The countdown is on!

In a little less than one week, my children (God willing!) will meet their newest sibling.

I can't say I'm excited about going into the hospital again. (For those who know me IRL or have been reading this blog for awhile, you know that the thought of panic attacks striking again in the hospital is enough to set me on edge). Still, it is exciting that we're going to finally meet this little guy, and I'm going to have my body sort of shrink down to its normal size again. I've reached the point where I'm tired of being huge.

[picture taken on Sunday after Mass]

I'm all "funned out," in other words.

The kids are beside themselves with excitement, talking about holding the new baby, playing with him, even changing him! They are looking forward to the whole experience all over again. God love 'em! I've got a whole household full of eager helpers! Grace in particular is quite excited over the thought of being a "big sister" to someone. I'm so thankful that so far we really haven't had any problems with the youngest child feeling usurped by the new arrival. Each time the youngest is made to feel extra special as he or she "graduates" into the world of the big kids, and they see that it's someone else's turn to "be the baby" for awhile. I pray that Grace will continue to feel special and will cherish her new role.

People keep asking if we're all ready for the baby. You know, with first children, you spend a lot of time getting everything just right -- setting up the nursery, getting the furniture just so, etc. By the time baby #8 comes around, the process is cut down substantially. I figure we'll finally get around to going up into the attic and getting the crib and baby car seat down a day or two before. I have washed the clothes and put them into the bureau, but that's about it (bad, bad Mommy).

If God brings me to mind, please say a prayer that all goes well with the delivery (and the hospital stay), and that our baby is born happy, healthy, and whole.