Pictures

One of the common questions people ask when they see Isabelle is who we think she looks like. Here is a chance to turn the tables. Below I have posted a picture of Bryan as an infant, myself as an infant and our sweet Isabelle, who is also giving this some thought. What do you think?

By the way I hope you enjoy these treasures from the past! ;)

Plans Change

A house of company throughout the day, supper with Craig, Katherine, and Karis that evening was how Sunday, August 7th played out. The behind the scenes story was that my body was giving me signs of preparing for labour. I of course down played them thinking that if they are not like the book describes then it is probably worth being down played. By noon on Monday it seemed like a good time to call my OB's office and see what they thought... basically I was feeling like I should be wearing a diaper so really started to wonder if in fact my water had broken. Again as it was not as the book described I kept thinking that Seven was probably just belly flopping on my bladder and surely everything was intact and wanting to stay that way for a while longer.

The nurse at my OB's office suggested I head to the hospital to get checked out in the birthing unit triage just to be safe. I showed up at 1:20pm just in time to watch soap operas which were airing on the television in the waiting room as well as in real life in the waiting room. The tirage was quite busy so it was almost an hour and a half before the nurse had a bed available for me. Luckily I had my blackberry to keep myself busy and connected to the outside world, including postponing my lunch plans with Jenna, my friend from Huntsville, as I was pretty sure I'd be in and out in time to meet her at the mall and change those lunch plans to supper plans.

The nurse confirmed around 2pm that it wasn't my water that had broken, but before I could catch up with Jenna, the nurse wanted for me to see the Dr. Almost five and a half hours later the Dr confirmed that my water had in fact broken and I better call my husband as I would be leaving the hospital with a baby. Yeah, I was shocked. I may have actually cried as I was starving and so convinced that I had spent the day in the triage making a big deal out of nothing - exactly what I did not want to do.

It took a little while to convince Bryan that I was not joking and was being serious about how he needed to change his plans and come south from camp to the hospital, all while I devoured a sub in the food court.

Bryan arrived at the hospital around 10pm (thanks to help from our friend Amber) just as contractions began. I was spared the horrors of back labour so with Bryan's support I was able to focus and breathe through the contractions without much trouble. After a couple of hours of this fun the doors between life in the womb and life in the world were still quite shut. An epidural and a drip of pitocin to help induce labour was how the first few hours of Tuesday began. Seven had sets of heart decelerations that worried the Dr and nurse so we were monitored closely and I was prepped for a c-section. By 4:30am the decelerations had ceased and Seven seemed pretty content to work things out on his or her own terms and timing.

The Dr poped by for a last look at the print out of Seven's heart rate compared to my contractions and nicely said that I might have the baby before she finished her twenty-four hour shift at 8am. I thought that it was nice of her to say that but was quite convinced that we were in for a long day. Yada, yada, yada we discovered that Seven was a girl named Isabelle at 7:12am. Between the nursing staff change at 7am and the Dr being sound asleep as her shift was coming to a close, it was Bryan and a panicked nurse just starting her day that delivered the baby.

Plans change and we are certainly all right with that especially when it meant we could meet our daughter Isabelle Karen Marie... all six pounds and one ounce of her nineteen inch frame. Love grew that morning as did our family, and we have a feeling that is only the beginning of our plans changing.

Full Term-Areno

Today we are thirty-seven weeks into this pregnancy adventure so I thought I should celebrate with a post and picture. I saw our Obstetrician, Dr Causey on Tuesday and she played the mean doctor trick of telling me I could go into labour any time now. Of course she meant it honestly, kindly wanting us to realize that the baby is where it needs to be for this to happen. So we will see if Seven is the kind of person that gets to meetings overly early but then is patient to hang out and wait. Or is Seven eager and excited to get out and about? Time will tell. For now I am apparently walking like a penguin and enjoying four days at camp. We've been blessed by many and have the essentials we need for when the little one arrives. So in some ways we are ready and in some ways a bit more time would be good too.  Either way we are pretty aware that we will not be deciding the timing.

The pic was taken by a great photographer friend with my lame-o blackberry camera, thus the poor quality. But it gives you the basic idea of what you'd see if we were hanging out today.

Two Trips to Kemptville

The Canada Day long weekend and two weekends later, I got to spend time with my parents at their place near Kemptville. They were both fantastic visits filled with surreal moments of my parents getting to feel the baby kick, being pregnant at my parent's house on my thirty-first birthday, having the baby kick up a storm as I swam around their pool, and being surrounded by amazing women from different parts of my life connected to the Ottawa Valley.

Here are some pictures of belly growth from those weekends. The purple dress pic is me before the baby shower,  and the swimsuit pic are both from the first weekend at 33.5 weeks. The other two pics are from the  second weekend at 35.5 weeks. There is one of my in a dress after the garden tour with my Mum. The second is taken by me with all of those in mind who keep telling me how tiny I am - it is all in the eye of the beholder... this is how I see it. :)

Enjoy!

The First One

Back on June 18th a group of ladies from Muskoka Woods gathered together to throw the first baby shower for us. A small group of women came together and really reminded me how much of a loving community we have around us. It is funny how in times of struggle we can feel so alone... but I we are not alone at all. Two tangible reminders they sent me away with is an album with advice and sayings from each who were there, as well as a quilt that everyone put at least a few stitches in. Some days I seem so determined to not reach out or ask for help in fear of how those requests or leaning will be received. How silly!

The second shower thrown for us in Kemptville had such a similar feeling - a smaller group of women gathering together letting us know how excited they are for us. It is impossible to leave a party like that and not feel so loved!

We are so very thankful to every person who was involved in the planing, purchasing, and prayer. I know not everyone who wanted to attend could make the showers... please know how much we appreciate you too! :)

I have just acquired a few pictures from the first shower so will post those below. Bryan has said throughout this pregnancy that my highs are higher and my lows are lower. The showers definitely brought me into high emotions - have you ever seen ANYONE this excited about a farm puzzle and bibs? :)

Into the Eighth Month

This past Thursday we hit the thirty-two week or eighth month mark. Crazy business. Last week I had a few days where I felt quite overwhelmed for this upcoming journey of being a parent. Perhaps nine months is a bit long for me to mentally maul over what is to be. I am trying to focus my thoughts more on the present again. And the present has many good things to be thankful for that is for sure. We do not have the need we did before for a c-section so are back to planing on a natural birth. My liver and kidney function are back to normal now that my gallbladder is being managed. And the second diabetes test confirmed that I do not have gestational diabetes. Seven continue to poke, kick, and flip back and forth in rapid succession at times, which even when it is shocking or a little painful makes my heart overflow. Yes many things to be thankful for.

Speaking of focusing on the present, here is a picture from today just before we left for church. Enjoy!

The Adventure Continues...

In the last post I mentioned that I almost did not join Bryan for our vacation to North Carolina. I was having painful attacks that started at the end of April. By the end of May not only did we still not know what was happening, but the attacks were getting longer and closer together. The baby was moving so much during this time which helped me not worry about Seven. Much thanks to my family Doctor who joined in on this journey to help figure out that the attacks were not just heartburn but my gall bladder. Apparently some stones and sludge in my gall bladder to be more specific. Yeah sludge... gross eh?! A low fat diet has made a world of difference which is such a blessing. On Sunday it will be two weeks since the last attack and I certainly hope this streak continues.

Due to the attacks I lost weight but all measurements continue to show that Seven is thriving. Another answer to our prayers! I actually just had another ultrasound today so will stick the picture below that I took of the screen. Not the greatest picture and to be honest kind of looks like a blob to me, but the ribs and spine are pretty obvious. Seven is already in position which makes me feel hopeful that this baby doesn't want to be in there longer then it needs to be. :) But of course at 31 weeks tomorrow I do hope Seven's content for another nine weeks.

Until next time...

The Difference Six Weeks Make

The last two times I was 'done up' I had Bryan take a picture of me as most days I'm not feeling the Kodak moment vibe. I assume, though, that just as I peak through Facebook to see my friend's latest bump pictures I should give you some more updated pics to view.

The picture inside is around 22.5 weeks along all ready to go to my cousin Michelle's special birthday at the Hillebrand Winery in Niagara-On-The-Lake. What a time to be pregnant! But I still enjoyed the time with friends and family, eating some very delicious food. Yum!

Six weeks later the outdoor pictures were taken in North Carolina. A great vacation, although one I almost didn't go on. You see my body has been sort of spazzing out as Seven grows bigger. But I did end up going and had such a relaxing time hanging out with Meredith and baby Ivy. Bryan and Will got Nascar crazy camping and whooping it up trackside in Charlotte. When the races were over the guys came back and we joined Meredith's hospitable Mom and step-Dad for their annual Memorial Day cook-out. The picture in the dress was taken at the cook-out. The picture in the tank top is being put on here as it is Bryan's favourite, definitely wasn't 'done-up', and he took it outside of our favourite place to stop in the states - Panera!

It has been quite the six weeks between pictures. The baby has grown from (approximately) the size of a spaghetti squash to small head of cauliflower. The movement has changed from shooting around from side to side like an Olympic lap swimmer, to grabbing and kicking like a rock climber. Although the movements can take me by surprise, they are a great remember that Seven is not only there but thriving. :)

Room for Improvements

We are more then half way into this pregnancy, just shy of six and a half months. Some days it feels like it is flying by and other days it feels like it is taking its sweet time.  :)  But time is a gift especially as we try to wrap our heads around what is to come. 

The room is really starting to take shape. I was able to spend some time in it yesterday removing the remnants of the work that had been done in there, giving it a good clean, and setting it up. The pack'n'play is set up in there now ready for a newborn, and has the change table attached and ready to go. We set up and then tried out the two-way video monitor that we were given as well. Bryan at one point informed me that I didn't need to speak so loudly, and then thought I should coo and cry so he could test how well the monitor picked up the sound. It was comedy as per usual living with Bryan.  :)

As you will see in the picture below, any clothing we've been given that is on hangers are still hanging randomly around the room so I can see them as I walk by. I cannot make myself put them away in the closet just yet.  :)  

We see our OB, who will be our doctor until after the delivery, tomorrow.  So more posts to come soon.

Ain't That Nifty

The ultrasound went well. The technician was all business so we will find out any details when we have out next doctor's appointment. What we did get to see was all of the movement I have been feeling. Wow this is an active baby! The entire ultrasound (over thirty minutes) the baby was doing a summersault - kicking it's legs and moving it's arms. It was in a mission! :)

I always thought it would feel strange to feel this person you have never met face to face, currently being formed, move around inside of you. But I love the movements so much! I think each movement just feels like such a reassurance that the baby is there, and it's doing well. I am thankful for my hyperactive 'Seven'. And hoping that 'Seven' tires out and is ready to sleep come August and September! :)

High Five

Today is the five month mark. Happy birthday Seven. It's been quite the adventure so far and I am sure it is only the beginning of adventures. That makes me smile. We have already been showered with blessings and know so many have been praying for us. All very much appreciated that is for sure!

Bryan has the room done enough now to unrobe the dresser where I am currently displaying the cute baby items that keep be given to us. I admit that every time I see the room and the adorable baby stuff I smile. I smile big. :D Like that.

And now here is a picture so you can smile too.

Green Baby Steps

In our society there are so many products and options to consider, if you wish, when having babies. Something my unmarried-childless mind always wanted for 'when the time comes to have children' is cloth diapers. I suppose minimizing garbage and using more natural fibers really hit a chord with me. Now married and soon to have a child in my arms I am definitely curious if these ideals from my youth will match our reality.

I have put in some time doing research on the extensive cloth diaper options. One weekend I think I really overwhelmed both Bryan and myself crunching numbers and comparing the more then 30 choices in diapers! We took a break from the research and then made a decision. Natural hemp prefolds with smart attachable snaps (in the place of the diaper pin) and covers for Seven at the very beginning. Then moving into all-in-ones (meaning the soft thirsty diaper and shielding cover come in one unit instead of two) that have so many snaps to help them fit well from a couple of months old to 35lbs. They have changed a little since my Mum cloth diapered me 30 years ago! If you are interested to see what these look like you can find them on our registry @ www.bynature.ca

With a little help from my friends Emily & Laura, and inspiration from Meredith who introduced me, we are also going to give reusable cloth wipes a whirl as well. I found simple instructions online [Make Reusable Wipes]. Emily & I found receiving blankets that are now in process of being transformed into wipes. The solution we are going to use with them is by Laura and can be found on the Durham Region Kids (Homemade Baby Wipes That Work) blog.

So we will see. I think we have to choose our battles and follow our passions when it comes to these decisions. I just hope that this is an area where our ideals mesh well with the day to day realities of life with Seven.

Growth & Development

As Seven seems to be growing, growing, growing... we've been working at preparing for our August introduction as well. Bryan and his brother Craig have turned the awful coloured third bedroom into a bright, beautiful baby's room. Bryan has put a lot of hours into making this room the way it is now and I am so thankful! If you saw the room before, then this picture that shows a room in progress, then you will definitely see a big change here. :)

The last Doctor's appointment (last Thursday - 17 wks) went really well. Bryan was able to join me and I am so glad he could. Hearing the heart beat, and little kicks really helps put everything into perspective. Just like last time Seven was moving and shaking so the nurse was on her toes trying to count the heartbeat. The measurements, heartbeat, and my blood pressure were all good which is such a gift! We are definitely thankful and are looking forward to the ultrasound. I am pretty sure every eligible woman in Barrie is pregnant right now so we are having to wait 5 weeks for the ultrasound. With how well the pregnancy is going though we are not worried to wait, just eager to see Seven!

Road Trip

Last weekend Bryan and I left Barrie Friday morning for the Ottawa Valley. It had been since Christmas that we have spent time with my parents and figured they would enjoy a chance to see this growing belly of mine. My Mum fed us amazing meals while my Dad played paparazzi (so I now have a picture to add here); we also spent a lot of time tracking everything that was happening in Japan. The Japanese exchange student who has become a part of our family, Takaki Kosakai definitely made our concern more personal for what was (and continues) occurring in Japan. Certainly we continue to pray for our dear friends, but also the entire country as they journey through these absolutely awful circumstances.

My high school friend Kelly-Anne just happened to be home that weekend as well so her and her Mum met my Mother and I at a coffee house in the near by town. It was so nice to connect with these special women and of course have them rub my tummy. I also enjoyed an impromptu barn visit with Lisa. :)

On the drive home we were able to share a couple of hours with the crew at Tait Family Farms. Always an entertaining pleasure. And then wrapping up the weekend with Sunday Family Dinner in Port Perry.

It was a great weekend spent with so many we love and care for. All of this driving really makes me hope that Seven enjoys car rides as much as we do!

The Registries Are A Go!

We scanned and sifted through the ridiculous amount of options for this wee little one... and now they are ready for when you want to take a look. Both registries, at BabiesRUs and Sears, can be cryptic so if you have any questions please ask.

We've been given a new to use glider and ottoman (currently residing in our living room), as well as the infant car seat and pack n play we show here on the blog. Just so you know.

So I suppose now it is really time for us to get the word out about this page...

The Beginning Has Begun

About three months and three weeks ago this baby began it's journey with us. We were able to see this little one at nine weeks with an early ultra sound which was truly wonderful! At that time, head to bum, the baby was 2 cms in length. Now baby is approximately the size of an avocado. 


The due date is currently set at August 18th. That date was taken from the nine week ultrasound so I expect at the twenty week ultrasound it will be adjusted.


We affectionately refer to this great little baby as Seven - if you are a Seinfeld fan you will understand, while the rest of you should check out that the clip on YouTube. 


With family and friends spread around the globe we thought we would create one place you can visit where you can check out any updates about the baby, as well as registry information. 


For those who are interested on more details here are some answers to common questions:
* No we are not planning to find out the gender although I (Erika) am incredibly curious!
* We have already begun to choose names but are planning to keep them secret so you"ll have to wait until August
* Yes I am planning to breast feed although we will cross that bridge when we get to it
* Yes we are planning to try cloth diapers; however, again we will cross that bridge when we get to it
* My tummy feels like it has gotten huge but really I am just starting to not to be be able to do up any of my stretchy jeans... so I suppose it is all relative, and in a few more months I will really know what big/huge is :)


Pictures to come soon I promise.


Thanks for joining us on this journey!