Is This It?

Something has changed in the last week or so, and I'm not really sure where to start. To begin with, my awesome in-laws were here for a week and just left on Tuesday (it's Thursday now). While they were here, we did a lot of things, ate out a lot, went to the orchestra, went to Duluth, and generally spent a lot of time together. It was really nice to have them come stay with us and it felt very good to have them so close, even if just for a little bit of time. There was also a lot of tea and biscuits--so, so many biscuits!

During that time, my best friend Mary threw me an amazing baby shower. It was perfect. It was so fun and perfectly low-key and I got to invite all the women in my life I like the most. It was incredible to have my mom, Chris's mom, Mary's mom, and a bunch of friends in the same room, and all to celebrate this little baby who we've decided to bring into the world. People wrote little pieces of advice for me, and my own mom wrote, "It takes a village to raise a baby, and you've got one." And I believe it now. Maybe that's what baby showers are really all about--a reminder that people are happy for you, happy about the baby, and just there for you if you need them. And it's a reminder that comes at the perfect time--when you are beginning to get anxious about your ability to do this.

So, after the shower, I had more things for the baby--really important things, like a place for her to sleep, a health and safety kit (complete with one of those little nose suction things and a thermometer)--and more love (and leftover pasta salad) than I could have imagined having. I also had time with both sets of Sophie's grandparents, and the realization that holy crap, this kid is lucky. Our parents are all incredible, loving, generous, supportive people. They are ready to love this baby.

So, we have the baby stuff, and the support. Our daycare is in place. The baby will have insurance. We have money squirreled away. Chris has thoughts and plans of starting a college fund in his head. We've researched all the applicable tax credits and childcare savings plans through our employers. We know where to go to have the baby. I'm wondering now, is this it? Are these the exact moments in which we've become ready to have this baby arrive?

A week or so ago, I felt completely unprepared. But lately, life has quickly pushed me towards readiness, and I can feel my body preparing for what's to come. It's so crazy, and so awesome.

So, that's what's been going on over here. How have you all been?
xo