This is all new

Since I had Allyson at 35 weeks I never reached the point of weekly doctor visits, so the procedures from this point on are all new to me. I am currently 36 weeks and growing. At my doctors appointment last Tuesday I was 1 cm. dilated and 25% effaced. Dr. Case said it looks like this one might cook for awhile. I have a ultrasound scheduled for this Tuesday because my belly is measuring two weeks ahead of the schedule, so either Blake is a big boy or he is carrying around more amniotic fluid than he needs to. I am still loving this pregnancy until it comes time to go to bed. Blake just doesn't want to let mommy sleep soundly at night. As the old saying goes, he is just preparing me for what is to come.

I am extremely excited to finally hold Blake in my arms, but at the same time it saddens me to think that it won't be just me and my little girl anymore. Within the last few weeks I have been overwhelmed with the feeling that each new day might be my last with just my daughter. This feeling has urged me to find all kinds of fun things to do with her, that I know won't be as easy to accomplish with a newborn. Thank you Jesus for my daughter and the wonderful memories we have been able to share together throughout the last 2.5 years. Allyson and I are both excited to welcome Blake into our circle of love, but at the same time I know we are both scared. I know you might laugh at me when I say my 2.5 year old daughter is scared, but Brian and I have noticed that she completely understands what is about to happen. My sister-in-law, who has three children of her own, brought to my attention that some of Allysons behaviors might be a reflection of her feelings towards Blake coming soon. At first I didn't think so, but as I sat back and observed I recognized that she was probably right. For instance, the other night Allyson wanted to lay down on me in bed, and I told her she couldn't put her whole body on mommy because we didn't want to hurt baby Blake. She slowly sat up and looked at my belly with confusion on her face as to how she could accurately rest on me without being on Blake. With a helpless look in her eyes she figured out the solution. "Mommy, take Blakey out please". I asked her why? "So I can lay with you" I proceeded to tell her that all three of us would cuddle together. I told her "Blake can cuddle on my belly and you can cuddle next to me with your head on my shoulder". She smiled and joined right in. This was one of Allyson's "cute moments", but some of her other behaviors of seperation haven't been so cute.
I have quite a few post to catch up on, so hopefully I can get to them before Blake decides to make his grand entrance.