5 More Weeks to Go!

I'm back at work in the Raleigh office and Jay and I have been busy getting everything ready for the baby. The nursery is all set up, we've washed and cleaned all the hand-me-down clothes that people have given us and they're all hanging up in the closet. We've installed the car seat and Jay finished putting together the bassinet/bed side sleeper last night.

We've purchased (in bulk) some diapers, diaper wipes and a the Johnson & Johnson bath set which includes baby powder, baby oil, baby shampoo, baby moisterizer cream.....you get the idea.

So short of a few miscellaenous items, all we have to do now is pack the hospital overnight bag (in case this little one comes earlier than expected) and we'll be all set for baby.

It's hard for Jay and I to believe that we've only got 5 weeks to go! People say that this last month flies by and with the Holidays coming up, I can believe that. Jay and I have the Christmas tree and stockings up and hopefully this baby will be come early to celebrate with us since Jay LOVES Christmas.

A Raleigh Baby Shower

This past weekend, my friend Heather organized a baby shower for me! She enlisted our caterer Nicki, sent out invitations, decorated my living room with balloons and roses, and even drummed up some baby shower party games! One of the games was really cute, Heather had the girls decorate onesies for the baby.

So I got a chance to see many of my Raleigh friends that I haven't seen in a LONG time as a result of Tyco and I got to eat cake too! (and of course, presents are always a nice part of the shower).

Here's a picture of the girls that were at the shower.

It also gave me a chance to show my new house off to people. That was the first time that anybody has been in my house.....so it was a good thing that I actually painted some of the rooms and semi-decorated!

A month from now, I'll be going out on my maternity leave unless things progress faster than anticipated. The countdown begins.

I'm now a US Permanent Resident

After what seemed like an eternity, Jay and I finally had our greencard interview yesterday where upon were were supposed to convince the Homeland Security officer that we were indeed married to each other and that we were not married merely for myself to procure a greencard and enter the US.

In spite of the fact that we forgot to bring any photos of each other together and that we also forgot to bring anything like Life Insurance policies to show that we had each other on our policies, the officer deemed us married enough.

I am now a US Permanent Resident! The officer told us that the US does not recognize dual citizenships but then he also mentioned that the US can only make you renounce your Canadian citizenship but they cannot make you give up your Canadian passport. Also, in Canada, since I was born there, I will always have citizenship. I would just have 2 passports and use each one depending on where I am. In the US, I would use the US passport. If I were to visit Canada, I would use the Canadian passport. Neat little loophole.

I'm can apply for my US citizenship 3 years from yesterday. Right now, my greencard is good for 10 years so I've got some time to decide what I want to do. The only downside to not applying for the US citizenship is that I cannot vote and I cannot be out of the country for more than a year.

So long story short, I now have my greencard. It took a long time, but not as long as I've heard for other people from other countries. The officer was telling us crazy stories of people in the Philippines waiting 22 years for their greencards.

Greencard Speculations

I have been working out of town since May and I think I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I should be flying home to Raleigh tomorrow. Next week, I'll be working in New York for 3 days and then I'll be flying to Charlotte, NC for my greencard interview. After that, I will be in Raleigh and there shouldn't be anymore business flying back and forth unless it's for training.

I think next week's interview is where they determine whether Jay and I are actually married and I'm not just using him for my permanent residence status. This reminds me of the movie "Greencard" with Gerard Depardieu and Andie MacDowell. I wonder if they'll ask us what kind of toothpaste we use and what side of the bed we sleep on.

Anybody have any speculations of what kind of questions they'll be asking us? Has anybody else ever gone through this process?

Another Ultrasound Picture - It's Still a Boy!

Last Friday, I had another ultrasound and got to see another picture of our little baby boy. He's not much of a kicker, more of a squirmer. During the ultrasound, when the ultrasound tech was poking and prodding my belly to get him to move on the screen, he just squirmed around and didn't really kick in response. He looks much bigger than the last time and they have indeed confirmed once again that it is still a boy.

I went to visit Nicki and Luis' baby who was born a week ago last Thursday and she looked so big! It's was hard to imagine that just a week prior to me seeing her, she was still in her mother's womb. I'm guessing that's where my fear of pain is stemming from. I'm not scared per se, but I am feeling a little aprehensive. There seems to be so much to do before this little one comes!

I've also been making the mistake of watching the TLC channel's Babies - Special Delivery. This show focuses on babies with high risk pregnancy mothers. I really don't think that I should be watching this show anymore, but it's like seeing a traffic accident. You're not sure you want to see what they're going to show you but you can't take your eyes away.

A Painted Nursery

Jay and I have spent all yesterday decorating and painting our nursery for our future baby boy. We're very happy with the results and of course, thanks to everybody who pitched in to get us the baby furniture, it now looks like a real nursery. All it appears to be missing is a dresser drawer, but that can come later.

We chose a blue color scheme with hints of green. The pattern on the walls are stars and here you can see all the furniture that we have so far. The changing table, the nursing chair and the crib with all the matching crib sheets and blankets and such.
Tell us what you think!