With 2 weeks to go...

Or less.

That's right. The countdown is definitely to when this baby will be born. The kids are anxious, my belly feels huge most of the time, and we still are making baby name lists- with lots of opinions weighing in on them. The process of choosing a name is always one of the most challenging parts of pregnancy for me {and Chip!}. =)

I am finding that besides choosing a name, there are other challenges too. Like the excessive, intense itching that started in my upper arms several weeks ago. It has gotten much worse and more extreme the past couple of weeks- to the point where the only relief I find is to hold ice packs on my arms to numb them. I waken at least 3 or 4 times each night having to replace the ice packs for new, colder ones. I have discussed it with a couple of doctors and they are stumped and recommend allergy medications- which have not done a thing. I am hoping that it is somehow pregnancy related and will start to go away after or very soon after delivery! I can't handle any more burning in my upper arms- it's making me go crazier than I already am! SO... wish me luck with that and if anyone has suggestions or insights to this, I'd love to hear what you know about the topic.

The other tough thing is trying to stay on top of the household chores- things like keep the fridge stocked and rooms picked up- knowing that at any time I may be gone for 2 or more days. I like to be in control of things and the unpredictability of my absence makes me a bit edgy. Just ask Chip. =)

While we never planned any of our pregnancies and consider each of our children blessings from God- that He knew were to be a part of our family and were handpicked by Him before Chip and I ever even met- it's still a bit scary to imagine how life is about to change. Babies have their own personalities, agendas and demands that are unrelenting at times. I know this because I've had six of them already. I know what to expect. And don't know what to expect all at the same time. I do know that babies mean sacrifice, and I am willing to do my part, trusting that God will give our family strength, patience and grace for the changes that lie just ahead.

I have to say that I am anxious and excited- just like the kids in many ways. But sort of wish I could freeze time right now too. We have reached the point where strangers ask questions and give comments to us when we're out and about in public... the kind of questions that make me feel like we're really an extraordinary family- in a not-so-extraordinary way. Questions like, "Are these all your children?" and "Are they all brothers and sisters?" because I guess some blended families do have lots of kids too and that helps people explain things in their minds. But to think that a couple would actually choose to have as many kids with another on the way sort of takes people aback. Most are pleasant and encouraging- saying things like, "Good for you... and your kids seem so well-behaved" {which I credit to things like Dum Dum suckers when I have to take them all to Target or out for grocery shopping}. They also add things like, "I never could have handled that many kids" or "You must never sit down during the day!" {which makes me feel like Super Woman or Crazy Woman- depending on the day.}

It's been interesting, exciting, nerve-wracking and a lot more the past 9 months. I have a feeling the next several months will hold much of the same. I am hoping to get some sleep before this baby arrives, and am asking God to give me whatever else I need to be my best to this baby and everyone in my family.

With less than 2 weeks to go, I appreciate your prayers too. I have a feeling I just might need them. =)