feeling a little unbelievable!

we've done some preparing for baby's arrival.  however there is still more to be done.  and with that I keep reminding myself just how much time is left.
and then last night I had a realization of just how little time we actually have left!  the panic is not really setting in, but it is just on the precipice.  

less than 12 weeks.  it's somehow even worse when I break it into days.  at this point it is 82 days until my due date.  BUT  apart from Emma deciding to be born later than my due date, all my children are born before their due date by at least 2 days and one of them 8 days 'early'

though I am trying to find comfort in a few things.
1.  all the other kids will be at school for about 6-7 weeks before baby is due so I will have that time to get a lot of things squared away
2.  though I am due right before Halloween and I know the kids (youngest 3) will want to go trick or treating.  I will not have to buy them all costumes this year since they all have a large quantity of costumes that they regularly play dress up in.  so no pressure for me in that department.
3.  my biggest two kids are old enough to care for the youngest kids so when I do go into labor and decide it's time to head to the hospital they will be able to hold down the fort.
4.  having had babies before I know what things are the most mandatory to have before baby comes.  a lot of things can just wait for a while.  so we aren't going to break the bank buying things that we really don't need for 5 months.

but I guess, ready or not this baby is going to be here soon