Almost there...

It feels like a HUGE weight has been lifted off of me now that I am finished with work...for a least a little while!

Yesterday was my last day of work until I finish maternity leave and already, I can feel the benefit of leaving early. I absolutely love my job and love being busy so I never expected to feel this way. But I guess it wasn't until I hit a massive emotional wall on Monday that I realized...something's gotta give.

And it wasn't until after my Tuesday doctor's appointment that I realized that "something" was work. Jim and Ash were very supportive of my early departure (even though it wasn't that early)...and sweetly sentimental the last couple of days before I left. I will miss them a lot but it will be nice to spend these next couple of months focusing solely on being a mom and taking care of baby Aves ;)

Although sad to leave yesterday, I took a deep breath and happily moved to the start of such an exciting chapter!

My anxiousness for Avery to arrive is still very high but the idea of a few days to rest and have to myself does sound quite appealing. I was soooo relieved that I was able to fit in one more hair appointment yesterday before the big day and sooo thankful to my amazing hair stylist, Lori who is 36 weeks preggers and STILL working like crazy! I just don't know how she does it! Simply amazing.

Today was incredible. After a morning stroll with the pups, I met Jordan and Brooks for a delicious breakfast outside in this perfect January weather; something I could get used to during mat leave ;) Can't wait to bring Avery along (outside my belly that is!) I then headed to Barnes & Noble in search of a new book that I can really dive into! I have been in a reader's slump ever since my affair with Harry Potter and although I have been distracted by MANY pregnancy books these last 8 months, I am pretty burnt out on that topic. ;) I got home in time to visit with my mom for a little while! She dropped off an adorable Valentine's onesie for Aves! Too cute! What next on this excellent Friday? A 4 mile walk with Susan and Campbell on the Bridle Path! I am trying.

Chris and I had a great dinner at Babbos' and picked up some of that delicious Snickers' gelato to go! The rest of the evening I have spent cleaning, doing laundry, washing & sterilizing bottles and just plain...getting ready! I mean, I was actually giddy washing the bottles. I know, I know...it most likely will NOT be like that in a few weeks but let me have my moment.

As odd as it sounds, today was one of the best days I have had in as long as I can remember. I feel at such peace and just...happy. I feel this journey of pregnancy coming to a close and a sense of getting back to "Kelley". I know it sounds silly but I've felt a loss of identity throughout this pregnancy and cannot wait to be "me" taking care of my baby. I just feel so close to being myself again and as a result, feel the self-encouragement I was lacking that reminded me, I will do okay...I will be a great mother. I can't wait to see how it all plays out but I feel like this has always been a calling in my life and God's timing for me to be a mom is now. My excitement is at its highest point.

Even though I pray it's sooner, here's to my last week of pregnancy!...