I have to admit that I have been hooked to my TV today (as I am now off work) and watched a majority of the inauguration events today.  I am so proud to know that I have seen history in the making, even if it is not our country’s leader.  Obama has inspired Americans and the rest of the world to bring on change and I can not wait to see what comes of it!  One of the highlights for me was Rev. Lowery’s benediction…especially the closing. 

“Lord, in the memory of all the saints who from their labors rest, and in the joy of a new beginning, we ask you to help us work for that day when black will not be asked to get in back, when brown can stick around … when yellow will be mellow … when the red man can get ahead, man; and when white will embrace what is right. That all those who do justice and love mercy say Amen.”

It was awesome!  I do wish that I can say that our son witnessed it…but unfortunatley it all probably sounded very muffled to him!  At least he sort of saw it!

In other news, I am now off work which feels a bit bittersweet, probably because I do not have a baby to stay home with yet!  Yesterday I went to the doctor who told me that the baby is probably close to 8 pounds and his head is “right there!” but that I am uneffaced.  To promote this though I have started drinking raspberry leaf tea to induce the softening of my cervix as recommended by Mel…hopefully it works!  I then went for a 60 min massage, to the health food store, to Home Hardware and then back home to putz around in the baby’s bedroom and try to get that crazy Diaper Genie to work…who knew it would be so complicated?  Today I have pretty much done nothing as I was feeling a bit sick this morning so I thought I should take it easy.  Amy came over later in the afternoon and dropped of the pregnancy photos that she took…they turned out great! For some reason I can’t seem to post them on here but I have posted some on facebook!

Well, I am going to go finish this night off with some more reading (Sonja got me hooked on Twilight) and a bowl of chocolate ice cream and bananas!

And I can not wait!  Though 8 days may seem like a very short amount of time, to me it feels like forever.  I am not sleeping well so to be able to function at work, 9 months pregnant, with no sleep, is not an easy task for me.  But at least I am lucky enough to still be working and making money before I have to live on Kraft Dinner until EI kicks in.  Have I mentioned that I hate maternity leave?!  It is so stupid and frusturating to deal with!  But I guess I should be thankful that I am lucky enough to make any money while I am at home with my child.   But must I also point out that because of this frickin cold weather, Conrad has not been able to work a whole lot…not good for our immediate financial future!

Also, have I mentioned that I love my sister????   If not, I love her more than words can say.  She stayed with us over some of the holidays and it was so nice to have her here.  Conrad and I were away for New Years and when we came back, I hardly recognized the house!  Chel had organized and cleaned every room!!  Even the dungeon-like laundry room!!  Talk about the best baby gift ever!!  She even finished off the baby’s room and added her own little ‘creative flair’.  Such a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders and now I can relax and enjoy the last few weeks before the baby comes.  Conrad and I offered her a full-time position at the Shepherd residence but I think she will stick with school for now.  I can’t wait until she comes for a visit in February to meet her nephew, she is going to be the best Aunt ever!!  And we are going for a massage and a pedicure at Jane’s together so that will be icing on the cake!

Christmas was quiet around here with just Conrad, Chel, Sandra and myself but it was relaxing.  We were able to drive to Estevan for Christmas Day to see my Aunt, Uncle and Grandma so that made it more special.  For New Years Conrad and I braved a nasty blizzard to drive to Lloyminster where we stayed with 15 friends and 3 dogs.  It was such a nice treat to see everyone and to all get together at once. 

Our house is coming along as good as can be expected.  I have not been out there in a couple of weeks but I think I will convince Conrad to go this weekend to take some more pictures.  We are still hoping for a possession of June!!

Not much else is new around here but we are just getting very very excited, and slightly impatient, to meet our son!  It is kind of crazy to think that in a matter of weeks (or days) our lives will change forever and that our new role as parents will begin.  Conrad is going to be the best dad ever and I can not wait to see him hold his son for the first time…I will definatley cry!