Boys...

Neal was being goofy as he was taking this picture so I look a little dumb...Anyways, me at 38 weeks.

This evening we went to the park so the girls could play while dad watched them and I could lug my big pregnant self up and down the stairs and hills at the park. Everyone probably knew the purpose of all my walking...encouraging this little one to make his way on his own towards the exit. I've been induced 3 times and was told I would be induced again. Today I went to the doctor and I've actually progressed far enough on my own that my doctor thinks I won't need to be induced. I'm pretty excited about that and anxious to "help things progress". Mr. N is nervous though. Since I only dilate to a 5 before the baby comes flying out he's nervous that if I go too quick he'll have to deliver the baby or something. :) I seriously doubt that, but still it's kind of entertaining to watch him process those doubts.

Anyways, as I was walking I was watching these teenage boys skateboarding. They were attempting these jumps off the pavilion...and I think they were then trying to slide on their skateboards down the handrail. Really all they were doing was crash landing spectacularly on the grass behind the pavilion.

All I could think as I watched this is what different creatures boys are than girls…and that we were about to bring a little man-child into this world.  As I thought about that and watched these two teens almost breaking their necks in pursuit of fun, I found myself thinking that I was really grateful this baby was going to come small so we could grow through these experiences together instead of having to deal with situations like this right away.  I don’t think I could do that and keep my sanity.

These last few weeks are kind of tough because of all the conflicting emotions I feel.  For one I feel better at the end than I do throughout my entire pregnancy because the sickness lets up.  But I still don’t feel like myself and really look forward to feeling like me again.  But on the other hand, I can sleep on my own terms right now and pretty much know what to expect day to day from my family (pretty much being the key word.  We have LOTS of fun unexpected things come up that I never imagined I’d have to deal with!).  Plus, newborns are demanding...I know that.  They are easier to take care of inside.   I look forward to not having this huge belly proceed me everywhere I go…and to being able to sit up in bed at night without Herculean effort.  Yet I am excited to meet this newest member of our family.  There is nothing quite like the sweet spirit a newborn brings to the family…and the smell!  It’s to die for.  Either way, time will pass and he will be with us soon enough.  Now if only we could decide on a name!