Three storms landed haymakers on the Pacific Northwest this week that brought gusts of wind in the upper 60s and low 70s, knocked out power to many, downed trees, and for mariners, caused a good bit of anxiety. We got socked with the first punch while at anchor early on Tuesday morning before retiring to our corner in Bellingham’s Squalicum Harbor to watch the rest of the bout unfold on Wednesday and Thursday. On Thursday night when the gusts started I immediately knew they were in the mid 50s, but we didn’t really see much above that. Thankfully.

What this succession of storms did, though, is upped our overall preparedness. Not for another round of storms, per se, as we’re generally always geared up for those this time of year, but for the arrival of our son. Jill’s due date is just a few weeks away now and we’ve decided — along with some gentle nudging from our midwife — that staying in Bellingham until he arrives is the best thing to do. So no more anchoring out in places like this …

Or sailing…

… until this guy is here, which is just fine with us. We’re ready now. We’ve secured a temporary slip in the harbor, have Jill’s mom aboard to hang out with Porter, rented a car so we can make a dash for the delivery room, and have the new babe’s room waiting. We’re ready when he is.