Here we are at week 41 and this is the last tummy shot you’ll see on champuru.net, because I’ll be induced on Friday, October 3, 2008. That’s in two short days.

Today, we went to lunch with Mahealani at Assaggio Ristorante. Something she said really got me thinking: “psychologists say that, for a couple, having a baby is like dealing with a crisis because of how much your life changes.”

A crisis.

Hubby and I have been through our share of tough times during the past 17 years (15 years of marriage this year). It was during those times of trial and testing that our relationship experienced the most growth. I expect this to be no different.

The birth of Baby Champuru will be an exciting, yet frightening time for the both of us as we are faced with the challenges of being new parents. Everything will be new to us. Neither of us has changed a dirty diaper, bathed a baby, or even handled a newborn. Despite the infant care classes we attended and numerous books and magazines I’ve read, I still feel sorely unprepared for my new role as mother. I really hope that Baby Champuru will be patient with me as I tackle the steep learning curve ahead of me.

Hubby and I have been trying to cram in as much “togetherness” time as possible, knowing that our quiet dinners out will soon be a thing of the past. For 17 years, we have come and go as we pleased, stepping out to dinner whenever and wherever on a whim without much thought for things such as the availability of a changing table in the restroom and a family-friendly atmosphere. Now, venturing out of the house will take much more planning and preparation with a new baby. That is only the tip of the iceberg.

But, those changes are good. It launches us into a new chapter in our lives. One that we have prayed for — for years — and now it’s upon us and I’m still wondering if I’m ready.

Ready or not, here she comes!