20 days to go

Wow, only 20 days left! Or 30 or 10... The picture above is from the "Truman Show" movie with Jim Carrey. I totally feel that way lately. How is it going to end? Baby continues to tease us with lots of practice contractions. Last night they were 5min apart for about 8 hours and lasted about a minute long each. What is up with that? Needless to say they really leave me tired out the next day.

Met with the midwife today and she is hoping for a nice easy labor for me after all this. There isn't any way to predict anything at this point, but baby is head down and very low which is good. Heart rate is in the 160's (wives tale would say that is a girl!)

So all is on schedule and doing good. It is just a waiting game now!

Easter 08

We celebrated Easter this past weekend with my family. It was wonderful having everyone together. My parents, sister's family and other sister's family all made it for most of the weekend. My grandma even made the trip out which made it even more special. The deal was that I would make the ham and set the table and the rest was up to the others. Everyone pitched in and it went very smooth. I was tired, but did pretty good. I have included some pictures of the table, since that is my favorite part. My neice, Madison helped to make the flower pot place settings for each person. I hope to have a picture of myself from the day so that you can see my enormous belly in a dress! My sister has that, so I'll have to wait to post it.



Our kitty, Cleo, doesn't do very good with lots of people and this weekend was no exception. We found her sleeping during dinner in the pack and play in our room. Don't worry, she is deffinately not allowed in there! The picture was too cute though to pass up.

Contractions...?!?

I have had Braxton Hicks contractions since about week 27-28 or so. They would come and go throughout the day with not much excitement. Well I have to say that in the last couple of weeks these "practice" contractions have become much more intense.

The logical, educated me knows that these can happen on and off until I deliver (2 weeks, 4 week maybe more...) but the "I want to meet my baby" part of me is wondering what the heck is going on.

Last night they were very regular, about every 15min for about 2 hours. I woke up again with them this morning, and once I got to work they were really coming. 25min apart, 15min, 10 min, 6 min, 20min, 15 min, 10 min etc... They certainly aren't painful and I am still functioning at work, but they do take my breath away and give me a pause in my day.

With all this "practicing" I should have the strongest uterus in Minnesota!

36 weeks

Here is my 36 week belly picture.

Highlights of the pregnancy lately include:
*Hobbit feet and legs. I have enjoyed some recent swelling, icky!
*More intense contractions. Still just practicing, but really getting the practice on!
*Hot flashes. Breaking out in random sweats is grand fun.

All normal I am sure to pregnancy, but since this is my first round of this it is all new to me. I don't feel "normal" at all! I am excited to meet this little pumpkin and have "me" back.

Enjoy a couple photos that R took tonight...

Nursery

We worked to finish the nursery this weekend and I am thrilled at the results. The in-laws were in town to help hang the shelves and new curtain rod.

A few explanations:
The photographs are of a mobile that was mine as a baby.
On the shelf you will find a cute picture of R with Superdog (also pictured) R isn't to sure about sharing superdog with the new baby!
The metal carosel on the shelf came from my dad as a baby present to me.
The Sweet Dreams sign was made by my mom-in-law for baby
The drawing of the girl on the moon was drawn by my great grandfather in the 1900s.

As you can see this baby is well loved already!

It's raining babies!

I can finally take a breath and update everyone on all the babies that have literally been falling out of the sky this week.

First:
Anne and Grant welcomed Miles Gabriel on Thursday, March 13. Only 3 weeks ago they decided that the Vietnam adoption route wasn't doing well and decided to switch to a domestic adoption process. Only about a week after they were accepted into the program, they are now proud parents of wonderful little boy. They are beyond happy to finally be called mom and dad. They are in Utah (where he was born) until sometime mid to late this week. Ryan and I are on pins and needles waiting to meet him.

Second:
Rachel and Brett welcomed Shay Fontaine early Saturday morning, March 15. She was scheduled to arrive via c-section today, but decided she was on her own time schedule. She did arrive via c-section due to some health concerns with Rachel, but mom and baby are healthy and she is nursing like a champ. I got to visit her Saturday and again yesterday with Ryan. Mom and dad are settling into parenthood pretty easily. We kept saying how surreal it is that she is here and not still inside. Awesome to think I have one of my own brewing in me!

Third:
Lisa and Nate Bailey (friends of mine via Anne) welcomed Nina Rose early Sunday morning. I don't have much detail on her, but amazed that these babies keep coming.

For Anne, Grant and my birthday's this year we took a picture of all the prego ladies (4 of them) They have all popped except for baby bliss. We'll keep that one cooking a little longer!

Thanks for sharing in my friends lives as you have shared in mine. Your love and support has helped to build some fabulous families.

love to all!

Dear Shay,

Holy Cow!
You are sure a lot like your mommy~ you are on your own schedule and do as you please already! Coming 2 days earlier than expected and surprising everyone. I'm so glad that you are here safe and sound already. I am really looking forward to meeting you as well. (it'll be at least another month yet maybe) Mommy is really excited that I already have 2 friends born only 2 days a part and only 4 oz different! Be nice to your mom as she recovers and enjoy your first moments in this world with your mom and dad!
love lots,
baby bliss