Where is that crazy STORK?

We are asking Santa to send the STORK a GPS/navigation system as an EARLY Christmas present, because apparently he doesn't know his way around Germany very well. In the meantime, we have another appointment (our last hopefully) at the hospital tomorrow morning for a final checkup. If the STORK hasn't found his way to us by then, the hospital will schedule a time for us to return on Wednesday for induction.

Michi and I are about to go to the gym for a workout. Perhaps Daniel will also be enticed to work OUT too ;-)

We'll keep you posted!

Introspection

As I was reading another blog, I came across an interesting post that was rather introspective and worth some consideration myself. It was quite thought-provoking. Following are my thoughts...

* Maybe I should... spend more time listening to God rather than trying to control everything myself, enjoy the present rather than focusing so much on the future, count more blessings everyday
* I love the smell of... fresh ground coffee, my husbands cologne, magnolia blossoms, rosemary
* People would say that I... am definitely Type A (headstrong, stubborn, loyal)
* I don't understand why... God had led me where I am in life, but the journey is exciting, challenging, and rewarding
* When I wake up in the morning... I kiss my husband goodbye and wish him another good day before making a scalding hot cappuccino and checking my email, weather, etc on the internet
* I lost my willpower to... put on makeup everyday
* Life is wonderful with... hope, peace, a sense of security, and a loving family
* My past made me... stronger, more focused, having a broadened world-perspective
* I get annoyed when... people drive in the left lane and don't pass
* Parties are not... occurring frequently enough. I especially love being invited to the parties hosted by Michael's friends. I always meet many interesting multicultural people with interesting stories to tell
* Dogs are... great pets, loyal companies, better off outside
* Cats are... cleaner than dogs
* Tomorrow I am going to... wash clothes and make sure everything is ready to take to the hospital
* I have a low tolerance for... too many rainy days in a row
* I wonder why I thought my life would be... in my control
* Never in my life... would I have guessed I would be living in Germany (or anywhere outside the US!)
* High school was something that... through several difficulties, strengthened my focus and resolve to do something with my life
* When I am nervous... I get jittery and sweaty
* Take my advice... setting aside some savings early in life is a good thing
* Making my bed is... a must-do every morning (sometimes before doing anything else)
* I'm almost always... doing my best to maintain a positive attitude
* I'm addicted to... the internet (email, Facebook, blogs, etc)
* I want someone... to be honest with me, challenge my opinions, offer constructive criticism, and enrich my life through their own experiences

Any day now (patience is a virture)

Less than one week to go and the anticipation of Daniel's expected birthday on December 14 seems to consume me. I have read that only about 5% of babies are born on their "due date", but I am hoping to be in the minority group. Many close friends and family have warned me, "Get plenty of sleep now and enjoy the silence." Impossible. Often I find myself part of Insomniacs Anonymous, my mind spinning with all the last minutes things I should do, or think I should do. Apparently this is some type of normal nesting instinct I am experiencing or, perhaps, a sadistic method of parenting preparation.

Fortunately, living in Germany at this point has many unexpected blessings. Maternity leave begins 6 weeks prior to birth and continues for 8 weeks after birth. I am so thankful to have had the past 5+ weeks to be at home, tackling the many projects on my extensive to-do list. Since the population growth here has been declining for many years, there is a government incentive which allows a parent to stay home with a child for one complete year after birth while receiving 67% of his/her salary. Not a bad gig, even if it does feel like German welfare. I consider it payback for the seemingly excessive tax rate that provides for all the socialized services the government provides, including all the ultrasounds I received during my pregnancy, the midwife consults over the past few months (which will continue for up to a month after Daniel arrives)... all with no out-of-pocket expenses. When I first started working for a German company in July 2007, I often complained that I only brought home about half my pay after all the taxes. Now I consider such a system a blessing.

God is teaching me patience, of which I greatly lack. Must be that type A control-freak personality. I am His work in progress. Certainly, I will really have to chill-out when little Daniel finally does arrive.

A new journey

So, here I go... on a new type of journey. An attempt to capture a written account of my life experiences, adventures, blessings. Nothing ventured, nothing gained - right? At the request of several friends who suggested I start a blog, I'll give it my best shot. As Michael (my wonderfully loving and supportive husband) and I embark on a new path in our lives together awaiting the birth of our first child, perhaps now is the time to begin. I really appreciate your feedback, comments, and suggestions. Thanks for joining me as I document my travels along the path I'm on...