Update 12/16/2002

(getting tired)

Well, things are getting down to the wire.  I know everyone who already has children will laugh at the statement I am about to make, but here goes:  “I can’t wait until the baby comes, so we have a chance to slow down a bit.”  I really do not think Leslie and I have been much busier than we are right now.  Between work, finishing our renovation project and getting the house ready, trying to exercise, church small group, Thanksgiving, Christmas, trying to keep the house clean and ourselves dressed, Bradley childbirth classes, looking for a second vehicle, the list goes on and on.  I do believe there is a light at the end of the tunnel.  Bradley classes end next week, and we are handing over the small group responsibility for a while.  We have about 95% of the living room completed, and we hope to be finished within the next week or so.  We have not really started on the baby’s room yet, but hopefully it will not take too long.  Then we have some work on our bedroom.  I think at that point Leslie will be able to relax a bit. 

(Leslie and the baby)

Leslie is doing well; she has not had any health problems to speak of.  She did over the last two days have some swelling in her ankles, but I had her get her feet up for about 12 hours or so, and that has seemed to do the trick.  The baby’s movement has been getting stronger than it was previously.  Leslie thinks the wriggling is right under her skin and the kicks sometimes feel like they’ll come right through.  We hope the baby is comfortable and are grateful for the reminder of the life about to be born.

(Christmas)

We are getting ready for Christmas, and as I am typing this Leslie is wrapping Christmas presents.  We have decided not to do any decorations for the second year in a row.  Last year, we were in Germany for a lot of the season leading up to Christmas, but this year we just have too much to do.  Leslie really loves Christmas and hates not to decorate.  I did notice that she has been placing Christmas cards that she has received on the newly painted mantel.  Today she had the Christmas music blaring through the house.  She is the type of person that would play Christmas music in May, if I would let her.  We will travel to Louisiana for the holiday.

(Thanksgiving)

This year for the first time we made it to Louisiana for Thanksgiving.  We had a good time and a well needed rest.  It was good to see Leslie’s brother Konrad.  He had just gotten back from serving our country in a certain undisclosed location.  I think I will need to ask him if I can expound upon this, being that the internet is such a public place.  Though, if you were to ask us in person, we would love the chance to brag on him.  Leslie also enjoyed seeing the family that came to celebrate at a surprise baby shower thrown for her by our moms and sisters.