i sense your nearness God, i have this acute awareness of your power above all things right now. that you are in control. i started pregnancy this way and i am desperately ending it this way, aware that i can do nothing to chose her due date. but just wanted to double check that you know that i would like her to stay in. the general public's favorite line right now as they give this pitiful sympathetic look for me as we embrace the august heat is "I bet you are so ready for that baby to come". i smile and every once in a while tell the truth that actually no, i am not. if baby girl came this week, the following would be true: my parents would be in Canada, Stephen's parents would most likely be in St. Louis meeting our new nephew, i would not have had the chance to train the women who i just hired to be my sidekick and carry the load while i am on maternity leave, our house is still a construction site with no room set up for her, and i haven't washed all of her things to make sure they are clean, soft and safe for her arrival. plus honestly i am a little scared. wow. please sweet girl, hang in there. also true: God is good to us, knows even our silly details of non-preparation, and that Stephen and I's hearts expand daily in anticipation of meeting her and that nothing overrides our joy and hope to meet our healthy baby girl. [caption id="attachment_92" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Cuz Lori wonderful surprise visit this weekend! "]

[/caption] [caption id="attachment_91" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Guch and Lori"]

[/caption]