Updates

Thanks so much to everyone who has called or e-mailed wondering how we are doing. We're good. The baby is officially two days late today. I have been having some contractions since yesterday and have touched base with my doctor about it. His comment was that my body is probably "gearing up" for real labor. His general rule is to not go to the hospital until they are 5 minutes apart for at least an hour, which they haven't been.

I did go to work today, but declared it my last day. It's just time. I'm exhausted from not sleeping and not feeling all that great with contractions a few times an hour. I have really mixed emotions about it all. On one hand I feel guilty for leaving my students and colleagues in the hands of a stranger when I technically don't HAVE to be out yet. I also like I'm being lazy or something while I send Sean off to work each day and I'm just sitting and waiting for the baby to arrive. Note: This has nothing to do with Sean, as always, he's completely supportive - but I feel that way anyway. Everyone has reassured me that it is more than ok for me to take some time to rest and am amazed that I have worked past my due date, but these ugly thoughts creep in anyway.

We have also made the decision that I am going to stay home next year which I am excited about but I also have a sort of sadness at the thought of my teaching career coming to an end for an extended period of time. I've wanted to teach since I was five and have strived for that goal ever since. Now I'm kindof putting an end to it indefinitely. I feel very satisfied and successful in my profession and am going to miss that feeling. The thought keeps going through my head: Will I be as successful when and if I ever go back? It was an odd feeling today.

Sean is doing exceptionally well these days. He turned in his final copy of his thesis on Monday and except for a few hours left of his clinical rotation, he is cleared for graduation. I feel like I have a different husband. You could literally see the weight lifted from his shoulders on Monday afternoon. We have had great times each evening walking (come on baby!) and talking together. We haven't gotten to do this so much and it's great to "have him back." We also celebrated with a visit to Village Tavern for dinner on Monday night - yum!

Speaking of yummy - Parker had quite a treat today. I left a bag of jelly beans on the coffee table last night that I had been snacking on. The entire bag was gone today (there were about 1/4 left) when I got home from work. Silly dog! - at least it's not the carpet that he ate this time! Note to self: Be more careful what you leave on the coffee table.