wifey

that's right! on the perfect day of june 5th, i choked back (happy) tears as my dad escorted me down an aisle of fresh grass to the oh-so-handsome groom standing at the other end. there, overlooking breathtaking hillsides of pasture in the heat of a southern afternoon, we said "i do" and shared a night of dining and dancing with our friends and family in a beautifully restored 1940's barn.

i'll say it again - perfect!

it's incredible to me how one day, one afternoon even, gave me so much more than just a husband that i adore. it added a new meaning to my life. a security i've never completely known. it offered me the clarity of appreciating the friends and family who truly, deeeeeply love us - those who will be there to celebrate in life's joyous moments and on whom we can lean in the harder ones. beyond invaluable.

i am blessed. we are blessed.

waiting...

Still 3cm and 80%... STILL.

Almost two months ago, I had my first contractions and the doctor said he was "preparing to come".

One month ago, the doctor said we could have a "Christmas baby".

2 weeks ago she said that he would be here any day.

Last monday I started maternity leave under the assumption that it was almost time.

Tomorrow is his due date and all I have are a bunch of random and painful contractions - no baby.

Who knows?! Maybe he'll surprise us and be right on time. I love the experience of carrying him, don't get me wrong. Waking up to his little hiccups is one of the most adorable things in this world. But, not quite as adorable as I know his face will be. His face! I'm just ready to see it. So come on, already.

In other news (still baby-related, of course) John and I have had a last minute reconsideration on baby Greider's name. We're still on for "Collins Sullivan" but instead of calling him "Collins", we're thinking of calling him "Sully". Sullivan was my maternal grandfather's last name. Everyone called him "Sully" - I called him "Papa Sully". He was a great man - funny, kind, completely devoted to his family, and even though he died 15 years ago I can still clearly hear the sound of his amazing laugh. It is a name to live up to and one that I hope my son will carry proudly.