38 weeks

Please forgive the very tired expression on my face.  I took this picture after rolling out of bed for work and a not so good night's sleep (a typical occurrence these days).  After work I typically go to the gym, shower and then put on sweats...so I try to take pics when I'm actually decent. And though this picture may not qualify as decent, you get the idea of how gigantic I am.

Matt and I agree how wonderful it would be if Madelyn decided to come just 6 days early and grace us with her presence in 2011 (I am married to a finance guy), but I know that she will come in God's perfect timing and I'm not too worried about it - though selfishly that would be nice on so many levels.  My first priority is that she's healthy and safe!  I know she'll come when she's ready.

I've also been praying a lot lately that God would prepare me to be a mother who sets a good example of what it means to love and walk closely with the Lord.  I know there will be so many situations that we will come across as Matt and I begin to raise our child(ren), but I feel like if we have our priorities straight of seeking God first in our household, everything else won't seem as big a deal.  I want to have a home where God is talked about freely, where we pray together daily and read the Bible regularly.  I know our home will be the biggest influence on our daughter and I know we can't do it well without God. 

At this point...

• have 2 days of work left - as much as I'm looking forward to the break, I hope I don't go stir crazy waiting for Maddie's arrival.  At least Matt has some time off with me.
• still not sleeping well and have swollen hands, but overall I have little to complain about during this last little bit of pregnancy.  I'm definitely blessed in that regard.
• feel like the days are dragging by. I'm going to have to pick up a new hobby or something.  Tonight I'm going to the book store to collect some new reads.  Matt and I started a puzzle last night.  I've recorded every Hallmark/ABC Family Christmas movie on TV.  I'm baking, cooking, cleaning like every day.  And I still feel so antsy, it's hard for me to sit still when I probably should be relaxing.
• I'm having contractions every day, but nothing consistent.  It took me quite a while to realize that they were contractions...this is my first time and there are all sorts of aches and pains throughout the pregnancy that I just endure and move on.  But good to know now. :)
• doing what I can to stock our little freezer with easy meals once Maddie comes.  We might be doing some take-out in the days to come by default.

Oh, and if you were curious today is the shortest day of the year.  So we Anchorage folks get a whopping 5 hours and 27 min of daylight today.  I can sense your jealousy.