Today is Monday, April 24, 2006. Kate is exactly 33 weeks pregnant. Seven weeks shy of her due date and five weeks short of what those in the baby field deem full term. So what’s going on in my head? Nothing! I’m just trying to stay focused on getting the house ready for the NFU (new family unit). And as it stands right now we’re looking pretty damn good. The kitchen only needs those a-holes from the countertop company to put the counter in. The nursery got spackled and partially painted yesterday (thanks crazy mother-in-law). The laundry room finally got completely gutted, some new wiring, re-sheet rocked, and the first coat of spackle. All of which got done this past weekend. I think I’m actually ahead of schedule at this point. Enough about the stupid house though. On to the recent thoughts:

• I’ve been reading a book that fancies itself as a humorous attempt to prepare me for what lies ahead in the coming few months. Last night after I got home from work I read the chapters about the birthing stages. It all seems pretty damn crazy. The author also advised me to make sure I’m not around for the final stage which is called the after birth. He claimed that if I saw this I would be scarred forever and I would probably need serious therapy.
• I’ve been focusing on the house so much these past two months I’m starting to get the feeling that I’m not ready in other areas. For example, we haven’t even toured the hospital yet. And I have no idea who the pediatrician is going to be. We have a friend whose dad is a pediatrician but his office is a pretty decent drive from our house. Kate was hoping to get one closer. Hopefully Kate starts to take care of this stuff ASAP. I mean do I have to do everything! Screw it, I’m golfing when she goes into labor.
• The baby still has a decent amount of room inside Kate. Last weeks developmental update said the baby would stop moving as much but this morning she kicked me in the hand when Kate and I were lying in bed. Don’t worry though, I took a swing back.
• I’m starting to feel bad for my dog Tyson and the baby isn’t even here yet. The poor guy gets neglected far too much. Here’s what his day consists of. He wakes up to the noise of Kate getting up to take our other dog, Bella, for a walk. He then stares at the front door and cries because he wants to go. Then he sleeps all day. When Kate gets home she lets him out back and takes Bella for another walk. She lets him back in and tells him to go lay down while Kate gets ready to go for a car ride that includes Bella. Tyson cries again. Oh, and Bella sleeps on our bed at night with us while Tyson has to sleep on the floor. Poor guy!
• I’m thinking we need to start putting together a bag for the hospital. In the book I’m reading it says to pack her favorite CD’s, plenty of clothing, and anything else imaginable. The problem is that her CD’s are unbearable. I don’t think I can listen to Tori Amos or any of that other crap she likes. Maybe I’ll bring Biggie, or some ELO, or maybe some McCartney. Maybe we’ll rock out to the Stones during the baby’s arrival. Just an idea. If she hears Tori Amos she might be scared to come out. I would be!

The distance to the office is balanced out by the fact that you personally know the guy. Trust me.