If you were to check in on my daily schedule, you would find me periodically staring at this picture I carry around with me. I can't help it. She is so adorable... I love her little turned up nose!!! :) I feel now like she is real - she really does exist, and is a little human being developing in her birth mother's womb. I dream about what she will look like, feel like, smile like. And to think that we are only 2 1/2 weeks away from having her in our arms. April 14 is coming up quickly!

I wondered how similar sonogram pictures at 4 months are - do all babies look generally the same at that age? After checking out other pics online, I now know that, no, babies have their own distinct looks. This is her! And I'm amazed at how clear her little profile is - rather rare, I think, to see her features so distinctly. It's as though she was posing quietly for this shot. Will she be just as cooperative once she arrives in the world?

It's been over a month since I wrote. A month of whirlwinds, of ups and downs, of being sick in bed, of being so overwhelmed at times I've wondered when sanity would return. But, here we are a mere 5 1/2 weeks away from being parents, and I'm beginning to believe that it really will happen after all!

I've started the meds to be able to breastfeed, and met this morning for a pre-consult with the recommended pediatrician. We have books on newborn care all over the house, and some of the gizmos and gadgets associated with babies have started to accumulate around the house.

Speaking of which, I actually found bedding this morning!!! I've been on the hunt for weeks, and today very inadvertently stumbled (almost literally) across what I think will be the perfect set at Ross. Inexpensive but just what I wanted - ladybugs, butterflies, and daisies. Yay.

I wonder sometimes if, as I was cautioned regarding wedding preparations, it's easy to get so caught up in the physical preparation that the mental and spiritual preparation get left behind somewhat. When I really stop and think about the solemnity of raising a child, I wonder how prepared I am. Last night we were able to see our good friends whose baby is 4 months. So quickly she is learning and growing and assimilating the world around her. Right from the very first, our baby must be surrounded with the best influences possible to shape her life.

So, my contemplation tonight is what can be done in our home to best promote peace and love and a sense of security for this new little life that is joining our lives....