Can you say denial?

I'm sitting here thinking, two days from now, I'll be in the hospital dealing with a fresh new little person (God willing, of course). You would think that would inspire me to do something, anything, to finish the preparation. At this point, I'm not even willing to check the list (OK, I haven't even written a list).

I asked DH the other day if we have enough stuff to make it a week when the baby comes home and his answer was "yes". This morning (at 6 AM, ugh) I was at Mercy getting my pre-op blood work. Now they give you your wrist band which apparently admits you to surgery on the day of. If I lose it/cut it off, "there will be delays". So, I guess the constant reminder is making me slow down even more. I have gotten a few things done that matter to me but I'm still looking at a half-packed suitcase with no real interest. Surely there is someone you can hire to do this stuff? ;0)

I had my Anointing of the Sick on Monday morning after Mass. We took all the kids so that they could see me get my "special blessing" and not feel so scared. I don't think little man bought it (His big sister, budding MD that she is, explained the c-section in detail and he doesn't want me to have "a big hole in my belly" Thanks, sis). Anyway, that seems to have helped my anxiety a bit.

I went to Mass today and had a wonderful visit prior by our Pastor who stopped to wish me well and assure me of his hopes that things will go smoothly on Friday. When I got home I got really choked up by that. He is a great Pastor and I can see him doing that all on his own but today, he was completely a conduit for my dad. Really. I am not someone who has ever "finished strong" and my dad knew that. When Father came up and started speaking, it was all my dad, telling me to push through until the end. What a precious gift to me.

Maybe I'm just feeling a bit linked to those who have gone before since I watched "The Way" last night. It's a really good film. I don't think I cried once (which is even hard for me to believe) but it's got a lot of good writing and Martin Sheen does an excellent job. That and the thurible scene at the end - totally worth the 2 hours! (It's much better on the movie, btw)

The Botafumeiro of Santiago de Compostela

Finally, have you seen this "Texts from Hillary" page? With all the depression I'm feeling surrounding the upcoming elections, I couldn't help but laugh out loud at some of these. The captions are priceless.

Texts from Hillary

Tomorrow is school Mass and cafeteria duty then off to the airport to pickup Aunt Julie (thank goodness!). I guess it will all sink in then and I can stay up all night making things just right for my departure. Since I haven't slept in about 3 days I guess I might as well use the time productively.

Have a wonderful, continued Easter celebration everyone! I look forward to posting some baby updates when I return home. Thanks, as always, for the prayers. We can surely use them!