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.