Sleepless without a Cause

Dan and I had yet another restless nights sleep. I had always imagined that wouldn't happen until after the baby arrived, but with my stomach in the way of all my previously comfortable positions, I toss and turn throughout the night. Then I finally settle down, and have to get up again for the bathroom. I guess I will be prepared for getting up throughout the night to take care of baby's needs when he arrives. No, he's not here yet - honest! ;-)

Are you in Labor Yet?

It seems the office isn't the only place that people are checking. We are now getting more phone calls & e-mails on a daily basis. When and if we answer - the caller seems bummed to hear from us, too. "Gee, I could have sworn you would be in the hospital by now". ;-)

The Essential Pregnancy Books

This weekend, Dan and I both read a book called the Happiest Baby on the Block. It's an easy read that focuses on how to stop your colicy baby from crying using the 5 S's - Swaddling, Side/Stomach position, Shhhing, Swinging, and Sucking. We both felt rewarded with a bag of tricks we are looking forward to trying. Other books that have made us feel that way include Baby-Gami (all about the art of swaddling & Slinging your baby with super cute pictures - also features the circumcision wrap), The Pregnancy Bible (all about the nine months, for baby and for mom, and care tips for afterwards too), The Baby Bargains Book - (the baby esentials not to scrimp on, and the others to skip), and The Girlfriends Guide to the First Year. These books have been my guide so far on this pregnancy journey. I also read the typical - "What to Expect When You're Expecting", and found it to be a Dear Abby book filled with potential nightmares to scare new parents, and not very helpful at all. For all preggos out there, my advice would be to skip it.

Office Funtivities

This morning we had another healthy doctor appointment. I am dilated between 1-2 centimeters, and the Dr. feels I am much more thinned out. She also had to measure the babys heartbeat at a much lower spot than ussual, and judging from my developing waddle while I walk, I beleive her.
Also it's getting very funny at work. I stayed home sick in the beginning of the week, and apparently my boss was bombarded with questions of whether it was baby time yet. This morning when I came in a half hour late from the Dr. appt., there was already speculation as well. Dan, who finally caught my cold, is staying home from work today too. I wonder if they are all speculating about him also. There is apparently a friendly pool at my work to see who can guess my due date and babys size too ;-) It really can be any day now, and your guess is as good as any.

We Graduated!

Last night, after diapering and swaddling a Teddy Bear, Dan and I graduated from our childbirth preparation classes. So, I guess that means we are ready - we have an official certificate that says we are.
In other news, I came down with a sore-throught that quickly turned into a full fledged yucky cold/sinus/cough on Sunday, and am still recuperating. I am on anitbiotics, which I hate beccause I really didn't want to do too many drugs throughout the pregnancy, but at least I am no longer contagious. Being this pregnant and not able to breathe very easily is really no fun, and I hope I don't go into labor before this cold is kicked! I also pray I didn't pass it to Dan. Time will tell.

Sister Time

Risa came in Friday night to see me as a preggo 'one last time', and I enjoyed going out for falafel at Sepal for the third time this week. I think I finally am over my every other night addiction, but it is still very yumm, and I will be back shortly I'm sure. We had much needed bonding time before I dropped her off at the China town bus today too. Meanwhile, Dan installed the car seat base in the Honda so it's ready. As you can see in the pic, my stomach looks just about ready to pop.

One Centimeter Dilated!

Just got back from the week 38 Doctor Appt., and we've begun dilating and effacing folks! "What does that mean?" you ask....well...not much, just that my body sort of knows what needs to happen on its own, and I might not need to have labor induced by the hospital. There are still no factual predictors available to tell when real labor will begin. Could be tonight, could be in a few more weeks. Only time will tell, Calvin is considered full term at this point, so all is good whenever he decides to make his appearance.

Ladies Night

Last night, Fiona, Erin and I went out for dinner. We had a really great time eating falafel, catching up, and talking about religion, politics, and of course my new favorite subject, breastfeeding. While we said good-bye, it occurred to us that it might be the last night that all three of us were childless, and that we might never feel that free to be out and about again - not that its bad, just that it will be different. I have invested a lot of time in my life being that free, so I wonder if I will miss it.

Ready to Roll

Yesterday we received the Graco travel system in the mail from "Grandma" and "Great-Grandma". It was the one purchase we absolutely need before baby arrives, as we can't legally take baby home from the hopspital with out a car seat. We also received the Lands End diaper bag back pack from "Saba" and "Softa", so we are going to be ready to travel right away (as long as we have the energy ;-) Dan really likes the backpack, as it is not frilly and looks normal.

Pregnancy Dreams

I have been having the most vivid dreams lately. They aren't really nightmares, as they seem at the time so real and logical, but they aren't sweet either. The most vivid one so far was that Calvin was born while I was sleeping, and I woke up to this beautiful, squeaky clean baby on my chest. He looked up at my surprised face and said "I'm hungry, Mama." Unfortunately, I couldn't plug in my boobies because Dan had just finished child proofing all the electrical sockets, and didn't teach me the trick to them. Then I woke up, all scared I couldn't plug in my breasts to feed my baby, and realized how comical that is.
Other news from the Massachusetts Tax-Free hot holiday weekend was that we child-proofed our TV station by buying a new cabinet that hides the wires, and finally made it out to the beach to float the belly in the refreshing water. Ahhhh. That was nice!

Arm twisted, tonge in cheek...

Alright, I'm back today was a day off from work for me. What did I do with a day off? My honey-do list of course! I spent a large part of my morning at my nemesis, home despot buying all manner of implements. Ok, so I bought a new lock set for the bathroom (Amy wanted something that can be locked/latched) caulk and a fun new light switch cover for the nursery (see above).

So mostly I spent the morning caulking around our new kitchen countertop, and sealing our tub which seems to have settled some and caused the new grout to crack, but I did install the new lockset (which Amy likes) and the switch cover above.

All this before a quick shower at 2:45 so that I could meet Amy at her doctor's appointment, which she passed with flying colors. She once again measured right on the money for the end of our 36th week, meaning that the baby is growing as expected and should not be too big!!

Summer Swelling

Today I realized both my ankles are swollen, as well as my hands, face, neck, and of course, belly! I feel like Violet in Charlie in the Chocolate Factory when she expands into the big blueberry. Although its been fascinating watching my body progress, I am beginning to hope the oompa loompas will roll me to the pressing room soon. I am ready to claim my body back.

Childbirth Toys

We had another great class this evening, and finally used the pillows we have been bringing each time for some relaxation techniques, which was fun. But the coolest was being able to play with the various gadgets used to assist the labor process. We used the vacuum on our forearms, and it really has lots of suction. I would be hesitant to use that on my soft baby's head. We also created a mock epidural, and as our coach used a prop, she would pass it around the room. The final needle is not just long, but thick too, though they do numb you first. I haven't decided whether I prefer to tough it out naturally or with some numbing agents. I plan to go in with an open mind and figure out how I feel.

Ok ok, so I have not posted in a while...

Hello, I have recently been accused of not posting enough to this blog. Which I agree may be the case, but since Amy has been doing such a fantastic job of keeping you all posted I just didn't feel the need to. At the same time people have been asking me for photos of our new home, and since the little one is not ready to show off in living color, then I guess the house will do.

This is the dresser/changing table that I just finished oiling:

This is the dining room before our love and attention:

The dining room finished:

A view from the street:


...Actually this was sort of fun perhaps you will now see more of me here.

Baby Room Furniture

Risa came to visit this weekend. Saturday we were up late playing games after eating with friends throughout the day, and on Sunday, while Risa and I explored the Museum of Science birth exhibit and visited with the monkeys, Dan oiled our freshly made and delivered bureau and changing station from Evergreen unfinished wood. Then off to hear music at the Barking Crab, and to chinese. After breakfast this morning, I dropped her off at the t station to catch the bus home. We had an action packed weekend, and a really nice time.
We also discovered that when I laugh, my belly button protrudes in and out as I giggle, which of course made us laugh even harder.

Baby Shower

Of all the different departments at WGBH, my particular office is the best place to be pregnant. There is constantly munchies and leftovers from a meeting or party to be found lining up the aisles, including sandwiches, salads, couscous and cookies, and homemade concoctions brought in from home. Today was no exception. The office got together and threw the two big bellys on staff a double baby shower. Anna and I were not only showered with gifts, including new boppy nursing pillows, infant head support pillows, onesie outfits, a baby car mirror, and health kit, but they all brought in yummy breakfast treats and fresh fruits too. It was really very special.
We also had the week 36 doctor appt today, and all's still kosher. He is even in the head down position already.

Hospital Tour

We toured the hospital with the childbirth class last night. The labor rooms are really nice, 3 out the 6 have a jacuzzi, and the same amount have a charles river view. They also have CD players, so we have to start getting the music we want to hear while in labor together. The patient rooms for afterward are a lot smaller, no frills included. We did get to see a gorgeous 1 day old 9.2 ounce baby boy at the end of the tour. What a cutey!
Any suggestions for labor and birth music?

Beginning to lose balance

We went to Newburyport yesterday and spent the day eating and walking around the art tents with Calli and Steve. I literally fell on my butt 2 times, and lost balance yet remained upright mid-way 2 more times. People kept stopping to watch the preggo get back on her feet. One man said how imppressive the fall was. Steve kept walking one step ahead of me, and Dan kept grabbing my arm as we hit uneven ground patches. On the way home, poor Dan seemed visibly shaken. Thankfully besides a swollen ankle, no permanent harm done.
This belly shot was taken yesterday morning before the milkshakes we enjoyed, so it may be a bit bigger now ;-)