snack happy

Since it's a nice long weekend, outside of visiting friends, we're home watching baseball and getting some house projects done (new curtain rods, etc). This is combined with my non-stop hunger scrounging. I'm pretty good at not overdoing it when I have work and other distractions, but I have to resist eating a whole box of nilla wafers in one sitting. I know you're thinking, nilla wafers?! "Those are so bland," was my mom's reaction. They taste so sweet with my prego taste buds (I swear everything tastes sweeter) and have a little less guilt than say a pumpkin muffin (It is fall = excuse to make pumpkin muffins with extra chocolate chips). I think we're gonna go out for breakfast this morning... mmm, yum bacon, no turkey bacon - distinction ;) This hunger will be satiated or I'll just fill in the gaps with some nilla wafer snacking.

dear friendly's

Dear Friendly's Menu Planners,

I've recently discovered your new Ghirardelli Chocolate Perfection ice cream menu. There is an item listed as "Living Like a Choc Star" with warm cake topped with ridiculous chocolate fudge and ice cream. I would like to ask that you temporarily remove this item from your menu until after I give birth and preferably after I finish nursing. There was an incident that occurred at your restaurant earlier in this holiday weekend, where my DOCTOR appeared at our table and my husband and I have a debate as to whether she said "Someone has a craving for something 'sweet' or something 'greasy'..." Both are true, but I could only reply that your restaurant is dangerous. Since I cannot ask my doctor to move to another town, and I never know where she may appear again (talk about guilty complex), I need to ask that the chocolate treat (that goes over the top like a rockstar) be removed. You are welcome (and please do) bring it back after this healthy baby makes his appearance.

Your consideration is greatly appreciated. Regards, LB
P.S. Is it really necessary to give people a free ice cream with every gigantic cheese burger they order?!

baby care class

In our birth class last weekend the instructor encouraged everyone to introduce themselves and share their trouble spots/issues. A bunch of people complained of being tired all of the time. She explained that medical professionals compare the extra effort expended carrying a baby to hiking a 500 foot mountain everyday. Sounds like a reasonable comparison to me. Last night's baby care class from 6:30 to 9:20pm (She kept us 20 minutes late) was a bit much for a school night. I know I keep harping that doing things on a school night is a big deal, but I think my somewhat-tired-despite-wanting-to-be-engaged-feeling has something to do with the 500 foot mountain climb exhaustion, driving an extra 20 minutes in traffic to get there, and then walking through a maternity triage that looked like the tv show ER's triage. I really hope the triage isn't that full when we arrive. We have two more Thursday night classes, but so far I think they will be worth it. The funny English lady that taught our care class kept talking about pacies and prams. When asked what he hopes to get out of the class, the guy next to us said that he wants to "learn how to not drop the baby" - ok, ha ha?! Next time we will actually have our own dummy babies to play with... oh boy, it should be a highlight, but I'm not sure it will compare to holding Aiden.... there are some moments when I just can't wait to meet him.

doc visit countdown

It was my first doctor's appointment without J there. I think my doctor missed J even more than I did ;) She definitely likes being his buddy. I won't get into the gory details, but I did have an exam for the first time since my very first visit with Doctor Lifetime Movie. I had a chance to feel what it is like to have your cervix checked and the birth instructor wasn't joking when she said it's about four inches up there. They aren't messing around and they really fuss in there...and I used to think clamps and a q tip swab were uncomfortable. The baby's head is "nice and low" and my cervix is closed as it is supposed to be. Yeah, for a non-breech baby so far. Since he's so used to it now Aiden will like floating/diving under water upside down... I bet he'll be into searching for pennies on the bottom of the pool.

long sleeves

One of J's buddies invited us over (again on a school night) for some dinner and play time with their little girl. I brought her a little baby blanket embroidered with her name, which somehow an 11 month old doesn't care much about - surprise, surprise. But at least her mom thought it was pretty cool. He mom whipped out all sorts of old maternity clothes including long sleeved sweaters! It's been cooling off here (although yesterday and today it's back in the lower 80s just because I have long sleeves to wear), and since I literally had one shirt and two sweaters with long sleeves that fit over my belly, I was very grateful. One of the sweaters was blugging at the seams so I'd stopped trying to zip it up. The pseudo-new maternity clothes and hearing a new birth story was definitely worth the late evening.

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.