Fu Manchu and One Week 'Til D-Day

Friday was my last day of work.  I can't tell you how odd that was for me.  I know there's a purpose for my leave, but since this baby girl's not here yet, it's a little hard to know what to do with myself.  I'm due one week from today!  Whoa!

Here's what I've done this weekend alone:

1.  Reorganized the nursery - again.  Pics below!
2.  Created a portable changing station for the living room.
3.  Cleaned out my closet and took a car-full of stuff to Salvation Army.
4.  Bought organizers at the Container Store and reorganized all the pots and pans in my kitchen.
5.  Cleaned the whole house from top to bottom.  Harlan cleaned fans and the fireplace :)

I believe this is called nesting.  It's out of control.  I need help...

The Fu Manchu

Harlan's face is almost completely hairless!  People we don't even know at church have made comments on the change, so we know his facial hair has made a lasting impression.  Ladies and Gentlemen, meet the Fu Manchu.

39 Weeks

Back a the beginning of my pregnancy, my mom and I visited a maternity boutique.  I tried on a shirt using a fake belly, and I couldn't even imagine ever getting that big.  Here's a picture of me then and now at 39 weeks, and I believe I have indeed gotten bigger than that fake belly.  

In other news, the baby's size is now officially being compared to a watermelon.  Please sit and ponder that for a moment or two.  

I Baked My Brains Out

I was able to leave on my last day of work having baked everyone their favorite dessert.  You already saw the Boston Cream Pie and the Italian Cream Cake.  Here are the others, in no particular order.   Warning:  I am so terrible with taking pictures of what I make.  Several are iPhone pictures, so I apologize.  I promise to do better in the future!

For Christi, Office Manager, the Black Beast:

Note:  This is the most ridiculous chocolate cake I have EVER made.  It has 26 ounces of chocolate in it!  

For Micah, Client Services, Pecan Fudge Brownies

Note:  I did not get a picture of these, sadly.  They were really, really good, and I took them out of the oven a good 6 minutes before they were supposed to come out.  It ensured a very fudgy brownie.

For Avery, Volunteer Coordinator, Starbucks Pumpkin Scones

  
Note:  These are worth the extra effort with the 2 icings.  Delish!

For Pam, LifeChange Director, Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake 

Note:  I accidentally picked up Pumpkin Pie Filling instead of canned pumpkin.  This meant I didn't use some of the flavorings suggested, since the filling already has so much.  It turned out super yummy - I was pleasantly surprised!

 

You would think this would mean I'm tired of baking, but I'm not!  My sister and I took a cookie decorating class last week, and I learned all sorts of new techniques for icing sugar cookies.  I can't wait to try them out on my own!

The Nursery

Here are a few pictures of the nursery.  We've added an adorable mobile we had custom made through Etsy, and the fabulous Christi of Sleepytime Rags made a precious diaper stacker!

Relinquishing Control, Yet Again 

Have you seen a theme yet?  God is constantly teaching me how to let go of control of my life.  He taught me that in a mighty way when we got pregnant.  Now, a week from my due date, I'm left wondering when she'll make her debut.  I am beyond fearful of being induced, or heaven forbid, ending up with a C-Section.  I pray daily that God would allow my daughter to be brought into the world the way He intended it - free of unnecessary medical interventions.  

If you read that paragraph, you know I'm still struggling.  I have no control over when she comes, or how.  I must trust that He will keep her healthy, and hopefully we'll get to meet her soon! 

Isaiah 41:10 "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."