The Final Nesting Moments

I think the nesting urge is slowing down now. I'm sure my children are rejoicing, because I've had them hopping these past few days, decluttering just about everything they can. We've purged toys, clothes in closets, books, etc. You name it, we've probably covered it. We did a massive clothing "swap/hand-me-down" thing this weekend as well. I'm feeling better about the house I'll be bringing this little one home to, but I'm still feeling somewhat cramped.

I'm not sure if this is an invitation for us to "suffer" the inconvenience and grow in holiness, or the opportunity to say, "wake up! This house is way too small for a family your size!" Guess we'll just have to see... *grin*

In the meantime I can be thankful that we managed to get so many things "off the list" before I go in to the hospital:

--I wound up making 3 batches of strawberry, 2 batches of blueberry, and 1 batch of peach jam. I feel like such the pioneer! *grin*
--I ground wheat and made two loaves of bread this afternoon (it's been awhile since I've made any!)
--We decluttered the girls' rooms and the boys' room.
--Thanks be to God and St. Anthony (for his intercession) we now have a real twin mattress for Thomas, who was able to relinquish his crib mattress (I know... the poor guy has been sleeping on one on a trundle bed....) to the baby. At least now everyone has a place to sleep!
--Clueless one here managed to squeak in a quick hospital preregistration.
--My dh has been getting so many of those little projects around the house done, AND managed to clean up the yard (which was on my "I'd love to get this done list" but never shared with anyone)
--I'm washing my last load of baby clothes this evening.
--And we've managed to pull off a decent 1/2 week of homeschooling so far (I'm only having them to half a day's work... they'll do the other half next week when dh is home taking care of me).

Whew!

I still don't even feel close to being emotionally ready for a new baby... OR a hospital stay... but like it or not, the time is almost here. I'm not one of those women that bond instantly with their baby. I never have. (and, truth be told, I never liked babysitting either. Hated it, actually... that's what makes it so funny that God decided I needed to be a "Mom of many.") At the end of the first day, I'll hold him in my arms, look him straight in the eye, and say, "Well stranger, I'm your mommy. I guess it's time we got to know each other a little bit." By the time I've been home for a few days, however, I'll start feeling those maternal instincts kick in, and then I'll start drinking in every feature, and go through that babymoon period.

I will do my best -- when the time comes -- to post some pictures from my iPhone to my blog. If that doesn't work, I'll have dh post at least a picture or two.

As always, thank you for your prayers. I will be praying for all of you while I'm on the table, offering up that experience for any intentions you may have. Lord willing, you will hear from me soon after his birth!