O'Connell Family

 Dear Peanut, Right now I am 38 weeks and 2 days along. I have a scheduled induction this Thursday. As an ObGyn, I will be interested to look back at this plan for a 39 week induction and see if it is standard of care everyone, or a different recommendation in the future. It is definitely harder to get around, and I am contracting more, but I am very lucky to still be feeling good and healthy. It is crazy to know that this time next week, you will be in my arms instead of in my belly! You really do make a statement in there. Even now, this far along, you move SO MUCH! I don't know how you have the room in there. I wonder if this is evidence of how much energy you will have on the outside?  Your Dad and I have so many different feelings right now. We are of course just so excited to have you in our life; to get to know who you will become and the fun adventures we will have together. We are also nervous; we have never done this before!!! We don't know what life will bring, I su...

 Dear Peanut, It is officially 2021! 2020 was a very tough year for many people. The pandemic changed life for everyone in the world; sadly almost 350,000 people lost their lives in the US, it limited our ability to see our loved ones, and many people lost their jobs. There were a number of other things that happened this year including major fires in the west coast of the country, and a very contentious election between Trump and our soon to be new President Biden and a historic Vice President Harris (first female and first person of color in the office!) I want you to know how much the world changed while you were growing. I also want you to know how lucky your dad and I have been. In 2020, you came into our lives and we both stayed healthy- we are so unbelievably grateful. I was very lucky a few weeks ago to be among the first to get the Covid vaccine and will get the second dose next week. I am so glad that you will get some of that immunity through me!  I am now just over...