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Much has changed in the past few months. You can now find me here.

Gratitude Post - 9 of 12

Baby Jude was born on October 15, 2009 at 11:46 pm. Healthy baby boy. 8 pounds and 20.5 inches long. So much to be grateful for this month.

Gratitude Post - 8 of 12

Hmmm. It's October 8th. Why do I feel like something is missing? Oh yeah, my due date was YESTERDAY and still no baby. The truth is, 80% of first time moms deliver after their due date - or so my doctor told me at yesterday's visit. He said we usually deliver within 5 days after, but all of my Bradley Method materials say 8 days, so who knows which is correct but either way, I am not abnormal....just big and tired and ready to meet my baby. (Why do I feel abnormal then? If one more person calls or texts in disbelief that I am still pregnant, I will SCREAM.)

So in all of the anxiety of the past few days, it's been hard to see what I can be grateful for. So for gratitude entry number 8, I am grateful for a healthy pregnancy.

Being pregnant is hard enough for sure. Your every action affects not only yourself but the vulnerable little one growing inside of you. You feel tired, sick, more anxious and emotional than usual, and you are so big at the end that the most generic daily activities are literally impossible sometimes. Time to feed the dogs? Oh wait, I can't do so without help because I can't bend over to get their water bowls. Slide in that booth at your favorite restaurant? Nope. Won't fit. And trust me, when you are beginning week 41 of this "condition," your patience is wearing off.

That said, I've had it so easy compared to many women, and I definitely recognize that. I was a little sick in the beginning and of course tired, but the baby has appeared healthy throughout my pregnancy. As the months progressed, I've been fortunate enough to remain active and exercising. I can't imagine how slowly the time would be passing if I had been on bed rest or worried about the health of the baby or his showing up too soon. So if I have to go an extra week or so to test my patience and make up for my lucky 9 months, so be it. I am grateful to have experienced this as easily as I have, and I hope labor and delivery follows the same pattern. With that in mind, pray that little one comes soon on his own time before I have to be induced. We're hoping for the best in the days ahead!

Gratitude Post, 7 of 12

For my seventh gratitude entry of the year, I am sincerely grateful for all of our support from friends and family as we prepare for the arrival of Baby Jude. Preparing for a new baby is such an exciting task but also a very overwhelming one. There are products to research and things to buy, and the weight of it all can seem heavy to say the least. I'm thankful that I have friends and family who not only remind me that Jude will be happy if he simply has lots of love but also happily share in the joy (and some of the burden) of what is to come. As I glance at the calendar and see my due date looming about 4 weeks away, I can say that at least our home is ready thanks to our generous family and friends.

The best thing about baby showers is that you can celebrate with so many people you maybe don't get to see as often as you'd like. While yes the gifts are appreciated, the company is even better! I was lucky enough to celebrate Jude's arrival 4 times in the past few months.

family shower with my in-laws

family shower at my sister's house

a fabulous childrens' book shower with some lovely English teacher hostesses....Jude's bookshelves are stocked!

a lovely tea with my favorites - Brenau ladies welcoming baby Jude!

His drawers are full of clothes - many of which were donated or gifted from friends and family, and the nursery is stocked and ready to go..... crib sheets, wipes, diaper cream, childrens' books, toys, bottles, and over 300 newborn diapers. I can't say thank you enough for all of the support we've received. Jude is so lucky to come in to world that is so excited to welcome him!

Gratitude Post, 6 of 12

After last summer's big trip, Scott and I wanted to head somewhere low-key this year for summer vacation. Knowing this would be our last trip pre-baby, we also wanted somewhere different where we'd have the feeling of exploring a new place.

For my 6th gratitide post this year, I am grateful for our July trip to Cape Cod. The weather was perfect, our hosts were gracious, the scenery was beautiful, and the food was fabulous. All in all, it was one of the best vacations we've had together, and I can't wait to take Jude back one day!

I was unsure about how it would be traveling when I was 27 weeks pregnant, but everything was perfect. The weather was about 20 degrees cooler than it was here in Atlanta, so that helped my energy level considerably, and our decision to spend the Fourth of July in Hyannis made for such a memorable experience. I am grateful for the opportunity to see some New England coast and enjoy time together before our little family gets a lot bigger!

A view of Nantucket from the top of the Whaling Museum

Scott and me in Nantucket

The Fourth of July Parade on Main Street in Hyannis

Me - 27 weeks pregnant and in front of the Grist Mill in Sandwich, MA

Boats on the coast of Provincetown

The boardwalk at Yarmouthport

Scott and me at the Hyannis Harbor, stuffed with yummy seafood