In one week...

One week from today, my sweet Beana will turn two. TWO! Two years old! Wow. It's simply amazing! I look at her and wonder what I ever did before she came into my life.

In the shower today, I thought about her birth. My birthing experience. I thought about the little things - like having to pee with just about every contraction (oops... I mean "birthing wave"). I thought about the fantastic birthing tub at the hospital. I thought about how I could replicate that tub experience at home - if we ever even think about doing this again.

My head went all over the place - thinking about Zoey coming into this world. ..That night, that morning... The fact that I think of myself as a writer (or an aspiring writer) and I have yet to write down the experience. Crysta, one of my doulas, told me that she writes her side of the story for each birth that she attends. I only found out that she journaled Zoey's birth about two weeks ago. She said she'd get me a copy... I can't wait!! I do have a copy of the medical report of the events of that evening/morning. It's pretty funny... to think what the nurses wrote down compared to what I remember and especially compared to what John remembers. I'll really have to sit down and recall my own feelings before reading Crysta's viewpoint or before re-reading the nurse's account.

Zoey is doing well. She's a spirited little kid. (And, yes, I'm just as frustrated as you are that I still have no pictures... I tried to delete extra programs on this little 'puter here, but I'm no techie... thanks for being patient.)

This afternoon I got out the set of big stainless mixing bowls for her. She usually moves items from one bowl to the next or pours water in them. This time we added corn starch. The girl loves corn starch. I have been using it on her bum (instead of icky creams or stinky powders) almost her entire life. (A tip from my MIL.) It's great for diaper rash. and it's eco-friendly. :)

Lately, Zoey has taken to putting her fingers in it and then into her mouth... even more recently she has started asking for some "torn starch" while I diaper her to rub on her face or her legs or wherever. So, this afternoon she saw me pull out a box from the pantry (not the SAME box, mind you) and put it in our lunch (for a sauce thickener). She wanted some... I thought, "eh, why not?!" I put a small amount into a bowl and she proceeded to put her "makeup on."

There's a mirror floating around the house and it ended up propped up against the kitchen wall today. She took her finger and applied "makeup" to her cheeks. It was adorable! Yes, I took pictures.... ;) This was quite fine until she wanted more... I obliged. Then of course, her face was covered... and she learned that by clapping her hands together she could produce precipitation. Puffs of corn starchyness fell from her hands and she said, "It's raining!" I was in heaven just watching her.

And, truthfully, it wasn't even that messy. (Bonus!)

My little girl is growing up. She's developing her mind, her little body, her emotions are all over the place... She's truly becoming one heck of a person. I'm so proud to be her mama.

A blessingway full of ceremony and love.

Saturday was the Vernal Equinox. Click on that to read a nice blurb about the holiday. I chose to take you to my sister as opposed to some wiki or googly site becuase I thought she said it rather nicely. That, and I used her post as a bit of inspiration for a part of my blessing at another Blessing this weekend.

Yep, I attended another blessingway. This time it was for my friend Lori. Lori is a yoga instructor and this is her first child. She's planning a midwife-assisted homebirth (actually two midwives because our friend Holly is a midwife int training). I have a special spot in my heart for Lori because she taught the prenatal yoga class I took back when I was preggo with the Zomeister (duh, like I've ever been pregnant before!?). She is a cute little lady with a great smile and a gentle heart. (Yet she can swear like a sailor and likes beer - so I've been told, I've yet to have the pleasure of sharing a brew with her...)

This blessingway was much more ceremonial and traditional than the last few I have attended. Those ladies had been through the journey before and while still emotional... those blessingways were more connective than transformative - if that even makes sense....

Here's the mama-to-be, Lori, getting her traditional footbath and hair brushing. The one giving the footbath is Holly, our friend and midwife. The one actually steadying Lori on the birth ball, prepping to brush her hair, is Lori's aunt. (We tried to tell Lori that she should sit on an actual chair for this, but the ball was right there.... yadda, yadda... "it'll be fine...." and it was.... but I wouldn't recommend it.) ;)

The footbath represents the midwife being in service to the mother. - A way to show the mother has someone there for her needs. The hair brushing signals a change (and perhaps a bit of pampering). I'm not too big on the hair brushingness for myself... but I understand the concept. :)

This was toward the end of the ceremony. All of us in attendance had brought a bead for Lori. We strung them on a piece of cording and said a blessing for her birthing. The mother can either wear the necklace during birth or simply place it somewhere in the room as a focal point - or simply a reminder of the connectiveness of birth and the women who support her.

The picture shows Anne (sorry for the butt shot) lighting a candle. Lori is surrounded by the blessings that people brought. - poems, stories... The framed picture is what I made for her. It's a prisma-pencil drawing of a pregnant torso and a lotus flower. I wish I had taken a picture of it - I am pretty proud of the way it turned out! :)

I also love that you can see some of the women in the background - reflected in the mirrors. The BW took place at Lori's studio. It was actually in the 'hot' yoga room - which was interesting... some of the ladies brought their little nurslings and the kiddos were more affected by the heat than us oldies. But everyone was fine and fans were blowing.

There were many other beautiful points to this BW. Many wishes of love and strength. Many ceremonial pieces of which I didn't take pictures - I just enjoyed.

Here's my candle to take home and burn upon hearing of her birthing time. (Lori is also a Hypnobabies Mama, as I was.)

And just for fun, this is Christina and Kingston. She is also a fellow HypnoMama. We joke that Zoey is Kingston's boyfriend... it's more he wishes!!! He LOVES Zoey. She thinks he's a cute baby... but oh, so, young! HA! (He'll be one in April.)

Right now...

My friend is in labor. She's having her second child. This time via a midwife-assisted homebirth.
I am so proud of her.
I am so excited I can hardly stand it!!
I want to be there with her (but understand that this is her moment). I'm just so happy that she had someone call and tell me. (During my labor I didn't want anyone to know - afraid that people would show up uninvited. I think if we ever do this baby thing again, I'd invite more people... to share in the joy.)

This is the candle from her blessingway. It's burning -right now- in my kitchen, the center of our home. It represents her birthing time, the baby to come, love, and our friendship. It also happens to be wrapped in a PINK ribbon... let's keep our fingers crossed. :) (But, sweet baby, if you do happen to be another boy... we will still love you all the same.)

****UPDATE**** It's a BOY!!! A healthy baby boy was born at 10:38 p.m. I can't wait to hear this birth story! Congratulations Mama Tina, Papa Kevin, and Big Brother Jack!!

and a belly...to boot!

This cute photo was taken while visiting DC this past spring. I found it on my "new" cell phone (aka John's old one). It is amazing how time flies and things change!! I'm only slightly ticked that this is the only photo from our trip. We had such a good time. oh well......

I had a moment last night -while in bed, not sleeping... I remembered being pregnant. More pointedly, I remembered my belly. How odd it was in that moment to not have my big belly! And how I missed it. Yes, it became difficult to move in the end... But for the most part, I had a beautiful pregnancy. I upset myself a bit last night thinking about the wonders of that big ol' belly.... Wondering if I had really lived in the moment of each day. If I had enjoyed it enough... I never really journaled much. Some, but in various notebooks spread out over my "system" of bedroom filings (that means differing piles by my then night-stand...)

I know that the most important part of that pregnancy is here with me now. (Currently sleeping soundly on my chest in her sling.) I guess that "missing belly feeling" is why there are so many babies born close together... NOT ME, however!! :)

I'm super happy just as things are now. :)

Belly Casting

For someone that is usually very shy about her body... Here are some of the photos of my belly casting that I feel comfortable enough to share with the whole wide world. The casting was done on Tuesday, June 10, 2008. Crysta and Tina did the actual casting. Amy took the photos. (She surprised me to no end by actually taking pitcures of my nakeditity! eeek! Those are reserved for personal viewing.)

This first one I like because it is pretty tasteful and shows the girls at work. I chose to have my left shoulder incorporated because John wants to have his new tattoo (in honor of wee Bean) above his heart on that side. So, when I paint this cast - I can put a painted version in the same place!

This next one shows the progression and my large-ness.... I wanted to stand with my arms up in the air (as to better represent my "assets") but figured I'd get too tired to hold them up that long. At least everything looks "natural." ;)


This last one is the completed cast - in waiting/drying mode. The cute little, curly-headed boy is Caden. That's Crysta's youngest son. I think he's three. He's super sweet and kept saying, "Dayer's a baby GIRL in dayer!"

Just stay comfy til Sunday... or Monday....

Today I am in the midst of my 39th week of pregnancy. My doctor is on vacation. One of my doulas is out of town (hopefully to return tomorrow). My husband is at work. And I experienced one of the "possible signs of labor" this morning. Hmmm...

I called Amy. She's my doula that is in town and my Hypnobabies instructor and my friend. She calmed me down. It's not that I'm really scared of labor (my "birthing time"), at least I thought I wasn't. But I got a bit freaked... anxious. I've had this "plan" for birth... and these few bumps in the road aren't in it. HA!

I took a shower and listened to my "Fear Release" CD. Then I put the baby clothes away in her little dresser. I also picked out a selection of clothes for our girl to have at the hospital. (What does a one-day old wear in her first photos?!)

I'm better now. Calm, yet still with a bit of apprehension. I need to go run some errands: the grocery store, the print shop, etc.. etc... What happens if my water breaks? I know it happens all of the time, but I'd just rather be here - or at least out with John.

So, here I sit... sorting through thoughts, ideas, photos on the computer... talking to my sweet baby girl (Amy suggested that I talk to her and let her know that Sunday or Monday would be a much better birth day! I think she listened.) I'm not even so much worried about missing my doctor. (The Doc on call this weekend would be fine. He's open to natural childbirth and is good friends with Amy.)

My blessingway is tomorrow night. I told Baby Bean that if she hung in there for the weekend, she'd really enjoy the S'mores that are planned by the fire tomorrow. If no party, then she'll have to wait a good while until I'll give her any chocolate! I think that's a pretty good reason to stick around! ;)

--John just called.... He's in Spencer, WV. (oh, about two hours away...) I told him what's going on. I think he's OK. I tried to sound calm. I am, really. He's on his way home.

I guess that means that we'll put the car seat in the car tonight. :)

Nesting.

So, I have always been one to get a wild burr up my rear (out of nowhere) to clean. Always. Just like Mom. One minute it's "Hey, I think I'll have a cuppa coffee." The next minute, I'm on a tear with a vaccum or scurrying around sorting through piles of piles... sometimes I actually get my coffee to fuel my cleaning.

This journey into motherhood hasn't really been that different... On the surface. Knowing me, as most of you who read this do, I have a list for everything and a plan (even if not ever finished) for most things. I have had that for the house in general. When it comes to the baby and the nursery I have been... um, slack. Not so much in the dreaming big and thinking of the possibilities...Not even so much in the research. (Most of the mamaology girls think I'm some kind of Eco-Nursery guru - that or whacko!) In the actual movement toward making a "nest" for my baby bird, I haven't done much. Until now.

For months people have been asking about themes, colors, etc... I have SO MANY ideas!!! My mind couldn't wrap around the VAST amount of things of which I kept dreaming. Between me and John and our hopes and dreams for Wee Miller, we couldn't decide even where to begin. Add to our AD/HD the fact that I'm obsessed with healthy options and all that damn research... and you get a set of to-be parents who became stuck.

So back to making moves to a nest... It's been a joke to most of my friends that I have absolutley NOTHING ready for the baby to come. Seriously. I registered for a baby shower only to get a fashionista's closet of clothes for my child. (Which were mostly so damned adorable, it was awesome!) But when it comes to "brass tacks," I was still without a place for this girl to sleep or poo or eat. (I did get some cloth diaper goodies to try. So that was a start in the real-world direction. And since I'm breastfeeding, I guess I could get away without the eating things...)

I've been thinking about this for - oh about 7 months. John and I have been talking and 'looking' for a while... (It hit a sour note: our vaccum died and I'm constantly watching tumbleweeds of cat hair roll by...I knew I should have registered for that DYSON!!) ;) Finally late last week my tone about all of this must have changed. It didn't change in a demanding and offensive bitchy way... No, according to John, it changed in a more "wow, I think it's time" way. Ok, I haven't a clue that it changed at all... I've been trying to get out and get some shit done for weeks.... But it hit John this last week. and I couldn't be happier. :)

He actually suggested we plan a shopping trip - to BUY things! Holy Moly! And not just for the baby, but our house/our changing life too! :)

We threw caution to the wind and set aside our moral code and hit Sam's Club and the Evil Empire of Wal-mart. We both felt tinges of guilt at these actions, but please people! We are just three weeks out and haven't completely figured out how to turn our craps into gold nuggets. We didn't go too commercial and "normal." (How could we?!) HA!! We still read labels and tried to purchase the most eco-friendly/baby friendly we could.

But I tell you... buying diapers in bulk is an interesting experience! We took pictures. Yes.... and I'll add them here once I have my camera back. (John took it to work today.)

It has begun! Some of my nesting changes include the following: moving the white butcher block-style table from the kitchen to the nursery (our TALL person's changing station - A GENIUS idea by my husband), finding a fun table to take it's place in the kitchen (we now have an "eat-in" kitchen! It's just sad that now once we have it, the only person who frequented my kitchen for talks and eats has vowed to never come over again... pisser.) (except for Katie!! She's still my friend and will share a cuppa coffee in my kitchen!!) Anyhoo, I digress....

We found BOOKSHELVES!! One giant one for the Living Room (and plans for another smaller one... and PLANS to hang PICTURES!!! Oh Lord, it's only been three years!! YAY!) as well as a three-shelf case for the nursery.

My Mother-in-law has graciously offered a dresser for the nursery (perhaps another for our room?!). I think they were in John's grandma's house a while back. Yesterday, I spent HOURS sorting baby clothes and blankets. I'm ready to wash everything (as soon as I get the dresser in place).

It's super exciting to think about getting the bags of clothes put into little homes and the boxes of books into their own quaint little homes. ahhhh....

It's a daunting thought... you know, the one where this wee person will make her entrance and her place in this home... I'm sure we will have plenty of people stopping by to see her and check on us. (We have the bestest friends and family.) I really want our home to reflect some order before the true choas begins...

So, it has begun. John will start building the bookcases this evening. I will continue sorting items throughout the house. I hope to post pictures very soon. On that note, I should have some pictures of this belly of mine too... I'm now 37 weeks! According to some... I could "go at any time." I'm still hoping for the 'guess date' or later. But I am excited to meet Baby Bean Miller as soon as she is ready. I've been slacking off on the documentation of this pregnancy... but I'm planning a belly cast soon and I think having a beautiful, healthy child will be proof that I did do this! HA! :)

**Oh and I must give a "shout out" to my loving husband for putting the stroller/travel system together too! I think he's getting used to being the Dad quite well. :)

"You're the best!" - "No, YOU are!"

Here's a FUN-tastic picture of me and Anne at the shower. We could almost be related. :)

The shower was a day of firsts for me: first baby (of course) and the first time wearing WHITE PANTS!! But I did ok on both fronts... :) (I'm breaking out of my comfort zone! YIPPEE!!)

Baby Shower Fun!

Heeeeellloooooo! Well Sunday afternoon was a great day for me and wee baby girl Miller! This picture shows a bit of the mayhem that ensued. :) I will post more photos as they come to me... you see, I didn't take very many at all with my camera (as I was enjoying party-going), so I will be posting others captured memories.

Amy (and all the other girls that helped out) did a FANTASTIC job! I knew she would - she IS the party QUEEN! Everything was beautiful from the invitation on to the matching table decorations to the favors and more! Most everything was orange and gerber daisy inspired... pretty cool. Orange is such an appropriate color to usher in this summer child!

The weather was rainy in the morning, but by the time I was "primping" to attend such a shin-digg, the sky cleared and it was BEAUTIFUL!!

I partied with my great friends and family all afternoon long (and yes, I missed those of you who couldn't make it...). Even my mom and sister and niece drove in from WV!! I was super happy to see them! Tracy made the best bread rolls... everyone was swooning over them and her!

Amy even made sure to honor the Grandmothers... I was particularly interested in showing them love. She gave them special "reserved" seating and gave them flower baskets and a note from the wee Granddaughter to be. It was very special and made them cry!! Me too!

Many things made my eyes well up that afternoon - personalized notes, beautiful gifts, sharing smiles with friends... ah, it might have been the hormones... or just that I tend to cry. (Most of you know that by now!) :)

I have been writing Thank You cards these last two days... I think I wrote "I am blessed" about 100 times. And I'm not saying that to downplay the meaning at all. I truly believe it. I think those three little words really capture my feelings about this whole pregnancy and journey into motherhood. Blessed by having THE most WONDERFUL husband and life partner/soul mate... Blessed by a family (and extended family) that cares so deeply for me and never fails to show it. Blessed by a support system of friends greater than I have ever imagined! (And yes, some of those friends are more like FAMILY than anyone could realize!)

I'm grateful for all of it. I hope they all know how much they mean to me! I hope I have been capable of showing my gratitude in a meaningful way to each and every one of them. I love them. And this wee baby girl is such a lucky little girl. She has friends and family across the country who are so supportive and encouraging - she'll be able to change the world! (If that's what she feels like doing....) :)

Pregnancy update

So, hey, it's only been about a month since I updated... oops. I've fallen a bit behind simply because I... haven't done it. HA! Anyhoo...

My last post was a bit unhappy (with all that pain crap). I've since found some wonderful things like my Chiropracter, Dr. Letty. She's awesome and makes me feel better. :) It was a bit unnerving at first - having someone push and mold my body while having this little human growing inside. It's especially weird when she manipulates my belly area. She's super good and I do trust her, so I guess I should be thankful I can walk again! :)

On a side note, she's been telling me that 'the little basketball bellies' aren't so good for the pregnancy. The baby needs room to grow and I wasn't getting big enough. So, my whole thought process about this belly/weight thing was a little whacked. Everything is fine and I'm ok with it. I'm still proud that I have managed to 'manage' my weight without depriving myself of anything and I know I'm feeding my girl good things that she needs! It is, however, quite evident now how she has been working with me. My belly has expanded by leaps and bounds! All the better. Now these maternity clothes fit better. I can wear the cutesie dress I bought at Old Navy without the hemline dangling like a dress made by Bella in Lost and Yonkers! ha!

I've also started my childbirth education classes. Hypnobabies! John and I have just done the third of six classes and I'm feeling really good about it. It seems odd to some... to envision a natural birth with no pain!! But I'm planning on it! My body ROCKS!

Wee baby girl Miller is flourishing! She dancing and kicking - just like her mama! It's amazing to see my entire belly ripple and roll like the tides of the ocean at times. Talk about starting a conversation! John has seen it happen and he is in awe. Me too.

As of today, I'm 34 weeks. Yeppers, just 6 weeks until my "guess date." I've been hoping she'll hold out for that date or longer. I found out Crysta's girl, Kensley, was born on June 24th... That'd be cool to share a birthday with her. A friend a whole decade older than her! :)

I've been thinking June 28 for a while too. I just think that'd be fun (6/28/08)... or there's always the joke we started with... July 4th: Celebrate with a bang! I'm not too worried about any particular date.

However... the following has been on my mind... as silly as it is to some...
I'm interested in raising a Cancer baby. You know, astrology - born under a certain sign. I know people roll their eyes when I even mention it. And, yes, I'll be more than happy and blessed to raise any "sign" child. I am a Cancer girl too. I know how to deal with my own sort of crazy - moody, emotional, creative types - with a heart for family. I'm not so sure about Gemini (twins).... I've heard stories about dual personality types, manic ups and downs, and the like... but I did see cute baby onesies on the sale rack at Gap listing positve traits for both Gemnis and Cancerians. Perhaps I need to do more research... At this point, I'll not. Because chances are she will be a Cancer Crab! :)

Most first babies come after the "due date" so I'm set. We've even got a cushion. She could come as early as June 21, the Solstice, and still be a proud crab! In any case, I'm just like everyone else when I wish, hope, and pray for a healthy little baby. No matter what date she chooses to join us.

Back pain.

Hello fair reader! Pregnancy woes have hit home the past week and a half... Back pain. Can you believe it?! I've been doing so well this whole time. And now, when I have more of an urge than ever to CLEAN, it's nearly impossible.

Case in point, my lovely husband ripped up the old nasty green-shag carpet up in our dining room. This was what I've wanted for a while. YAY! Until I realized we don't have the funding (yet) to either a) sand and varnish the floor b) cover it with some other carpet or c) cover it with Pergo. This leaves this OCD mother-to-be with the main room in the middle of her home exposed. Exposed to tumble-weed sized cat hair balls, splintery wood, and a general lack of finished-ness. Which, since I've been living like that last one for nearly three years, you'd think I'd be used to it. But I'm not.

Back to the "back" issue, I have a friend stopping by this afternoon - not for a long visit - simply to drop some things off. But STILL! It's crap-tastic that I have spent an hour slowly, very "pain-stakingly" (HA!) trying to simply vacuum/sweep up the cat hair off the floor.
My dear husband has been helping out with this ordeal as best he can. He tries to do the laundry - which is nastily in the basement (and steps for me are THE DEVIL'S WORK!!). He has really stepped up to cooking dinner. And even keeps comments positive about my frequent overnight trips to the bathroom.

This pregnancy issue of frequent bathroom visits was annoying, but do-able two weeks ago... Now, well, let's see... I wake up having to pee, right. Then it takes me (no joke) about 2-5 minutes to SIT UP onto the edge of the bed and another 5 minutes or so hobble down to the bathroom. I usually sit on the damn toilet for a bit - just becuase it's nice to NOT HAVE TO MOVE! Then however long it takes to get back.

All of this pleasantness is topped off by the fact our bedroom door makes so much noise that when we first moved in, we thought for sure it was installed as a torture device. (WD-40 anyone??! Sure, we have literally 4 bottles of it in the basement, but it's IN THE BASEMENT and John doesn't want the fumes in our sleeping area. Here's to hoping when we set out for Frederick this weekend, he decides it's worth the risk to spray while we are gone...)

On the bright side, I have an appointment with a chiropractor that specializes in pregnancy and kids. The earliest appointment I could get is tomorrow. Keep your fingers crossed for me! Or pray or whatever you wish.. I need it all! :)

Heck, only a month overdue!

And I mean the photos - not the actual baby! HA!

John took these photos of me on St. Patrick's Day, I believe. (Go ahead and pinch me... I wasn't wearin' o' the green this year. But trust me a large pregnant woman that has trouble finding clothes to fit normally need not be stressed to look for something Kelly Green to be worn for one damn day!) If it helps, I think I used my Shamrock Fiesta mug that day. ;)

Anyhoo...I'm somewhere in my 24th week in these pix. Sorry this one is fuzzy, John hates using the flash on our digital camera and without it, the shutter speed is slower or something... (Do digital cameras even have shutters anymore?!) Oh well, I can't say I truly blame him. When we use the flash, this tends to happen....

And not just to the cats.... I almost posted a flash shot of myself. I tend to get bleached out whiter and paler than... uh, well, normal. So, I'll hold off on those beauties!

PS... That's Crinklehead after Easter dinner. She was in heaven because we had taken the cloth covering off of this beautiful chair (you know, for the guests/family). She got to rub her furry self all over it for one beautiful evening!

Back to reality... I haven't been blogging as I should - mostly because I have been strapped to this computer for days. Wait, that makes no sense... if I'm here, I should write. Except when I'm strapped to this machine creating document after document for other reasons, when I can get up, I run!

You see, I have been working on items for the League, my volunteer group. I have made announcement postcards, hundreds of labels, limitless emails, and the biggie - the newsletter. I finally got that little bugger to the print shop today. I'm supposed to get a call from "Wwrandy" this afternoon telling me I can pick them up (and FOLD THEM MYSELF!) oh, sorry... But I have heard nothing. I knew I was in trouble when said, "Wwrandy," was the only person in the shop today. (I write his name like that because I'm truly a terrible person. I'm sure he's just some fool, but he's peeved me off many times in the past and proved his incompetence in MANY ways... So, say it outloud and perhaps you'll understand why I have a seat saved in hell.) :)

Usually, the guys at the print shop are nice, at times even accomidating. But today, when I dropped off the pages it was as if I had tried to explain nuclear science to a two year old. Oh well, it's done (all except for that pesky folding and mailing thing...)

Glucola: Just for Mama (Daddy couldn't take it)

What a week it has been... or two. Easter has come and gone. My mom's birthday came with little fan fare. My Grandmother has been transfered to a nursing facility (hopefully to receive better care and some rehab). John and I attended a presentation on - well, hoo-hoo care! Ha Ha! I helped celebrate my friend Christine's third baby (to come) with a blessingway.

I've been taking pictures of most of this to document the passing times... but the camera cords are at JOhn's office. So... those will have to wait.

As for today, John and I went to the baby doctor. I'm just about 28 weeks (I say I AM at 28 weeks, based on counting Monday to Monday.... which is the way I had been counting since this whole thing began.) It's funny two appointments ago I went to the Doctor on a Monday and they said "Oh, tomorrow you'll be XX weeks..." This time she said "Oh, in two days you'll be 28 weeks." Both appointments on Mondays...Does this mean I'm in a pregnancy time warp?! heheheh...

In any case... MY calendar says THIRD TRIMESTER! Yippee!! This beautiful baby girl is happy and healthy and dancing - just like her mama!

Today I had my gestational diabetes testing. I, being the weirdo that "reads too much," was a little miffed about having to drink the glucose nastiness "Glucola" in order to participate in such a test. I have no risk factors. I eat pretty damn well. (Yes, I actually LIKE spinach and eggs and fruits and veggies... ) But it's "standard" care these days. According to one website, if they didn't test every pregnant woman (risk factors or not), they'd miss 50 percent of the ges diabetes cases. Surely not... but whatever, I've been low-tech as much as possible and the only other way to test is to get a glucose meter and check your blood sugar everyday for a week. (No, my doctor didn't tell me that. Three women who've used midwifery care did it that way.) And I think since I don't have it, I'd rather just get it all over with.

So, I drank the stuff at 11:43 a.m. (thanks Atomic Clock!) I drank it fast enough to finish the bottle of "Lemon-Lime 50 gram Glucose Tolerance Beverage" at exactly 11:45 a.m. THis was because my take-home instructions said to have the blood draw one hour after finishing the drink. My lab appointment was set for 12:45... get it.... yes.... Well, evidentally that doesn't really matter. I ended up sitting outside of the lab for a while - ringing the little door bell twice and even getting up poking my head inside the lab and saying.... "Heelllooooooo... I have this time-sensative test to take.... blah,blah...." oh well.

The drink wasn't really bad at all. It tasted like Sprite at first sip... then I realized it had no carbonation left. So, the rest was like drinking old, flat sugar water. Nothing bad until I stood up. Yeah, I don't recomend chugging a bottle of old Sprite in less than two minutes. I felt like I had a water balloon slogging around in my already extended belly. I started to feel a bit loopy or foggy headed - I'm sure it was psycho-sematic (sp?)....After hearing all of my crunchy mom friends tell me how horrible the experience was for them. That, or it was simply that I don't eat that much sugar anymore and food affects me almost instantaneously (think about not drinking caffeine for months and then 'splurging' on a Dr. Pepper! eek!) But it truly wasn't that bad.

So the appointment went well. After our discussion last time with Doctor Galupo about a certain Nurse Ratchett.... We had a pleasant experience with Nurse Micki aka country mouse. She was super sweet - although John and I both noticed that she wasn't as adept at finding the baby's heartbeat as cranky ol' Nurse Ratchett. We didn't mind. And wouldn't you know it... even with the infussion of crazy sugar drink, the baby's heart beat was 10 beats slower this time than the average with Nurse Ratchett! **Case in point... mind/body connection! I was more at ease, so was sweet babe!**

For those of your keeping track: My BP was 116/68 and the baby's heartbeat was 156 beats per minute. Perfect! As for my weight... She didn't tell me the actual number, only that I had gained and Dr. Galupo said I was normal. (Does she know or can she tell that has been on my mind since the last visit with Nurse "that's a bit much to gain"?!?) I'm happy with my size and everyone has been telling me I look great. (Thanks to you all!!) I credit a good positive attitude, a pleasant and supportive husband/family/friends, and yoga! (Oh and most importantly for this particular subject... a good healthy view of food and nutrition! -notice I didn't say 'diet.')

That said, I have mucho to do this evening: mamaology meeting just being part of it... And I think that sugar rush is hitting bottom.... I'm going to go rest for a wee bit. John and I are viewing another house in about an hour..... I need to be awake for that!

Side note: Today/Tonight/Tomorrow morning marks 7 years since John and I officially met - and thereby fell head over heels for each other... Can you believe it?! SEVEN whole years! The best of my life.

Finally some quality natural-baby resources!

I have recently been receiving some information about natural baby products from a fellow mama. Today's email included a link to a blog, that I linked to a site, that linked... well, you get it.

I found some incredible sites dedicated to natural baby items one being momsational. This site included a contest to win a free sample kit of natural BPA-Free bottles. (And, yes, I'm still going to breastfeed, but I figure I should have some bottles available for John and/or other family to use with my expressed milk.) I would tell everyone to go sign up to win the bottles too... but that would decrease my chances... so don't! ok!! heheheh.... You CAN, however, sign up to win other things like DVDs. Go ahead with yo' bad self on that stuff. :)

A site I will most surely check back with often (as in, I'm bookmarking it and emailing it to friends and, of course, my mom) is The Soft Landing. This site has items for sale, an attached blog, and all sorts of great things. I have yet to fully explore it, but I had to take this moment to blog it into the universe!

I am still searching all of these sites to learn as much as I can. The Soft Landing discussed it's policy on selling items 'Made in China.' I, being realistic, know I can't avoid Chinese products all-together. I try to find alternatives, but I was so happy to read well-researched info on the subject as well as info on the companies that - dispite trying to find alternatives - purchase items from China.

I hope that you, dear reader, -ok, Katie and Mom! ;)- find these sites as interesting as I do. If I find more winners, I'll try to link to them. You may not be having kids of your own right now, but if you read this you probably know me and... hey, I'll be having that shower soon!! hehehehe!!! Love you!

25 weeks today

This picture was sent to me by my mom. I believe my Aunt actually found it. It is of my mother and my grandmother in what we think is March 1978. (March because of the shamrocks on the back wall. 1978 because that's when I was born!) It's a baby shower - just see that cute 70's stork on the table!!! :) **Update: this is my Aunt's shower for her first born, Amanda. She was born in April. The sisters were preggo together... awww....

My mom was (and still is) so damn cute. The hair, the dress... aww! When I talked to her today, she said she may start to sport that 'do again! She probably could rock it well. As for the dress, she hasn't been able to find it... or I tell you... I'd wear it! You betcha!!

She did give me a cute "vintage" top that my Grandma made for her back when she was preggers with either me or Tracy. I haven't worn it yet because it is a teensy bit small for the giraffe-mama I am. :) Mom told me even she used to wear a turtle neck or something under it. (Since she, too, was pregnant alot during the winter and cool spring.) I will at least have my picture taken in it at some point.

Meeting a midwife...
Also today, I went to meet Christine's midwife. She had a prenatal appointment of her own and invited me along for company as well as to see about this homebirth thing for myself. It was pretty cool. The best part was just getting to spend some quality time with my friend. The drive was a bit over an hour each way and we just chatted the whole time. We had lunch at a little natural-esque cafe in McConnelsville. I think it's run by Mennonites. I'm not so up to date on my religions, but I think that was it.

Meeting Rebecca, the midwife, was pretty much how I expected it to go. I was surprised to see that she used a stethoscope and a doppler to check the baby's heartbeat. Not some much surprised over the stethoscope, but that doppler... Now I don't feel so bad about the nurses using it on me at the doctor's office. (In retrospect, I could have been less upset with Nurse Ratchett... but then again, I might have gotten stuck working with her every time. If it took the doppler for her to show her "true" mean-ness, so be it.)

John and I have yet to decide where/how we will deliver this sweet baby... but we have time.

A dancing baby girl...

So, I've had a pretty amazing week... I have put off blogging about it because I wanted to add the special pictures. But alas, poor Urich.... I haven't gotten to a scanner yet. So no pictures, I'm afraid.

Here's the good news: On Monday, John and I found out were are having a GIRL!!

This is what I wrote when I got home that day:

BOY or GIRL?!
On Saturday, February 9, 2008 – Charlotte Elliott did the “pencil test” – She held a pencil on a string over my belly (as I lay on the floor) and it turned in a circle. That meant a girl. She did this little parlor trick at Mallory’s 2nd birthday party.

At our NYE mini-party, Grandma Joyce said she was sure I’d have a girl. She figured so by looking at my butt! Go figure?

Christine Marasco thought I might have a boy because at our blessingway for Amy on Sunday, February 10, 2008, she said I looked very good and happy (good skin, good hair, etc.). And that’s how she felt while she was pregnant with Christian. While she was pregnant with Kika, she said she felt icky and never pretty – the same way she feels with this current one (due in April) and she’s thinking she’s having another girl!

Your Papa really came out and said his heart and gut told him you were a girl on Saturday, January 12, 2008. I was dropping him off at the Columbus airport and as we said our goodbyes he said, “Take care of yourself and that daughter of ours.” He felt he just knew at that moment.

I had a woman, Vicki, that I worked with briefly at Peebles stop me in the post office sometime in the early winter and tell me she thought I was having a boy – no reason. She just thought that. (And she said she’d “never” been wrong. Not even when she told her friend she was having a boy and she had a girl… and an unexpected twin brother!)


The Ultrasound….
The few days before we saw you for the first time on the ultrasound machine, many people joked there might be two babies inside! I hadn’t really started to show at all until right around the 5 month mark and – BAM – there was a belly round and cute! Some thought I might be bigger than average (suggesting the twin), but when we saw you on Monday, February 11, 2008… I was assured there was just you! A healthy baby girl with beautiful organs and good sized feet!

You weighed just about a pound that morning and had your head tucked under my pelvic bone. We guess you were about 8 inches long at that time, but never really sure. You were relatively quiet and still while Kim, the Ultrasound tech, rubbed that cold gel all over my belly. (Cold gel, because as she explained – it sits on a heating pad, but it’s never warm for the first mommy of the day!) I didn’t mind.

Anyway, you were very quiet while she took pictures of all of your organs and measured the size of your head. Like I said, your head was tucked under the pelvic bone and I moved a bit onto my left side so that the tech could try to get a better view of your head and brain. Once all that was over, she let your Papa and Grandma Joyce come into the room to see you. As soon as you heard your Dad’s voice, you really started to move around! The tech noted how much more active you became-so excited to hear him! You really are Daddy’s little girl!

20 Weeks!

Can you believe it!?! I'm 20 weeks pregnant!

John and I took some pictures of my belly the night we found out we were having a baby (October 19, 2007). That was a Friday night.

We thought we would re-create the pictures now (Tuesday, February 5, 2008).

The pictures on the left are from October. The ones on the right are February. I have no idea why I chose to wear the clothing I did back in October... I suppose it shows a more "me" picture. We decided to use the same stuff this time anyway (no matter how unflattering). Although I must say using the same clothes made the transformation even more evident!

I'm super happy to point out in this particular set of pictures (taken in the mirror) that now I have a butt!! Can you believe it?!

This side by side set makes me think I should have worn more revealing clothing as a pre-preggo! I never thought I had any body of which to speak.... I mean I was always happy with myself, but DAMN! I actually had ab muscles! HA! HA! And was that some arm definition?! I have something to work for after birth!! (There's that wee butt again!) ;)

I am still proud of the little line around my belly area... For those of you who have seen the pregnancy photo of a certain beach-clad mama on my fridge - you may notice a similarity! You'll have to forgive the slight superhero-esque style of the last photo - but did you notice that I didn't have to hold the shirt up this time! Too funny!!

Prenatal yoga

Today was an UP and down day.... UP came this evening: I went to my first prenatal yoga class. I left there and told JOhn "it kicked my ass" - It wasn't that bad; it was actually good. I liked it - I just need to get used to working my body. (Ok, I need to get used to moving my body at all!) HA! I think it will be a great thing for me. I met some other pregnant ladies who were positive in their pregnant-ness. Which is always nice because before I met my mama ladies the only pregnant stories I got were "Just you wait..." blah-negative-blah... And that's not counting Tracy, becuase when she was pregnant, I wasn't even thinking about the topic... or sex at that point.

(As a side, I also got to plug mamaology during class! Most of the girls already new about us through Holly and her doula work. But one girl took a card from the counter and one told me a lady at her gym had previously given her one. - We are spreading the word!!)

The down of the day need not be repeated here. I'm practicing positive thinking - yeah Secret!! I'm in such a better mood now - why bring up the blechy?! LEt me just say, my mama girls stepped up to the plate with offers of help (although I have no idea how to take them up on it at this current stage). I appreciate it!

By the way, I'd like to take this moment of happy-love-fest to acknowledge my WONDERFUL husband! He's been the best through all of this whole pregnancy thing. I am the luckiest woman in the world!

:)