Staying Home

This past weekend we were supposed to go on our annual beach camping trip to Cape Cod. We started talking about it months ago, and while we knew that we might have to change our minds at the last minute if Lena was feeling too uncomfortable, we were fairly confident that we would follow through and spend some good quality time with the ocean. By Monday--a week ago--we were feeling less sure about leaving, and by Tuesday we were all together doubtful. It's not that we thought Lena might go into labor, and we actually weren't worried about any of the logistics of being at the Cape. It was just the idea of leaving our house that suddenly made going seem less ideal.

At nearly 38 weeks into the pregnancy, we are nesting hardcore these days. Curtains are being sewn. Floors are being scrubbed. Shelving is being put together so that things can be organized and put away. It was hard to imagine packing things up and abandoning this sweet little nest of a home (not to mention the list of "things to do before we have a baby"). So we decided to stay. How boring and rational of us!

The kids handled the change in plans with unprecedented grace, and managed to live out some of their beach fantasies in the backyard (with the help of a sprinkler, boogie boards and winter sleds).

Jaz, Araela and Luke, all riding the same "wave"

Hopefully we will get back to the ocean in the not-so-distant future (I feel especially desperate since learning that Zeben doesn't even remember what the ocean is), but for now we are content to stay home, finish growing a baby, and prepare ourselves as best we can for the many changes that lie just ahead.

Lena, Zeb, and the 37.5-week belly