Better late than never

Wow... so it has been awhile. Our lives have been crazy, but finally we are in the final stages before the baby actually arrives. Laura has been here now for about three weeks and we finally have had a few appointments and are very happy with the doctors and the hospital staff at Munson Hospital. We have moved into a house on Duck Lake near Interlochen. I actually was able to go kayaking out our front door yesterday. I am way too excited, Laura finally has the opportunity to nest and Meadow, besides a small fall down the stairs, is enjoying her new cozy house. We will be here until June and then hopefully decide longer range plans after Laura gets a job.

My job has unfortunately has been crazy and I have had to travel a lot these past two weeks. For example: I was in Grand Rapids with Laura over the weekend for the diaper poker party, Sunday night we had our baby class. Monday I was in Rogers City for a meeting, Tuesday in Traverse City, Wednesday in Alpena, Thursday in East Jordan and Gaylord, tonight we had a trunk or treat event and tomorrow a masquarade party that they need adults for and next week meetings in Rogers City and Kalkaska. Way to crazy this close to the baby, but after that I will be in town until the baby comes.

We are so excited and everyday we can tell we are getting closer. We finally got to see the birthing video in our class and then guys and girls were split up for Q and A. You could have heard a pin drop in the guy's circle and quickly we tried to figure who the first one of us who would get to experience this amazing event. Luckily, I was not the first one (might need a couple days to get ready for all of that) but quickly started sweating when I figured out I was second in line! Just part of the journey and Laura and I are excited to take. More to come...

36 Weeks

Well, I am now in Traverse City. I am definitely thrilled to be with Matt again, however my days are rather slow. He keeps reminding how most people would take advantage of this time, but that never makes me feel better. Not to mention the fact that he's been pretty busy at work and gets home late anyway. Oh well, gives Meadow and I lots of time to do some last minute bonding. Here's a pic of us (well, Meadow) walking along the Boardman River recently not too far from where the Witkowski's condo is.

It is beautiful here right now. I was in GR last weekend and there is such a difference in the colors. They really are brighter and deeper in Northern Michigan. Still waiting for cooler weather though. One my favorites things so far about TC is that everywhere I go I can be by water. Whether a river, small lake or the great big bay. Like right now... looking at a small, beautiful lake to the right of me. Can't get enough of that! It's pretty relaxing. 

I see my Traverse City doctor for the first time tomorrow. Hopefully, it's not too painful. We had our first Childbirth class on Sunday night and it went well. I can see why so many people recommended we do that. And we are not the oldest or have the closest due date in the class! The class is making it all a little too real though. I've been in the 'hmm...I don't think I can do this' stage for quite a while now and the class isn't helping yet. I've decided that months 6 and 7 were my favorite. Now I'm just too big and uncomfortable most of the time.

A few months back our friends wanted to know if we wanted to go to a Detroit Lions game this season. Of course we did... then we found out the date that would work was Oct. 16. :( That was a little too far along in the pregnancy for me to go. But there's no way I could make Matt not go!! I said back then that I'm sure I will regret it the day of the game, but he should go. Now that it's here, I know I would be ridiculously uncomfortable if I went, driving to Detroit, sitting in the stadium for hours, walking up and down the stadium stairs, driving home - ugh the thought of that makes me hurt. But I do wish I was going. Things have been going so well, it would have been a nice day for us, especially with the Lions being 5 and 0!!!! Well, have fun babe - and remember this moment...

The good news of the week is that we think we found a place to live! Matt has to make one last phone call to the people to make it official, but it sounds like it's a go. Hopefully the next time I post we'll be in a home (on a LAKE!). :) Down the stretch we go!! 4 weeks left!

"Before you know it"

Well quite a bit has changed since my last post. Laura has moved up to Traverse City and people now make a weird noise when I tell them them the due date is November 9th. Where before it was "...that's great, it will come before you know it!" Now it's "...huh?" or "Whooa!" Not going to lie, it is a noticeable difference. Has "before you know it arrived?"

We are definitely excited as we went out and bought a bunch of the big items that we had not received from showers with the gift cards that friends and family graciously gave. That was a fun day out knowing that one more thing is crossed off of our list. Now, we are concentrating on finding housing until at least spring. Now that Laura is here, she is doing some research for places and is also building all the baby toys, strollers and other important baby stuff that we will need... before we know it?

Well, even though Laura has been up here just a day and a half, now we are slowly getting settled in. Meadow is playing with her new toys and getting some serious resting done as well. Laura and I are still running all over the state in October to attend meetings, birthday parties, Lions games (Thank you sweetheart) and possibly even a little hunting.

Now the most nervous thing will be that nudge or call saying that we need to go to the hospital.You thought I was emotional at the wedding? You haven't seen anything yet. This baby will be sponsored by Kleenex if you know the Witkowski household. Whether it be emotions, estrogen or allergies you better believe it will be quite a sight.Until next time...

-Matt