Thursday, February 25, 2010

:: 37 Weeks! ::

Since I am now officially 37 weeks - technically full term - I thought I'd do a baby update!

I had a doctors appointment yesterday and wasn't too surprised that my baby bump had grown 3 cm in one week! I've been feeling rather large lately and that would be why! The good news is that I didn't gain any weight, so I'm okay with it ;) The Baby's head is down and engaged - good Baby! I'm hoping and praying that means I'll be able to deliver naturally, which is our ideal. Although I know it's important to stay flexible with our birth plan, and do what's best for both Baby and me. The Baby's heart rate was 144, which has been pretty consistent throughout my pregnancy. It's been as high as 156 and as low as 138.

The Baby gets the hiccups quite often and his/her movements have changed from kicks and jabs to big roll-overs. Sometimes my stomach goes completely sideways - it's a bit crazy! And I feel one little foot at the front quite often - so sweet!

Josh and I spent some time setting up the nursery the other day! After some help from my fantastic brother-in-laws - Jeff and Wes - who helped with the wainscoting and painting. I'm so pleased with how things are coming together! We still have lots to do, decorating and finishing touches, but it'll happen :) And we're waiting to see if Baby N is a boy or a girl, then we'll add more to the room!

On Tuesday this week I had my first baby shower!! The ladies at my work put it on and it was SO lovely! The decorations and food were awesome and we got spoiled with perfect gifts! I am so blessed and thankful to work where I do and to know these amazing women. My last day of work before going on mat leave is tomorrow and I can't believe it! It seemed so far away for so long, and now it's here - yay! I am so looking forward to having time off, to spend with Josh, to get more settled into our new house, to sleep/rest and to prepare for Baby! If anyone has any tips of what to do to prepare, please pass them along! I'd like to make and freeze extra meals and things like that.

All these things are making it more and more real that we're actually having a baby of our own. Most of the time, Josh and I are just so excited and can't wait to meet our little one! And I have to admit that I'm ready to not be pregnant anymore - it's getting rather uncomfortable. There are also moments of feeling a little overwhelmed at how much our life will change... plus the fact that I have to go through labour and delivery soon. But I know it'll all be worth it and the love we'll have for our child will be incomparable!

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

:: Craziness! ::

I've been meaning to write a new blog post for awhile now... but there's just SO much going on! It's hard to nail down one thing to write about, so I'll just give a little update on what's been going on lately.

We've finally moved!! Hurray!! We gained possession on January 29, so we've been in our house for almost 3 weeks now. It's gone by so fast! There's so much to do still, but it's really starting to feel like home and we're loving it. I wouldn't recommend moving while very pregnant... but I'm so thankful we're in before the Baby comes! And also very thankful to our family and friends who helped us - we couldn't have done it without you :) I'm loving having people over - we've had more visitors in the past 3 weeks than we had at our condo for 2 years I think! I love it :) We're currently working on the nursery and I'm so excited!! I will be posting pics once it's done... and I find my camera cord! It's been MIA since the move and I haven't been able to download any pictures.

Another piece of SUPER exciting news... Josh got moved to DAYS! He's been working from 2pm-2am for the past months and it's been tough, especially since I work 8-4:30. He'll still do 4 on 4 off (which he loves) but it'll be from 3am-3pm instead. Super early mornings, I feel so bad when the alarm goes off at 2:15am! But so far he's really enjoying it - and it's a definite answer to prayer. This way we'll have more time together, and he'll get to be with the Baby more too :)

Pregnancy-wise... I'm almost 36 weeks! 4 weeks from my due date... and I can't WAIT! Both Josh and I are getting more excited each day to meet this little one. I have 7 more days of work left and am very much so looking forward to maternity leave. Josh and I took prenatal classes, a series of 6 altogether. We found the information super helpful and are very glad we did that! Josh especially learned so much and feels much more prepared for what's to come - especially with the labour and delivery part.

When I was 32 weeks pregnant we had a maternity photo shoot with Carly from Pink Plum Photography. She is awesome and we're so happy with the photos! We can't wait for her to do newborn ones :) I'll leave you with a couple photos...







Monday, January 4, 2010

:: 2009 ::

Can you believe we're now in the year 2010? Seems like just yesterday we were about to embrace the year 2000 and were concerned about what would happen when the clock struck midnight! When I think back on those 10 years I marvel at how much life has changed. Major life events for me have taken place in the past decade! To name a few: I lived in Australia for 6 months with YWAM, I became an Auntie (and now have 6 nephews!), I completed my 2-year college program, I bought a brand-new car, I met and fell in love with the man who would become my husband, got engaged, bought our first place in real estate, became a wife, gained a whole new family of in-laws, got pregnant, lost our first baby through miscarriage, got pregnant again, sold our first condo and bought our first house.
There are of course many other events that have happened in the past 10 years, plus all the emotions that go along with a decade of living. I am ever so thankful for the constants in my life - my family and friends who have stuck by me through the good and the bad, and most of all, for my Saviour who has given me much grace, healing and love.

Writing in detail about a whole decade would take far too much time... plus, who would read it? ;) So when I saw a Q&A on my friend Meghan's blog, I decided I would "copy" that to re-cap on the year that has just passed.

Looking back on 2009:

What did you do in 2009 that you’d never done before?

Sold our place (condo) and bought our first HOUSE!

Did you keep your New Year’s resolutions, and will you make more for this year?

I don't think I made any last year and this year will be the start of a lifetime resolution - to be the Mom God has created me to be and to love/raise my children the best I can.

Did anyone close to you give birth?

Yup! Niki, Crystal, Teresa, Meghan, Elyshia, Laura C, Alison, Nadia, Amber S, Morgan... hope I didn't miss anyone!

Did anyone close to you die?

I didn't get a chance to meet her, but my friend's sweet baby Ella passed away full-term, 2 days before she was born... I feel close to her and can't wait to meet her one day

What countries did you visit?

Just the States a bunch of times. The furthest I went was Palm Springs, California

What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?

Our baby! Should be arriving in mid-late March :) And for Josh to work days so we have more time together and can go to events together. Me being on mat leave will help that too - yay!

What dates from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

June 23 - the due date of our first baby who we won't meet until we get to Heaven.
July 9 - found out we were pregnant again!
Oct 9 - the day we moved in with my parents, awaiting the finishing of our new home.

What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Working through the biggest hurt/healing I've ever experienced. Buying a house and living with my parents for months, while married and pregnant :)

What was your biggest failure?

I'm not a fan of the work 'failure' ... can't we just chalk it up to learning experiences and areas to work on? ;) I regret how little Josh and I are involved at our church and how disconnected we've become to the people there. And I know there were many times I could've been a better wife - more patient and accepting and supportive. Maybe I'll add those 2 to my resolution list :)

Did you suffer any illness or injury?

No.

What was the best thing you bought?

Our house! Although maybe I should wait until we actually live there to say it's "the best." I'm also really enjoying our new vehicle we bought "for the baby." :)

Whose behaviour merited celebration?

Josh's. He is so wonderful, I just can't imagine life without him.

Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?

I can't think of anyone at the moment. And appalled and depressed... eek! I'm thankful that no one comes to mind.

Where did most of your money go?

Into buying our new house.

What did you get really, really, really excited about?

Becoming pregnant again!! We desire a baby so much and can't WAIT to be parents!

What song will always remind you of 2009?

"At the Edge of the Water" by Tammy Trent.

Compared to this time last year, are you: (a) happier or sadder (b) thinner or fatter (c) richer or poorer?

I’m (a) definitely happier, (b) fatter (hey, I have a good reason, I'm almost 30 weeks pregnant!), and (c) poorer (again, bought a house)

What do you wish you’d done more of?

Worshiping, exercising, cooking, baking, vacationing, spending time with friends

What do you wish you’d done less of?

Worrying and complaining. Not attractive qualities!

How did you spend Christmas?

With family - Josh's side on Christmas Day, my side on Boxing Day

Did you fall in love in 2009?

Yes - with Josh over and over again, and with our new baby even though I haven't "met" him/her yet!

What was your favourite TV program?

Private Practice is so good this season! And Grey's is always a favourite. I enjoy the Bachelorette/Bachelor, One Tree Hill, Brothers and Sisters, and Glee. Thank goodness for the PVR! I record shows then have them on hand for when Josh works (he works evenings) and I'm at home by myself. I know it'll come in handy when I'm nursing too!

Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?

Nope! Not a fan of hating people ;)

What was the best book you read?

Oh man, I read SO many books, I don't think I could narrow it down!! Karen Kingsbury is my favourite author and I read all her books right when they come out. I've also gotten into Beverly Lewis and other authors who write about the Amish community. Don't know why, but I really like them! I've been dabbling in pregnancy books too, but mostly I look up things online.

What was your greatest musical discovery?

Tammy Trent. I went to a conference she spoke/sang at and it came at the ideal time in my life. Her songs really helped me through a difficult time and are a constant reminder of God's faithfulness!

What did you want and get?

Feeling slightly repetitive here... a successful pregnancy, a house, new vehicle...

What did you want and not get?

To be in our new house by Christmas

What was your favourite film of this year?

Again, I see a lot of movies so it's tough to narrow down! "The Blind Side" was so good... and my mind is blanking about other fav's!

What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

I turned 28 and didn't do anything crazy... had a family birthday party on both sides, and Josh and I went to Bellevue for the weekend. I miss birthday parties with friends... maybe this year :)

What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

Can't think of much... except for, again, to have been in our house already

How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?

Well, I mostly buy clothes that I can wear to work - "business casual." Then I bought a whole wack-load of maternity clothes, mostly in that same category! And some jeans and casual stuff too.

What kept you sane?

Having the most supportive husband ever, through all the ups and downs. Knowing that, through all life's changes, God will never leave nor forsake me, or give me more than I can handle!

What celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

hmmm, not so much into celebrity crushes. But I also can't say that I don't swoon along with the other girls over Jake!

What political issue stirred you the most?

Not really into politics either! But I am passionate about the sanctity of life from conception to the grave, being pro-life and seeing pregnant women given alternatives to abortions.

Who did you miss?

Our first baby whom we won't get to know for a long (Lord willing) time

Who was the best new person you met?

Meghan Baxter. Like I said to her, I really believe that God brought us into each others' lives in His perfect timing :)

Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009.

To not fear crying in front of others - God can use a soft heart! And that God is faithful ALL the time and doesn't forget His promises to me.

Thursday, December 31, 2009

:: What to do? ::

So many decisions come along with having a baby!! The pregnancy ones... to find out the gender or not, when to go on mat leave, what vehicle to get that's best for Baby and you... and then the ones about the Baby - where to enroll them in school (in my town you need to enroll in some schools while pregnant or your child won't get in), what brands to use for diapers, bottles, soothers, etc. and the big one I'm working through right now - to circumcise or not to circumcise.

This decision is one that is weighing heavily on my mind these days! I don't have brothers and never gave circumcision much thought growing up... and when I did get to the point where I thought about it, I thought it was an easy decision - if I had a son I would circumcise him. But now it's not so cut and dry (pardon the pun!) I've been looking into it and asking other moms how they came to decisions for their sons. And my mind remains as fuzzy as it ever was! Everyone has their opinion or reasons and to me, most are valid ones. I think this is a big decision because it's a life-long one for our child (if our Baby is a boy, of course!) I've researched the Bible too, as if there was clear direction there, that would make it easy. But nope! From all the Scripture I read on the topic, it's still a decision that's up to Josh and me.

So if this isn't too personal of a topic for you, may I ask - what did you decide? Even if you had a girl, did you and your hubby discuss this question and come to any conclusions? Or if you don't have kids, do you have thoughts on the subject or know what you'll do if you have a son one day? I'm not saying that we'll go with a majority vote or anything, but any input would be appreciated as Josh and I make this decision. Thanks! :)

I'm sure I will be using this blog to post many more baby-related questions over the next 11 weeks, and beyond. Yup, 11 weeks 'til our due date!! Oh, are we ever getting excited... :)

Thursday, December 3, 2009

:: 25 Weeks ::

I realized that I've been pretty horrible at updating pregnancy pictures on my blog!

Last night Josh and I attended my staff Christmas party and got all dolled up for it... the perfect time to take some pictures! :)





I'm officially 25 weeks today! 15 more to go... makes it sound pretty close! Baby N is moving a lot lately and I fall more in love with this little one with every kick, stretch or roll. Josh and I are both getting pretty excited to meet our Baby and can't wait until March!

I've been feeling really great over the past while, which I am so thankful for! And my belly has grown so much in the past month so I look definitely pregnant not just chunky ;)

It's incredible, the journey that pregnancy takes you on. My mind often strays to how much my life will change and what it will be like to be a mother. I know I'm headed for incredible change in every way! I am thankful that I truly feel that God has prepared both Josh and I for this next step - we both feel as ready as we can be! We know there will be MANY moments of the unexpected and there's no way we can truly be prepared for the love we'll feel, the amount of work we'll do, or how much our lives will change. But we have fantastic role models in our lives, and many people to turn to in times of celebration and uncertainty. We also have a most loving Heavenly Father who will guide us in our journey of parenthood!

I am ever so grateful that I get to travel this journey with my husband and best friend. I have full confidence that Josh will be an AMAZING Daddy to this baby and any other children we are blessed with in the future. He demonstrates such a love and gentleness with me, and is already proud, protective and captivated by our baby as it grows within me.

My heart is overwhelmed with thankfulness!

Monday, November 9, 2009

:: Has it Really Been 10 Years?! ::

This past Saturday I attended my 10-year high school reunion. It's funny... high school seems like a very distant memory to me, yet I don't feel old enough for it to be 10 years since I graduated! When I was 17 and finishing grade 12, thinking about my 10-year reunion felt like such a long time away, and that I'd be "old." Well, a lot has happened and I've changed a ton in the past decade, but I'm thankful to report that I don't feel old at all! :)

I wasn't sure how I felt about the whole thing and only decided a couple weeks ago that I'd go for sure. I enjoyed high school - being on the volleyball team, having a constant social outlet, learning and being challenged everyday (or, most days at least!) However, most of my life was lived outside of high school - my best friends were from church, I played rep softball that kept me very busy, and I worked part time from grade 11 on. Since graduating I've only kept in "real" contact (as in, not just on Facebook) with one friend - and she couldn't attend the reunion because she had her baby on Thursday!! (A big congrats to Nadia and Andre - more on that to come :) )

The evening turned out better that I expected. It was a relaxing evening with door prizes (I even won one!), appy's, punch, a cash bar and friends from the past. There weren't too many awkward conversations - just a couple - and it was fun to see everyone, how they've changed and what they're up to. About half of our class showed up, it was a good turn out!

So another milestone in my life has now passed - my 10-year high school reunion. I wonder if we'll get together for our 25th? :)

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

:: Bumper Cars or Fizzy Pop ::

Last Friday morning, I think I felt the Baby move for the first time!! It was at work, and I felt a "different" feeling in my lower abdomen. You know how bumper cars move around, bumping into things then moving backwards and bumping into something else - but it's still quite soft because of the rubber padding? That's kind of how it felt! Weird, I know! It also had a fizzy feeling, like pop (soda, for my American friends!)

Then I had a crazy busy weekend - Happy Thanksgiving!! :) - and didn't feel anything.

Today, back at work... Baby seems to be active!! I've been feeling movement all morning, and it's so amazing! Completely distracting too, I just want to sit and feel the movements of our sweet little Baby :)

I looked at my Baby Ticker thing (on the right panel of my blog) and see the baby on there turning in circles non-stop!! Makes me laugh - if that's what the Baby is doing, no wonder I'm feeling him/her!!

I know I need to post a picture... especially since I've popped in the past week or so! Josh took one on Friday evening, so I will have to get that up here. I will try, really soon. But, I'm in a wedding this Saturday and have lots to do to prepare... so please be patient with me :)