summer to fall

Fall is officially here and the summer was full. Here's how we prepared for Aiden (I hope these videos will be a keepsake for Aiden - like a video time capsule):

welcome

We were invited to a parents' potluck at the in-home day care we visited a while back. It was a really warm, friendly party despite not knowing hardly anyone. Our friends that recommended the place were there, and we met some current and alumni families. They could not say enough positive things about Miss-Auntie-Mommy Lynn. One dad even toasted her and said that she was truly part of their family. Lynn welcomed us to her family and I feel really good about finding such a comfortable place for Aiden when I'm back to work.

6 hour basics

We took the basics of the birth process all compiled into a 6 hour class. This funny woman, that was good at asking questions and breaking up the lecture, summed it up well by saying that in the time it took for this class we will probably still be in early labor. I think it was well worth it, even if just for helping me realize that I do really know what to expect and that I can do it. The hospital arranges so that everyone in the class is due right around the same day. When we went around for introductions, there was one couple that didn't find out their baby's sex. The instructor started talking about myths - one being that during pregnancy girls take your beauty and boys take your brains - The husband spoke up and said then we must be having a boy. Ha, that pretty much sums up the humor of the class. That and the pregnant woman clip art that looked like she was having a turtle that really amused our instructor. I think it was all the guided relaxation that made it seem funny.

happy magnetized

Now the nursery is reeeally a big happy magnet. I really can't stay out of the room and it just makes me happy. My ultra-talented-period friend Erin came to town in a surprisingly relaxing, yet whirlwind visit (arriving at 1am on Wed night, painting all day Thursday, and heading off to be a super bridesmaid Friday afternoon). When I called from work on Thursday afternoon, she said it was goin well and began counting up all the hippos she had painted already. I couldn't get home quickly enough. Both J and I can honestly say that we like all the bouncey, cuddly little hippos even more than we thought we would...








I have these photo frames for posterity so that I won't have to cut down a piece of dry wall if we ever have to move (waaay too sentimental to have a child, I know)... Now I just have to figure out where to hang them.

Hanging out with Erin taught me to just go for it and I did my own canvas (that she prepped with blue paint). I think I spent about as long doing this one canvas that she spent on a whole wall. - Erin's impressive aaand speedy - when you're good, you're good - Thanks to Erin for everything!

The complete shots - with frames added:

no way

Pip still has room to tip and bounce. I haven't been too itchy or too achey, but I will say that I do not see how it is possible that he will nearly double in size from now until he really gets to wiggle around. Commentary from those around me has shifted to complete disbelief when I say that I'm due in mid to late November (officially the 17th, at some point the 14th, and on paper for doctor-who-likes-to-avoid-induction the Nov 22nd - Bet not everybody is lucky enough to have three different due dates). I was walking out of a store today and a funny lady pops out of her car and says, "you must not be giving birth right now, because you don't seem to be in any hurry, but oh geez, when are you due?" "November, no way!" "Don't think about it too much...and good luck..." Uh, thanks. Professors at work shake their heads and scratch their heads when I give them my due date, and then they declare it's not possible. One of them even told me to get my email away message ready now. So here goes my special corny edition:
Thank you for your recent message. I am currently out of the office working on a very important project. His name is Aiden and he likes to keep me awake, but away from email. Please connect with so-and-so that won't have much of an answer for you or wait until I'm back in February...
I have an urge to say something about the emails being discarded - ooh, that will feel good.

eating out

Dinner with friends and family all week. We met up with J's friends for a weekday dinner. I was out on a school night eating at a swanky restaurant with many non-pregnant, single, and empty nester types. Something that seems a bit overrated or I will try to convince myself of that (and will probably succeed knowing my tendencies over the last few years) while changing Aiden's diaper and washing his pee off the wall. Then this weekend we headed up at J's grandma's for lunch with his brother's family. This will be the perfect opportunity to eat out once baby arrives, and I have to admit even now more comfortable. Kayley ran in circles for three hours while we all tried to catch her. I can hardly believe that she is almost three. They brought presents for Aiden like a build-a-dino from Build-a-Bear workshop. It's the coolest Triceratops with a cute polo shirt. I think Aiden will like dinosaurs just like his dad, especially the friendly looking type that don't look like they just ripped some flesh from the teddy bear on the shelf next to them.

dr routine

Friday was doctor's appointment number eight. I can hardly believe that we have only been there that many times. It seems like it's such a routine that I've been there more often. Weight first...then go pee in this cup in this ridiculously cold bathroom and dip this stick, just bringing back the stick... then the doctor breezes in and gets to the best part, the heart beat. This time she commented that it's good that my wedding rings still fit since that means my water retention is right, but that may not stay the same as I continue to gain weight. I learned that I do have Braxton Hicks contractions goin on which just means that my uterus is getting ready. Every time a new appointment comes along I can't believe it's been four (or now two) weeks since the last one. Time goes by quickly lately. Baby will be here in just 2 four week appointments or 6 actual appointments (every week soon).

on a school night

Last night we headed to our friends new place for appetizers and drinks before dinner. Dinner with reservations for 8pm! That's when this old lady usually puts on her pajames and enters snuggle mode. One of J's colleagues came by before dinner with his 10 month old that was born right around the same time Aiden will be born. So we were able to get a feel for what to expect this time next year. He'll be cruising around the room, lifting himself up by anyone's pant leg, and squirming something crazy while having his diaper changed. This kid knew her sign for milk and I couldn't get over how deliberate it was and that she could really communicate with signing. Her bed time was approaching (along with mine) and as they were getting ready to leave, J's buddy decided it would be a good idea to have J hold her. He hesitates and asks what he should do if she cries because he's only held one other baby before...aah, just bounce her his buddy says, so J all of a sudden has a bundle of squirm and screetchy baby in his arms. He smiles a big joker smile and goes bouncey bounce, but it wasn't going to cut it. So J now thinks his baby holding record is tied at 1-1. His buddy promised to bring her back into the office to visit J, so he can have a rematch. My baby time invigorated me enough to make it through dinner and I did sleep well.

potato skins with banana

Fiber will bring you freedom from you know what... I don't know if I buy it, but fiber can't hurt the situation. We'll call it a situation that many prego women get to experience no matter how well they eat. I seek out the most fibrous cereal I can find that doesn't look like cat kibble or saw dust. I at least want to be realistic and find something that I may actually consider eating before trying to force feed it to J because I don't want it to go to waste. I go with Fiber Plus which has sweet clusters. It looks like Smart Start which I love but Fiber Plus has three times the fiber. Mmm, let's see it also tastes three times more like eating crispy raw potato skins without any salt or flavor. Potato skins have this musty taste, can't explain it, but we all know it. To top it off, it only takes a few minutes to be a big soggy blop of fiber milk infused with mush. Somehow the sweet clusters have been gobbled up by the big bad fiber flakes... I quickly inhale big huge bites hoping that at least a full cup of 13 grams of fiber will help. It does seem to help, so now I really need to eat this stuff. My solution-of-the-century is adding banana to the mix. It sweetens and prevents the big ball of flakes. There's nothing a big bowl of potato flavored banana with milk can't solve.

rundown

19 weeks and 5 days

22 weeks

25 weeks and 5 days

29 weeks

and just when I thought I couldn't get much bigger...ooh, I'm no longer in denial and ready for this baby to be in his continuous growth spurt mode...
32 weeks

crazy enthusiasm with a bump sometime in August (this is why I crop out my head because I usually have some crazed expression while having my photo taken):

labor massage

I'm still digesting all the information from our labor massage class yesterday evening. It was only two hours long, but it made me realize that the hospital labor basics (3 classes in one) that we signed up for from 9 to 3:30 two Saturdays from now might be overwhelming. There is something in my mind that takes me off on little tangents like when someone asks a question about laboring on a birth ball. Maybe it's the semi-terror daydreams that I end up laboring on my balance ball office chair (somehow I can't help but slip and call it a birth ball now) while frantically trying to find J somewhere on campus. I don't think it will be frantic quick, but of course, the class leader last night had a story about how quickly she gave birth and almost didn't make it to the hospital on her first. Part of me thinks that is the dream scenario and part of me is scared of giving birth in the car. Somewhere in the midst of my distractions, I learned a few things from the class (some qualify in the "we'll see" category):
1. If trembling or shaking (which is common and they are not sure why it happens) it helps for your husband "grounds" your inner arches on your feet.
2. There is this pelvic floor expansion massage against your sides that can help in tiny bits expand your hips.
3. Scalp and hand massage is amazing no matter what.
4. Abdominal strokes in a clockwise direction can soothe the blood flow around the baby.
5. Ice massaged in between the thumb and pointer finger webbing can act as a contraction distraction. Use Dixie cups that round out at the bottom. There were other "contraction distractions" but I was too distracted by J rubbing cold ice on my hand to remember them.
This was a good mini intro and I look forward to the more detailed classes. I think somewhere along the way they say that they will teach me how to breathe - I thought I had that down - jk.

hysterical baby

The laugh on this baby! It's hysterical when he starts laughing just with the anticipation.

real video better than watching grass grow

Belly bulge bonanza is better than watching grass grow. I'm convinced I will get toes sticking out eventually (when he decides to remove them from my diaphragm - which must be cozy because he likes to wiggle them there now - probably because then mom can't pinch them, and instead she starts laughing - note: that is nervous laughter caused by the thought that eventually he will find all necessary air channels and I really won't be able to catch my breath - little bugger).
My schnazy little camera can take these little videos, and I've tried it a few times, but J had no idea it could even do that. The little dial easily switches over on its own in the case every now and then, so when I had J grab the camera to get some really lopsided shots (because if I jump up it inevitably goes back to normal). While he was grabbing it he did shift around so he's not quite as hammerheady, but we caught a classic moment from J's camera operating attempt. As I switch the camera back to photo mode I play back this short little snippet that left me crying with laughter. Maybe you had to be there, but daddy's mouth will be cleaned out for baby. promise. and just maybe he will have a tidbit of enthusiasm for taking photos. (Note from editor: BS apparently means "best shot" mode for all our curious readers.)

Then there is this shot which may seem like grass growing, but then you get a slight, slight wave machine building. But then I think pip decided to hold out for more yogurt before putting on his real show (which had to wait, because more yogurt would mean I would really not sleep). Note: Blogger apparently thinks this shot is too boring and will not figure out how to upload it correctly. Sorry folks, better luck next time, we have your rain checks waiting at the door.
Aah, and the grand finale, THE Disappearing Belly Button with baby knee knocking action in the middle. He moves in just the right way when I pull up my belly and there you go. It's the best itchy belly button skin relief... really, try it.

Disclaimer, I don't mind you looking at my well-loved belly while laughing or with mild disgust, so we're all good. This seems to only hold true on video when you are miles away, otherwise I get shy in person ;) or maybe just shyer.

second to last spot!

The baby ticker just moved to the second to last spot on the chart as of today! I can't get over how pregnancy has been a lot quicker than I expected. I still expect time to slow down, but it doesn't seem to be. I think the trick was keeping busy this summer getting out with friends and getting settled into our new place. Even waking up at 4am time flies through the morning and during the day.

S shared these cutie pie prickly babies - Here is the caption: "HAVE YOU EVER SEEN PORCUPINE BABIES? GIVES A WHOLE NEW MEANING TO LABOR PAINS!!" - I think I might take prickly babies the size of my finger over this watermelon they expect to pop out of me.

hobbit eating

I'm not a huge fan of hobbits, but I'm definitely a fan of their eating patterns. My friend wikipedia gives this factoid, "Hobbits enjoy at least seven meals a day, not including snacks, when they can get them - breakfast, (arguably) second breakfast, elevenses, luncheon, tea, dinner and later, supper. They like simple food such as bread, meat, potatoes, and cheese, have a passion for mushrooms, and also like to drink ale and beer, often in inns — not unlike the English countryfolk, who were Tolkien's inspiration." I'm still not a fan of eating fungus and the ale and beer can wait a few months. I think the "elevenses" hit me the most lately. I'm trying my best to not over do it, but this baby is huuungry...good thing he seems to like good for you treats like bananas, yogurt, and pineapple (which fit nicely in my new little mini fridge at work). I think it's all going straight to his little rump. It's bulging out in its cute little lopsided lump more and more lately.

head, shoulders, knees and toes

heeead, shoulders, kneeeees and toes - Baby is already singing and dancing to this preschool jingle. I look down at my belly and I see a big divide between two chubby thighs that I just can't help but squeeze. As I poke he likes to dance. He has either good or bad taste in music, since he really bounces around whenever an Ozzy Osborne song comes on - is he hoping I switch the channel or turn it up? I like my bouncey baby even though he wakes me up at night and distracts me during meetings. I want to give him more room to play even if it means stretch marks and perma outie belly buttons.

womb patty cake

It's gotta be hormonal. I have a magnetic draw from my rump to the glider chair and my fingers can't stop fussing away at his cute little clothes. In the morning I get up and can't help but wander in there. I've read his books to him while gliding in our rocker. I've rearranged and cleaned all of his little outfits. I've set up the monitor (where J can make surprisingly realistic crying noises that make me smile). Someone asked me yesterday if I set up the crib yet... uh yeah, months ago. How couldn't I help getting all that going by now?! The other question is do you feel him moving yet... uh, yeah, I have a break dancing baby that only occasionally sticks his wiggle toes into my lungs so I can't breathe. Our favorite little game is womb patty cake. I actually read about this online somewhere. It's an "opportunity to engage your child and help his development" - uh ok, that may be overstating it, but it does make me happy when I high five him and he wacks me back. We play the pip-likes-to-push game (I can't wait until he can pull too) and he responds sometimes with bigger punches than expected. I've had numerous kicks where I saw toes. Tough belly becomes a wave machine after a good dose of yogurt. It's fun to watch J play too and when I hear him say, "oh, woah, "... I can't help but light up.

pass

"You passed all your tests with flying colors, so we won't need any more of your blood before you're in the hospital..." Phew, yeah, little-veins-that-don't-appear (for frantic phlebotomist that is trying to cut off arm circulation) are happy to hear that. I don't feel like they've taken blood very often, but I guess she doesn't want to get a reputation as Dracula Doctor. Then the next thing I'm struck with is how she is referring to the hospital visit as a near future reality. I scheduled the rest of my doctors appts (they are now from every 4 to every 2 weeks and very soon they will be every week) which somehow equals less than 7 appts. She checked in with us on picking a pediatrician (we've chosen this women referred to us by friends and by her-they went to med school together at Brown), whether we'd signed up for birth/infant classes (which we needed to do a long time ago if we had a chance of getting a spot in the hospital classes, but luckily I didn't wait and we're all signed up), and let us know that at 35 weeks she's "really" going to check in. She looked over her glasses and told me she was going to take a strep culture that time, so "go ahead and read about that so you know what to expect" - uhok. Don't panic me by not going into the details - is it really that bad? Can't be, but I think she is squeamish about talking about that stuff in front of J or something...who knows. She covers my belly when she takes the heart beat so he can't see. I once had a skirt on and she got out the big drape and I told her that he's seen it all before... she said it was "protocol, what she learned about patient comfort" and wasted all the delightful paper cloth. I like having J there and he's flexible enough that he can come to every appt with me, but I wonder how she'll react if he shows up at this appt where she has already warned me that I'll have to expose. I think I'll be much more exposed than that at the hospital and I might as well break him in early ;) I'm actually surprised that they don't do more exams. So far unless you have issues, the appts are preventative measures. They test your urine, the heartbeat, and measure your belly (which seems ridiculously imprecise) and you are on your way. She throws in a good dose of daddy banter. They seem to get along pretty well and after she's gone through her checklist with me, she starts in laughing it up with J. I imagine it pays for her to have a good connection with him while I'm in delirious mode at the hospital, so I'm glad that he can be there to connect with her now.

hammerhead

Sleep is overrated. I woke up early this morning with a belly that looked like a hammerhead shark was trying to burst through. Seriously, it was the most lopsided double bulge I've seen yet. I think it was baby head and bottom leaning back against my tummy with his toes tickling my spine. It's still a bit lopsided, but the big bulge isn't going to burst. That is your update for the day... next time I might get J or the tripod at 5am to get some photos - I'm eventually going to document something like this:

just can't help myself

The nursery is a work in progress. I have a feeling by the time the poor kid gets into it, it's going to be overrun with stuffed hippos and animals. I'm trying to keep the walls mostly clear for the hippo mural my friend will be here to paint at the end of the month. So here are before phase two photos:
Dream meadow play yard perched on top of the changing table for now (so the cats won't bother it) with it's rocker removed
New John Lennon quilts with drawings he did for his son and little musical notes in the rich colors
Temporary stroller storage corner overrun with hippos
Nursery spread out into the living room
The swing pattern looks a lot cuter than toile, eh?

things we won't be able to do

It's the Labor Day weekend, and J and I were thinking about what to do. We've already been partying out here at our new place and we've had many versions of babymoon travel during this pregnancy (we'll call London the highlight). Most of the people we know headed out of town this weekend. So, what should we do that we won't be able to do once the baby arrives? It really got me thinking about how life will change after the baby, and I don't feel like I'll be missing out on anything. I realize that we'll be a little less flexible especially at first, but I'm pretty sure I won't feel "trapped" but instead wrapped up in a whole new world. Here are a few things that we may or may not do now that we won't be able to do once the baby arrives:
- Fall asleep on the couch right after work
- Crank the guitar amp whenever
- Leave coins and razors laying around
- Sharpen the kitty nails
- Swear at the sewing machine for eating the corner of my quilt
Not that we ever do any of these now ;)

belly is hangin tough

My baby is about half the size that it will most likely be when it's born. Uh ok, let's look at the situation here. I am bursting at the seams so where will all that additional baby go? Unless I have more hidden belly button skin (which does seem to appear daily), I'm going to be in trouble. My belly button is going to be so sunken in once I go back to normal (or semi-normal, no denial here) it's going to look like a crevice the cats can cuddle up into. It barely sticks out anymore because it's so stretched out it usually sits almost flat. I have started occasionally wearing my bella band again to try to "prevent stretch marks" and it does seem to help support my belly. Good thing it is cooling off so that an extra layer is comfortable again. I'm excited for a fall baby as long as he doesn't decide to emerge from my belly button! Tough belly at 29 weeks - Still hangin' tough like a really bad new kids on the block song - who knew they were talking about my pregnant belly!? Just listen:
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh. oh, oh, oh, oh, oh.
Listen up everybody if you wanna take a chance.
(rap:) Just get on the floor and do the new kids dance. (Note: I can get down, but I may not get back up again)
Don't worry bout nothing cause it won't take long. (Oh, thanks for the words of encouragement, Jordan Knight)
(rap:) We're gonna put you in a trance with a funky song, (I'll be sure to bring my new kids tracks with me to the hospital - screw an epidural, the new kids are going to put me in a trance)
Cause you gotta be hangin tough, hangin tough, hangin tough.
(rap:) We're rough.
(Other verses removed to avert my many other dumb jokes)
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, just hangin tough, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, hangin tough.
(repeat & fade)