Nesters.

With a short 26 weeks to go, Steve and I have begun preparations for Baby Rowland's arrival. First, in cleaning and organizing the various parts of the house. We bagged most of our clothing and sent it to Goodwill, which left us with half a closet that was cleaner, roomier and smarter. So, not only has Baby Rowland prompted us to create cleaner spaces, he or she has also brought out the humanitarian in us. We also cleaned out all our clothes drawers, and I convinced Steve that all t-shirts he can't let go of but also doesn't wear or even look at should have a special place designated for them: the t-shirt box, now stored in a guest room closet. We also cleaned baby's room, including emptying the varied and miscellaneous goods in his or her closet, caulking the walls, and priming it for some bright nursery shade that we will mull over once we learn the sex of the baby. For giggles, I cleaned the basement, meticulously vacuuming each couch cushion before spraying it with lysol, dusting all book shelves and pictures, and mopping pinesol onto every floorboard, baseboard and stair step.

I did mention there was a first, which means there's a second. Our preparation of the nest for baby's arrival also means we have begun to think about our finances. We mapped out our savings and investments, created living wills, and have taken out life insurance policies. For the first time in my life, I feel financially sound. This is part in par due to Steve, who was financially sound to begin with, but also and especially thanks to Baby Rowland, whom we have now mapped a plan for in regards to college, childcare and, well, life.

I think it's true what they say about nesting - it is an innate yearning to want to prepare for baby's arrival. This process reminds me of little birds carefully building nests in tall trees for their delicate eggs to incubate, or turtles who come off the shore to dig holes in the sand, or, the famed march of the penguins. It's a process that all parents go through to welcome a little one to the earth, to make sure it is comfortable, warm, safe, fed and happy.

A little showy.

I've always been a little soft around the edges. Particularly in my belly, which I've referred to as having a "layer of warmth" for years. Now with Baby Rowland being housed in there, I feel good about my belly's genetic makeup. Even better, at a little over three months, the pooch is starting to show and the bottom of my belly is starting to harden.

Steve looked at me the other day and said, "babylove, you're starting to look a little pregnant." Yikes! I said, "what do you mean? Do I look fat?" To which he replied, "no, your belly is starting to stick out. It's cute."

I like to think Baby Rowland is cuter.

**Picture here is showy at four months.