37 weeks: Waiting

Matt left the words of this hymn, written by Charles Wesley, on my desk this afternoon while I was out proctoring an exam. Charles wrote it before his wife gave birth to one of their children... the words are very applicable for me as I wait!!

Who so near the birth hast brought,

(Since I on Thee rely)

Tell me, Saviour, wilt thou not

Thy further help supply?

Whisper to my list'ning soul

Wilt though not my strength renew,

Nature's fears and pangs control,

And bring Thy handmaid through?

36.5 Weeks: Closer...

Today is Matt's and my 5-year dating anniversary. It's crazy to think we've been together for five years--through college, living in different countries for an entire school year, 13 months of being engaged, getting married, moving to Kentucky, 2 wedding anniversaries, and now looking forward to our first baby. We have certainly been through a lot, and I'm glad he's still my boyfriend :-)

We had an interesting visit with our midwife this past Tuesday. Last week my belly measured 35cm (I was 35 weeks along), and this week I measured 40cm! Nancy (our midwife) thinks it's simply due to fluid retention and not a massive growth spurt. We'll see next week as she's ordered an ultrasound to check it out. Also, I've been aware of having contractions since she brought attention to the fact that I was having one during our visit. My belly gets really hard (and hurts!) when I stand up especially.

So, don't get your hopes up (we're trying not to), but we might get our present a little earlier than expected :-)

Needless to say, we've kicked our baby preparations into high gear. The nursery is finally cleaned out and looks pretty good. The ladies at work threw a shower for me and among other very nice gifts, they all chipped in to buy the Pack-n-Play we registered for!!! That was the last big thing we really needed!!! So now we get to set up the living room and make sure everything is ready. It will be a busy weekend.

Also, Matt went to the Nicholasville fire department to get the car seat base installed properly. It is SO WEIRD to have a car seat in my car!!!

So, we're getting closer...

Welcome

Hello everyone! Welcome to the new Riley Family Blog! I plan to post about once a week (but perhaps less frequently until the baby comes), so check back often!

Family are the sweetness of a song

Unaware they are helping me along

Every day the simplicity of same
Speaks the truth, and the faithfullness of name

~Bill & Cathy Schrull, "Family Song"