passing time

time is passing quickly. I have entered my 19th week and am feeling worried and excited all at the same time. Blood work taken a couple of weeks ago, called a fetoalphaprotein, will reveal any genetic defects. I have convinced myself to discontinue watching the health channels "A Baby Story" until after the baby is safely delivered. Anything that could go wrong during a pregnancy and childbirth does during the hour long program. Nerve racking, just not worth it. I find myself reading up on Down Syndrome and Spina Bifida and anxiously awaiting the results from my blood test. I expect we will hear something at our next OB appointment On the 9th. Speaking of appointments... Thursday is the big day for finding out if we are having a He or a She. The little thing can stop being refered to at it and can loose the asexual moniker "Margaret Thatcher".
We are trying to decide on themes for the room - Jungle seems to be what we both like. I have a feeling my thoughts of muraling the walls will cause me too much anxiety and we seem to have settled on something a bit more realistic. If only I were more artistic and less lazy =).
2 big milestones around the Janssen house. Matt has begun the process for painting the nursery and I got the jacuzzi to work. When i say "I" got it to work, i mean Larry the spa guy got it to work, but I believe I was very helpful. We took a very shot very HOT dip a couple of nights ago. I didn't stay too long - I hear pregos shouldn't spend too much time in the hot water!
Preparations are underway to get the house in tip top shape for the arrival of our little one. we recently purchased furniture for the living room - hooray no more sitting on the floor. I am determined to get the upstairs organized and make the garage a place shelby will like to sleep. Sadie could really care less about the renovations as long as she gets her food and water and an occasional lick of matt's feet.
I think Matt is still having a hard time enjoying the journey - He seems what can happen every day at work! I'm sure after our next Ultrasound and OB appointment we will be a little more relaxed. The grandparents seem to be enjoying it so far. My mom just recarpeted one of her spare rooms and is painting, papering and preparing to make it into a nursery. She has decided on a bear theme - Lord help us! Matt's mom and dad have also started offering assistance. I think we all agree that Shelby will be one of the biggest worries when we bring the baby home. She is still a youngster herself and needs lots of attention. Matt;s parents have offered to watch her if needed - I'm sure that invitation will be extended to the baby as well!
We are just about at the half way point and eveything is looking well - I feel good (minus the fact that my 30th is approaching quickly).

21 weeks to go - it doesn't seem possible!