Nothing yet. I know, I know, if you're anxious imagine how Elena and I feel. Emma says, "Good things come to those who wait.". She's a smart little one. We were kinda hoping Emma would come to us early but it appears as though she likes it in there. The way I see it, she's got six days left before I go in and get her.

I've been real busy at work trying to wrap things up before Emma gets here. I don't want to worry about work once Emma arrives so I am pretty stressed out trying to complete my tasks.

No effacement or dilation yet but Elena's belly is still growing so I have faith that time is on our side. Emma can't hold out forever. Come out little Emma. It's so much nicer out here. Inside your Mommy you are all folded up like a burrito. It can't be pleasant. Come out so your Mommy and Daddy can love you up.

We received our stem cell kit from ViaCord this week. Elena and I had discussed this a long time ago and had decided that if we could afford it, we would have Emma's stem cells collected at her time of birth and preserved. Stem cells (the controversial buzz word of our time) are cells that are capable of being programmed to develop into any other cell the body makes, and are currently used to treat over 40 life-threatening diseases. The stem cells collected by ViaCord are harvested from the umbilical cord and do not harm mother or child.

So as I write this I realize that it may be my last and final entry before Emma is born. One day Emma will be big, and she will look upon this site and be taken back to a time when her father and mother were young and full of dreams, eager for her arrival and the joy we are sure she will bring. Her first memories will most likely be of people entirely different than what she reads here. Those people may be a little more neurotic and over-protective, perhaps even a bit "out of touch". Emma, although we will try our best to balance your need for independence and our need for safety and security, there will be times when you will feel that we have crossed the line or stifled you. Know that our decisions were never made on a whim, and your needs or wishes never trivially dismissed, but carefully included in our decision-making process. We have been through so much to bring you into this world, so make no mistake that we want only what is best for you. I hope when you look back at this, and the life we had together you realize how much you meant to us and how brilliantly you illuminated our lives. Looking forward to seeing you soon.

- Dad