the good news and the bad news

Well, the good news is...I'm still pregnant.

The bad news is...I'm still pregnant.

Just kidding.  This really is mostly good news.  I'm only 37 weeks and 4 days along, so baby girl still has some time to cook.  And the chubbier the better, as far as I'm concerned.

At our last doctors appointment, he told us that she was measuring approximately 6 pounds, 3 ounces, which he said is a couple of weeks behind the "average," but he was quick to reassure me that most moms don't mind a smaller baby.  He's right.  I don't.  [But I'm still hoping for some chubby cheeks.]

For some of you this next part might be getting into the TMI territory, so if you fall into that category, go ahead and scroll down to take a look at some of those pictures down there.  I won't be offended, I assure you.  Go ahead.  Take a peek.

But for the rest of you brave souls, the truth of the matter is that I really can't feel most of the things that most moms say happen to their bodies as they prepare for labor.  If my body is experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions, I can't feel it.  If my belly has "dropped," I don't know it.  If I'm supposed to be feeling increased pressure, well, I can't feel that either.  Not yet anyway.  From my readings about the end of pregnancy, this could mean one of three things [in order of decreasing likelihood]:

1. My body won't be ready to deliver until my due date.  At least.
2. My body could be ready to deliver within the next 24 hours.
3. There is a slight possibility that I could be pregnant forever.

Ok so maybe that last one isn't really a possibility at all.  But sometimes, in moments of self-doubt when I read all about the signs of impending labor and am not experiencing any of them, it is a serious consideration of mine.  And as for the other two things, all of my readings about labor essentially tell me that even though there are technically "averages," it really is incredibly different for every individual.  Which to me means that they really have no idea how and when things will happen.  They can make educated guesses, but in the end, they're in the same boat as I am.  Waiting.

I am just so anxious to meet our little girl, even though I know that when she comes, our lives will be filled with sleepless nights and probably a fair amount of crying from me.  [See: sleepless nights.]  She has become such an important part of my life already, and I love her.  I love her even though I don't know who she'll be or what she'll look like.  I love her because I know that no matter what, she is ours.  Our little girl.  The little girl that we would already do anything for.

Ok for those of you who have scrolled down to avoid more talk of labor and pregnancy and mushiness, you can probably tune back in now.  But I make no guarantees.

This last weekend, we went on another double date with my in-laws, Jeremy and Ali.  First we went to the new Brigham City temple.

Isn't it gorgeous?  Seriously.  I feel so lucky that this beautiful edifice is 15 minutes away from my house.  The inside is even better.  Whenever I go inside one of these houses of the Lord, I feel an almost tangible peace.  This last Saturday was no different.

Timothy and me.

And the lovely Jeremy and Ali.

Afterwards, we all went to El Toro Viejo.  This was a result of mine and Tim's quest to find truly authentic Mexican food in Utah.  A feat easier said than done.  We have already been to more Mexican restaurants up here than I'd care to admit, always justified by the fact that "we won't be able to go out as much once the baby comes."  Which, while true, is also an expensive justification.

And, in case you were wondering, El Toro Viejo was probably the closest we've come.  We were duly impressed.  And Jeremy and Ali always make for amazing company.

We also got to drive to Salt Lake City on Sunday evening and have dinner with a few of my cousins.  It was so fun.  They all grew up on the east coast, and even when they moved closer to attend BYU, we didn't get to see them all that often.  Now they're one hour away!  Which basically means that there is at least one plus in having moved to Utah.

p.s.  Thank you for all of your sweet comments on my last couple of posts.  First of all, to all you moms for having given me advice about newborn clothing.  It was extremely helpful, and I think we are now as prepared as we're going to be in that department.  And secondly, thanks for all of your sweet comments on my last post, about my meltdown in our driveway.  There really are "good things to come." :)