Congratulations, CK!!

You are doing GREAT - what a gift you're giving to yourself, your wife and soon-to-arrive-baby.

That's an interesting realization you had about dealing with stress. I'm sure it was true for me as well - and I think nicotine dependence compounded the stress level, making me need cigarettes to deal with ordinary situations.

I started about the same time you did - did Step 2 patches for 4 weeks, and just went to Step 1 two days ago. I'm going to stay on it for 4 weeks. I KNOW if I go patch-free sooner, I'll be in trouble.

It feels wonderful to be smoke-free (I've smoked off-and-on, mostly on, for over 30 years) - wish I'd done this YEARS ago.

Don't know if this is helpful, but I keep the lowest nic level gum on hand for the occasional intense craving. In the beginning I was chewing a couple a day, now it's maybe 1 or 2 a week.

Good luck to you - Hang in there, cause this is tough. But every day you're healthier, you smell better, and one day closer to holding that baby in your arms!

Pat