Hospital Tour June 2010...38+ weeks!

Finally, I have seen where it will all begin! I feel more prepped having done the tour my mom and sister---both of whom helped me prepare with the gear I would need as well- illustrated clearly in the picture! The BREAST gear. :) LOL. Just days before my 38 week mark, you can see the belly/Mr. Lanz---whom I believe looks ready to come any day. However, my doctor seems to think there is NO way he is coming early, so I sit back and relax waiting for his arrival.

Now slowly approaching the 39 week mark this week...it's a big week. Not just because I am nearing the end of this pregnancy journey (which is awesome), but Drew comes home after 8.5 weeks in Dallas and I feel GIDDY. We finished prepping last minute things this weekend for Lanz and this Thursday, Drew and I are celebrating our 5 year wedding anniversary- a big milestone! I can honestly say I am so happy w/ Drew as my husband and I embrace the new challenge we are about to face---because it's together. I feel fortunate to have him along for this ride- he makes me less nervous. He's going to be the best Dad ever, I just know it. Watching him with other kids lights my spirit--and I know how excited he is to add Lanz to the family too---he beams when he talks about having our first child. Drew arrives home 1 day before our anniversary, June 10. I have a few suprises up my sleeve, but we also have dinner reservations planned for the Melting Pot---a great fondue restaurant--the bomb! Can't wait....

I'm still working, yep, no joke. I'm working up until June 18---one day before I'm officially due. Unless little Lanzie poo decides to enter this world earlier, then I will abruptly stop work. Dont' worry, I don't plan to operate off the blackberry doing IM, emails, etc while I am in early labor. The buck stops there---even if my job can be demanding. 8 weeks off full time and then I will weave back in part time for 2 weeks- then full time back on the clock. The LA time clock--from Nashville. That is, unless Drew and I move for his job....time will tell. I am praying we get to stay in Nashville, but it's out of my hands at this time. In the meantime, Drew is coming home and that is GREAT news.

The other picture above is me (pre prego days) in Austria in early Sept of 2005 in front of the Swiss Clothing Store, Lanz. They make leiderhosen, authentic german/austrian/swiss dresses/clothing. My family all came from Switzerland, hence my mothers maiden name, Lanz. So excited to have this picture to show Lanz where he came from as he gets older....I just love his name and all the meaning it has. Makes me smile.

37.5 weeks brings us to JUNE!

Ahh, in a few short days I will be hitting week 38, crazy!!!! Drew was just home for the holiday weekend and surely he could tell that the fatigue was finally setting in, along with swollen feet and hands! I swear, every week I read the "side effects" in pregnancy, it's like a check list for me. Fatigue- check. Blurred vision- check. Increase in swollen feet/hands/ankles- check. I just took off my wedding ring and bought a sterling silver band with a message engraved "Love Life"--such a perfect ring for me. :) Kmart had some great options! A few others side effects I have experienced that I won't mention, but check check check. LOL. I even found out that I have developed gingivits due to pregnancy AND carpultunnel/arthritis in my hands and wrists as well. Apparently, all are VERY common side effects to pregnancy. My trip to the dentist was a trip in a half! Seriously. The dental hygentist kept saying "wow, we are really concerned. did your past dentist not warn you or do anything about this." I kept telling her this wasn't an issue or a concern 8 months ago, but now all of a sudden- to her- seemed extremely serious. Other dentist comments were as follows: 1. we have to do a deep clean under the gums...and we might hear you screaming in the other room. 2. wow, the baby is kicking---they can tell when a mother is in distress. 3. I love doing this. It might be very painful for you, but I love seeing results. 4. this might be so painful that we have to break it up into two sessions for you. Finally, I wrap this gingivitis conversation by telling you that they were using GAWS to constantly apply pressure to the bleeding gums. It was a very positive experience. I love my new dentist! LOL.

Drew was here this past weekend "nesting"- cleaning the garage and doing several different household projects---he's in final prep mode as well. Everything is finally coming together...now if we can just get Drew home! I can see the light though...June 9 is coming quickly. YAY. Finally, he will be home. One day before our 5th wedding anniversary---I can't wait. I have a few little surprises up my sleeve and we have reservations at a local fav, The Melting Pot. Hard to believe 5 years ago we were getting married and now are having a baby. Happy Anniversary huh? Man, I am dying to meet this little guy who is kicking the heck out of my belly. He's so so so active in there. My skin hurts!

I can't say I am not extremely nervous, but all this anticipation just has me chanting "let's get this party started already!" I am constantly praying and asking God for the strength, patience and grace to be a mommy, and of course to calm my fears leading up to the new challenge---which he does daily. I am grateful for my faith at this time in my life, because Drew and I have had a rough year- or should I say a challenging year. Not just with the coming baby and that new challenge, but our jobs, travel, being apart from eachother a lot, not knowing where we will end up after this baby...so I am thankful for the peace I have found through my faith.

Drew and I are elated for Lanz to arrive. Knowing, no matter what, he will be here before we greet another month- is WILD.

xoxo Wendy