a note of thanks...

There are so many people to thank for all that has been done to help us get ready for the arrival of Finnian. I've mentioned moms, sisters, cousins, friends in past entries but today I want to focus on someone special...my wife Jen. Or Ina as Finn will call her. :)

Jen has been an awesome wife, coach, partner, "other person in the house" ;) throughout my pregnancy and I wanted to take this chance to say thanks to her. Thanks for things like:

• endless back massages when it hurts
• letting me eat the left overs I know you like
• giving up so much of the bed so that I'm comfy
• researching ways to help me during labor & being an awesome coach in the classes I know you hate
• helping around the house with things like the dishes I never seem to get around to
• indulging my random requests when a craving strikes (chicken nuggets anyone??)
• assembling all of the nursery furniture and refinishing the dresser on your own
• carrying what seems like EVERYTHING because you think it's too heavy while I'm pregnant
• walking my pace and asking "you okay momma?" when I'm waddling behind the crowd
• standing patiently waiting for me at every public restroom every where we go because yes, I have to go AGAIN even though I just went 5 minutes ago
• tying my shoes for me since I can't reach my feet
• telling me I'm beautiful and that pregnancy looks good on me
  

I'm the kind of person that likes to be independent and try to do as much as possible on my own. Pregnancy has been hard for me in some ways because I have to slow down and realize I can't do it all on my own. Jen has been great about helping me get to a point where I can let go of some of the control and willingly ask for/accept help - realizing it doesn't have to be done my way.

It's been really nice to have her to lean on for so many things. I'm so appreciative of the person that she is and all of the things she does to support me. I feel like we've gotten even closer since I've been pregnant and that is an amazing feeling.

Thanks, love, for everything you do for me and the belly! We love you!