Here they are .. belly pictures *UPDATE* more pictures

[Sara luvs her Tinky]

As to being nervous? I sure was! The first night? OMG...I didn't know how I was going to manage. But, you do. And, you will. Like millions of first time moms before you.

The first night?!?!?!!? GOSH.. I keep my mind from even wandering to THAT!! I am just trying to find a way to understand *BIRTH*... the closer the date gets... I AM SO SCARED. I know it is possible.. but i really really don't see how I am going to be able to "GIVE BIRTH" to a baby.. physically... I really sit back sometimes and just can't believe this is happening... it is really overwhelming. I know to because THIS is really a LIFE CHANGING thing!!

[Samantha Puppy]

You're scared? I was PETRIFIED. I was petrified about EVERYTHING - giving birth, holding him, getting to know him, taking care of him, teaching him things, losing my identity as ME and only being "Mommy" - you name it! So you are not alone and honestly, I think there'd be something wrong with you if you WEREN'T scared in some way.

In regards to giving birth... honey, if I did it (I am the BIGGEST wuss in the world), you can do it. I have a massive phobia of both doctors AND needles so I was NOT looking forward to the whole giving birth process. But it really isn't so bad. I don't know what your birth plan is but mine was to remain as comfortable as possible. I was able to have my own pajamas on for awhile. I went in with the mindset that I'd take it as far as I could go without drugs; if that meant all the way, GREAT!; if not, I was not "failing". As it was, I made it to 6-7" dialated and I couldn't take it anymore so I opted for the epidural. For me, that made the rest of the experience SO much more pleasant.

Now for some things that no one thought to tell me:

1. Your hormones will go INSANE for a few weeks after you have your baby. Even if you aren't a normally hormonal person (I'm not), you will be post-partum. It is perfectly normal to cry for no reason, even to wish things were different and that you didn't just have a baby. If your thoughts turn violent towards yourself or your baby, or last longer than 4-6 weeks, call your doctor. Otherwise, you're fine.

2. Babies aren't an awful lot of fun at first. They've been through a very traumatic experience, as have you. You don't "know" each other so it will take time to adjust. You won't know why your baby is fussing at first, so you go down the list - is it time to eat? diaper need changing? baby too hot/cold? clothes/shoes uncomfortable to baby? baby tired? baby bored? You'll hit it eventually and once you two get to bond, you'll be able to know exactly why the first time around every time he cries.

And here is one thing that was beat into my head by my mother and turns out to be VERY TRUE:

3. SCHEDULES!!!! Get him on one and keep it as best you possibly can. It may take awhile to get one going (I don't feel Aidan and I really got into one until about 9-10 weeks along), but that's okay. Once you've got it established, it makes your life SO much easier!! So get a schedule down and stick to it as best you can.

Other little hints: NEVER put your baby in his crib to do anything other than sleep (nap or for the night). Putting your baby/toddler in there for punishment or just while you go take a shower confuses them and will make it harder for them to learn that being put down for a nap or at night means it is time to sleep. If you need a "babysitter" while you shower or attend to other personal business, use a bouncy seat, swing, etc. Babies cannot see pastels or light colors for quite awhile after birth. For stimulation for baby, use BRIGHT colored toys as well as ones with black and white patterns. When it comes to other people giving you advice on how to parent, take it all with a grain of salt. NO ONE ELSE will ever know your baby like you do.

If I think of anything else, I'll post it here. That's all I can think of for now. Just know that you definitely are not alone in your fears and that something deep inside of you takes over once that little baby is in your arms and once that happens, you'll know exactly what I mean. Just please don't expect to be an expert on your baby right off the bat - take some time to get to know him and trust me - in a month or two or three, you'll know everything there is to know - how to get him to eat a little more, how to get him to sleep even if he's wide awake, etc. You'll know. We all do.

[jazzcat]

Your pictures are adorable (and I like the brown hair too).

I've never been pregnant or have any children so I have no advice but I want to thank you for sharing this with us.

[Sara luvs her Tinky]

In regards to giving birth... honey, if I did it (I am the BIGGEST wuss in the world), you can do it.

My birth plans are... if it hurts too bad I'll take the epidural. I want to enjoy the experience as much as possible.. I am not out to prove I am a hero..

Thanks for all your wonderful advice and words of encouragement... You guys are sooooo wonderful!!!