This week Anthony and I are out in Nevada, IA. He has a service school he is completing for work, so I have just been hanging out. It has been so relaxing so far. We got out here late on Sunday night and found out Country Inn and Suites upgraded us to a Suite! It has been wonderful. I was a bit worried that by the end of the week I would be completely claustrophobic, but we have a huge room with a separate TV area with a couch and chair, a desk/table, microwave, and refrigerator, and a huge Jacuzzi tub. It has been very enjoyable so far, and possibly even more enjoyable since it is all being paid for by Anthony's company.

What has really surprised me is that I really haven't even had much time to spend in the room! On Monday I got together with my childhood friend, Heather, and met in Des Moines for lunch and a little shopping. Then Anthony and I went out to dinner at Olde Main in downtown Ames, came back and went swimming, and the whole day was gone. Yesterday I went out exploring the town of Ames. It seems like a really nice town. I love checking out new restaurants, especially non-chain, mom and pop places, so this has been a great opportunity to do just that. After Anthony got out of class we headed to Williamsburg to the outlet malls to see if there were any great deals. I was a bit disappointed with the lack of bargains, but the time we spent together was fantastic. Today I am planning on getting together with Heather again, and then tomorrow it will be time to head back home.

So far, no baby yet! We were a bit worried as we prepared to come out. Last Saturday we had our Prepared Childbirth class, and I was having contractions all day, coming about 3-10 minutes apart. It seemed like there was not anything I could do to try to slow them down. I talked to a labor and delivery nurse and she thought I should give my midwife a call. When I talked to the midwife she said that at that point (36 weeks) they would not try to stop labor, so she said if things progressed to give her a call. We stayed though class, then headed to the Marshall's for their Fall Festival. I don't think we would have gone really at that point, but I did not want to have to find something to eat at home!!!! LOL. By the time we got home, we decided we should probably finish packing the hospital bags. I have had most everything ready, but there were a few things that I was waiting on, so Anthony gathered it all together while I attempted to relax. His stress level was REALLY high. He said later that just having gone to class that day, and the reality of us actually having a baby, and then they way things were progressing, it was just a bit too much for one day. After a couple of hours of rest/relaxation things started to slow down, and we both had a good night's sleep. We have both really wanted to get through this week without a little one, but anytime after this, he is welcome to make an appearance. As long as we get home from Iowa! Rick Coates told us on Sunday night that if you have a child in Iowa, than due to special circumstances, you can qualify for handicap plates in Nebraska! We got a giggle out of that. After all the worries of carting EVERYTHING for the hospital around with us this week, we will probably not have the little guy until late! Wouldn't that be just like life! I guess we will have to just wait and see.

Well, I hope you all have a wonderful week! We will keep you posted if anything changes in our parenthood status.