Who are you - and where is Heather?

I am definately not the same person I was 2 1/2 weeks ago! I have been having some baby blues this week - and longing to feel like the old Heather. It's a pretty tough transition from the Chamber of Commerce committee member, out-and-about, trips to the city person I was a few weeks ago - to the flabby mom who is stuck inside with a baby on her breast. I'm NOT complaining - just longing for the norm. I'm told it will come yet, but for now I feel a little bit lost in my new role. I worry a lot. I also feel a little tense sometimes - hoping I'm doing the right thing at the right time, etc., etc. Can anyone relate? It's sort of hard to explain exactly what I am feeling. I thought I would easily slip into the role as mom very quickly and naturally - but it hasn't been that quick or that natural! Feeding is going good, but I still have occasional breast pain. It got checked by the Doc yesterday, and all is well. James now weighs 8lbs 8ozs! It's nice to know he's growing. But there is lots of good in all of this too. See pics below to see what I mean... the last one is my favourite!

Miss You Guys

Hey everyone! I just wanted to say that I miss you guys - and reading about what's going on in your lives, and hearing your comments about things going on in my life. HOWEVER, I am loving my job as a new mom. I can't tear myself away from my little gift from God - he is just beautiful. So, as much as I am missing you, I am happy and we are doing well. I am taking better care of myself, and I am noticeably feeling much better. I do wonder how I am going to get back into my old jeans though! Any tummy toning tips for me? James has finally gotten his days and nights figured out - so instead of being up every hour at night, we are only up two times. That is really nice! He had a big shower at his grandma Kroeker's on Sunday, and we received many beautiful gifts. Thank you to all those who could be there. This week we are just going to hide away at home and relax. In a few weeks we leave on vacation, so I'm hoping we will be ready to go by then. We are much looking forward to the vacation, and daddy will be there to help us for the full two weeks! Yay! Talk to you all very soon. God bless you - and I'll try to post some new pictures soon.

Slowly, Slowly

Well, it seems I've overworked myself and I am kind of down for the count right now. Things "down there" feel pretty sore, so I've been doing my best to keep off my feet. It's tough, because I just want to get back to normal - but apparently that makes me get worse! So, I've been moving around the house very slowly, and trying to do only the things that are necessary to keep James and I happy. We go to see th Dr. for his 2 week appointment on Friday - and I'm curious to find out how much he weighs now. He feels heavier to me - and he's almost too big for a few of his newborn sleepers now (the weights and ages on sleepers sure are off). Anyway, things are otherwise going well. Breastfeeding is getting much easier - just one side that is still a little 'ouchie'. Engorgement is also gone now, so that is a huge blessing. Ryan is back at work, and it's hard to see him go. I have both my mom and mother-in-law right here in town, but they are busy ladies so they haven't been able to be here very much. I also haven't ventured out, mostly because of how sore I am, but also because we got snow dumped on us and it has hit a chilly -27. So, James and I are just going to keep warm inside.

He is just amazing. I love every single thing about him! I still can't believe that he was inside of me when I look at him. It's SO true how you just forget about that whole labour thing minutes after your child is in your arms. Nothing matters but him now (and Ryan too). I love kissing him, and I love how good he smells after a bath. My favourite is his face, and his wrinkly legs! Oh, and those toes and fingers are sweet too - and the little ears... I just love him so incredibly much. I can't sing to him yet, as everytime I try I start getting really emotional! Hahaha! So I just hum to him right now.

His first couple of nights at home he was up every hour and half. That was pretty rough, and I wasn't sure if we were going to be able to do that much longer without one of us going nuts. However, (knock on wood) last night he went 2-2 1/2 hours between feedings which was delightful. So, I'm praying that it happens like that tonight too.

James by lamplight in my favourite sleeper.

Anyway, our supper delivery is going to be showing up soon. We feel SO spoiled. We have suppers coming to us every-other-day for two weeks! My friends are too good to me. James' first (and probably only) baby shower is this coming Sunday as well. It will be hectic, but I can't wait to see what kinds of cute things he gets.

Hi to all of my mommy's blogger friends! It's nice to meet you. 

Lounging... 

This sums up life right now! 

Ouchie

Things are going pretty well here at the Plett residence. I was able to get out last night and make a little stop in at "Girl's Night" at Tracy's place. It was fun to show off James to the girls, and of course they all thought he was great. Who wouldn't think so?! I am in a little discomfort these days. Seems that my body is now reminded that it went through labour, and the "lower half" is feeling a little worse for wear. But nothing I wouldn't do again! My milk also came in last night... ouch. It's quite painful. Not really enjoying this part very much. Any advice?

Uncle Matt holds his FIRST nephew for the first time.

Trevor & Rebekah visit James at the hospital. Soon it will be you guys!

Brent & Terrilee also visit little James.

James Kennedy

I'll see how far I get with this post before I get to go and take care of my SON! He's just taking a mini nap for the moment. I wish I could hold him and type, then I wouldn't have to part with him... he feels SO good in my arms. As Patti said in one of her comments, perfectly natural.

So, I was scheduled to be induced on Tuesday the 21st. I was none too thrilled about the idea, but I was excited and going a little nuts (hence Monday night's dancing video). I felt a little weird all day Monday though - but I just assumed it was my anxiousness to have baby. I was very hormonal and emotional all day. Having to take Kitten to the vet was devastating. I went to bed that night thinking, "well, tomorrow I get induced". Maybe I finally relaxed, who knows, because I woke up around 2:30 am with mild contractions. They were just like what I had felt before, except this time they didn't go away right away. They started to become more frequent and a little more uncomfortable - so I woke up Ryan, and we timed them for a while. Once we were convinced it was the real thing, we both showered, packed up and went to the hospital. On the way there, the bumpy highway really started those contractions to fire up - and the pain was all in my back, so it was an unpleasant trip! So, prayers #1, #2 and #3 were answered - labour started on it's own, Ryan was home to drive me, and the roads were good.

On the way to the hospital I prayed for everything and everyone. I prayed that I wouldn't be just one more centimetre dilated, and for the doctors, nurses, baby, me, Ryan... We arrived at the hospital at about 7:00am and they put me in a triage room to be examined. Prayer #4 - I was 5-6 cm dilated! The nurse was a little surprised - as was I! I didn't feel like I could be that far along already! They got us set up in our own private birthing room around 8:00am, hooked me up to an IV, and then it was time to let labour do it's thing. We tried hall walking, but that felt really bad, so it only lasted a short time. Around 9:00 or 10:00am I really started to get uncomfortable, so they started me on laughing gas with a mask I held myself and could use as necessary. I also started doing my breathing, and so we huffed and puffed until about 10:30am. Everything went really fast from that point! My water finally broke on it's own, and then I wanted to PUSH! Ryan kept helping me with the breathing, as did the nurses, and at 11:00am I was ready to started pushing. The Dr. showed up right in time, as I pushed for 18 minutes and James was into the world. I had to have a little snip done, as James' heartrate was going down and he had passed some meconium in utero. And then, our son was in my husband's arms and we just stared at our beautiful blessed. Prayers #5-7 answered, good labour, quick delivery and no epidural. Oh, and prayer #8 - a perfectly healthy baby boy!!!

I don't know what else to say. Everything is going well so far. I got a few hours of sleep last night finally, and today all is well. Breastfeeding is going well. Everything is well. All for now. Baby needs mommy.

Picturama

We are ALL home!

Wow. Can a three letter word really sum it up? Maybe this one is better - MIRACLE. Or AMAZING. Thank you dear Lord. Thank you. And all of you - the prayers - they worked BEYOND what you can imagine. The whole story will be posted.

But first... CONGRATULATIONS to Dianna - she was my lucky prediction winner. However, Amber you were so close in second place that you can also get a prize.

And Uncle Matt - thank you for such an awesome post for me. I wasn't expecting that!

And now... the first posted picture of James Kennedy, our beloved, much awaited son...

It is indeed a boy!!

OK I'm going to try to write this with Heather and Ryan's cat wrapped around my foot, slowly knawing away at it (is that how knawing is spelled?). This is Matt by the way, Heather and Ryans brother in law. I'm supposed to inform everyone that I am an uncle, which more importantly means Heather and Ryan are Mother and Father (not both at the same time) of a really cute 8 pound 3 ounce baby boy!!! His name is James Kennedy Plett and he's a quiet lil guy (must be Heather's side??). He's 20.25" tall... or sideways (he doesn't stand yet) and was born November 21 at 11:18 am. He's awesome and we love him!! Oh yeah one more thing, I realize I was probably one of the furthest away in the prediction thing, well, I just want you all to know, I told my girlfriend Mercedes that my guess that it would be a girl would be wrong and it would actually be a boy, you can ask her, it's true! Anyway Heather and Ryan should be back soon, and yes they both survived the ordeal quite nicely. Thank you. Next post will be from the owner of this site. See ya!

Gone Nuts

Just to prove that I have, in fact, gone nuts... here is video evidence.


Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos

The Vet

I hope everyone is enjoying how often I am posting these days - because that is very likely to change once baby arrives! I am killing time in front of the computer, hence the number of (pointless) posts.

So I sucked it up, called my mom to join me, and we ventured off to the vet with the kitten this morning. She did pretty well in the car, so that was good - sometimes half the battle is getting the cat to the vet without going crazy! She got all checked out, got some xrays done on her paw, and thankfully it's nothing serious. Of course, the bill for the checkup sort of ruins my day - but I hate to see her suffer, so I suppose the price is worth it. Now she just has to take some pills and an oral pain reliever, and she should be good as new in a few days. In the process, however, she did manage to leave a big scratch across my big belly. It REALLY hurts to have a scratch across skin that is already pulled as tight as it can go!

I thought that today I was feeling sort of "different". I woke up feeling very emotional, and even a little shaky. Everything sort of feels surreal - however, there are no new aches or pains. I suppose tonight it's back to the drawing board for labour-inducing activities. I know that they have Castor Oil at the local Co-op. It's beginning to look very appealing... I should invite Jamie over to do Castor Oil shots with me.

The Heat Is On

Well, a few more got knocked out of the prediction race yesterday and today. Tomorrow Christine, Kristy and Dixie are up for the prize! All we can do is wait and see.

As it would be, our kitten (who really isn't a kitten anymore, but simply gets called a kitten because our other cat is a monstrous beast), seems to have injured her front paw. This is problematic, because it would be up to me to take her to the vet tomorrow morning - and I REALLY don't want to take her. It's about a half hour drive, and then who knows how long I'll have to be there. Then, if I choose to leave her there - who knows if I'll go into labour, and then she'll be stranded there! Does anybody want to take her to the vet for me? Oh! I just noticed that it is already Monday, as it is 12:18am. I better get myself to bed!

No Baby

Just a quick post to say there is no baby yet. I thought if I didn't post today then some of you might be up all night waiting to hear/read the news. Love you guys!

Still in the Running

Those posted in red are no longer in the running for the Grand Prize. There sure are a lot of November 18th predictions, so let's hope things get moving soon! Just to let you know how I will gauge the winner: I will go by date first, so if you are the only person who guesses the right date you will win - even if the sex or weight isn't right. Next will be by sex, and then by weight. Does that seem fair to you?

Prayer for Pregos...

Dear Lord,

I was just sitting here at my computer, and was thinking about all of the many pregnant women I know right now. I just want to ask that you bless and keep each of them safe, and put Your hands of love around their little babies. Thank you so much for the beauty and the miracle of birth, and thank you that so many of have been blessed to experience it. I also just want to pray Lord for those that are longing to have children, or those that can't have their own children - Lord I just pray that they would have healing, or find a way to be blessed in another way. Thank you so much for the many new friends I have made on this journey God. They are all so precious to me - I wish I could see them face-to-face one day - which I guess I will, in Heaven! Again, I just pray for safety for all of the pregnant women that I know - give them good health, few discomforts, and safe arrivals of their new babies. Please also help those of us who are awaiting our new ones to be patient. It's so hard Lord to wait, but you ask us to trust you and your perfect timing. I just pray that we will be over-loaded with things to do that we won't even notice the time go by. I praise you God for your wonderous works.

God bless... Rebekah, Becky, Dixie, Drea, Terrilee, Andrea, Janis, Amber, Jamie, Melissa, Sarah, Christy, Erica, Erin, Renee and the many more that I KNOW I am missing, but I can't remember right now.

Amen.

Picture Update...

Still waiting, and trying to be a patient mommy-to-be.


In the meantime, baby Pepe's stocking from daddy is up!

And so is our Christmas tree!

(Yes, that would be a tea towel underneath it.)

Maybe it's time to get a tree skirt - or whatever they call those things.

I hope Pepe gets some of the cuteness genes from his/her cousins.
(Steve, you aren't cute - you are 'ruggedly handsome'.)

Still Waiting

Well, I made it through the afternoon, evening and night without even a hint of on-coming labour. The Doctor's appointment went well, everything is looking fine. She did tinker, and I'm happy to say that it didn't hurt at all. Again, she expressed her surprise that I haven't "gone yet". We did, however, also book a potential date for induction - but that seems like years from now! My husband had taken the afternoon off work in the case that I would be really uncomfortable after the appointment, but I wasn't - so we went to the mall to kill some time, and then had supper with his parents (I tried the spicy seafood penne from Earl's to get things going). I really didn't feel much different at all - maybe a bit of cramping, and a few Braxton Hicks on the bumpy highway on the way home. We tried a few other tinkering techniques last night - I even bought raspberry leaf tea - but with no luck. On the bright side, I slept really, really well.

So, now we just wait and see when baby decides to show up. I'm putting the control into God's hands again (should have done so from the beginning), and just see if I can remain patient, and keep myself busy for the next few days. I'm just getting so excited - I can't wait to meet our baby!

Keep on being brave! It will bring you great rewards. Learn to be patient, so that you will please God and be given what he has promised. As the Scriptures say, “He is coming soon! It won't be very long.” Hebrews 10:35-37 (Contemporary English Version)

So Much for My Ticker

Well, I guess that's officially the end of the line for my pregnancy ticker! The next one will be baby's age. Woohoo! The countdown is on... just 2 hours until I see my Doctor, and we tinker. I am hoping that this will be my last post until after baby. It's tough not to get my hopes up, but I'm also trying to fight it. I was just in to get my (last) WinRho shot this morning, and there were three other ladies waiting as well - all over due! I suppose it only makes sense that I would fall into the 70% of women that go over due. The nurse said as I left "See you in two years", and I replied "That's the plan". She said to the other ladies, "See how brave she is - she is already planning on coming back in two years!". I laughed, because I knew I appeared to be brave thanks to all your prayers. I said that I figured since women have been doing this since the dawn of time, I think I can do it too. The other ladies all agreed.

So, here's to what I hope will be my last post for a few days. I love you all - and I can't wait to announce the arrival of baby. If that doesn't happen, well, I'll see you tomorrow then.

Nervous

I'm going out on an unusual limb here today, I am about to admit that I am NERVOUS! I don't really get nervous for a lot of things - generally I feel better going into situations with a positive outlook, and a "well, the worst that could happen is..." mindset. I like to think of myself as a brave person, and one who fully trusts God to carry me through things. This time though, I'm just plain nervous. I'm nervous about seeing the doctor tomorrow, and have her "tinker" because I don't know if that will do anything. Then, it makes me nervous that it might NOT do anything, and I'll have to wait another full week before the idea of unduction comes up. I'm nervous about all the very unknown factors about labour - what will it be like for me, when will it start, will I know that it has started, what will happen first (energy spurt, diahrea, contractions, water breaking), will my husband be home to take me to the hospital... all of these things are consuming my mind and I'm going crazy! Help me!

Baby Language

Alright, did any of you watch Oprah today? I hadn't planned on it, but my friend Dee called and said "You have to watch this, or tape it, because it could change your life!". Well, when someone tells me that something may change my life, I'd BETTER watch it! So I flicked on Oprah at 6:00, and I'm sure glad I did!

Her guest speaker was a lady from Australia who was diagnosed at an early age with an acute photographic memory for sounds. Once she became a mother, this lady was able to differentiate between 5 different sounds her infant son was making - and began to recognize that these 5 sounds were 5 different "words". She thought it was just her own son, but eventually she realized that other babies were using the same sounds to project the same "words". She began a study of over 1000 babies, of all races, cultures and nationalities and found that all babies use these same sounds. She is now trying to educate mothers to recognize these 5 sounds so that they can better take care of their babies. This was TRULY remarkable to watch!

It probably works best to actually hear examples of these sounds. However, I will list them here. A DVD called "Dunstan Baby Language" will be available online at www.oprah.com come November 27. I'm thinking I might see if a few of my friends want to go in on it with me. I think it may be worth it.

These sounds are heard in babies ages 0-3 months, and during the initial pre-cry state. It is almost impossible to discern the sound once the baby is in full tilt crying mode.

"Neh" - means HUNGRY. The emphasis is on the 'N' sound in the beginning.

"Owh" - means SLEEPY.

"Heh" - means DISCOMFORT. The emphasis will be the 'H' sound in the beginning.

"Eair" - means LOWER GAS. It will be a sound that comes from the tummy.

"Eh" - means BURP. The emphasis is on the 'E' sound.

Once you learn these sounds from your baby (it takes practice to recognize them), you will know better what your baby needs or wants. It was really amazing to hear the baby doing the "Eh" sound, simply to be propped up for a burp and immediately stop fussing. I'm definately planning on trying this out. If you have a baby, I'd be really curious for you to try it and report back if you think it works.

My Belly's SO Big

(sung to the tune of "My God is So Big")

My belly's SO big, so round and so heavy

There's nothing I can seem to do

My belly's SO huge, so full and so ready

There's nothing I can seem to do

Climbing stairs makes me pant,

Sweeping floors makes me tired,

Answering phone makes me huff and puff too!

My belly's SO big, so round and so heavy

There's nothing I can seem to do!

Another Week?

I just got back from my doctor's appointment today. It went well, although there is no really exciting news. I am another centimetre dilated though - putting me at about 2cm. She says everything down there is ready to go - so we just keep waiting. She asked if she should "tinker", but I decided against it - even after all my complaining! I am curious to see if I will go into labour on my own in the next week. However, she said next week (if I haven't already had the baby), we'll do some tinkering to get things going. She is pretty confident that is all it will take. So, hopefully I don't have to go back next week, but we shall just wait and see! Thanks for all your prayers and support. I really, really appreciate it. I've just been feeling throughout this entire pregnancy that I am floating along on faith and prayers. It feels wonderful! God is so good to us, so faithful - in the good times and bad times.

He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he. Deuteronomy 32:4 (NIV)

The Predictions Begin...

Predictions still welcome, just post them as a comment.

Never Coming Out

This week I am convinced that this baby is never coming out! At least on it's own accord. I am beginning to prepare myself to go a full two weeks overdue, and then be induced. I figure if I think that way, anything sooner than that will be a welcome surprise! I am still praying to be earlier than later, and that the baby will decide on it's own to make an appearance. It would be VERY nice if the baby would arrive before Monday. If it doesn't, my hubby and I might be stuck in Hawaii for the second year in a row without being able to... well, you know... do married couple things. So, hopefully baby comes.

I haven't felt anything that I could describe as contractions yet. I do get lots of aches and pressure down there. At night this baby is constantly moving, and that causes a lot of interesting "grinding" feelings, and sharp little pangs of discomfort. Did anyone else not really experience Braxton Hicks?

In the meantime, here is the photo to celebrate my 39th week of pregnancy - which is almost over!

I Can Still Dance

An unfortunate photo of a nine month pregnant woman

caught by surprise while dancing up a storm.

Much Needed Advice

Wow! Nothing gets women talking like diapers and wipes! I was SO excited to read all about everyone's diaper experiences - some of them were hilarious. I definately feel that I can use a lot of your advice, thank you so much.

Obviously you ladies (and maybe some men are still lurking out there) have lots of great advice to give - so I'm going to give you a couple more things to share your thoughts on.

• I hope to breastfeed for at least 6 months, do I need (or will I want) a breastpump?

• Are all diaper rash creams basically the same? The ingredients are the same on the container.

Missing the Old Me

Well, as this pregnancy draws nearer to the end I find myself longing to be back to the "old me". I know I probably won't be able to get into my pre-prego clothes right away, and life itself won't be the same as it was - but I am looking forward to being just me again. I have to say though that this has been an amazing pregnancy, and I don't know if it could have gone much better. I am still enjoying it, but now I am just so anxious to meet this little baby! I want to know WHO is in THERE! I want to know if we have a son or a daughter, and I want to see what they look like. I want to dress them, and bath them, and cuddle, and feed, and rock, and sing... and God-willing, sleep. In many ways it feels like this time is flying by, and then some days - like today - feel like the days are crawling. I dread being overdue! I would never wish anyone to be overdue!

Ryan and I went to see the Dr. again yesterday, and everything is looking good. I've been steadily gaining a pound a week (ick, thanks McCain cake), but my fundus measurement has remained the same since last week. All very normal. The baby's heart rate has been mostly 140, although last week it went to 150, and this week back to the usual 140. Everything else is just in waiting mode now. The baby has been head down for a few weeks, although my Dr. says that the term "dropped" is not a medical term - so I don't know if baby has "dropped". I don't waddle much when I walk yet, so maybe it isn't that low. I'm not sure. She seemed to suggest that she didn't think I would make it to my November 9th appointment - but we'll see. She says I should try to "surprise" her. Haha! We also have a hospital tour scheduled for the 9th - so we'll see if we can find our way if we don't make it to that. We didn't make it home from Winnipeg in time for the trick-or-treaters, so now I also have a whole box of mini chocolate bars calling to me from the pantry.

My bags are packed, baby's room is all ready to go, clothes and blankets are washed, car seat is ready to be installed, food is frozen in the freezer - what to do now, but wait? In the meantime, why don't we do a diaper survey. What kind of disposable diapers do you recommend and why? Would you use something different for a boy/girl?

Wow - that baby looks HUGE!

"Let Them Eat Cake!"

I can't report that there have been any great developments over the weekend. I will complain for just a brief moment that my lower back is starting to feel the weight of carrying this little kiddo around. On Saturday night I was prepping some food for a casserole I was making for a church potluck when my back completely seized on me. I had rolling waves of pain through my lower back, and I had to sit down. It felt awful! Inwardly, I was hoping that it was labour - and I just kept thinking "Let's get this over with". But after a few minutes of rest, and then sitting down at the table to shred my cheddar, the pain went away. This sort of makes me think I might be looking at having some major back labour, so please pray that this isn't the case!

On another note, I have always love McCain Deep 'n Delicious marble cakes - but they taste INCREDIBLE when you are pregnant! I bought one to serve at Bible study last week because I was having a craving, but the leftovers keep calling to me - and at all hours of the day! I've tried to keep some level of self control, because I have currently gone over my goal weight gain for this pregnancy. But a couple of pieces of cake won't make a huge difference, right? It ends up that my aim to eat one SMALL piece a day usually leads to two MEDIUM sized pieces - because one small one is not enough to satisfy my taste buds. I do know that I have enough self control not to buy another one once this is gone. Besides, they aren't cheap. However, that ooey-gooey goodness is too much to bear. I have one piece of cake left, but maybe I'll make that tomorrow's breakfast. Does anybody else share my McCain cake addiction?

37 Week Appointment

It seems like these appointments are coming really quickly - which is good, because that means time isn't dragging too much now in the end. It wasn't really a very eventful appointment, although I found out I am positive for Group B Strep - which simply means I'll be put on IV antibiotics while in labour and delivery.

I have been having some funny, sharp pains in my pelvic area these days. They sort of feel like brief moments of crampiness, to a sharp discomfort that only lasts a couple of seconds. These pains come and go, but tend to happen the most in the evening. From my online research, I'm guessing it is simply the continuing dilation of my cervix - but it feels so weird. Or maybe it's just the baby's head moving around and hitting a nerve? Has anyone ever experienced this?

Week 37 and counting...

Signs & Wonders

There are more and more signs every day that this baby is on it's way, and that it is on it's way fairly soon! I've definately been having some Braxton Hicks contractions (up until recently I didn't think I had any). There has also been some "secretions" that indicate that things are getting ready for baby to make an appearance. Who knew that "secretions" could be so gross, and yet so totally exciting?!

I ventured out with my prego friend Rebekah on Friday night. We went to a huge Christmas craft and gift sale called Scattered Seeds. We had so much fun, but not because of the shopping, or even each other's company. No, we had fun eating all the FREE SAMPLES! We seriously loaded up on pretzels and dips, crackers and spreads, jam, gelato, toffee, fudge, popcorn... we actually felt full (and a little ill) when we left! It was a pregnant woman's dream!

Then on Saturday evening I decided to accompany my husband to the Bomber football game. It wasn't my idea of fun really, but we have season tickets and I thought that this might be my last game of the year! I did have a good time, and it was a good game - but I was all bundled up (in a big, heavy dress coat), and I barely made it from the car all the way up to my seat. It was a serious workout, and it gave me contractions! By the time we sat down, I could barely catch my breath, and I wasn't planning on moving again until we left! Thank goodness I only had to take two bathroom trips - one when we got there, and one when we left. I've decided to start a petition that womens bathroom doors should have to open and close just a little further away from the toilet. Like, maybe an extra foot is all we would need. It's tough enough to swing those doors shut sometimes when you are UNpregnant - so never mind when you are sporting a hefty belly too.

I'm already starting to feel a little anxious about travelling without a hospital bag, so I've thrown together some essentials to take along - just in case. What were the things you found you absolutely needed when you were in the hospital? What do you wish you had taken? What did you take for your baby? Or, if you aren't prego, what do you think you would take?

Before...

... and after!

Come soon baby!

Giddy

I am giddy today, because I just got some great news from the Dr. this morning! I had my regular checkup (which will now happen weekly until baby arrives), and she checked my cervix. She told me that the baby's head is down, the cervix is very soft, and I am 1 cm dilated! Yay! She said, "Don't hold it against me if I'm wrong, but..." then she paused, and I said "I have a feeling I might be a little early". She said, "I think you might be right".

36 weeks! I like how this one shows off my new "outtie" belly button.

Tomorrow there will be a crib to put in that corner!

New Life

I went to visit my friend Jeryn and her new little baby Hayden today. No matter how hard I try, I cannot keep from crying when I meet a new little baby. Every single time I look at one of those little people, I am reminded of God's greatness, His majesty, His power - and His ability to bless us with little miracles called babies. They seem to be placed straight into our arms from His - and looking at those precious little features seems like looking at the face of God - flawless, innocent, without sin, just perfect in every way. So, of course, looking at little Hayden today I was overcome with joy and cried many tears. He is just adorable. I purposely did not take my camera - although I don't know why exactly. I just didn't want to blind him with the flash on our first meeting.

My personal counter on my computer desktop currently reads 29 days, 9 hours and 10 minutes until our baby is due. Finally, less than a month to go! I am still enjoying pregnancy - but at the very same time looking forward to its end. I feel stretched to the max, and carrying around those extra pounds is starting to take its toll on my body now. Restless legs at night, cramps, aches and pains in my groin are just some of the new recent developments. I am just hoping and praying that I wake up one night to find that my water has broken! I am starting to actually get excited for labour. I am basically 95% sure that I want to try to have a natural, unmedicated birth. I think about it a lot, and feel really ready. I am praying for a slightly early birth - maybe a week early would be perfect. I know that most women probably feel that way - and then end up going overdue and feeling really impatient! However, I feel like an early baby may not be entirely out of the question. I don't know why - I just have a feeling. So if you think of it, can you pray that I will be a week early - or at the very least, right on time? Oh, and maybe tack on a little prayer that the birth goes well and I don't need any medications.

Okay, this is an icky picture of me - but I had to post it because I look SO pregnant! Maybe my complete lack of photogeneticism these days means I'm having a girl. No, I've never been photogenic.

Into Month No.9

Here are some poems to celebrate my last month of pregnancy!

**********

CELEBRATE
We celebrate the coming birth

Of an angel come to Earth,

Resembling now a basketball,

But soon our love, our life, our all.

**********

NOT ALONE
Running errands and talking on the phone,

I am pleasantly reminded that I am not alone.

Little tiny hands a precious rounded knee

Pushing and twisting that no one can see.

Oh sweet child kicking up your heels,

It is our little secret that only I can feel.

I look forward to your birth,

When I can kiss your skin,

But for now I will just smile,

As I feel you play within.

**********

MOTHER-TO-BE
Your eyes are bright and sparkling.

Your cheeks have got a glow.

Your belly's being touched and rubbed

by people you don't know.

You're craving weird, exotic foods

and calories don't matter.

You can't remember life without

an elbow in your bladder.

You're getting medical advice

from everyone you see.

Welcome to the joyous days

of Motherhood-to-be.

It's a BOY... and a GIRL!

Congratulations to my dear friend Jeryn and her

husband Steve on the safe arrival of

Hayden Nash Peters

Born October 9, 7lbs 3oz

and also to...

Kent and Deanna Kroeker on the arrival of

Lexi Jane Kroeker

Born October 10

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! May you truly feel blessed this Thanksgiving. We have SO much to be thankful for!

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.

1 Chronicles 16:34

I'm so stoked! The company that my husband bought his machines from last year offered to give me some fabric for baby blankets! I got to choose from hundreds of different prints - so these were the seven that I chose. There is enough to make eight receiving blankets. Now I just have to find someone to serge them for me...

Theme Dreams

Lately, my dreams have become extremely vivid. They also seem to have a running theme each night. Last night's theme was "Climbing". All my dreams involved me having to climb a hill, a steep road, a path, etc. Each dream is different throughout the night - but always within the theme. Very, very strange. Other dream themes have been "Food", "Sex", and "Fighting". All of them were extremely weird, and very vivid. I can remember specific details about all of these latest dreams, including who was in them and what they were wearing. I'm sure this must be some sort of effect of the hormones I'm dealing with - but it's almost scary at times, and I wake up thinking "Why in the world would I have dreamed about THAT?!". Did anybody else have really interesting pregnancy dreams?

34 week silhouette.

Oh mama! My reflection really amplifies that belly!

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.