You guys were awesome about casting your vote for what you believe is the gender of our unborn child. We tallied up your answers and the results are below:

Very soon we’ll be able to see who’s right. Shout out to the 4 people that responded we were having a “baby.” You guys, of course, are already right! Thanks again for your participation. We are seriously counting down now.

We completed a 6 week birthing class at a local hospital last week. The class consisted of us and two other couples. We were able to learn more about the medical side of labor and delivery and pick up some excellent pointers regarding pain management. Terrence was also able to practice giving a baby a bath, changing a diaper, and dressing one. This is a huge deal because he’s never done any of these things before. I’m super proud of him for jumping in feet first and treating that doll as if it were ours.

In addition to the knowledge gained we also got a few good laughs as one our birthing coaches was really pessimistic and a theatrical. The first day of class  was only for the mother’s to be and she asked us what came to mind when we thought about labor. One woman said hard work and I said being really close to meeting my child. She looked extremely disappointed by our responses. She then took her marker and wrote, in all CAPS, on the board “PAIN.” Then turned to us and said, “You think about Pain! You think about how bad it is going to hurt!”  It took everything in me not to burst into laughter. Terrence was able to witness her dramatics in future classes. He, however, did not fight his desire to laugh.

We had a beautiful baby shower in Columbia, SC! Our friend Dominique and sister-in-law Hope did a great job making our shower wonderful and memorable. Our friend Kim provided the cake that was both gorgeous and tasty! Our family and loved ones made the shower unforgettable!

and still pregnant? Me, naturally. I realized recently that I haven’t blogged in a while. I do have several updates nonetheless. Where should I begin:

Baby Lorick, Mommy, and Daddy

• We’re full term now! Not only are we full term, we found out today that I’ve dilated 1.5 centimeters. The time is drawing near..
• We were told today that our baby weighs 6.61 pounds. At our last appointment our doctor told us, as nicely as she could, that our baby’s head may be on the large end. I smiled and thanked my husband for his wonderful genes 😉
• We’ve painted the nursery white. Prior to being white, the room was bright orange as that room was originally our dining room. We have decided to delay decorating the nursery until after the baby is born. I wasn’t a fan of the Easter-colored, gender neutral bedding sets. Since the baby will room in with us for, at least, the first 3 months we have plenty of time to decorate his or her room. I actually feel better about doing it this way. It’s something freeing about waiting to meet him or her before decorating his or her room and picking out colors.

• Our baby’s bag is packed and ready go! We also recently purchased the car seat, stroller, carry cot, pack and play, wardrobe, and changing table. Daddy has serious baby fever now as he tries to assemble everything!
• I have pregnancy induced carpal tunnel syndrome in both wrists. I wear a wrist/hand brace and it helps, but I am looking forward to gaining the feeling back in my hands and fingers. My doctor stated that the condition is due to fluid retention in my wrists.
• Goodbye Braxton Hicks, hello real contractions! I experienced my first real contractions last night. After telling my husband after the third one he responded, “Really?!?! Oh wait, is our bag packed?!?!”