33 Weeks

"Do you think she could just get a taste of meat on her lips?" This was the comment from Andrew as we drove past the taco truck last night...referring to his infant daughter and wanting her to taste the taco on her way home from the hospital once she is born! Yes, she will experience all sorts of exciting things living here in California!

Last night we had our final class at the hospital - I guess this means we are officially "prepared" to have a baby and be parents! Andrew stated it well when he said, "I'm glad we are taking these classes at the hospital...we have come here so often and it makes this place seem less foreign." It's true - we have spent many hours at the hospital and doctors office lately, only to be followed by more, and it has taken the scariness and ominous feeling away from the building. We are having another ultrasound on Friday and can't wait to see our little girl. Andrew is convinced that she is still breech, but I guess only time will tell. We talked to a doctor this weekend who assured us that we still have plenty of time for her to move and get into her correct position. We are trying to figure out who she will be more like...me, and be a rule follower? or Andrew, and be a bit rebellious?! I'm hoping that she takes after her mom on at least this one occasion!

We have our Christmas tree! In fact, I am sitting here at 5:30 am writing this while the lights illuminate the tree and room around me. This morning, the belly decided it was hungry at 4:45 and awoken me for some food. I guess I should be getting used to these odd hours! During this Christmas season, in particular and for obvious reasons, I have been reflecting much more on Mary and thinking about her role during the birth of Christ. I cannot even bend down to put my shoes on anymore, Andrew has to help me, so the thought of riding on a donkey for days, as she did during her last days of pregnancy, is unbelievable! I am amazed at her humility and patience, her trust in the Lord and her joy - through such difficult circumstances.

As we get closer to the end of this journey, I have had more and more doubts about our ability to be good and faithful parents. How will we know what to do?! What if we mess up?! But for Mary, a young girl, suddenly thrust into this position, and with such responsibility, I can't image how she felt and the fear that she must have encountered. I sometimes wish we knew more about her during the 9 months that she carried Jesus...what were her thoughts then? Did she have any breakdowns? Did she and Joseph argue about what foods Jesus would get?! I can only imagine, that being human, caused her to have doubts and anxiety about what was happening. However, she was faithful and obedient. Like her, this is all we are called to do. Mary had no way of knowing what was happening or what would happen - just as we don't. But she knew that her Lord would provide. So, as chaotic as my life may sometimes seem, it is nothing compared to what Mary and Joseph went through during those last days before Christmas...and look at what the Lord brought out of that craziness. I know there will be room for me in the hospital when the time comes and that this baby will not be born next to sheep! She is such an example of faith and trust and this Christmas season, I am learning from Mary.