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...