It's our DUE DATE!

Our due date has arrived.... but baby boy has NOT! (Ok, so to be fair, we had 2 due dates given to us. The one based on the 9 week ultrasound is today, the one based on my dating, is Jan 14th) The waiting game is killing me, but I have a feeling it will all come to an end (and a beautiful new beginning!) in just a few days! I’ve been trying my best to exercise patience, but if you know me well, you know it’s not my strong point.

Speaking of patience... I’ve seen a lot of people choosing specific words as a way to sort of represent their new years resolution and I’ve decided that mine will be “patience” for 2013. On an obvious level, being a new mom will require a ton of patience, but on a more introspective level, I need to learn to be more patient with myself and my husband, as well. I’m the type of person that wants things done “yesterday” and I’m not very good at adapting to things being done on anyone else’s schedule. I also have trouble being patient with myself and sometimes “beat myself up” about certain things I wish I could have done better, or sooner, or more effectively, or just differently. Hopefully, with this as my focus for 2013 (among other things.... MANY other things!), I can learn to be more patient with myself and others.

Back to the whole “baby thing”... One reason I’m starting to get impatient about his arrival is because I have a fear of going a week or two overdue, and having to be induced. I’ve read a lot and heard some stories from others about their own induction, and it just doesn’t seem like a pleasant experience. From what I understand, induced labours can cause much less gradual contractions and be way more painful, which is scary! There is also an increased chance of cesarean delivery with induced labours that fail to progress. Another reason I don’t want to be induced is because I want to know that my body can do what its supposed to do and go into labour on its own. I know it sounds silly, but I don’t want to be a failure at being able to deliver a baby without that kind of medical intervention. Anyways, I know that only 50% of babies are actually born by their due dates, and another 30% are born the following week (without induction), so my chances are good that I’ll go into labour before the end of the week... before the end of the day would be nice! LOL.

Sorry for such a short post, but there are a few things I want to get done around the house today! Here is my “Outfit of the Week” for week 40. Dan and I went out for Chinese food last night and then had some friends over for a hilarious game of Balderdash!

Dress: Joe Fresh

Tights: Seraphine Maternity

Purse: H&M

Boots: Aldo

Have a great weekend everyone! Hopefully, my next post will feature a few pictures of a beautiful baby boy and the story of his birthday :)

It COULD be any day now... or not.

Here we are - a week before our due date. It could be any day now! ... Or another 2 weeks. It's BRUTAL not knowing when it will happen! Since New Years day I've been going to bed hoping that I'd wake up in the middle of the night with contractions or laying in a puddle of "water", and be off to the hospital to have a baby. Then I wake up in the morning feeling defeated, sore and still pregnant. Very pregnant. Man, do I envy the girls who have their first babies at 38 weeks! I guess I have to look on the bright side. He's obviously not here yet because he's not finished cooking, so it's best to let him do his thing until he's ready. It's just so much easier said, than done!

39 week belly shot (and check out my new iPhone 5 - I'm in love!)

Anyways, I thought I'd do another "Pregnancy Journal" update, since it COULD be the last. Here it is...

39 Weeks Pregnant

Size of baby: Your baby's the size of a watermelon! The average baby is about 20.5 inches long from head to toe and weighs approximately 7.5 pounds at birth, but anywhere between 5 pounds 11.5 ounces and 8 pounds 5.75 ounces, is a healthy range for newborns.

What's baby up to?: Your amniotic fluid, once clear, is now pale and milky from your baby's shedding vernix caseosa. The outer layers of skin are also sloughing off as new skin forms underneath. His brain is still growing at an astonishing rate, a pace that will continue for the first three years of life. His head has dropped into your pelvis by now, which makes your breathing easier but walking harder.

Total weight gain/loss: + 29 lbs (I actually lost 3 pounds since last week... apparently a slight weight loss is a sign that labour is imminent! A girl can hope!)

Pregnancy symptoms: Fatigue (followed by bursts of energy and nesting/cleaning urges), constant backaches and pelvic pressure/pain, heartburn (only when I’m in bed - a couple Tums seems to do the trick), more frequent urination, and a couple other symptoms I would classify as “TMI”, and spare you from!

Maternity clothes?: Pretty much everything. And I haven’t worn pants in like 2 weeks because the waist band digs in too much ... leggings are my bottom of choice these days!

Stretch marks?: None. C’mon skin... you can do it! Just a bit longer!

Sleep: about 9 hrs during the night, with the occasional afternoon nap!

Best moment this past week: Probably hanging out with my brother and his girlfriend on NYE (Dan was working)... baby related... learning that I’m 1cm dilated. Hey - it’s something!

Miss Anything?: My pre-pregnancy clothes, walking without discomfort, being able to sleep through the night!

Movement: Still lots - It generally feels much lower now, but I still get the occasional kick to the ribs or a foot that presses against the side of my belly and hangs out there for a while, until I push it back in!

Food Cravings: Fruit (specifically blackberries and pineapple), cheese, milk.

Exercise: Lots of dog walking!

Anything making you queasy or sick:  Nope.

Gender predictions: It’s a boy!

Labor sigs: Yes actually - engaged head, 1cm dilated... and those “TMI” symptoms I wont share here, since I don't want to gross anyone out :)

Belly Button in or out: Mostly out.

Wedding rings on or off: On!

Happy or Moody: Happy (for the most part), but I’m ready to be done!

Looking forward to: Meeting our baby boy! I have another OB appointment on Monday, so I’m hoping I’ll show more progress and hopefully have him before my due date, which is January 12th! (Statistically speaking, only 50% of babies are born by their due date, and another 30% are born the following week, so it’s pretty much a given that he’ll be in my arms by the 19th, at the very latest)

Baby boy's "Going Home Outfit" - all packed and ready to go!

I'm not feeling the greatest today (achy all over, and kinda flu-ish), plus Dan is working so I have no one to take my Outfit of the Week photos. I think it's a pajama day, for this girl!

Have a great weekend everyone!

In the home stretch now!

What a crazy week! We did a TON of running (well... driving) around for various Christmas celebrations and I’m officially exhausted! Last Friday I went solo (Dan had to work) to a Christmas potluck that some friends of ours hosted. I honestly cannot remember what I did on Saturday, but I’m sure it was busy lol. Sunday we went to Georgetown for another Christmas dinner with 2 other families that we do every year. Monday (Christmas Eve) was spent with Dan’s side, and Christmas day, with my side in Georgetown. On Boxing Day, I went out for breakfast with my two best friends and then relaxed the rest of the day. Thursday we did some shopping for the last few baby items on our list and then I had my weekly OB appointment. Dan worked yesterday and I did MORE shopping (this time for myself!) and we took down the Christmas decorations. Today we ran some more errands and bought and installed a new toilet for the powder room and new track lighting for the family room. I think I need to crawl into bed and hibernate until I go into labour! LOL. 

Christmastime is so exhausting, but this year it was truly amazing! I’m so thankful that I get to spend this time of year with my family and closest friends, exchange gifts, eat delicious food (and gain 5 pounds in 2 weeks! EEEKKK), and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas. I can’t wait to celebrate Christmas next year with our almost 1 year old son! So crazy!

I had every intention of documenting this years Christmas festivities by taking hundreds of photos, but I hardly took any! I guess I was just enjoying myself too much to remember to take some photos... very unlike me! Anyways, here's a photo of my parents tree on Christmas morning (before the opening began). A little excessive, right?! Next year, I will obviously make up for the lack of photos this year!

Alright, so in terms of pregnancy updates - we’re 38 weeks pregnant today! Baby boy will be in my arms in 2 weeks (and not a day later! Noooo way!) It’s still totally surreal to me that I’m going to have a baby in a few short weeks, and be a mom for the rest of my life! I’m so excited and nervous and anxious at the same time!

I’m feeling very prepared physically, having completed everything on my “To-Do” list (posted here back in October). Feeling mentally prepared is a different story, entirely. I’m so unsure of what to expect when contractions begin, during labour and delivery, immediately after he’s born, and of course when it comes to being a mom and the new responsibilities it entails! I suppose these feelings are completely normal for new parents, but it still doesn’t make it any less nerve-wracking! I know I’ve done everything I could have to prepare myself, so I’ll just have to trust that that’ll be enough (and that my motherly instinct will kick in when it needs to!)

I’ll leave you with a ‘Bump Photo’ for comparison (I seriously didn’t think it could get any bigger than it was in my 36 week pic, but alas, it has grown (and dropped!). I blame it on the delicious Christmas food!)

 

... And my “Outfit of the Week” - what I wore today. Gotta love a casual Saturday!

 Sweater: Old Navy

Jeans: Seraphine

T-shirt: ?

Scarf: Winners

Purse: H&M

Boots: Sorel (Tivoli suede)

I won’t be posting again until 2013, so I hope everyone has a fun and safe New Years!

Cheers to a great year, and an even better one to come!

Nursery Tour!

We'll be 37 weeks tomorrow and THE NURSERY IS OFFICIALLY DONE! I'm so excited that his room is complete (even though he'll be sleeping in a bassinet in our room for the first few months anyways). Having his room finished before his arrival was very important to me, for whatever reason!

We'll start the tour from the hallway. I'll go right to left around the room and share all the details as I go... Enjoy!

OH - I should mention... I covered his "Name Art" with my signature, since we're keeping his name a secret until he's born! Sorry! :P

View from the hallway

The Toronto Maple Leafs stick is a "Daddy Touch", clearly.

I bought the teal curtains for the closet door at Bouclair, but they weren't long enough so I picked up the polka dot and orange fabrics and my super talented mother-in-law added the stripes! I think they look SOOO much better!

Love these customized curtains!

Quite the wardrobe you've got there, little one!

Amazing custom wall art by my friend Chantal at UrbanFizz! LOVE IT!

Custom crib bedding by Modified Tot (on Etsy)

We got the crib and change table for FREE at Sears (from a gift card we received in the summer after having our furnace and AC replaced).... SCORE!

There are diapers in the turquoise baskets and wipes, rash cream, etc. in the orange one. Purchased at Bouclair.

I bought the sock elephant in the summer (his first "toy" purchase) and the stain glass picture is from my grandma (his great-grandma!) who lives in New Brunswick.

Lots and lots of receiving blankets!

Above the shelving unit is an adorable custom bunting, also made by Chantal at UrbanFizz. She's so talented!

Mini lamp and porcelain elephants purchased at Bouclair.

Dan's aunt in Edmonton got us this frame - I can't wait to put his newborn photo in it! (... and Hello there Sophie!)

Part of his book collection... I've got another 2 huge bins full, in the basement. That's what happens when mommy is a teacher!

Giraffe sound machine from his aunties Brandy and Angela. I'm sure this will come in handy!

Expedit shelving unit and baskets, from Ikea. Lots of storage!

And that's it! I'm so happy with how the nursery turned out, and I can't wait to finally have our little man sleeping in there!

Less than a month to go!

Another week has flown by and we’re officially less than a month from our due date (28 days to be exact!). Next weekend I’ll be 37 weeks (considered full-term), which means baby boy could come at any time! Am I ready? HECK YES! (Well, there are a few things I still need to buy, but they can wait - I’ve got all the necessities!)

In other news, Dan and I both got sick this week - sore throat, congestion, cough - us and the rest of the world, it seems. I taught a bunch (it was my last week!), did some Christmas baking with my mother-in-law and sis-in-law, and finished my Christmas shopping (and wrapping!). This afternoon is Family Christmas #1 with my dad’s side of the family - and the holiday rush officially begins! OH YA - we also got a new vehicle! Check out my “Mommy Wheels” :) 

Here’s an updated bump photo to compare to the others. This last month is going to show some significant growth, I think! 

... and a frontal version - ha ha ha - it actually looks like I swallowed a watermelon!

  

I figured it’s time for another “Pregnancy Journal” entry considering I haven’t done one since 31 weeks!

  Pregnancy Journal for Week: 36

Size of Baby: Your baby is still packing on the pounds — at the rate of about an ounce a day. He now weighs almost 6 pounds and is more than 18 1/2 inches long (let’s be honest... ours is probably already 20”!)

What's baby up to?: He's shedding most of the downy covering of hair that covered his body as well as the vernix caseosa, the waxy substance that covered and protected his skin during his nine-month amniotic bath. Your baby swallows both of these substances, along with other secretions, resulting in a blackish mixture, called meconium, will form the contents of his first bowel movement.

Total weight gain/loss: +27 lbs

Pregnancy symptoms: Fatigue, backaches, occasional heartburn, frequent urination (like... way more... so annoying!), pelvic pressure/pain (combined with easier breathing, I think that means he’s “dropped!”) One thing that seems to have gone away are Braxton Hicks contractions... or maybe I just haven’t been feeling them like I was before?

Maternity clothes?: Yep, mostly everything. Even some of my maternity jeans are starting to feel uncomfortable like they’re digging in to the bottom of my belly. I’m pretty much living in leggings!

Stretch marks?: Nothing  - fingers crossed it stays that way!

Sleep: about 9 hrs during the night, with the occasional afternoon nap.

Best moment this past week: Since I didn’t have an ultrasound or OB appointment or do anything “baby related” this week, I’d have to say that baking with Dan’s mom and sister was the best moment! We made a ton of delicious Christmas goodies, and I had a blast doing it :)

Miss Anything?: Not really! I’m surprised I don’t miss my morning coffee more, but tea has really grown on me!  (I switched when I found out I was pregnant, since it’s got less caffeine).

Movement: Still lots of movement! It feels different though. Less “kick-like” and more like he’s trying to roll around in there. His movements are usually very obvious from the outside and I can see my belly bulge out to one side! So strange.

Food Cravings: My sweet tooth is back! Dark chocolate, clementines/oranges, milk!

Exercise: Lots of walking (...more like waddling).

Anything making you queasy or sick:  Nope.

Gender predictions: It’s a boy!

Labor signs: The past couple of weeks, I’ve been feeling constant pelvic pressure, which I think means that “lightening” has occurred (ie. he’s dropped and ready to rumble!)

Belly Button in or out: Mostly out.

Wedding rings on or off: On! (I haven’t experienced any swelling at all...)

Happy or Moody: Happy! ... although more easily irritated than usual.

Looking forward to: MEETING OUR BABY BOY! I just cant wait to see what he looks like, hear him cry, kiss him, and bring him home! It’s been such a long 9 months and Dan and I are ready to welcome the most precious addition to our family.

 ______________________________________

Lastly, my Outfit of the Week. This is what I'm wearing for our family Christmas get-together this afternoon, at my aunt and uncles. We're leaving now! 

Top: Smart Set

Sweater: H&M

Pants: Dish

Boots: Aldo

Necklace: Suzy Shier

Such a relief...

Another week bites the dust and my countdown is fast approaching the one month mark - only 4 days left and I’ll be ONE MONTH from my due date!!!! OH MY! 

Here’s a run-down of my week... 

It started out on Sunday with a hangout in Guelph with my lovely best friends who I don’t get to see often enough at all! We lunched at Atmosphere Cafe (so so good - definitely worth a visit it you haven't been before!) and caught up on girly talk then did a little bit of shopping. A marvelous start to the week! 

On Monday, I had my 4th ultrasound, which was mainly to check on whether the partial placental abruption previously discovered had improved, stayed the same or worsened. Of course, the ultrasound tech was unable to tell me anything, since there are rules now about how much diagnostic info they can divulge, so I had to wait until my OB appointment on Wednesday to hear. I did get to see the little man’s chubby face though, check it out! I think he looks like my brother :)

On Tuesday, I supply taught for a friend of mine who was sick, in her grade 2 class. There were some crazy boys in that class - so much energy! Teaching really makes me think a lot about the kind of personality our little guy will have. Will he be laid back and more introverted like his dad, or a weirdo hyper child, like I was? I hope he’s a good balance of both! 

On Wednesday, I had my 34 week OB appointment, which I was EXTREMELY anxious about, since I would be getting my ultrasound results. Turns out, my month of worry was for nothing!!! She told me the previous placental abruption was not seen on my latest ultrasound! HOORAY! It was such a relief to hear that my pregnancy is completely normal and healthy and on track. First it was the low-lying placenta found at 20 weeks, then the partial placental abruption found at 30 weeks, now there’s is NOTHING wrong! I can just wait for natural labour to begin and if everything goes as planned, deliver vaginally (LOL that reminds me of a lovely quote this week - “Dev, I really want you to delivery vaginally” - ha ha ha, this statement came out of my friend Chantal’s mouth last weekend, and if you know her, you’ll understand how funny it must have been to hear her say!). Anyyyyyyways, another Biophysical Profile assessment was done, and little man scored 8/8 again - rockstar! He was also estimated to weigh 5lb 2oz, which is awesome and right on track! He’s still head down and “presenting”, which is good - don’t flip little one! 

I taught kindergarten on Thursday which is always completely exhausting, but this was such a good class and they were really “mature” for 4 and 5 year olds! I also got all our newborn and 0-3 month clothes washed, as well as blankets, receiving blankets, bedding, towels and washcloths! All clean and neatly put away in his cute little room! OH, and here’s a “sneak peek” of his nursery - once the curtains and valance are done, I’ll post photos of the entire room! 

Yesterday (Friday), was Dan’s “Badge Ceremony” which is the official swearing in of the new police recruits in our region. There were 15 of them who received their badges yesterday, after a year long recruitment process, followed by 3 months of Police College and additional training at Regional Headquarters. I’m so proud of my husband for working so hard, making sacrifices, and for truly finding his passion! He’ll start “on the road” in a week and a half with a coach officer who will be training him for the next few months, then he’ll be on his own... you know, arresting bad guys and saving the world! LOL. 

Today, I cleaned the house since we’re having friends over for dinner and everyone knows that’s the only time my house gets cleaned (...don’t tell me I’m the only one!?!) After dinner, we’re all going to a Christmas concert at Dan’s parents church. We go every year and it’s always an amazing show! There’s a full orchestra and choir and it really gets me in the Christmas spirit! 

Here’s this evenings outfit - my ‘Outfit of the Week’ for week 35! (Sorry the photos are so awful... we’re running behind schedule and our guests will be here any minute!)

Dress: Seraphine Maternity

Purse: Jessica Simpson (Winners)

Boots: Aldo

Scarf: No idea... the Bay?

That’s all, until next week! Enjoy your weekend! 

Now I can say "I'm due NEXT MONTH!"

This week started out with our prenatal class on Sunday. It was instructed by a perinatal nurse at the hospital we’ll be delivering at, and there were 2 other couples there in addition to us. The instructor was very knowledgable, to the point, and helpful, and both Dan and I are glad we went! We covered topics about late pregnancy, all the stages of labour and delivery and newborn care. There was a DVD with some helpful info (and a few graphic scenes lol) and we got a magazine/book type thing with everything that was covered. We had to “breastfeed” dolls with crocheted boobs (the guys too!), which was hilarious, we also went over diaper changing and bathing, and a few other newborn things. For those of you who live in our area and are expecting, let me know if you want any information about the classes, and I can send you all the details.

The following evening, on Monday, two of Dan’s aunts (with the help of his mom and sister), threw me a really nice little baby shower. It was great to see some faces I hadn’t seen in a while, eat some delicious treats, and receive some beautiful gifts for baby boy! We got some adorable outfits, a BabyBjorn carrier, some nursing necessities, toys and stuffed animals, and various practical items. Dan’s sister Becky went above and beyond with her gift - I absolutely love it. She MADE a custom onesie for each month of his first year of life, for a photo shoot to show how much he grows! Such a thoughtful present from his favorite auntie! 

And here are a few photos from the shower :)

Wednesday night, I went to a dinner banquet with Dan at Police College, to celebrate his graduation. The food was delicious, and I got to meet some of his new friends! On Thursday, I went back with his parents and siblings to watch his actual graduation ceremony called “march past”. I’m so proud of my hubby - It was a long and difficult three months, but he did an amazing job and I know he’ll make a wonderful police officer. 

Today, we decorated for Christmas! I always try to get all my decorating done at the very beginning of December, since it takes so long to do, and they really don’t stay up that long! I think it turned out pretty nice. It’s crazy to think that this is our last Christmas with just the two of us (and Lucy of course). Next year is going to be verrryyy different! Here are a few pics of our decor.

After such a busy week, I totally forgot to do an Outfit of the Week post. Whoops! I did take an updated belly shot, though, to add to my comparison strip thing. Here it is - I feel so huge at 34 weeks! 

That’s all, until next week. Happy December everyone!