Checking In

I'm here. Or, at least, physically I'm here in my house, but mentally? My mind has been consumed with getting a room, clothes and a car seat ready for the baby, getting every last stitch of laundry done (not quite there, but close!), stocking our refrigerator and cabinets, planning a baptism and party, relaxing with a good book (just finished Willa Cather's The Professor's House, which was a lovely book), lunching and shopping with Diana and one last celebratory date night with Joe at one of our favorite restaurants.

How did I manage all this with three small kids underfoot? I didn't. Joe's mom and dad requested the kids for five days way back in May; how could I refuse? So, off the kids went with Grandma and Grandpa, who did all sorts of fun things with the kids like taking them camping, swimming, boating and on various day trips. We pick up the kids in a few short hours and while I'll be happy to see them, I don't know how I would have been ready for Caroline's arrival had I not had this week to get ready both physically and mentally.