Wow, I've gotten so far behind with blogging! I'll start with another thankfully boring checkup report. Our latest checkup was last Friday (as in 8 days ago). I probably didn't report on it because there was nothing to really say again! Baby's heartbeat was the same, he measured exactly on schedule, and we're both doing just fine.

Last Saturday, Jeff and I went to a childbirth class at the hospital all day. We basically learned what to expect from the first labor pain to Junior's arrival into the world and toured the hospital. The rooms all have jacuzzi tubs - ooh! Jeff took copious notes - my favorite is "bring her whatever she wants!" ;). He's been making me practice the breathing we learned during television commercial breaks just like our instructor told us. The instructor also said that I can't get an epidural without talking to the anesthesiologist beforehand because I have scoliosis. I was planning on doing without one anyway, but wanted to keep my options open so it looks like I may have to add that meeting to my still-too-long to-do list!

On Sunday, the "long distance grandma who just wants to pat the baby bump" arrived! Mommy finally got to feel the baby bump but, unfortunately, we forgot to take any pictures. It turns out she wasn't just here for a visit, but to attend our surprise baby shower! Nanci Barton organized the cutest rubber ducky-themed shower with my handbell family and Junior's family right after handbell practice at church on Wednesday evening. I'm so clueless - I had no idea what was coming even as everyone was walking to the fellowship hall! We ate lots of good food and cake, and Junior received so many cute clothes and fun toys. Thanks to everyone!

The cute cake made by Nanci

Jeff kept himself (and maybe a few of the guests) entertained during gift opening by making hats for the guests out of the wrapping material and trying on bibs.

Auntie Beth was the only person within the weight limit to test drive Junior's new wagon.

Mommy headed back to Tar Heel Land on Thursday morning and then I had a "meet and greet" with a pediatrician on Friday. We're supposed to interview several pediatricians but it's so difficult to do when we're both still working full time and they only offer interviews during weekdays. If we don't get around to interviewing anymore, I was comfortable this office and the doctor (there are three in the practice) so this one should be fine. This pediatrician, like my midwife, said that fast labors can be hereditary so I'm hoping my mom's quick labor gene (just 4 hours or so with both of us Ziller girls) got passed on to me!

I'm getting closer to being able to work from home now and have a brand new laptop to test out this weekend. The only problem so far is that it has a really bad virus called "Windows Vista" on it - he he! I expect to be able to continue working from the office down in north Naples through the end of the month, but once December arrives I'll probably want to start working from home part-time and eventually full-time until the baby is born to avoid the 45-minute commute each way. I'm very fortunate to have a job that I can easily do from home with the necessary equipment - like this laptop! (I'm a web geek at 4What Interactive)

Well, Baby and I had a productive morning so we're looking forward to yet another Saturday afternoon of rest watching college football. We're hoping the Noles can beat another top-ranked team for the second week in a row. Baby's still excited from last week's win over #2 Boston College ;). I could still feel him tomahawk chopping all week long!