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...).