All we need.......

 A place to put baby...I mean a swing in the den......CHECK!

 Pack n Play downstairs with changing table (stocked).........CHECK!

 A way to keep baby quiet...I mean pacis for soothing.....CHECK!

 Big Brother, Big Sister and Little Sister shirts (just in case we forget who is who).....CHECK!

 A way to get home from the hospital......CHECK!

 Bag packed for my upcoming 3 day vacation....I mean hospital stay.......CHECK!

 Pack n play next to my bed.......CHECK!

 Nursery decorated and well-stocked.....CHECK!

 A cozy chair ready for some LONG nights.......CHECK!

 Hand-picked gifts from "big bro" and "big sis".......CHECK!

 A drawer FULL of diapers (from Craigslist I might add, all for $60!!!)......CHECK!

More diapers, lotion, mylicon, wipes, burp cloths, etc UPSTAIRS!........CHECK!

NOW ALL WE NEED IS A BABY!!!!!!!!!

Ok, I am off to walk up and down the stairs 10 times in a row!

We gave in!

Well, I held off as long as I could.  The kids have had Leapsters and LOVE them.  The games we have are all educational and I have been pleased with what they have actually learned from them.  BUT I knew the time would come when I would be confronted with the "Why do we not have DS's" conversation.  It happened about a year ago when Cooper talked to his friends at school.  Most of them had ditched their "babyish" Leapsters for a Nintendo DS.  I objected and the kids were fine with that. 

However, as time has gone on, the Leapsters have started to decline in performance (after all, Cooper's is 4 years old!!).  As we discussed what we could get for the kids to celebrate their new sister's arrival, the DS talk came up again.  And..............we gave in.  So here we sit, waiting for our new gaming systems to charge. 

The guy in "Game Stop" looked at me VERY funny when I asked him for the "educational games" and then told me I could order those online.  So we left the store with a pink DS, a blue DS, Mario Brothers, Disney Princesses and Animal Genuis (the closest thing I could find to educational).  We shall see how this goes!!!!!!!!!! 

almost time................

My dear sweet Emmeline Dean,

When I cannot eat, because my stomach has been squished into a tiny spot in order for YOU to grow, I try and remind myself this is only temporary.

When I wake 5 times a night to use the restroom, I try and remind myself that soon those night time wakings will be filled with your cries, giggles, smiles and sweet coos. Although I look forward to that, at least my trips to the restroom are less than 2 minutes each then BACK to sleep.

When I step on the scale and realize the number keeps going UP, I try and remind myself that each pound gained has been a blessing, something many women would give anything to experience.

When I feel your heel digging into my rib, I remind myself that I am blessed with a baby girl growing in my womb with two legs, two arms, two feet and two precious hands.  Soon I will be kissing that sweet heel as I fasten your onsies in your nursery.

When I worry about recovering from your birth, I remind myself that having a c-section is sometimes a blessing because I am required to "take it easy" which means snuggle time with YOU.

When I pay the hospital and doctors bills, I remind myself of how exciting it is that our family of 4 is about to become a family of 5 and we will make it work!  I can wait another 22 years for my Louis Voitton.

When I cannot sleep at 2 am because you have the hiccups, I remind myself that in 21 or less days I will NEVER feel that again.  While annoying when trying to sleep, it is amazing that I can feel you growing and living inside me!!!

When I start to worry about managing life with three amazing children, I remind myself that no one expects me to be perfect and together, we will make this work.

And.....when I start to wish for an early entry into this world for YOU, I remind myself that once you are here, this part is over.  I am not sure I am ready for this part to be over.  I am excited, nervous, scared, emotional, tried, energized, worried, thrilled, you name it.  I am so blessed to have all of those emotions and I thank YOU for it all.  I know you will be just as amazing as your big brother and big sister. 

We love you sweet baby girl. 
Love,
Mama

p.s. I meant all that but it is totally cool if you want to stop the heel jabs for a few days.  They are cute but they hurt.