False start . . .

Sooooo, I really admire those with the uncanny ability to actually BLOG once in a while!  Had some time and something to share, so I thought I'd put the two together.

I had regular 3-minute contractions on Sunday, so Justin and I went to the hospital shortly after church, resolved to bring home a baby a few days later.  They were steady, regular, and quite painful, more painful than I remember with Lauren at that early stage, lasting into the night.  By the next morning, I had only progressed 1 cm and they sent us home, the contractions fading to almost nothing.  Talk about disappointment!  It was so hard to leave that hospital room, back in my Sunday clothes, looking at that empty incubator next to the hospital bed.  :'(  It just wasn't time, I guess.  I'm glad we went, and it was the right place to be, being in so much pain, but it's very confusing.  *sigh*  So I'm due November 20th, which means I have a week and two days to wonder when in the world this sweet little girl is going to finally join us on the outside!  I'm really looking forward to someone ELSE holding her for a change (I frequently ask Justin to take his rightful turn)!!!  Feeling just fine, no major problems, not much sleep (but that's to be expected), and still getting alot accomplished.  I never could touch my toes, so I don't worry over that, but it is extremely difficult to pick things up when they fall on the floor.  They might as well have fallen off a cliff!  Justin is super supportive and helpful, and Lauren is so excited about her new role as "big sister".  I can't describe how excited!  She's always hugging, kissing, and cooing to my belly, and talks constantly about all the things she'll do to help out and how she'll play with the baby.  We're much more prepared this time around, and have all the essentials ready.  I even got a free crib and pack 'n play and diapers and baby clothes!  We're very blessed with this little one, and can't wait to see her.

So here's a rundown on October:

My two lil' punkins:

 Our jack-o-lantern, which Lauren was disgusted with (too slimy):

 The finished product:

 My big punkin head:

 Dressed up for Halloween (I was a queen, Lauren was . . . can you guess?):

 Here's a hint:  '80's cartoon!  Justin was He-man:

 And Lauren was . . . She-ra!!!  She actually asked me to make this costume LAST Halloween:

 And here's what I looked like at 38 weeks:

Which is really close to what I look like right now (pj's and all, actually!).  In two days, I'll be 39 weeks.  Phew!  She's quite a belly-full, I tell ya!  I don't know how many people have asked me if there's more than one in there (it's getting annoying, too).  But this is how big Lauren got, and she was only 7 lbs. 3oz., so I know that it's just how I carry 'em.  Poor thing's got no room!!!

Well, that's it for now.  I will be more vigillant in the future with posting (only time will tell), but I will certainly put up pics of our sweet little dear when she finally decides to show up!  Until then, love ya!!!