The Final Push

We've been busy the last few weeks. So busy, in fact, that I've forgotten most of what we've actually been doing. I know that there was a day on the lake, some golf and grilling in Georgetown, a surprise bridal shower, playing washers at Marc and Sarah's house, a roof replacement, and lots of baby product assembly. We've also taken the dogs for lots of swimming trips at the park and checked out a few movies. So now you're all caught up :)

This weekend we decided to lay low and do some much needed house cleaning followed by some much needed sleeping in. We had the day off on Friday and I took the dogs swimming- or I guess what Tater calls swimming- while Kelly did some grocery and baby-care shopping. Tater is terrified of fireworks so he spent the entire night on Satuday pushing his way between our feet and jumping on us at every chance. I had asked Kelly to grab some hamburger buns while she was at the store and she brought back some giant Texas-sized buns (no giggling). These were perfect, considering my appetite, and I took the time to prepare a burger that was deserving of the bun. I know you're probably wondering where I'm going with this but just stick with me here.

So I made a huge burger... maybe 3/4 lb prior to cooking. I threw in some Worcester sauce and some seasoning then I let it cook for about 25 minutes on low heat. In the meantime I sauteed some mushrooms and then toasted the bun and melted some colby-jack cheese all over it. Before I took a bite I decided to take some pictures of the burger because I was proud of my work and also to test out the camera on a perfectly still subject. You know that feeling when you know something is just gonna be perfect? When everything just comes together and it couldn't be any better. Kelly's had that feeling on the dance floor, I've had it on the football field, and now I got it again with this delicately assembled cheeseburger. I was proud to have made it and even happier when I finally ate it.

Well, that's how I feel going into the last stretch of this pregnancy. Granted, we're not going to be eating our child, and I've had a lot less to do with the "cooking" than Kelly, but I'm feeling extremely proud right now. Proud of my wife for everything she's done the last 9 months, proud of the kind of parents I know we will be, and proud to be blessed with the opportunity to share this world with this little guy. And, while I'm feeling this overwhelming sense of pride right now, I know it will soon be overshadowed by a sense of happiness Kelly and I have never known when we meet this guy... and then that will be followed swiftly by the strong sense of smell that accompanies a change of diaper... just to keep the world balanced. So with only a week left until D-day we're more anxious than ever. We will certainly keep you all posted and you can expect pictures soon after. In the meantime, here's some shots from the last few weeks:

The Convio girls got together to surprise Cindy for a day at the spa before her wedding.

Tater was feeling dramatic since mom was gone

Anna Jane taking a snoozer

Geoff and Luke with Sarah and Anna

Another great day on the lake... I think we need a boat!

Laaaaaid back- with her mind on some noodles and some noodles on her mind

Sunset at Carlos and Charlie's

Yup- I actually read the instructions

When I recline my seat I can look him eye to eye.

Kelly checked out the progress.

Bella and Tater waiting patiently to go swimming

Bella played fetch...

...while Tater rolled in the dirt...

...and then they both swam...

...and they were very happy!

Relaxing at home

Fireworks scare me and I hide between the big guy's feet!

And here's the chesseburger that caused the most ridiculous analogy I've ever made. If our kid is anywhere near this perfect we'll be extremely lucky... and he'll be some kind of astrophysicist- brain surgeon who dabbles in professional golf (with his dad as his caddy) and teaches dance lessons to underprivileged kids who want to go to Juilliard.