Entering the home stretch

Jellybean's arrival has never been concrete.

Everything Merry and I have been told by the doctors gives us the impression that we will have an October baby.

If so, awesome. If not, also awesome.

I'll be happy if the baby comes in September or October. It really doesn't matter.

The last day the team of doctors will let us go is Oct. 19, which is the birth date of one of my cousins and an uncle.

It would be very cool if Jellybean is born on that date.

But to be honest, I'm preparing myself for an earlier day.

For some reason, I keep thinking Jellybean will make their entrance into the world one to two weeks ahead of this date. Possibly the first full week of October.

Our trip to the doctor's office last week was quite good. We were informed the baby weighs 3 pounds and 10 ounces. According to the nurse, the baby is expected to gain a half pound each week from here until birth.

If Oct. 19 is the target date, that means the baby will weigh almost 9 pounds.

That's a big baby. But then again, I weighed in close to that at birth as well.

We are currently in the third trimester. Well, at least Merry has. I'm more of a spectator. But this means there are only 64 days remaining. That is, if the baby goes the entire term.

Somehow, I feel as if Jellybean is ready to enter the world. He or she is kicking up a storm.

Merry and I attended the Keith Urban concert at the Indiana State Fair Saturday. While there, she kept telling me how much Jellybean loves Keith Urban's music, pointing out that she plays his music for the baby consistently. That's fine with me. Keith Urban writes great songs. He is a terrific performer, etc.

She kept saying Jellybean was kicking all the time as he blazed through his set of music.

I try to be as supportive as I can possibly be. I don't think anyone at the concert surrounding us is interested in me reaching over to Merry's stomach, hoping to catch another pound on the kick drum that she has become.

I think I'd rather wait for something like that until we are home.

And sometimes, when we are at home, I miss them.

I honestly can't wait until I become a father. I'm really looking forward to it.