Harry's Getting Ready

Harry the Friendly Kitty (we're renaming him from Harry the Slightly Unstable Kitty because he was very well behaved for visitors this past week) is getting himself ready to welcome Pirate Pat into the breathing world very soon. Monday will mark 38 weeks so we're rapidly approaching the end zone. In other words, Pirate Pat will walk the plank soon. Grammies and Nanas seem to be especially excited these days. Grampies and Grandpas are revving up for some drool time, too.

We're in good shape, though, thanks to you guys! We're geared up, including having the cradle set up that my brothers and I used. Nana even gave Harry a present so that he doesn't feel too left out. Clothes are washed, car seat is installed, diapers are set... I think we're ready should Pat decide to come early.

So, without further ado, here is the (almost)38 week belly. I think Pat has dropped a bit so it might not look too different than a couple weeks ago. See what you think!



Hope everyone had a happy and healthy Thanksgiving!

Early Thanksgiving

I just thought I'd take a moment and highlight some additional links we added to our blog. Our friends Kate and Wilson decided to join the 21st century (as noted by them) and create a blog for their daughter, Hannah. She's cute enough to not need any more introduction than that.

Secondly, my old pal from elementary school, Phoebe, with whom I've recently had the pleasure of reconnecting, is now linked. She has other stuff going on besides kids and babies, but if you're still watching Survivor (and there may be one or two of you out there), she has thoughts about the show whenever she can catch it (which is when she's not freezing in her bedroom with no heat or feverishly writing papers for grad school).

Finally, I added a link to Clarabella. This is a store in New York that was born of some serious dedication to a long-held dream by our friend, Erin. Erin was my college and John's first NYC roommate and a pretty neat and special gal. Her blog is linked through her website and if you're ever feeling stuck in the mud or having a day of wondering why the heck you chose your career, read Erin's blog about starting Clarabella and you may be inspired to make some changes.

I do promise a picture soon, especially because I think the Pirate is approaching a decision about walking the gangplank and joining the breathing world. In the meantime, I did want to take advantage of pregnancy hormones (even though I'm sentimental without them) and point out some of the new links both because they're fun to check out but also because I hope Pat is as lucky as we have been to meet some good pals along the way. This sample of friends starts with those who shared the bad hairdos, braces, and pegged pants of elementary school and has progressed through proms (John had a really nice dress), college graduations, and now parenthood. These guys and all the other non-bloggers out there are a great group.

Anyway, in the spirit of an early Thanksgiving, I'd thought I'd give an early thank you to friends AND family for all of the amazing support over the last 8+ months. Now, if anyone would literally like to come and support this belly for a few days, I'd be happy to hand off the Pirate for a bit...

The Countdown is On...

35 weeks of fun are behind us and it's hard to believe there are only 5 to go. I have 13 days of work left and my plan is to start my leave in early December (if the Pirate holds on tight). I'm starting to look forward to that. I really can't complain, though. It's been pretty easy going considering the extra poundage that I'm enjoying!