for Sneeches and Oliphants as well.  You can only have so much "Good Night Moon" before two paths need to diverge in a yellow wood, or it should be many and many year ago in a kingdom by the sea.

Our baby book, selected by the lovely Laura, arrived via post the other day.  We began filling it out the other night.  The questions were relatively easy until it asked Laura what her favorite fashion trend was and what my favorite sports team was...

Since Laura's answer might have been "sweat pants" and mine would have been just as relevant to ask me about my favorite Russian Cosmonaut, we both crossed those off and hand wrote "Music" above them.  Then when we both felt awkward writing "Tears for Fears" in the blank space despite it so desperately wanting, we just provided our stalwart answers that daren't embarrass us years down the road. I "Beatles, Modest Mouse, and Death Cab for Cutie;" She "Ani Difranco,    ."  I believe the space left in the line represents all the bands, singers and songwriters she'd rather not divulge or have a written record of having listened to.  In my mind, this space might have been filled with New Kids on the Block, 98 degrees or Michael Buble.  But in reality there is just a space that begs for more.  In her defense she shares my love of Jeff Buckley, Ben Folds and Beck, and that speaks volumes to her good taste.  Just one simple man's opinion though.

Looking forward, and knowing our shared love of camping, sleeping bags and long, drawn out adventures, but contrasted with our detest for hot, humid environments there is no telling what a poignant experience our little half-and-half is having in utero.  Decisions and determination aside, she will be with us in-arms sooner than later and we are prepared and ready as we will ever be.  We have sponged up all the information that is reasonable for a diverse amount of resources and now yearn to put it into practice.

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood...

Thanks for reading,

Nathan (and Laura)