** Jennifer uses this format frequently, and I like the fact that it gives me a quick view of everything that’s going on in her life way up there in the godforsaken land of the Yankees, so I’m going to give it a try.

Up: I have my 37-week checkup tomorrow, so Deacon could now be born anytime and considered full-term. Let’s hope he takes after his father and not me where punctuality is concerned!

Down: I never knew how horribly painful rolling over in bed could become.

Up: I will never take a good night’s sleep for granted again. Ever.

Down: Just this week, I have developed itchy stretch marks below my belly button, which are driving me crazy.

Up: Ben has this whole weekend off, and we’re going to finish building our new chicken coop. I am very excited about this. So are the chickens.

Up: After we finish the coop, we’re going to reward ourselves with a trip to Barnes and Noble for some reading material to pack for the hospital. This “up” counts double because we found two gift cards a few weeks ago that someone gave us and we never used, so it’s a free trip to Barnes and Noble!

Down: Did I mention the itchy stretch marks?

Up: I finally remembered to call the pediatrician and get Deacon’s hospital checkup lined up.

Up: Deacon’s room is all put together and ready for him to come live in it.

Down: The only time my ankles have ever been as swollen as they were last night was the time I was stung by yellowjackets on both legs. Icky.

Up: I have to get back into my “normal” clothes quickly because Ginny’s going to be needing her maternity wardrobe back ASAP! Yay!

Down: When did my “normal” clothes shrink so much?