Girl's Night Out

Last night my neighbour Rebekah had a bunch of girls over for a pedicure/movie night. It was SO much fun! I don't often hang out with all of the girls that were there, so that was a highlight. I think I will likely see more of them once Pepe arrives, as most of them are moms or expecting moms.

We started off the evening by filling our "tubs" with hot water, and all kinds of delicious smelling powders and oils to soak our footsies in. The tubs ranged from a full-fledge Dr. Scholls massaging foot soaker, to a small mixing bowl. One was even using a canning basin! It was funny - but it was so relaxing. Then out came the buffer creams, and lotions. Everyone's feet were like brand new! We all pooled our various nail polish colours to the centre of the circle, and each girl could choose. Thanks to Becky who gracious painted my toenails for me (two coats even) - as I can't reach too well anymore.

We paused in between to raid the snack table to which everyone had contributed. There was some great spinach dip, hot taco dip with tortillas, chocolate chip cookies, some kind of to-die-for squares, pumpkin cream cheese squares, and gallons of iced tea.

We then all piled onto the couches and the floor to watch "Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants". A great chick flick to end off the evening.

What a super time it was. I just bask in evenings like this, as I know it will be awhile before I can really get out after the baby arrives. It was cute to see Brandi run out to her mom's to feed her daughter, and then come back to watch the rest of the movie! Thanks Rebekah for having us - despite not feeling well, you were a great hostess.

Soon, and Very Soon

I was just noticing today how close to the end of my ticker that star is getting! Wow! The count down is ON. There are a few others that are getting down to the end - Erica and Drea you are not far behind!

Congratulations to Nin and her family on the birth of baby Daniel! I'm sure I can say for all of your blog readers that we are very excited for you. I am so glad to hear that everyone is healthy, and doing well.

Pregnancy Epidemic!

Okay, I don't know what is in the water in this town - but I just got ANOTHER announcement today that a friend is expecting. That makes 9 friends who have had babies, or are expecting babies within 6 months of me! Whew - and I thought my baby would have no one to play with. Plus, I went into a maternity store today and the woman who took our wedding photos was working there. Well, guess what? She is 4 months prego.

Need Some Sleep

Okay, I have officially come to a point where I am no longer sleeping well. I spend a good portion of the night tossing and turning from one side to the other - and sleeping on my back absolutely doesn't work anymore. It's pretty nuts! Some nights I turn on a lamp and read, or get up and walk around, or just stare into the dark and think about how much I'd love to be asleep! Usually the baby is awake too, and "dances" on the side of my tummy that is resting on the bed.

It has actually become a really awesome time to pray - because what else do I have to do! I usually end up falling asleep once I get into prayer, but it's a really special time and I'm happy for it. It's given me a lot of time to reflect on what type of mom I want to be - and then to pray for the wisdom, patience and energy to become that type of mom. I am definately falling more and more in love with this little person. I dream about being able to snuggle that little body, and kiss all those fingers and toes. I also can't wait to see my husband holding his little baby! It is amazing how God has created us to carry life, and how we can become so in love with a baby long before we ever even see it.

I wanted to put a prayer or verse up in the baby's room. I made this little picture, and just need to find a frame for it so I can put it up.

I usually try to set these pics up a little nicer, but not today. Here I am, at 32 weeks, all decked out in non-maternity sweats that usually give me a fabulous plumber's butt.

Into Month Eight

Woohoo - I am now officially entering month numero eight! Can you believe it? I can barely believe it myself. Time seems to be flying, and I am still just counting down the days until the baby's due date. We got a message today that our baby furniture has now arrived! I am hoping I can get my hubby to humour me, and go pick it up this weekend so I can start putting our nursery together. I'm getting more and more excited each day, and on some other days starting to worry about whether I'm really going to be a good mom. Will I even know what to do once I have that baby at home? I imagine that I will eventually figure things out, but it still is a little nerve-wracking. Whenever I feel like that, I try praying about it - and that usually helps a lot. I'm sure Satan would love it if he could convince me that we will be awful parents. I won't let him succeed.

Remember how in my last post I wrote that baby announcements always come in bursts? Well, I got another call today! Another friend is prego!

My new favourite thing: Rooibus Manitoba Tea from Cornelia Bean Ltd., with Manitoba Blend Honey. If you can get your hands on this stuff - BUY it! It's so delicious!

Happiness & Heart Break

I am just so thrilled to have found out that two dear friends of mine are expecting. As some of you already know, my friend and neighbour Rebekah and her husband are expecting. As well, a good friend of mine from Regina also just let me know that she and her husband are pregnant. Wow! It always seems to come in a burst, and is so exciting. Please keep all these beautiful pregnant women in your prayers. It is such an exciting time, but also can be a little scary, and not very fun if you are really ill like these two are. I am very, very thrilled for both of you - and can't wait to watch you grow and enjoy all the wonders of pregnancy over the next few months!

On the other end of things, it has broken my heart to hear that a fellow blogger has just lost her sweet baby. Everytime I hear of another miscarriage, I am brought back to those feelings of pain - and it hurts me to think of others having to go through it. Please pray for these women and their husbands who have lost babies. It is such a sad time, and it is so hard to go from such great anticipation and joy, to the sadness and grieving of a lost little miracle.

The Halo Sleep Sack

Okay, so the latest craze in baby gear seems to be the new Halo Sleep Sack. As you can see in the picture, it's basically like a sleeping bag with arm holes and a neck hole. This latest piece of work is supposed to dramatically decrease SIDS, keep the baby the right temperature, won't cover the baby's head like a blanket, and won't slip off, etc. Is this really the God-sent invention for parents, such that they never lose another wink of sleep worrying about SIDS? Or is it simply another way for the baby gear folks to make a buck, while playing with our sensitive need to protect our children as they slumber? I'd love to get some opinions on this one. What did you do for your baby? The light draping of the blanket over top? No blanket? A tight swaddle? Let's hear it ladies... this up and coming momma wants some insight.

Looking Back, Looking Forward

Many of you have been reading my blog almost since it's conception, which is approaching a year. That means I have been pregnant for nearly a year - with the exception of the month of January 2006, during which I was "unpregnant" for the entire month, although still feeling very pregnant. To celebrate the commencement of month eight of my pregnancy, I decided to read my own blog from start to present.

It's hard to believe that I've come from there to where I am today, all in a matter of a year. Many of you have been cheering me on from the sidelines, and I just want to thank you for staying it out with me - and for helping me to get here - with my faith in tact, and a slew of new friends. Reading through my posts since last October I shed many tears, and laughed a few times, but mostly just stood in awe at how God has worked miracles in my life. My blog is evidence of answered prayers, and then there are the beautiful comments left by each of you. You lifted my spirits so many times, and were truly God sent messengers to me when I was most in need of encouragement. Thank you so much for allowing Him to speak through you, and directly to my heart and soul. You words have been precious.

I have so much in my life, I am so blessed. It is a sin for me to take anything for granted. There is not a day that goes by that I don't thank God for the wonderful gift that is being created in me. I'll admit that I am feeling tired, a little bit huge, a little uncomfortable, and even a little bit worried - but at the end of the day, when I feel that baby kicking, I just have to say "thank you Lord".

I am so in love with this little life, the next 63 days couldn't possibly go by fast enough before I get to hold that baby, and kiss it, and SEE it! Don't worry! I have been plenty warned that the last days will go by VERY slowly. Hopefully I don't go too long overdue, if at all. Ryan and I have also pretty much got our names chosen now, which I am quite excited about! I can't wait to share the name with you - or course, you will have to wait until baby arrives for that.

Anniversary

Check out my anniversary
post for Ryan here.

Prenatal Class

Ryan and I went to our first prenatal class on Thursday. I really enjoyed it - but Ryan said he found it hard not to make wise-cracks. There are about 10 couples in the class, including a few that we know. The Public Health Nurse, Laurie, did a lot of talking - basically giving a run through of pregnancy from start to finish. She also showed us some flip chart images during various stages of pregnancy that I found really cool. We also watched some short video clips. It was SO funny to hear all of the guys groan during the 3 second clip of a baby's head crowning, and then for the brief clip of the delivery of the placenta! Laurie also informed the men that they would, in fact, have to do a lot of helping out! In any case, I think it will be really informative, and actually a kind of fun thing to do as a couple. Next week we watch a full delivery from start to finish - I might have to bring a barf bag for Ryan. Haha! And yes, that is my belly in the picture. I actually did Photoshop some of the obvious stretch marks out!

My question of the week: What is your opinion on Cord Blood banking?

The 30 week photo - in the new shirt I got this weekend. I was psyched - it's not even maternity, just an XL.

My mom bought the baby this cute teddy this weekend, and our amazing friends dropped off this gift. It was full of little baby things all wrapped up in diapers.

I'm Back!

Well, what a wonderful long weekend we had. Despite rain, and very cool weather (which felt great to me) we were able to relax, and just sit back and do nothing. It felt fantastic! I also got to spend some good quality time with my hubby, which was much-needed. Good times were also had with the rest of the family, and especially our dear little godchildren Gina (3) and Billy (1).

So I've reached the 30 week mark. Wow. I am completely in awe - just 10 more weeks... or more I suppose, if baby decides to hibernate longer. I am getting really excited, and also a little bit nervous. I'm more nervous about making sure everything is perfect for baby - not so much the baby's actual arrival. I'm pretty cool still with the whole idea of labour. Ryan and I start prenatal classes this week - maybe my idea will change! In any case, I feel mostly ready for the baby to come now, and am counting down the days.

Sleep isn't exactly working very well these days either. It's fairly uncomfortable now - and when I lie on my left side (as recommended) it feels like my ribs are folding over. Ouch! I also usually have to get up to pee once a night. Oh well, just a few more weeks - I think I can manage. It does frighten me to think that in the next ten weeks this baby is really going to start gaining weight! Yikes - my tummy is already so tight, and my belly button hurts! I've also started seeing a few stretch marks - so no more bare tummy shots - unless I Photoshop them. Hahaha! Other than that, I feel really great. I still have energy, and am pretty likely in the early stages of nesting. I want that baby room done SOON! I have to wait a few more weeks for the furniture to arrive. I'm getting quite impatient to have it, so I can set everything up.

Anyway, I'll have to take some updated pics this week. I'll post them soon!