ten probing thoughts whilst carrying a full term baby

1. This photo shoot is our attempt at topping last year's back porch pumpkin shoot.  As you can see, we just couldn't get it.  Number one:  Patrick doesn't look at the camera much anymore, and he just doesn't make those sweet faces anymore.  He also looks like he crawled out of a dirt pile (which he did).  Number two:  At 37 weeks, it's hard for this Mommy to look flattering in a photo.  But hey, we gave it a try and I'll be looking forward to next year's sesh when there's a good chance I won't be knocked up.
2. Our baby is considered full term today!  I don't really know what that means, but I suspect it doesn't mean much.  I swear BabyCenter just makes up these terms to us pregnant women feel better.  So we're three weeks away from the due date - woo hoo!  At this week's appointment, Dr. Printy said I was 1-2 cm dilated.
3. My hospital bags are packed.  I took all the tags off my new clothes, folded them neatly and stacked them in.  The baby's bag with his few things is also ready to go.  Everything looks so fresh and cute, even my old Boppy cleaned up beautifully.
4. My new most favorite hospital bag item:  the cozy socks from Bath & Body Works.  Are they not the most comfortable, silky and glorious things that ever went on your feet?  
5. It's Clinique gift time!  I'm crazy about Clinique and go nuts when it's gift time.  A new make-up bag loaded with free crap?  Yes, please!  The best item in there:  chubby sticks.  It's their new version of lipstick/balm and it's damn amazing. 
6. Patrick has been loving this app I've got on my iPad called "ABC Song."  He requests it every night after his bath while we're snuggling on the couch.  He smiles so big and we sing along to the words.  There's also a game where you can pop bubbles.  I'm thinking of getting one of those iPad protectors in the kid toy aisle now that I'm feeling a little more comfortable with him using it.
7. Speaking of Patrick, what are his faves these days?  These John Deere semis with trailers at Wal-mart have kept him entertained for hours.  There are three different styles and we only need one more to complete our collection.  And at only $11.97, you can't go wrong!  The CAT train was a gift for his birthday.  Let me tell you, this thing is a winner.  We've spent loads of time hooking and unhooking the cars, turning it on and turning it off.  It actually says "ages 5 and up" on the box, but it's one of those where you just don't pay attention to that suggestion.  
   
   
   
8. Did you know that there are Hot Apple Cider K-cups?  Good gracious, that stuff is delicious.  One of the teachers I work with noticed me scoping it out on the secretary's desk and offered to make me a cup.  (Probably only because I'm pregnant - everyone will go back to ignoring me here soon).  But I of course said Hell Yes I'd like a cup.  I'm a huge apple cider fan.  Hot, cold, frozen...just give it to me.  
9. I rarely get upset about posts on Facebook.  Like, if you want to post those dumb e-cards or a picture of your disgusting dog licking your kid, it doesn't matter to me.  Political statements, rants about everyone in your house puking last night, pictures of your rock-hard abs, or even bragging about your 4.5 mile run this morning - doesn't matter to me.  It's all you - go for it.  But there is ONE THING that I seriously have had enough of and that's posting your pictures on Instagram and then RE-POSTING them on Facebook.  OMGAWWWSH you guys.  CHOOSE ONE.  If your original intention is to post them on fb, then set your phone to airplane mode and try to post it on Insta.  It won't go through but it will save to your camera roll.  This could potentially save my sanity.
10. I need some ideas for a "big brother" gift from the baby.  After running into a fellow teacher of mine (very wise, very amazing mother) with five children and chatting it up for my entire planning period a few minutes, she told me the best thing she did was to have a gift at the hospital for the older sibling from the younger sibling.  Right away, the older sibling will feel the positive vibes coming from the baby.  So what should it be?  I've heard these puzzle wheels are great for toddlers and so are those Thomas the Train magnetic cars.  Problem with the train cars:  they're like 15 bucks a piece at BAM!  I hate BAM!