A Garden of Babies

I realize my blog is becoming baby-centric (my mom just commented that I should read my first post last May and then read my last post to see just how much my life has changed this year!), but as Spring is slowly springing, I know more than 20 women having babies and conversation seems to head in that direction frequently. The little garden of babies is sprouting quite nicely, and my friend Colleen's little one is hopefully due tomorrow. I know she would appreciate your prayers as she goes to the hospital to be induced at 8:15 a.m. I'm sure she will deliver swiftly and safely sometime tomorrow!

Of course, this makes me realize my turn is coming...next week! I can't believe our baby is coming next week. Wow! That is pretty freaky (no offense, baby). But I don't think we could be any more prepared. Here is a running list of recent preparations, which includes more nesting by the father than the mother (I think):

• 56 - Gingerbread lattes consumed during pregnancy
• 36 - Hours spent by excited father-to-be cleaning, dusting, vacuuming, and safety-checking condo
• 30 - Pounds gained during pregnancy
• 21 - Number of pregnant women I currently know
• 10 - Number of pregnant women at church (that I know about)
• 13 - Number of birth classes taken
• 9 - Number of birth classes that were "Bradley Method" that we won't be using
• 7 - Couples in Bradley class
• 5 - Number of couples who have not yet had their babies from our Bradley class
• 6 - Number of friends and family who traveled from out-of-state for a baby shower
• 8 - Number of days until I can eat See's Candy again!
• 1 - Room built to house a baby
• 2 - Excited parents waiting to love their baby into the world!
• Immeasurable - The love and support we have received from our family and friends during my pregnancy.