I am thankful for my sister Brittany who drove in from Akron at 7:00 Monday morning to watch Kade while I went to my non-stress test and OB appointment. After the appt we went to lunch and did a little shopping at Trader Joe’s and then spent the rest of the afternoon on the couch catching up. I am so lucky to have a sister that I can confide in and who can confide in me. I love you Brit and I thank you for being a great sister and a great aunt as well.

I am thankful that Liv is doing well in the final stretch. She wasn’t as active as she usually is during her non-stress tests, but she still passed with flying colors. I am also happy to announce that my cervix is making progress and it’s soft, which didn’t happen until 39 weeks with Kade. I am having a lot more contractions lately that involve back pain so I’m hoping they are moving things along even further and this Monday’s OB visit proves even more fruitful than last week’s (dilation ???). I am not as thankful to have found out that I am having an amnio with my ultrasound next Thursday, but it will result in knowing when the induction will be so I’ll deal with it.

I am thankful that my MIL was released from the hospital on Tuesday to Hope Lodge , which is remarkable given that her bone marrow transplant happened only two weeks ago. She is not having an easy recovery, but at least she is out of the confines of the hospital. The nausea is making it nearly impossible for her to eat anything and she is having difficulty taking her medicine, but her determination is pulling her through. She and my FIL actually came over for dinner Tuesday and Wednesday night, and even though they were only here a short time, I know that being around Kade meant the world to her. It is wonderful to see her out of that hospital room and I am so very thankful that she is one step closer to home sweet home.

I am thankful for nesting, which provided that last boost of energy needed to finish up our preparations for Liv. The nursery is ready (thank you Brit for the absolutely perfect, one-of-a-kind hanging letters you handmade- they look great), the cabinets are organized (in every room of the house), the house is clean, Kade has a dresser and the changing table is now in the nursery, the bassinet is attached to the bed, and the baby gear is all disinfected, washed and waiting to be used. All that I have left to do is pack my bag for the hospital, which makes everything seem too official so I’m waiting to do that till the last minute (hey, I can’t let my OCD get the best of me).

I am thankful that an old friend, Amanda B., commented on my last post but I don’t have her email. I’d love to catch up with you so if you are reading this please send me an email at erika@kyleroth.com and let me know how you are doing.

Most of all I am thankful to be surrounded by so many people who love me and my children and who are so willing to help us. My family and Kyle’s family are such an important part of our lives and we are so blessed to have them.