Yesterday we spent some time visiting Tower Hill Botanical Garden. It not only felt good to get out of the house but refreshing to roam the gardens and experience the beautiful horticulture and landscape that can be found at Tower Hill.

We decided to take advantage of the beautiful weather this morning and go for a long walk in the woods. As you can see I’m still carrying Baby Cotsford in my belly. The walk felt good though by the end I was hot, hungry, and having to pee.

July 2011: heading into 41 weeks with Cotsford #2

September 2009: 41 weeks with Caroline posing in front of the same tree as above.

Caroline hanging out with her Gramps.

Playing with Gramps in the tent.

Gramps with his ladies.

Yesterday morning my cousin Alison gave birth to a precious baby girl. Miss Lillian Nordstrom Carr arrived in perfect health weighing in at 6 lbs 10 oz and measuring 19 inches. Michael and I were blessed to meet her just hours after she was born.

For the baby’s room we decided to go with a Swiss theme. When Michael took me to Switzerland a couple of years ago I thought I had died and gone to heaven. Not only is it a beautiful country, but there is chocolate and cheese everywhere you turn! So I knew without a second thought what theme I wanted to have in the nursery.  As a gift, my parents hired the same local artist, Marcia Anuszczyk, who painted an African safari theme in Caroline’s room, to paint a Swiss mural. I have to say she did an amazing job!

Then later in the afternoon, after Michael finished up all the things on my to-do list, he and Caroline then enjoyed a few moments of relaxation. I think we’re all resting up as much as we can knowing (and hoping) that baby Cotsford will soon arrive to add new excitement to our lives!

Grammy arrived a few days ago and we’re all super excited to have her here for the next couple of weeks. I know that I’m personally relieved! Already I’ve been able to rest a bit more as Grammy and Caroline play together. Last night Michael and I enjoyed some alone time at the movies and then today Grammy made us a delicious dinner.

Here I am at 37 weeks and five days. I’m starting to feel tired of being pregnant. Actually I’m just tired in general. Today and yesterday I was able to enjoy long naps, thanks to Michael being home. I’m also tired of having to pee every five minutes and eat every two hours.  I’m still able to exercise though my ligaments and joints aren’t able to handle my usual workout. Honestly I don’t have much to complain about other than to say, “I’m ready!”  I’ve got everything done on my check list, Michael has completed his to-do list, the nursery is painted (though the little guy will be staying with us in our room), and we’ve even agreed on a name!