It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Our bags are packed, we are ready to go...

now if Baby Girl would just hurry up and get here already!  

Car seat adjusted to newborn size and pink cover in place, assembled and ready in the car

I've been to the doctor what seems like several times since I last blogged.  But as of this morning, I am 3 cm dilated, "pretty much" thinned out, and my cervix is in front (which is a good thing)...soooo the induction is officially set for Friday, December 14!  He said I am very ready (mentally, I could have told him that!).  We are to check-in at the hospital at 5 am and the doctor said he would put me at the "between 10 am and 2 pm" range for when she would be in our arms, but that he guessed it would be before noon.  However, he also said he would not be surprised at all if he saw me before Friday.  So really, any time now!  I've been feeling pretty miserable...lots of discomfort, contractions that range in intensity but hurt and leave me sore, frustration that they subside and never turn into real labor, frustration at being so huge and unable to do everything I would like to do, etc.  Needless to say, Friday can't come soon enough!  At an appointment last week, the doctor had me do a non-stress test to check Baby Girl's movement and monitor the contractions I was having.  An added bonus was the sonogram he ordered to check on her further... she passed all tests with flying colors and I was happy to get a little glimpse of her.

Profile shot

Front of her face -- and according to the sonographer, those white lines on the top of her head is hair!  She also commented on her cheeks being especially chubby and we were able to see a "roll" on her body -- which could easily just be from how squished in she is, but it was cute nonetheless. 

Another front of her face -- check out those pretty lips and button nose! :)

We have been LOVING having John home with us and back to our "normal" schedule.  Rudy is obsessed with his dad.  I mean, obsessed.  He follows him everywhere, laughs at all his antics, and gets lots of snuggles.  It might normally bum me out, but it couldn't be better timing.  With Baby Girl on her way and the attention I'm going to have to give her while nursing, I'm glad Rudy will be more than happy to have all his dad's attention.  

We are soaking up our time as a family of 3...doing things that might not be so easy in a few short days.  Last week I took Rudy to visit John at work and, as usual, he had a blast climbing on the engine.  We had a few days of abnormally warm weather so it was nice to hang out outside.

Our Christmas decor is up and Rudy couldn't be happier about it.  He loves all the lights!  In fact, any light makes him fascinated now (He says, "Woooow") -- even walking down our hallway he stops and points at the can lights.  Gran took him on a little walk the other night when it was just turning dark and he was enthralled with everyone's outdoor lights.  Whenever someone comes over, Rudy has to show them our trees (at least once, usually more).  He also loves Rudolph (I might start singing the song in my sleep as much as he makes me sing it) and the character Santa (as in he likes him in books, stuffed animals, decoration, but not the real guy... see picture below).  When asked what Santa says, he responds "Ho, Ho, Ho."  

Our elf came this year... he's been keeping a close eye on Rudy! 

Kisses for Rudolph

Baby Girl and Rudy's trees

Our stockings hung and ready for Santa

Our silver and gold tree.. conveniently positioned on top of a table in the corner of the room.  Couldn't be a better spot -- out of the way and Rudy and Rufus-proof.

Rufus in his new spot under the Christmas tree table... safe from Rudy

Last weekend we took Rudy to the mall to visit Santa and do some other fun things and we all had a great time.  Rudy loved all the lights, the decorations, and all the activities we did (well, mostly all).  The new train at the mall isn't on a track, it just drives around the entire lower level.  Every time is passed us, Rudy ran towards it waving.  We spent some time at Build-A-Bear making Clarice for Baby Girl and Rudy picked out Max the puppy from The Grinch.

"Wooooow"ed by lights

We rode the carousel, too.  Rudy's impression of "what a horse says" is pretty entertaining and he loved pointing and waving at Dad every time we went by.

Santa...eh, not so much.  But what a picture!  :)

We have been having some really great days these days!

Same couch, same handsome boys...lots has changed, but not the important stuff :)

Well, the next time you hear from me we should be a family of four.  Please keep us in your prayers for a happy and healthy baby!  We can't wait to welcome our little lady bug into our family... it's been a great 16 months with Rudy and I have a feeling that it's only going to get better