Advancing to the start line

In September 2011 I decided it was time I finally tackled my goal of running a half marathon.  So I diligently followed a 9-week training plan and when race morning dawned, cold and wet, I stood in the start corral with thousands of other runners waiting to begin the run.  We were released in waves and as an earlier wave would strike out we'd advance closer and closer to the start line till finally it was my wave's turn to begin.  As I waited for my turn I thought how after several months of training, running late after putting Daniel to bed or getting up early to train before work, I was just minutes from getting to start my first big race and just hours from becoming a half-marathoner. 

 

Now after 9 months of waiting and preparing I find myself inching closer and closer to the start line for yet another big event.  We're full-term at this point so this baby could come any day now.  My guess is we've got another week or so to go but we're in "threat level orange" status on high alert.  I know when the "official" due date is but I know it's an arbitrary date and no more or less likely than any other day in that time frame to be the day.  So if it comes and goes and no baby yet I'm not going to stress over it.  This kid will come when he or she is ready.

 

This morning I got a nice surprise when I arrived at work.  My office group had put together a nice "welcome baby" spread for me complete with Finding Nemo-themed decorations and cake, breakfast goodies, and punch with sherbet.  Several friends had offered to throw me a shower, but since we really already have all the baby items we need, it was nice to just get a chance to enjoy some good food with friends and celebrate the impending arrival.  They also got us a generous gift card, a baby care set and toy dog for the little one, and a toy truck for big brother Daniel.  Daniel loved the truck the minute he opened it and couldn't wait for me to open the package, and he seems to have taken quite a liking to the stuffed dog too, holding it in his lap all the way home.  Thanks SBA!



 

I haven't gotten around to taking any more pictures lately, so I guess this'll count for my belly shot this week too.  Getting big!