I'm trying to regain some independence lost over the last 2 weeks. Since having Ezra, I've not had the opportunity to do anything for him except hold him while I'm lying in bed. Today I feel more confident and adventurous. Today I changed Ezra's diaper. TWICE! Yeah for me!
My physiotherapist came by today too. She taught me some more exercises to strengthen my legs. She also said I am walking much better. I even showed off my swagger WITHOUT the walker! O YA! She's coming back next week. I am stuck w/ the old-lady walker until then. I hope, however, to be walking without it by then.
Ezra is doing so very well. It's so amazing that he recognizes me as his mum. He could be fussy and crying, then I say his name and he calms down straight away. We have fun cuddling, feeding and napping together. He's a great baby. He sleeps through the night [well, for the most part] and likes to just chill when he's awake.
So as many of you know, my delivery and subsequent recovery wasn't so straightforward. I spent a total of 10 days in the hospital. Here's a [not-so] brief overview of my experience:
Jan 9th, 2009 - DAY 1
Labour: 9-11:30am
Relatively easy, was expecting much more pain
Watched 1 1/2 episodes of "Mad Men" - LOVE that show!
Was very clear w/ OB & nurse that I wanted an epidural as soon as possible to minimize pain
Epidural: 11:30-12:15pm
The first epidural didn't go in right [eeek!], so the anesthetist re-did the epidural straight away
YEAH DRUGS! 12:15-4:30pm
This part was great. My mom came. We all had naps. Just waiting for the fun to begin
Epidural Wears Off: 4:30-7pm
Around 4:30, I started to feel some pain. I thought I could handle it, so I didn't say anything right away - I didn't want to be a wimp
By 5pm I was in a "state" - the pain was overwhelming. The anesthetist was paged to come back to "top me up". We were told it would be 15 mins, which I learned is "doctorspeak" for 1hr 20 mins.
Once he topped me up it felt better, but the pain didn't subside. We had to recall him to quadruple my dose.
I was so weak from the pain that I nearly didn't recover
My sister joined us
Beginning to Push: 7-8pm
Started to push. Too early. OB says to wait a 1/2 hr. Still in pain...oi
My day nurse's shift is over - I have a new nurse who is much tougher than my day nurse
Pushing Again: 8-9:51pm
I don't have a distinct recollection of this time period - exhausted, still in pain
I remember begging for a c-section, but my family kept telling me I would recover quicker if I deliver naturally
Sister gave me ice chips and also gave me a Bam-Bam ponytail to keep me cool - I didn't know this until after - I looked quite stupid ;)
Adair, mom & sister are amazingly supportive
One final push and feel such sweet relief - babe is whisked away
After the babe is born: 9:51-2am
Serious blood loss - talk of blood transfusion - luckily not necessary
I hold baby, Adair takes unflattering photos of me with the babe & my Bam-Bam hair; all my lovely makeup faded away at this point
Family takes so many pics and visits w/ granddad who is waiting patiently for good news
Tried to transfer me to another bed, but cannot walk - we all chalk it up to exhaustion
Family leaves, Adair & I are alone with the babe in a room until morning
DAY 2
Family & friends visit - beautiful flowers and cute clothes!
Still cannot walk - doctors cannot explain - need MRI. MRI @ my hospital broken so need to be transported by ambulance to another hospital
Wait for 6 hrs for ambulance. Left @ 11pm in a wicked snow storm - LONG DRIVE!
MRI complete
DAY 3-9
Need another MRI and an EMG. Doctors finally realize that I probably pinched my femoral nerve while pushing
Also have wicked anemia bc of blood loss during delivery - so I'm very weak & tired
Finally gain strength to hobble around on my walker - yeah! freedom to go to the bathroom on my own
Love physio - determined to walk again FAST!
My amazing family takes shifts taking care of me & Ezra. I'm astounded by their patience and thoughtfulness.
DAY 10
I had enough. I need to go home. I need to be in my own bed and start to try to care for my babe.
I need a walker to be mobile. I also need a seat and a handrail in the shower. Yes, I'm 29 not 92.
DAY 11
Mom stays w/ me - we watch history being made - OBAMA!
Physio does home visit - says I'll be off the walker soon - then a cane!
Mom leaves for her home. Adair's mom arrives.
So that's pretty much the update. It will still be a long recovery yet. But I'm happy it will be weeks as opposed to months. The best part is Little Ezra is a GREAT baby, who loves to sleep & eat. He is truly "Bebe EZ".
Here are some snapshots from the hospital:
My adorable niece & nephew with their new cousin Ezra!
A sample of the delicious food - all beige, all the time ;)
Ezra Jasper was born on January 9, 2009 @ 9:51 p.m. weighing 7lbs 5oz, 20.5 inches
"Oh the Places You'll Go" - Dr. Seuss
Congratulations! Today is your day. You're off to Great Places! You're off and away! You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the guy who'll decide where to go. You'll look up and down streets. Look 'em over with care. About some you will say, "I don't choose to go there." With your head full of brains and your shoes full of feet, you're too smart to go down any not-so-good street. And you may not find any you'll want to go down. In that case, of course, you'll head straight out of town. It's opener there in the wide open air. Out there things can happen and frequently do to people as brainy and footsy as you. And when things start to happen, don't worry. Don't stew. Just go right along. You'll start happening too. OH! THE PLACES YOU'LL GO! You'll be on your way up! You'll be seeing great sights! You'll join the high fliers who soar to high heights. You won't lag behind, because you'll have the speed. You'll pass the whole gang and you'll soon take the lead. Wherever you fly, you'll be the best of the best. Wherever you go, you will top all the rest. Except when you don't Because, sometimes, you won't. I'm sorry to say so but, sadly, it's true and Hang-ups can happen to you. You can get all hung up in a prickle-ly perch. And your gang will fly on. You'll be left in a Lurch. You'll come down from the Lurch with an unpleasant bump. And the chances are, then, that you'll be in a Slump. And when you're in a Slump, you're not in for much fun. Un-slumping yourself is not easily done. You will come to a place where the streets are not marked. Some windows are lighted. But mostly they're darked. A place you could sprain both your elbow and chin! Do you dare to stay out? Do you dare to go in? How much can you lose? How much can you win? And IF you go in, should you turn left or right... or right-and-three-quarters? Or, maybe, not quite? Or go around back and sneak in from behind? Simple it's not, I'm afraid you will find, for a mind-maker-upper to make up his mind. You can get so confused that you'll start in to race down long wiggled roads at a break-necking pace and grind on for miles across weirdish wild space, headed, I fear, toward a most useless place. The Waiting Place... ...for people just waiting. Waiting for a train to go or a bus to come, or a plane to go or the mail to come, or the rain to go or the phone to ring, or the snow to snow or waiting around for a Yes or a No or waiting for their hair to grow. Everyone is just waiting. Waiting for the fish to bite or waiting for wind to fly a kite or waiting around for Friday night or waiting, perhaps, for their Uncle Jake or a pot to boil, or a Better Break or a string of pearls, or a pair of pants or a wig with curls, or Another Chance. Everyone is just waiting. NO! That's not for you! Somehow you'll escape all that waiting and staying. You'll find the bright places where Boom Bands are playing. With banner flip-flapping, once more you'll ride high! Ready for anything under the sky. Ready because you're that kind of a guy! Oh, the places you'll go! There is fun to be done! There are points to be scored. there are games to be won. And the magical things you can do with that ball will make you the winning-est winner of all. Fame! You'll be famous as famous can be, with the whole wide world watching you win on TV. Except when they don't. Because, sometimes, they won't. I'm afraid that some times you'll play lonely games too. Games you can't win 'cause you'll play against you. All Alone! Whether you like it or not, Alone will be something you'll be quite a lot. And when you're alone, there's a very good chance you'll meet things that scare you right out of your pants. There are some, down the road between hither and yon, that can scare you so much you won't want to go on. But on you will go though the weather be foul On you will go though your enemies prowl On you will go though the Hakken-Kraks howl Onward up many a frightening creek, though your arms may get sore and your sneakers may leak. On and on you will hike and I know you'll hike far and face up to your problems whatever they are. You'll get mixed up, of course, as you already know. You'll get mixed up with many strange birds as you go. So be sure when you step. Step with care and great tact and remember that Life's a Great Balancing Act. Just never forget to be dexterous and deft. And never mix up your right foot with your left. And will you succeed? Yes! You will, indeed! (98 and 3/4 percent guaranteed.) KID, YOU'LL MOVE MOUNTAINS! So... be your name Buxbaum or Bixby or Bray or Mordecai Ali Van Allen O'Shea, you're off to Great Places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So...get on your way!
I have the cutest dog with the sweetest disposition. Ginger is an easy-going, calm and happy dog. She likes to nap, eat carrots [see above], cuddle & lick, play with her toys, and dig. She's also very quiet. She doesn't bark too often, only to let you know she wants something, like a treat or a carrot. She's such a good dog and makes friends easily.
Which is why we're surprised with her strange behaviour over the last couple of days. She has become obsessed with going outside. She usually goes outside a few times a day, but it's become a more frequent occurrence. She likes to go out every hour or two to do her business [sorry if it's TMI]. This is strange. She doesn't usually like to go outside, especially in the snow. Sometimes we need to physically carry her outside.
Adair thinks he figured out the reason for her interest in the backyard. He tells me that she made a friend outside the other day, and now she wants to visit her friend as often as possible. Her friend is a bunny rabbit.
Living on a greenspace, we tend to get a lot of bunnies in the neighbourhood. When I run outside in the Spring, I usually can count 8-10 rabbits during my workout. But given the winter season, the cold and the snow, I'm surprised to still see some bunnies.
Ginger hasn't seen the bunny since the other night, but I think it's just precious that she remembers her new friend and wants to play - at ALL hours of the day and night!
I'm starting to go a bit crazy. I'm staring at my belly all day long, just waiting for signs that I'm going into labour. "Is that twinge a contraction?" NOPE. I feel kicks and I think the baby WANTS to come out, but doesn't know how. Kicking my ribs isn't helping any, kidlet! He also likes to swish around a lot. Someone told me that I'm making it too comfortable for the little guy. So sometimes I put on my coin hip scarf and start shimmying - may be he'll be so annoyed he'll want to come out!
I don't want to go out because I'm worried my water will break in some very inconvenient place. The rational part of my brain tells me that this scenario is highly unlikely, but the crazy pregnant lady part of my brain doesn't want to risk any possible embarassment. So I'm hanging out at home. I sleep. I tidy. I don't "clean", other than turning the dishwasher on. I go on the elliptical, but then I get tired and nap again. I read. I research labour signs or natural induction methods on the internet. I also read blogs. So you can see that I am mostly just waiting for my new life to start...any time now!
I was supposed to be induced this morning. This was determined by my dr on Wednesday because of ongoing medical issues. I was told that I would be induced unless there wasn't any room @ the hospital.
So for the past few days, I've prepared in every way for being a mum - TODAY! I repacked my hospital bags, bought a Hooter Hider, spent a lot of time with family and friends, went to parties, went to the movies, watched numerous episodes of Law & Order, waxed my eyebrows, set up recordings for my fav tv shows next week, finished reading the Twilight saga [again!], rented Mad Men dvds for the hospital stay, and even was treated to a "last supper" with my family. I was ready to give birth today.
This morning I woke up @ 4:30am and felt a bit mucky [it was nerves]. I had a shower, shaved my legs and felt much better. Again - so ready to give birth today. I even put on make-up and did my hair. We called the hospital @ 6:30am and they told us to come in for 7:30. We finished getting ready, and took Gingy to dad's house, and made our way to the hospital.
We arrived on time and were escorted to our birthing suite. They had me change into the dreaded open-backed gown and immediately checked the baby's heart rate. All was well. The nurse took my blood pressure, then left us to wait for the doctor.
My dr arrived a short time later and re-took my blood pressure. He said he's never had it so low for me [this is a GOOD thing]. He left again, then returned to tell us that he was sending us home. He'd rather the babe come on his own this week, but out of an abundance of caution, scheduled another induction for next Friday.
I was pretty much devastated. I hadn't even contemplated the possibility that we'd be sent home for any other reason than "no room @ the inn." I understand, but that doesn't mean I'm less bummed out. I kind of moped around the house for the rest of the day, but finally got outside. Adair & I went for a walk at the harbour and I saw my friends from my dance studio. We also went to check out my nephew who was playing goal in his hockey game tonight. That was wonderful and lifted my spirits.
Tonight, we went to my parents house for dinner and to watch the hockey game. I kept thinking that I should be a mum by now, but I know that this bebe will come when he's good and ready. I'm just going to try not to overthink everything and just go with the flow. This labour is completely out of my control. I just have to surrender to it.
Contrary to badges on my blog, my baby is NOT 1 day old. In fact, my baby has not yet been born. I saw my OB yesterday, and because of some medical issues, I'm going to be induced on Saturday. It's a weird feeling, knowing that I'm going to be a mum as of Saturday [or maybe Sunday!].
Since I'm so focused on the safe arrival of the bebe, I haven't made a list of resolutions for 2009. I'm going to give myself a break this year and NOT stress about this. I don't really want to put all my energy into losing weight and missing out on my life. I'd like to focus on concepts of health and wealth in all aspects of my life: family, friends, career, spirituality, and personal health.
However, one major goal I've been mulling over is a return to long distance running. I ran 2 marathons in 2005 & 2006, and while I don't LOVE the marathon distance [I prefer the 1/2 marathon distance], I'd like to run another marathon. I'm thinking NYC or Chicago or maybe something else. That may be an unattainable goal this year, but I'd like to run a few 1/2 marathons.
2008 is quickly coming to a close. As I reflect on this last year, I’m heartened by all the blessings we received this year – and all the fun we had.
In the winter, I started teaching bellydancing.I was bellydancing about 6 hrs/week.Our studio was even featured on CityTV!I also started performing solos in restaurants and other events.That was a big step for me.I have such a passion for dancing.
In the spring, we found out that I was expecting – and my whole world changed.My focus of my life turned to the bean that was growing inside of me.I still kept up with my church obligations [as YW president] and my busy rehearsal & performance schedule [for bellydancing and PushPull dance company].
I was pretty ill for most of the spring into the summer, but I finally started to feel better once I went on a girls trip to Las Vegas with my friends from work.That was such an amazing trip.It made me truly realize how blessed I am with good friends.
Adair had a busy spring & summer too. He travelled a lot this year, and also kept busy with his church calling.He went camping a few times with the YM & scouts.He loves camping, and I would never go camping with him – I mean, who wants to sleep outside on the ground when you can sleep in a comfy 5 star hotel on a nice vacation?!?!?
In the fall, with my growing belly, my life started to slow down a bit.I cut down my teaching schedule at the studio and spent a lot of time relaxing.One special event of the Fall was Adair winning a President’s Award for his company at a fancy schmancy event at the Hockey Hall of Fame downtown.I was so very proud of him.His company is huge, so it was pretty amazing for him to be so recognized in his profession, particularly because he’s so young.
Later in the fall, we travelled to Halifax for Adair’s brother’s wedding.It was so wonderful to visit with our NS relatives since we don’t get to see them very often.After Halifax, we went [almost directly] to Banff for a week.Adair had a conference, so I went along with him to keep company and RELAX.It was such an amazing trip.We called the trip our “Babymoon” – our last big trip together before the baby comes!
My sister and mom threw an amazing baby shower for me in November.I think we had almost 60 people at my sister’s house.It was just so lovely to see everyone and feel so supported while going in this next step in my life.In late November, my wonderful work colleagues also threw me a baby shower.I was so grateful for all the support I received for them as well.
In early December we attended my cousin’s wedding.It was a beautiful winter ceremony and reception, and it was so GREAT to see all of our family.Particularly, my 93 yr old grandma who danced the night away [while I sat @ our table because I was so tired!].
Three weeks ago, I started mat leave and now we’re waiting for the babe to come.It doesn’t look like he’s going to be a 2008 baby.We were really hoping for a 2008 baby, but we know he’ll come when he’s ready.
So that’s our year in a nutshell.I hope you take the time to reflect on this last year and also find enriching experiences and blessings to be grateful for.
I hope your Christmas was as lovely as mine! Adair and I had our first Christmas in our home. We usually travel to family, but it was a pleasant surprise to be at home for the Holidays. On Christmas Eve, we went with our family to an United Church in the country - one of those beautiful old churches - for a service where my niece and nephew where part of the Nativity scene. Our Church doesn't "do" Christmas Eve services, which I've never understood, so instead we go to other churches. Going to a United Church service has been a tradition for every Christmas Eve my WHOLE life! The kids were so adorable in their costumes and they did a bang up acting job. On a side note, I'm told my 5 yr old niece told my 7 yr old nephew that it was perfectly fine to have stage fright, and that it would pass - she's such a rising star!
After the service, Adair and I went driving around to look at Christmas lights. We drove around for some time, then came home to snacks and to watch my new fav mini-series, HBO's John Adams. If you haven't seen it yet, I highly recommend it. It's about the American war for independence - and so much more. The acting is superb.
We got up early on Christmas morning and were at my sister's by 7am, in time to open the "Santa gifts" with her kids. Watching the children's utter glee and giddiness for Christmas, Santa and, of course, presents made us delighted that we soon will have that same joy with our own kids. While the children played with their presents, I had a well-deserved nap, and my sister and b-i-l made us a delicious breakfast. Afterward we ventured back to our own house, where we relaxed all day until it was time to go back for dinner.
Dinner was a "turducken" - yes, that's a chicken stuffed into a duck which is then stuffed into a turkey. It was a very special treat! We brought the salad, veggie tray, and cranberry sauce! Adair made a WONDERFUL cranberry sauce - which I kind of helped in create with all of my new knowledge from watching the Food Network these last couple of weeks on mat leave. To make the cranberry sauce special we made it with blood oranges [my FAVOURITE!] and added pomegranates. It was DIVINE! The meal and the company was spectacular!
I had planned to rest on Boxing Day, but my sister convinced me otherwise and we hit the mall at opening time! We both got bargains galore - thanks to the crappy economy! I bought only baby clothes, and [if you can believe it!] NOTHING for myself. We realized this week that the kidlet has lots of onesies, hooded towels , and pjs, but not many proper clothes, so I had TOO MUCH FUN shopping for cute outfits for the little guy!
After shopping for the day, Adair and I went to see "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button". We had no intentions of seeing it, since Adair actually wanted to see "Valkyrie". But for some reason, we decided at the last minute to see this movie, and it was a 3 hr epic masterpiece. I totally loved it. Brad Pitt is amazing, and not in any way you'd normally expect. It's simply the best movie I've seen in awhile, though Slumdog Millionaire is a close second!
Still no baby. I had a painful contraction last night, but nothing came from it. I am just waiting. In the mean time, I'm watching copious episodes of Law & Order [original, SVU, & CI], tidying, scrapbooking, and WAITING FOR THIS BABY TO POP!!!
Adair has officially started his holidays this afternoon, and we're now gearing up for Christmas festivities. Christmas will be different for us this year, since we're not going to be with my Grandma who is far away in Timmins. We need to be close to home since we're on BABY WATCH! I saw my OB today who told me that I could "go" at any time. I'm really excited to have Adair home and share some time with him before our life so drastically changes with the kidlet! We're excited to be with our family at home and spend the Holidays with my sister & her family. We still have lots to do tomorrow - yes on Christmas Eve - but I'm so happy to have Adair around to help!
Merry Christmas to all our friends and family. We wish you joy, peace, and love.
The best thing about this snow day is that I don't feel guilty NOT shoveling, considering I'm 9 months pregnant. The worst thing about it is not being able to go anywhere. I feel like I've got lots of things to do to prepare for the kidlet, so being able to drive would be great! The weather, however, isn't cooperating today.
Moreover, I feel like I'm just waiting to go into labour. Of course, I don't know what that's going to be/feel like, so I've been researching it and on message boards looking for information. I'm a bit anxious about it. I guess I could be more productive at home - I could find make-work projects, but I'm not that bored yet.
Hopefully the snow will subside tonight so I can get out and get shopping tomorrow!
We got the stroller we wanted! Using the generous gift we received from my office mates, we were able to purchase this stroller! YEAH! Things are really coming together. The nursery is almost done. Just a few touches left, then I'll post pics!
7am - wake up and watch tv - yeah for breakfast tv!
8-9:30am - nap time
9:30-10am - watch "a baby story on tlc" - realize csi is much more interesting, and much less scary
10-11:45 - play on internet, make "to do" lists, eat breakfast, then eat brunch
11:45-12:45 - talk on the phone to krista
12:45 - sort laundry. begin washing darks, put ginger outside
1pm - shower, watch law & order while recording csi
2pm - change laundry. realize that the kidlet's laundry isn't done, so decide to wash them before my own. my selflessness has begun. watch more csi. update blog. unload dishwasher and eat zoodles.
This past weekend we attended prenatal classes at the hospital we're delivering at. Generally, the all-weekend class was amazingly helpful. I actually never knew how much I didn't know! The instructors were wonderful. I was quite sick this weekend [flu, fever, cough, etc.], so sitting in a confined space with 20 other preggo ladies in that state didn't make me popular ;)
We learned what to look for in the early signs of labour, when to go to the hospital, pain management options, relaxation and breathing techniques, etc. We also watched several videos, including one very scary video about labour. OMH - what did I get myself into?!?!? The woman in the video looked like she was in absolute agony - for about 14 hours - and that's only the AVERAGE labour. I guess I never really thought about labour before. I'm the kind of person that likes to deal with bad things as they come, as opposed to freaking out about things I can't change. But after seeing this video, I'm totally afraid. How do women do this??? How have women done this for centuries??? How do women do with this without medication? The video confirmed to me that I will need drugs - no matter what. I wasn't really on the fence about that, but now it's a mandatory thing.
An interesting aspect to the epidural discussion was the male partners' reaction to the debate. For the most part, the pregnant ladies were silent on the subject. The men, on the the other hand, were quite vocal about the use of the epidural. So many of them couldn't understand why women wouldn't want to get an epidural to ease the pain. The instructors were definitely taken aback by the men's commentary and wanted to know what the women thought. The women, including me, didn't say anything. I thought about it afterward, and concluded that the guys were likely thinking about epidurals for the first time while us ladies had contemplated our labour and delivery long before this prenatal class.
On another note, our cleaning lady came for the first time today. Coming home to a spotless house is so lovely. This is best decision we've made in a long time. Our home now looks so wonderful - and festive! We put up our Christmas tree and decorations this weekend. I just love coming home!
And in less than 2 weeks, I begin my mat leave. It's hard to believe that I won't be workiing anymore...well, for the next year anyway. I'm going to miss my job, despite its stress. I'm going to miss my work colleagues more than anything.
I can't wait to post pics of the nursery! The paint is done, the crib and change table are assembled. Adair is just finishing the closet - then...I will put all our baby loot away and organize! So excited!! The paint colours are...snowflake white and carrot stick...just to give you a taste of what to expect!
We have to get it done for this weekend because we're getting family photos done on Saturday at our home. My friend is an amazing photographer and she agreed to take some pre-baby family photos of us - just in time for Christmas ;) We haven't done family photos since our wedding, and that was 4 1/2 years ago! Don't worry we're also getting photos post-baby too, but of course we just don't know when that's going to be!!!
That's right - RELAXIN. Not relaxing. Relaxin is the horomone that's been plaguing my pelvis for the last 3 weeks. I googled my symptoms and thought that I was going to be fine, but my doctor thought otherwise. I'm now almost 34 weeks pregnant, and my doctor said that if I just push through the pain, my delivery may be unbearable. So he referred me for physio and massage therapy.
Tonight was my first session with Dodi [I was so happy "Dodi" was a girl!]. She taught me some interesting, but simple exercises to strengthen my abs and back. Throughout the day I have to do these ab exercises. Dodi was very impressed by my ability to isolate my lower abs so quickly. I think it's because my years of bellydancing! The exercise she taught me were not too different from some bellydance moves ;)
Now it's on to massage therapy. Massages aren't generally "my thing." I don't like people touching me. But massages helped me 3 yrs ago when I had the herniated disc in my back. So I'm willing to try it.
Here's the boy bedding that I like. I need to find it in Canada. Since the Canadian dollar has plummeted, shopping in the US doesn't seem like a wise option anymore. Now I need to find a crib. Below is a modern crib from US Babies R Us that I kind of like.
Below is the zebra wood crib that I REALLY want, but can't afford. Seriously, who wants to spend $2000 on a crib?! But it is truly gorgeous!!!
With just over 2 months to go till D-day - Delivery Day - I really need to get serious about preparing for this baby, instead of dreaming about new purses ;) I can't stop thinking about the new Op Art Sabrina bag from Coach though. Ain't it just perfect? It's just NOT a diaper bag!
So tomorrow is my 4th u/s. It's one of those 3D/4D u/s. It should be cool to see how the baby's developed in the last couple months. We get a CD w/ approx. 30 pics on it, 2 4x6 photos, and a DVD of the baby's movements during the u/s. Gotta love technology! My mom was laughing with me that when she was pregnant with me, she saw the doctor only twice before giving birth, and she doesn't recall having any u/s at all.
As far as the gender assessment goes, I'm hoping for the best but gearing up for the worst. It feels like I've been waiting forever to find out this baby's gender. Apparently people find out at 12 weeks, and I'm now going into my 29th week with NO luck so far. I'm pretty frustrated. The baby's moving A LOT - so many backflips, kicks, and swishes that s/he better be on his/her best behaviour tomorrow! I'm totally drinking a bottle of coke before my u/s too - orange juice won't cut it this time!
Late last night I got into a nesting frenzy, that I channeled into cleaning out my scrapbook room [which will soon become the new guest room] - apparently there is going to be less room for "art" in my life once this kidlet comes! I should clarify that I didn't CLEAN or even ORGANIZE, I just "sorted out" and "re-discovered" what was in unlabeled boxes leftover from our move 18 mos. ago. I found some important docs that were never correctly filed. I found LOTS of junk that just needs to be thrown out once and for all. But I also found a box of my art, writing, awards and photos from grade school! Literally from kindergarten up to grade 6, I found these amazing little gems. So many new things to scrapbook before the baby comes! It was just to lovely to recall old friends from Alberta and northern Ontario. It was actually pretty cool to see how I've been able to keep in touch with these friends from my past via FB etc. - these are the important things in life. As a soon-to-be mommy, I can now see how vital it is preserve these precious photos, tokens, trinkets of my babe's life. Better to start sooner than later. Time sure flies!
