June Baby? or maybe December?

Well, it looks like we're going to have a June baby - it's May 31st and still no signs of me going into labor anytime soon.

At least, I'm hoping for June.

I feel like I've been preggers forever. Maybe it will be July. Or December. Or maybe he'll just decide to camp out in there until his high school graduation.

Whew.

And believe me, we've tried everything under the sun to naturally induce labor. I think I've walked about a hundred miles the past three days. I've been drinking raspberry leaf tea. I did some jumping jacks and even a Zumba workout. We got spicy Mexican food for dinner. And while I'm not in the habit of discussing my (very) personal life on this very public blog, let's just say that many people have suggested sex... and we have tried EVERYTHING! (Chris is not complaining about this one!)

So I guess the point is that our little guy will make his appearance whenever he's darn well ready... and there's not a thing this mama can do about it! Good thing he's totally worth the LONG wait!

Top Ten Reasons I Can't Wait to Not Be Pregnant Anymore

Top Ten Reasons I Can't Wait to NOT Be Pregnant Anymore:

10. Let's face it, the belly makes every day things pretty awkward. I'm not really excited to be able to pick up socks off the floor, but it will be easier without the basketball.

9. I CAN'T WAIT to sleep on my tummy and my back again! WOOT!!

8. Rolling over in bed is more exhausting than running a marathon - yup, won't miss that!

7. Wearing REAL shoes, not 100% elastic ones that are the only ones that will fit over these ridiculously swollen feet of mine!

6. Not peeing every five minutes - what will I do with all my free time?

5. To be able tie my shoes, paint my toenails, shave my legs, put on pants with ease!

4. Unbearable heartburn, be gone!

3. Wearing real clothes again - you know, the ones that button and zipper. Remember those? Yeah, me neither.

2. Puking every. single. day. Yuck. I'm so ready to be done with that.

1. And of course, most importantly, to be able to meet this little guy I've been working so hard at growing the past 9 months!

Top Ten Things I Will Miss About Pregnancy:

The Top Ten Things I Will Miss About Pregnancy:

10. The belly rubs from strangers (yes, I'm one of those weird people that LOVE it when people come up and touch my belly).

9. The comments in the grocery store from little kids like "Mama, is that lady fat or is she having a baby?"

8. The foot rubs, back rubs, neck rubs, tummy rubs, etc from my rockin' husband.

7. Watching our parents get more and more excited to become grandparents! We are so fortunate Baby Boy has such loving grandmas and grandpas to love (read: spoil him rotten!)!

6. Stretchy pants... 'nuff said.

5. The excuse to eat garlic-stuffed olives at 7am every morning in my first trimester... yum!

4. Shopping for this little guy! After years of planning what I'm going to buy for our baby, actually getting a free ticket to GO FORTH AND PURCHASE!! What fun!

3. The anticipation!! I love waiting for something good I know is going to happen!!

2. The amazing feeling of life inside of me - there is just no way to describe how awesome it feels to have Baby Boy moving!

1. Knowing that my husband and I created a life together... but wait, that one stays even after pregnancy is done! Woo-hoo!

May 28

May 28, 2010.

Today is an important day for so many reasons.

As Chris and I were lying in bed last night, we talked about what this day means.

It's Chris' last day ever of school. He graduates officially in just two weeks with his degree. After many long (LOOOONNNNNGGGGG) years of school and college, he will finally hold his degree.

And of course, (you know, not really a big deal or anything, just a little bit of news that's not really important) it's our DUE DATE!!!!!!

Wow, it's like we're grown-ups or something - all graduating with college degrees and becoming parents! Crazy!

Can I just say this?

I totally sympathize with this picture - I don't know whether it's the excitement or Baby Boy's head pressing insistently on my poor bladder, but I don't think I've ever peed this frequently in my life!

I have a feeling my bladder will never be the same... good thing Baby Boy is worth it!

A Blessing

Mom and I were in Fred Meyer today grocery shopping. While we were checking out we made some polite small talk with the checker about my pregnancy and the baby, who was extremely nice and friendly. As we were leaving, the checker handed me this paper towel with a blessing for us:

I am amazed every day by the loving and wonderful people that come into our lives - strangers or not. I plan on keeping this paper towel so our son knows how blessed he was even before his birth!

Baby Nursery

As previously promised, here's some pictures of the baby's nursery! Now, since we're only going to be living here for a couple more months, we're not setting up the crib or putting any pictures on the walls or anything, but you get the gist!

I am just in love with it! Every detail is perfect...the baskets with all the toys I've made for him, the burp clothes, the sweet stuffed animals.

I walk into this room and sit in the rocker and look around at everything we've assembled the past nine months. I think about all the loving friends and family that have given us gifts for our child. I lovingly place the items I've saving for years on the bookshelf - like this adorable Noah's Ark that I bought over two years ago, imagining the day I would show it to our child. And this: Chris' mom and dad gave us this last week - I just love imagining Chris holding Baby Boy just like this!

Dear Baby,

Dear Baby,

I can't wait to hold you.

I can't wait to tickle your tiny toes.

I can't wait to memorize your face.

I can't wait to feed you.

I can't wait to see your daddy cradling you in his strong arms.

I can't wait to hear your lusty cry.

I can't wait to stare into your wondering eyes.

I can't wait to sing you lullabies to sleep.

I can't wait to introduce you to your loving grandparents.

I can't wait to kiss your soft, sweet-smelling head.

I can't wait to show you just how much I love you.

I just can't wait to meet you, my dear son!

Love, Mama

Guess what?

In just a short time, I will be holding one of these of my very own:Except mine will be even cuter.

And maybe with dark hair.

A favorite topic of discussion between Chris and me lately is what Baby Boy will look like. Lots of hair? What shade of skin? Big nose or button nose? Rosebud lips? Dark hair or light hair? I find myself poring over baby pictures of random babies online, wondering if my sweet son will have this feature or that.

But one thing we absolutely agree on, as Chris stated last night: "Well, he looked awfully cute on the ultrasound!" And if our baby can look adorable in those grainy ultrasound pics, I know he'll look even more adorable in real life!

What do you think Baby Boy will look like?

The bad word: Change

I believe I have referenced once or twice or a million times how much I dislike (I'm trying to be a grown-up here and not use the word HATE even though that's what I mean) change.

I like things to stay exactly the same.

But, in this little situation of mine, that would be quite a pickle.

I am desperately eager for this change that's coming - even though it will be THE HUGEST CHANGE EVER!!

But there's definitely a part of me that is a little nervous (read: panicking!) about this change. Um, hello, the little person inside of me is going to come out and totally turn our world upside down. Never, ever again will things be the same. We will forever be a family of three, no longer just a young couple. We will make sacrifices and decisions based on this little person. We will worry constantly and extensively about everything and anything that may or may not have to do with this little person (ok, that will just be me. Chris doesn't worry).

It's not that we aren't incredibly happy and thrilled and excited and a hundred other enthusiastic words about bringing our child into this world - we are! I have been dreaming of this day for years, I know Baby Boy will complete our little family in the most perfect way imaginable.

But I think there's a little part of me that needs to grieve a bit for the loss of who we once were. And I think that's ok. I think acknowledging this huge change is exactly what I need to come to terms with my new self as a mother.

And I can't wait for this HUGE ENORMOUS change to grace us with his prescence!

My latest creation

No, the baby hasn't arrived yet... so I'm keeping as busy as I can finishing up various projects! This weekend I was checking out my VERY FAVORITE baby shop EVER - Restoration Hardware Baby and Child - when I found this:

LOVE it!! Soo perfect!!! But the price: $99. Ouch.

So, I figured I'd make my own. Here's my results:

What do you think? I used foam pool noodles for the cross bars and made my own little stuffed animals (they have bells in them) to dangle. And each of the circles on the play mat part have different textures or crinkly things in them.

Chloe wanted to help me take some pictures:

Guess we'll just have to see now if Baby Boy likes it!

10 Day Weather Forecast

So it dawned on me today that since I have only 9 days (yes NINE!!!!!!!) till my due date, I can view the weather on the ten day forecast!!!

The forecast? 70 degrees with showers. Sounds like a great day to have a baby!

Living in the moment

I admit it. I am not the most patient person in the world. Some things, yes - I can sit for hours patiently listening to a struggling first grader painfully sound out words. I can figure out through LONG trial and error how to sew or craft something. I can pick Chris' clothes up off the floor for the hundredth time and not get frustrated (sometimes).

But I am done being pregnant.

Have I enjoyed being pregnant? Yes, actually, I love being pregnant. I really can handle all the extra crap - the throwing up, swollen feet, maternity clothes, etc no problem.

But right now I am hot.

I am uncomfortable.

I can hardly put on pants because I can't reach my feet.

I can't pick up anything that I drop on the floor (and I seem to be dropping things even more frequently than usual).

And I am so incredibly, amazingly excited to meet our son.

But then I think about the wise words almost every single mother I have ever met has told me: "Enjoy every moment. It goes by so fast."

And I realize that I need to enjoy this time. I need to take advantage of feeling every kick and movement in my belly. I need to savor the time I have to enjoy my son all on my own.

I need to live in this moment.

So that's exactly what I'm going to do. I'm going to live in this moment, not wish it away for anything different.

But, my dear son, should you decide to make an early appearance, I can't say I'd complain!

compliments

Is it silly to love getting compliments about my pregnant belly? I was at a yard sale yesterday and a lady complimented me on how well I was carrying. I know it's not anything I'm doing consciously, but I get a little glow when someone tells me I rock at being pregnant!

A big difference

So this is how Chris usually "puts his clothes away": Yup, that would be thrown on the floor.

And this is how he put Baby Boy's outfit away:

It was so adorable coming upstairs the other day and seeing how carefully Chris put this outfit away when he was done with it. Just one more tiny way I can tell how much he loves his son!

Dangerous territory

This, people, may be the key to my downfall:

Starbucks Vanilla Bean Frappuccino. All week they have been half price from 3 to 5 pm. Add to that Chris' willingness to get me anything my heart desires (since I'm a grumpy, hormonal, 9-months-preggers crazy lady) and we have a problem.

Yeah, you thought my big ol' belly was a baby belly... it's actually a Vanilla Bean Frappuccino belly.

Yum.

Maternity Photos

Chris was nice enough to take some maternity photos of me last night - I'm glad Baby Boy stayed in long enough to get them taken! So now that they are taken, my dear son, feel free to come out any time now!!

Altamont Baby Shower

This would be Baby Shower #3. I know, I know...so greedy of me to have THREE baby showers! But it was so awesome to see all my Altamont family again.


So here are some pics... and yes, I am sadly aware that in my last three posts that had pictures of me I am wearing this exact same shirt. It is because my basketball belly has outgrown almost every single one of my maternity shirts and I refuse to buy anything else since hopefully the said basketball will be outgrowing his own clothes in the next three weeks.





Two and half weeks left! I just can't believe it!

My new sleeping arrangements

Yes. Last night I fell asleep on the toilet.

Being nine months pregnant and all, I tend to spend a lot of time peeing (usually on the toilet). And that includes peeing at night, when I'm half-asleep and stumbling down our stairs. Sometimes it's just too much effort to wake myself up when I fall asleep again, no matter where that may be.

So honey, if you wake up and I'm not in bed with you, it's because I'm fast asleep. On the toilet. Sleep tight, ya'll.

Daddy-to-be

Reason # 59384 that I know Chris will be a fabulous daddy:

When I was in Klamath Falls on Saturday, Chris went with his parents to a little street fair downtown and found a vendor selling these ADORABLE wooden cars and trucks. He picked these ones out for Baby Boy.

I can't wait to see my husband with his son!

Mom's Day

Look what I got for my first Mother's Day! Cards from loved ones and flowers from my favorite Daddy-to-be!

Dear Baby,

Dear Baby,

Yesterday I asked your dad what he wanted for a graduation present (I was expecting him to ask for a motorcycle). He put his hands on my huge belly and replied: "You are giving me exactly what I want - the best gift ever."

I cried. Your daddy and I love you so much... even more than a motorcyle! I can't wait to see you snuggled safe and warm in his strong arms!

Love, Mama

Mother's Day

I'm not sure if this really counts as my first Mother's Day. To be honest, the "mothering" that is done whilst a baby is in utereo is really the easiest part. But this year, for the first time, I am really starting to "get" what this holiday is all about.

I've wanted to be a mother for as long as I can remember. Looking back at some old school work in our attic one year, I found a first grade class assignment of "What Do I Want to Be When I Grow Up": of course, mine was a mommy.

I'm sure the reason I wanted to be a mom so much was because of my mom. When you have as great a mom as I do, it's no wonder.

Here's the thing...I think I finally understand what it means to be a mother. I'm not sure I have ever sacrificed quite so much for someone before... especially someone I haven't even met! And I haven't even gone through the whole labor thing yet!

But the key is that I love Baby Boy so much, it doesn't matter. I love him without even meeting him. I am honored and thrilled to have been chosen to be his mother. I would do anything for this child of mine. I have an opportunity to help shape and mold this tiny baby into a man, to love him unconditionally even on the hardest days - this is what it means to be a mother. A love like no other.

Happy Mother's Day!

What, earthmuffin?

I admit it. My name is Mandy, and I am a wannabe hippie-earthmuffiny-green lovin' environmentalist. (But I do shave my armpits...and my legs when I'm not 9 months pregnant!)

I'm not one of those crazy people that chain themselves to trees or anything, but I LOVE taking care of the environment. I try to do the best I can to make the smallest impact on our earth.

So here's the thing: diapers. Not to get up on my soapbox or anything, but babies go through a TON of diapers before they are potty trained. And those diapers go in the trash. Which goes to a landfill. And there they sit, for billions of years.

This stresses me out.

So, ever since I found out we were going to have a baby, I've been researching and researching cloth diaper options - with, of course, the support of my amazing hubby. The conversation, I believe, went somewhat like this:

Me: "Hey babe, I think we should cloth diaper."
Chris: "Sure, sounds good."

Yeah, he's awesome. I was even all prepared with a list of "studies show" and statistics to convince him of the monetary value of disposable vs cloth... no need. He's totally on board. Which is more than I can say for a lot of people. The looks I get from folks when I announce we're going to use cloth is along the same lines of the looks I get when I say I'm going for a natural birth - the eye rolling, nodding the head sympathetically, and the muttering "Yeah, right!" as they walk away.

But they underestimate my extreme stubborness. When I get an idea in my head, good or bad, it's there permanently. Even if the world is completely against cloth diapering, I will prevail.

So if anyone has any cloth diapering techniques, tricks, or brands that really worked for them, let me know! I'm open to any suggestions to prove those doubters wrong!

Stick a fork in me, I'm done

Yup, Baby Boy is considered full term as of today! He is officially done cookin' in there... and my belly button is popped out as proof!

I feel a strong resemblance to the little button that pops outs when a turkey is done... PING! All done!

And I promise, Baby Boy, when you come I will not chew on your little legs (although if they are as sweet and chunky as I'm sure they will be, it may be tempting...).

"The commonest fallacy among women is that simply having children makes one a mother—which is as absurd as believing that having a piano makes one a musician."-- Sydney J. Harris

Love this quote. The thought that I am already a mother makes me feel so much more confident in my ability to mother our son.

The beginning of our journey...

I had a doctor's appointment this morning and the doctor informed me that I am currently 1 centimeter dilated!!!!!!!!!!

It's really starting to sink in now.

I know, I know... like the huge basketball belly, the constant morning sickness, and the ultrasounds weren't enough to convince me - we are actually going to be parents by the end of the month!

Holy cow.

I am going to be responsible for a tiny, helpless little person. I'm not sure I'm ready for that.

Just this morning, I accidentally shut Chloe's head in the cabinet drawer. And I forgot to brush my teeth. And I STILL can't cook. I am definitely not ready to be a parent. Isn't there some test you need to pass to bring an infant home?

But is parenthood one of those things that you're never really quite ready for? Something that huge, that life-changing, maybe the crazy part would be if I DID feel ready for it.

All I can say is, I'm so glad my mom will be here for the first few weeks!

Visitors!

We were so delighted to have our good friends Jess and Stef come down for a visit before Baby Boy comes! We had good food and good times - walking downtown Medford:

And we went to Ashland for more delicious food and fun shopping... and of course, pictures in the park:

"OH MY GOSH IS HER BELLY REALLY THAT HUGE???!!":

Remember Love

I love finding words written in the concrete!

Last date as a twosome??

Chris took me out on a date last week... possibly our last date ever as a twosome!

We went to Ashland for dinner and a show - we saw an absolutely fabulous production of "Pride and Prejudice"! I just LOVE shows with happy endings! It was awesome to get out of town and have each other's undivided attention for an evening.

We didn't exactly have the best weather... but it sure made for this gorgeous double rainbow! A perfect start to the evening!