Aaron and I just got home from our neighborhood theatre (Central Cinema) where they are playing “Oh, Brother Where Art Thou?” this week. This is a favorite movie for both of us, and we’ve been singing a lot of songs from the soundtrack lately, so we were pretty pumped to go see it again tonight. Our birth class teacher, (the amazing) Penny, has been encouraging us for the past month to pick a song to sing to the baby and to consistently sing it. She’s convinced that the baby will recognize the sound of our voices and the rhythm of the song we pick once he or she is born. Despite not being all that consistent, we’ve tried our best to sing “Keep on the Sunny Side” for the past four weeks. Even if the baby doesn’t recognize the song, it’s been a fun ritual!
The song is also apropos given the beautiful weather that we had today. We slept in, went to breakfast at Geraldine’s, and then walked about three miles around Seward Park. Our midwife (also named Geraldine) says that the best thing I can do to get labor started is to walk a ton, so we took her advice. I’m trying to rest and get sleep too, but I’m fully prepared to walk the stairs or do whatever else I have to do to move things along. Geraldine’s guess is that the baby will come next Saturday, so this may feel like the longest week of my life 
39 weeks and a few days!
The last month or so has been very busy, but we finally feel like things are slowing down. Aaron finished up his grad school class and had his final exam last weekend. He did well in the class (it was especially challenging) and is looking forward to taking the next quarter off. At work I’ve been busy doing my normal job, along with training the man who is covering for me while I’m out, and working with my new boss (as of three weeks ago) to help him understand what his job is. I think I will really enjoy my new manager a lot, but the poor guy will have a tough adjustment period – I’m his only direct report and I’m leaving, and my previous boss who switched into another role went on maternity leave the first week he was there. Thankfully I’ve had a few weeks to help him understand what his job is, but the rest will be trial and error.
We’ve felt especially loved and blessed this month by the kindness of our friends, neighbors, family and co-workers. My co-workers threw me a shower two weeks ago and gifted us with some very useful and fun baby gifts! The three women I work most closely with hosted the party, and they went to great lengths with all of the details (decorations, food, and just a relaxed fun time). They are a lot of fun and are very excited about baby Greene, which always makes me feel very appreciated.
Last weekend we also had a baby celebration with our friends, thrown by Mel and Alison, and held at Shemiele’s house (the expert party host). Mel (as usual) did an insane amount of work planning the invitation, decorations, favors, and alphabet book. And, in addition to a beautiful Nikki McClure book and some adorable clothes, she knit the baby its very own hippo (Aaron has named him Seymour). He is our favorite stuffed animal by far, and is incredibly sharp-looking in his orange and red striped sweater
Seymour
Alison cooked almost all of the food for the party (two kinds of Quiche, peach salad, coffee cake and more), all while taking care of 7 month old blue-eyed Bella. Alison also worked with Mel to pull off a fantastic alphabet book project (they pre-decorated 26 pieces of paper with each letter of the alphabet, and our guests drew pictures of items that started with that letter. Mel put together all of the sheets into a single book and had everyone sign their names, so that we have a complete alphabet book to read to the baby!).
When we left Shemiele’s last Saturday, both Aaron and I reflected on how thankful we were for such amazing friends and for the incredible amount of love and support they have shown us. I was especially thankful for such a relaxed and fun celebration – no big groups watching me open gifts and time for real conversation and fun where our friends could interact with each other. It was the best baby party I’ve ever been to, but then again, I’m a bit biased.
Now, we are just waiting for our child to arrive. I am overwhelmed sometimes with the responsibility that we will hold as parents, and the reality that I’m carrying life into this world. We are filled with anticipation and thanksgiving to God.
I’m so glad you’re using a midwife. The one I had here, the team I saw prenatally, and the one of them who attended me was my hero. She just listened, watched, encouraged me. Glad to hear you’re balancing exercise and rest! Take Keba!!
My only complaint about the shower was that there weren’t any storks with pastel-colored almonds. Can’t wait to meet the baby!!!!
What a darling room! You definitely have the pregnancy glow
I’m so glad you’re feeling loved and enjoying the last bit of pregnancy 
I remember so vividly walking to our favorite dessert shop the night before (well, night of?) Catelyn was born, and how wonderful it was to just have those nights of joyful anticipation. Keep walking!! 
We are so excited over Greene Bean’s upcoming grand exit from the womb into the world! You look fabulous Keba!!!