36 weeks and 23 Months

23 Months 128 (10)
Originally uploaded by steveandamylou

I don't have any great photos to post of either Ben or I right now, so have to use this one.
I am now 36 weeks pregnant and seeing the final stretch in front of me. I feel surprisingly GREAT, which is a big treat because last pregnancy at this point I felt like a bloated sausage. I can't decide if its the impact of a) less of a crazy work schedule b) feeling more relaxed c) gaining less weight or d) taking Omega-3 fatty acids (which have been proven to lower blood pressure and increase mood among many other health benefits). My energy level is good, I even painted our entire basement this weekend, military grade gas mask and all. I have been having some irregular contractions and feeling pressure, all of which I am taking to be a good sign. I'm getting excited for this birth, praying a LOT, reading many verses and affirmations, and staying positive about our upcoming birth. My last experience was really difficult, and I am believing that this experience will be different and healing.
Steven and I are both exhausted with trying to complete our basement project. We had hoped to be done by June 1st, and will be done the middle of next week. These things always take much longer than we expect! Steven is doing a fabulous job, we both think he could be an electrician now, he has done so much rewiring in our basement (and many minor plumbing repairs also). We were remarking the other day how much we have learned through this experience, although we both have different take home messages. For me, it has convinced me that I never want to own a home that needs major work again. For Steven, he's ready to jump into the next big project with both feet (mostly because he has a lot of great tools now!). The basement is going to be beautiful, much worth all the effort.
Benjamin is well over 23 months, and I have again neglected to write about him. He is so much fun right now, becoming so independent, and is very verbal. It is delightful to communicate with him as he understands so much. He loves to do many things by himself and enjoys the accomplishment when he does: "Ben DO IT!" His gifts are definitely in pushing buttons and in discovering how things work. He loves water and anything to do with water :) Ice Cream (aka "special treat") is becoming his weakness. He's shy in groups, very playful and verbal with his friends. He's becoming more particular about sharing, and usually does well when given choices or options. He seems to know he's going to be a big brother, they other day grabbed my abdomen and said "take the baby out!" He's very tender and snuggly, and also playful. The other day I had two pigtails and he giggled and pointed saying "SILLY!" He loves to play peekaboo, especially when we pretend we can't see him. His giggles light our world. I can't believe in a few short weeks, he will be 2 years old. Time sure does fly when you're having this much fun.
I am feeling very sentimental about not having time alone with him anymore in a few weeks. Its hard to imagine that I will love the next child with as much depth as I do Benjamin. I know I will, its just hard to imagine. I'm treasuring each precious moment!