Just a quick update, after a_ trip to the local second-hand store.

Realized yesterday that I don't have extra batteries. They're in there now.

I swapped out my thermal top for a light wool jacket. I layer and usually wear a long-sleeved thermal top as a base layer in cool and cold weather, and the wool jacket is about the same weight and only slightly bulkier. It should work very well as a mid layer, between my synthetic or merino wool base layer, and my synthetic outer layer.

I also swapped out my 2l Nalgene for a 27oz Kleen Kanteen. It's better for boiling water in (which I'm not really planning to do with this urban kit), but it's also smaller and a bit lighter.

Hand warmers, a hiking stick and micro spikes are great ideas. I'm still working on the stick but do have spikes ready to add when the big freeze arrives and hand warmers have been added. Walking on ice can be tricky and I really don't want to fall. The baby is pretty safe but I don't bend or bounce like I did in my thirties.

Hubby has made the commute with me. We lived and worked in the area this trip covers, so he's got a very good lay of the land. We've got a nine year old at home to take care of so he sticks closer to home to manage that piece of the puzzle.

Commuting alone so far from home in the third trimester isn't ideal. It means that I have to maintain a dependant point of view when I'm planning. I am becomng increasingly dependant on others the closer I get to delivery day. I'm not going far or carrying much on foot so I need to stay realistic. Hunkering down or heading straight to the hospital, and keeping in contact with my peeps via phone are my best two options should something go wrong. I normally plan to be as independant and mobile as possible so this is quite a shift in thinking.

The delivery day plan details are solidifying as well. We've got a few get to the hospital plans (A,B,C,D,E AND F) and take care of our son plans (A,B,C,D AND E) in place. The emergancy call list and action plans are confirmed, the hospital bag is packed and hanging inside the front door of the house, and we have a tour of the hospital in a couple of weeks.

Still three months to go, but the time is going to fly. With a little luck, the baby will arrive safely and on time at the hospital that's a couple of blocks from home. Keep your fingers crossed for us.