30week Prenantal Appointment and Our Last Class

Yesterday marks a couple of milestones in this little journey we like to call pregnancy.

First, we had our last monthly doctor's appointment with Dr. Leslie and Dr. Jordan. Here's the breakdown...

Momma's Blood Pressure - 96/70

Yup...that's right. Low, low, low, low, low! I typically have low resting blood pressure, but it's supposed to be much higher than this, especially at 7 months pregnant! I had to ask if they are concerned about my blood pressure dropping off and me having seizure or passing out after the epidural. They aren't, and reassured me that if anything were to happen, at least I'm in a safe environment with lots of doctors and nurses! For now, I just have to up my water and salt intake.

Bug's Heart Rate - 140 bpm

He's doing really well, and even was strong enough to kick Dr. Leslie off of my belly when she pushed with the Doppler wand. I had asked her just prior to her getting the Doppler out how I can tell what position he is in, and she squished him around to find his head etc. He must not have liked all of the squashing because he fought back with his little ninja moves and really surprised her when she was trying to get a heart beat! It took her about 3 different spots, and after getting kicked a few times, was finally able to pick it up.

Momma's Weight - +2lbs.

Yes people...that's right. I've gained a whopping 2lbs. since our last appointment, 4 weeks ago! It certainly isn't going anywhere but to my belly, which is rock hard (for the first time in my life! haha) So...in total...I am still down 15lbs. from when we first found out that I was indeed pregnant with this little ninja. They're expecting that I'll gain about another 8-10 lbs. before he's born...All in all...I'm going to weigh less after he's born than when I got pregnant. I never thought I'd say this, but thank God for morning sickness.

Everything else was really great, and they're very happy with how things are progressing. We're now going to be seeing Dr. Jordan every two weeks for the next 6 weeks, and then we will start our weekly visits.

Last night was also our last prenatal class. It was a good one too, so I'm really happy that they decided to finish off with Baby Care 101. We learned all about what happens immediately after birth, what routine screenings take place in the hospital, and what the nurse checks for when they do their 15-point inspection. We also learned about bathing the baby, umbilical cord care, circumcision care and sleeping positions.

All in all, a very good prenatal day yesterday was had by all! We even got a goodie bag from the Kiwanis Club at the end of class with a CD of Nursery Rhymes, Mother Goose board book, information about mommy-and-me classes offered in our city, and another board book that I can't recall the name of.

Here's my belly picture for this week! 30weeks1day down...only 8-10 weeks to go!

Pre-Mat Leave Project #1...

...has been replaced! Yes, I'll still have some gardening and landscaping to figure out in the coming weeks, and instructions to give to C about raking the dead grass, putting out patio furniture and whatnot, but I've been hit with another creative bug.

My dear friend, fellow Bumpie and Due-Date Buddy Synchrosally is a huge Paper Artist. She calls herself a paper crafter, but really...the things that she is able to master up are works of art in my opinion. She's made an absolutely beautiful height chart, as well as some really awesome name art for her nursery (with beautiful names as well!) and mentioned the other day about making Thank-You cards for her showers.

Hmm...it got me thinking. Maybe that's something that I could tackle in the first week that I'm on early-maternity-leave. I enjoy scrapbooking...so perhaps making some cute Thank-You cards is just the next step in my paper artistry!

Thursday after work, while C was at home sick, I took the opportunity to whip out to Michael's for supplies with the intention of getting papers in the same colours (or at least coordinating colours) as what we've done the nursery. Here is what I came home with...




I just LOVE the patterns on the brown paper, and am very thankful for the pre-made cards. It makes my life ALOT easier, considering that I'll be making approximately 50 thank-you cards to use over the next few months. Between 4 baby showers, and gifts from out of town family, there need to be beautiful thank-you's for everyone! (or at least, I think that everyone deserves a beautiful thank-you card for their generosity!)

The yellow, blue, turquoise and purple papers I already had in my scrapbooking cart (which is now neatly organized in my design room...woohoo!), and I found my little tag template which should come in handy for putting making tags out of those papers and stamping cute motifs such as...



I found the "Baby" pennant and elephant in the $1.50 stamp bin, so yay for a bargain! The elephant is just so freaking cute, and it fits perfectly with the stuffed animals that we have in the nursery already. The "Baby" pennant...well how could I not!? The other stamps I already had in my collection and just thought that they might be nice to give a little variety to the cards, and would be a little more generic in case I have a bunch of them leftover to use as birthday, thank-you, thinking-of-you etc. cards.

Now, I just have to actually make the cards...eek!

Pre-Mat Leave Project #2 - Studio Setup

This weekend was an incredibly productive one, and we even found some time to relax (if you can imagine that!).

C was busy all day Saturday, and I went to a bridal shower for a good friend - which was a really nice excuse to get semi-dressed up, do my hair and put on some makeup. I felt human again! The food was great, the friends even better, and I think a good time was had by all.

Afterward, I indulged in a little bridal-shower-shopping for supplies, napkins...plates...things of the such at Party Packagers for the bridal shower I'm throwing for my good friend A. I'm so excited!! I have it all planned out, and have probably gone overboard with colour coordination and the theme (while still keeping it simple), but I blame this on my obsession with Amy Atlas Events (a blog entry for another time...)

When I got home I was feeling just great, so decided to start tackling a project. I picked Project #2...setting up an art and design space to call my own.

Step 1 - tidy and take Before pictures

(please excuse the mess...C has been sick so I offered to sleep in the guest room for a few nights last week)

Some people have junk drawers...I have junk closets!

Step #2 - Move the bed around (and yes...I did it by myself...and didn't get yelled at too terribly much by C!)

Oh...and tidy up the bed so it doesn't look like such a hot-mess!

Step #3 - Bring up the Supplies!

See that big piece of wood? It's about 4' x 3'...and I'm just dying to paint it and put it up in our bedroom! Maybe I'll get on that before our photo session with Rosita....maybe...

Step #4 - Organize art and design supplies in the closet...my new Design Centre

I am SO happy to have a design space again, and for it to be incredibly neat and organized! There are even hooks in the closet for things like my smock (that plaid shirt you can see in the closet pictures...it's my Dad's old work shirt), bakery design bag, hair ties etc!

Part #2 of Project #2 - go through paint and go get some new supplies! I can't wait!

Diaper Bag Dilemma

The past week over on the 3rd Trimester message board, there have been floods of "What are you wearing to your shower??" and "Post-a-picture of your diaper bag!" posts. All of the ladies are so excited, and with spring around the corner (not quite here yet with the chilly temperatures of this morning!) it seems that everyone is going for bold prints that make them feel super girly.

It got me thinking...What am I looking for in a diaper bag? I know, it sounds a tad bit ridiculous but I really am thinking about what I want and how to get it all wrapped into something stylish.

Growing up, I definitely was not a girlie-girl. I was the girl who would try to tag along with her brother and his friends to play in the forest across the street, would throw worms at him (dead worms at that!) when we were helping our Dad open the pool in the spring, and would much rather play in the mud than have a tea party. However, I did like my Barbie's and have a toy box FULL of them at my Mom's house still to this day. I even have a duffle bag full of different outfits for her...complete with different handbags...so maybe that's where my obsession for all things handbag-related comes from.

So...what am I looking for in a diaper bag? (C...take note! Mother's Day is just around the corner!) I'm looking for something with great storage inside, that isn't too bulky when loaded up, that fits well with my petite frame, and that has a great pattern or texture to the fabric. I've started looking, and so far...these are my top contenders (ranked by price...I have two realistic choices, and three that are pretty far-fetched!)


Kushies Boho Diaper Bag - $44.99CDN - change pad included, two insulated bottle pockets, pacifier pocket, stroller straps with snap closure.

I love this bag! It's just so darn pretty, and it's available at Babies R Us in Canada, which makes it even more appealing. The pattern is beautiful, and I love the contrasting (yet coordinated) handles and buckles. Very chic.



Vera Bradley Cargo Sling in Yellow Bird - $43USD - two flap pockets on the outside with Velcro closures, designed to sit snug against your body, adjustable strap, three slip pockets on the inside, full zippered compartment on the back and two slip pockets on either end of the exterior.

I love the pattern of the fabric - it's not too busy, and it's not too girly either. However...the downside is that it is only available in the US of A, and that it's currently not available at all on the VB website.




Petunia Pickle Bottom Touring Tote in Sleepy Santorini - $159 CDN - water resistant lining, comes with stroller clips and adjustable strap, front pocket with magnetic closure, 2 side zippered pockets for cell phone or iPod, 4 interior spacious pockets, 2 interior bottle/sippy cup pockets, interior pacifier pocket, includes wipe case.

All I can say is that this bad has it all! The variety of pockets is enough to make the organizational side of my brain go into overload! The design of the fabric satisfies my creative side. It's just so darn pricey - beautiful...but pricey!





Petunia Pickle Bottom Boxy Backpack in Winterberry - $179CDN - hands free backpack style or messenger bag style, built in (and removable) changing station folds out from back, 2 large diaper/wipe pockets, 4 bottle pockets, 2 organizational pockets, pacifier pocket, detachable dirty diaper pouch, key-clip, water-resistant liner.

Pockets, pockets, and more pockets! Originally, I didn't like the backpack style, but when I saw the pattern, I fell in love with this one. PPB certainly has a knack for keeping things stylish, while making them super functional! Again...out of the price range, but a girl can dream...can't she??




OiOi Chocolate Dot Messenger Bag - $239CDN - printed microfibre, chocolate snakeskin leather trim, fixed stroller straps, front zip pocket, two external pockets for drinks and cell phone, key fob holder for keys or pacifier, large padded microfibre changing mat, main internal pocket with elasticized pockets, insulated bottle holder, zip top wet purse, OiOi wipe case.

Now...I like this one more so because of the style and fabric than anything else. The features are pretty standard from what I can tell, so I'm not too sure that it's worth the price at all. But stylin...absolutely!

So which ones are my favourites? Well...the Kushies one is my #1 pick right now, and not just because of the price. I think it's the one that will "fit" best for me, and I really really love the fabric. The runner-up is the PPB Boxy Backpack in Winterberry...though it's highly unrealistic since it's so pricey. Both are available in the city where we are, which makes them much more attracitive options than the other ones (Kushies at Babies R' Us, and PPB at CheekyMonkey)

There are just so many options between backpacks, messenger bags, and even clutch diaper bags (who exactly in their right mind would ever need a clutch diaper bag!? I have lots of cluthces at home that are beautiful little pieces of wonderfulness, and there is NO way a diaper would fit in any of them...nor would I make it! A clutch is for going out on the town, or to a nice event with your hubby...not for diapers!)

Hopefully soon (C...Mother's Day is May 9th this year...) I won't have to worry about which diaper bag to choose!

Thankful Thursday

So many moons ago, over at the Getting Pregnant board on The Bump, I started a post on Thursday mornings called Thankful Thursday's. It was a nice chance for us to focus on some of the positive things going on in our lives, while the most positive thing we were trying to achieve was proving to be one of our biggest challenges...getting pregnant.

I've tried to carry it over through the 1st, 2nd and now 3rd Trimester boards, and thought that I would bring it over to the blog today. It's hard sometimes to look past the negative stuff...especially after months of throwing up, a few trips to the hospital, a few trips down the stairs and countless tears. At the end of the day though...there's always something to be thankful for.

Here are my top four...

I'm thankful for my husband. I know that probably sounds pretty cliche, and a lot of ladies during Thankful Thursday will post about being thankful for their husband, kids, family etc. but it's so very true. I am so thankful that he finds our prenatal classes helpful, and that he wants to learn about what's going on with my body. I am thankful that he kisses my belly and says "Goodnight, Dude" every night to our son. I am just so thankful that I found him - because without him, my life would be incomplete.

I'm thankful for my two very best friends, H and T. They're both moms (of a 7 year old boy, and almost 2 year old girl...) so I am very thankful to be able to turn to them when I have weird questions about maternity clothes, kick patterns, throwing up, and every other weird symptom that probably is too graphic to write about here. They probably don't know how much I appreciate little things like when we go to the spa for pedicures and then out for lunch, or just hanging out and chatting over some Starbucks. I am so thankful that they will both be just down the hall when this little guy is born (timing permitting!) because they both bring such strength to me!

I am thankful to the ladies over at The Bump, who get me through my lowest lows and help me celebrate my highest highs. Most of them read this blog, and I wanted them to know just how thankful I am to them for getting me through the past 7 months (gulp! 7!!) Thank you for making me laugh, letting me be snarky, letting me cry and for just being there at the times when I need you most. It really helps to have made connections with other women who are going through the exact same things that you are, and to be able to talk about things that aren't baby related from time to time. For all of those things, ladies of The Bump - Thank You!

I am thankful that this pregnancy is finally going well and that I am able to enjoy it more now. I don't have any crazy cravings, and at the moment nothing is making me sick to my stomach (knock on wood!). I do have Braxton Hicks from time to time, but it's manageable and doesn't hurt too much. My biggest pet peeve is how often I have to go pee (darn your steel bladder, MrsJenni!!) but even that pales in comparison to how happy I am to feel this little boy kick, roll, squirm, punch and wiggle. It puts a smile on my face every single day, and I am so thankful that he is doing so well after all of the complications we've been through.

Okay...I think I'm done being all mushy and gross now...Well...at least for now I am.

Happy Thankful Thursday, everyone!

Prenatal Class #4 - Fatherhood

And for some reason...breastfeeding was covered last night as well. I'll just touch on the Fatherhood component, and leave breastfeeding for another post.


It was more of an open discussion than anything, centred around what our Dad's were like. Were they involved? What role did they play in your family?


We sat in our circle of parents-to-be, and really no one was saying anything. So, C...being the "funny one" turned to me and asked me what fatherhood means to me. So..I started talking about my Dad and how he was really involved with us when we were kids, and all throughout our lives. It really brought back a lot of memories, and I got a little teary-eyed when we were watching the Fatherhood video just before break.


Fatherhood and the importance on the subject seems to be a generational thing...Some of them mentioned that their Granddad's weren't as involved with their kids, as their Dad's were with them. The Dad's last night were so incredibly keen on the bonds that they've already built with their babies. I mean, C reads to Bug about 3 times a week, says "Good night, Dude" every night and kisses my belly before I go to sleep.


It was really nice to hear from C's point of view what he's most worried about (the "Provider" role) and what he's excited about. I knew that he in general was really excited about Bug, but I guess I never really put it into perspective or realized just how excited he really is about his little boy.


And...I'm happy to announce that there will be a guest-blogger in the next couple of weeks! I asked C on the way home if he would write a weekly entry about his experiences as a new Dad, what his favourite moments have been so far etc. etc. and he said that he would, though some might come through as pod-casts so that you all can "hear how funny he is." Oh...he's a joke maker!


Tonight we have our "Becoming a Family" class, and we're going to go for a nice dinner-date beforehand to my favourite spot...The Tasting Room! The weather is beautiful today, so we'll walk down to the restaurant and then walk back over to the car to head off to class (which is only about two blocks away, but they've free parking at the Health Unit!). I'm so looking forward to today, and I was even brave enough to participate in Bare Belly Wednesday's on The Bump!


Danger, Will Robinson - bare belly ahead!


From the front...





And from the side...


Still alllllll belly!

Projects, Projects and More Projects!

That's right folks...there are more projects in my very near future and I sort of feel the need to write them out so that I actually have some accountability to get them accomplished!

It looks like I'm going to be going on maternity leave a little (a lot...) earlier than originally planned. April 1st will be my last day in the office, and over the weekend I was starting to wonder what the heck I'm going to do with myself for two months! However, by the end of the weekend...I had a pretty good list going.

Project #1 - Gardening and Landscaping

Our gardens are decent, but we just moved into our beautiful house in December so I really have no idea what shrubs, bushes, flowers etc. are already there. Thankfully, Grammy V has a very green thumb and is willing to help me figure out some garden plans. I'd love to plant a Magnolia tree out front, and we need some trees in the back that will give us some privacy since we currently back onto dirt and undeveloped lots, but there is one house right behind us and it sort of feels like we live in a fish bowl.

Project #2 - Painting Studio Setup

At our condo, I was fortunate enough to have one room just for my painting and cake designs. Now that we have a nursery and a guest room, there hasn't really been a space that I can set up that's just mine...until now. I started thinking about how to rearrange the furniture in the guest room so that I can get my easel, painting supply carts, wood and canvases all set up, and I think I finally have it figured out. No...I won't be moving the furniture, but I can certainly set things up so that I have some design space to work on an art collection once Bug is about 6+months old.

Project #3 - Turn Our Master into a Proper Bedroom

Currently, our master bedroom is looking a little sad. Sure...it's all nicely organized...but it's literally a bed, a dresser and a little corner hutch. We need some personality in there! I redid the master at our condo this time last year, and put up a 13' (yes...foot...) spruce shelf along one wall with about 8 pillar candles on it. It was LOVELY! I think that shelf needs to go up behind our bed, with the candles, and that some new art work is needed in there as well.

Project #4 - Plan and Host Bridal Shower

I've mentioned before that my lovely friend A is getting married this summer, and unfortunately it's just a couple short weeks after our due date and in Panama. We're so sad that we can't go, and I've really tried to help out with anything that she needs in the planning process...including throwing her a bridal shower on April 24th! I pretty much have it all planned out, but I will need to get working on favours at the beginning of April and sort of wrap my head around some of the things that I want to do. It'll be more of a luncheon than anything else, but I want to make sure that it is a beautiful event for her. She really deserves it!

Project #5 - Plan and Host Spa-Day

On May 29th, my lovely girlfriends and I are going to be heading to the spa for a non-baby-shower! I'm so excited! Everyone will be getting manicures or pedicures (or really whatever they want) and it will be a great opportunity for us to just relax and enjoy each other's company. While I know some will likely read this eventually and that I'm about to spoil a surprise of sorts, I want to make sure that this is extra special. That means colour coordinated cupcakes and other treats that I'll be able to bring to the spa, just as a little thank-you to the ladies who've really helped me through this pregnancy.

Project #6 - Re-read Twilight Series

I know...exciting eh? But I figure that it will keep me busy, and it would be nice to get out onto our deck to enjoy the spring sunshine with a glass of lemonade after going for a walk.

Obviously, this is all in addition to getting everything in the nursery setup, but once the dresser is finished...it will take all of 10 minutes to put some pictures up on the walls, organize his books, set up the lamp and put my Dad's drum sticks on his dresser. Hopefully, his nursery will be finished before I go on maternity leave so that I can focus on prenatal yoga, going for walks and my 6 not-so-little projects.

That should keep me busy for a while....right?

Whirlwind Weekend

How fast the two most wonderful days of the week go by!

We kicked off our weekend with a BBQ on Friday night with C's cousin M and his fiance A. It was so nice to see them, as we hadn't seen them since our wedding in 2008, and to hear all about their plans for their wedding in Scotland this coming July. We may just have to play that trip by ear and not count it out just yet! We ate, they drank, shared in a yummy brownie-and-mint-chip-ice-cream dessert (yum!) and hopefully will get to see them again before they head across the pond on Tuesday.

Saturday was pretty low-key for the most part during the day. C put on another coat of stain on the dresser, and it seems to be taking much better now. I chatted with M about it on Friday night, as he's a bit on a RONA/Home Depot pro, and it looks like we're just going to have to saturate the heck out of the wood. Two coats down, and who knows how many more to go!

Off to Thamesford we went on Saturday night for a buck and doe for our good friends A and R. It was a great time, and I can't believe that I made it right until the end of the night! H and J came, and danced the night away (so nice to see two very happy people, very much in love!) T, his girlfriend M (cute as a button!) and our friend Scuba Steve came as well, and everyone had a blast! But whew...2:30am bedtimes are not my friend!

Sunday was my mini shopping spree at Old Navy! I was so excited to hit the road, have some "me time" but was so disappointed when I got there. I found my sandals immediately....


...and then searched for almost a half hour to find where the maternity clothes were hidden. Back corner. Beside "Newborn Necessities." All I could think was "oh Lord...I'm going to spend so much money on this kid..."

The maternity section consisted of 1 rack of maxi dresses made for giants, 2 racks of overpriced jeans, 1 table of tanks that looked like the Tasmanian Devil had already gone through it, 1 rack mix-matched of random shirts that looked like tents, and a wall of yoga pants/shirts/t's/tanks/anything else you could imagine. It was a mess!! I was so overwhelmed that I immediately started looking at the newborn boy clothes that were on the adjacent wall and picked these out for Bug...






and matching shoes of course...

I finally found a few shirts that fit allright, though also found some that felt like tents - even in the smallest size. This whole losing weight but gaining a basketball out front thing is really throwing me off when it comes to clothes! This one is probably my favourite...along with my hot pink gathered side tank which I don't have a picture of...




No shorts though, and I was pretty disappointed with that so I'll have to go and check our Motherhood Maternity (highly recommended by Momma T!) in a few weeks.

Thank goodness for the lady who was exiting Old Navy as I was walking in, and gave me her 30% off coupon! Bug's outfit cost about $10, with the shoes, and all of the pieces that I picked out for myself (two tanks, one tshirt, and the green shirt above - plus the sandals and some flip flops) were under $15 each. Cheap and cheerful - the main reason I love Old Navy!

Happy Spring, everyone!

Gestational Diabetes Results

I just got the call....NO GD for me!! Thanks for the good news, Nurse Lindsay!

This week is just full of good news for our family! It's about darn time!

I think I shall celebrate with brownies and mint chip ice cream for dessert tonight!

Only 11 Weeks To Go!

Count 'em...Eleven....11....undici....onze...elf...once. No matter which language you write it or say it in (English, Italian, French, German and Spanish respectively), we have just approximately 11 short weeks until this little boy is born!

Last night we spent the evening cleaning like mad-people. Our entire house has been vacuumed (thank God for Central Vac!), dusted (well...kinda...), tidied, sheets changed and washed, bathrooms scrubbed from top to bottom (thanks C!!!), kitty little box changed and tile swept.

My jobs were dusting and vacuuming. I got all of the vacuuming done, and then went to tackle the disaster zone that is our master bedroom to make everything look pretty and organized, same for the guest room as well.

Now a lot of you are probably reading this thinking "wow...she's so nesting!" but au contrare! C's cousins, M and his wonderful fiance A, are coming to visit tonight! I'm so excited! I haven't seen either of them since our wedding, and unfortunately we're going to miss their wedding this summer in Scotland as they're getting married about 6 weeks after our due date and it might be cutting it a wee bit close if I am late, or have any complications.

Won't they be surprised when they see this...



And by "this," I mean my belly and not the dorkiness that is my husband!

As far as Bug's development this week goes, holy moly can this little boy pack a punch! There is constant movement first thing in the morning, around lunch time and from dinner until I go to bed (with about 10:30pm being his most active time...yes...right when I'm trying to fall asleep). My ribs are getting a little more sore everyday, and he's definitely running out of room. (From behind, you can't really tell that I'm pregnant since I'm very much carrying out front. But when I turn around....whaBam!!)

He's about as big as a butternut squash and weighs in just over 2lbs. now. This week, he's been working on growing some strong bones, so I've been trying to get more milk and other dairy products into my diet everyday (which is hard when you're lactose intolerant, but I seem to be doing okay with it!) He's also busy growing a (hopefully) very active and imaginative brain, so I'll have to ramp up the efforts on the folic acid, vitamin C and iron. Since prenatal vitamins still make me sick, I'm trying to do this by choosing the right foods, eating on a pretty set schedule and trying to get a good variety of foods, which will also hopefully encourage him to be a little more adventurous with food than his Momma is!

Thanks, Momma T!

Big shout out to my good friend T, who was brilliant the other day and suggested something I hadn't even thought about for my hospital bag.

Two words - Flip. Flops.

Remember those college/university days of going to the shower and being absolutely disgusted by the condition of the showers? Well...she mentioned that some of them are like that and highly recommended packing a pair of cheap flip flops in my bag. What a brilliant thought! I think this weekend on my Old Navy trip, I'll have to pick some up.

My only concern is my clumsiness. For those who know me, and know me well, you know that I'm not exactly the most coordinated person (pregnant or not!) I fall fairly frequently, and my last experience with water and flip flops was not a pleasant one...I broke two bones on the top on my right foot and had an aircast for two months while it healed.

However...I think I'm going to have a hard time passing these up




For only $3.50...how could I go wrong?! Even if I don't use them for the hospital showers, they'll certainly look cute in the summer!

Thanks, Momma T!

Erin Go Braugh!

May the luck of the Irish be with you all today - it certainly is with us!

Yesterday, I had to go to the doctor's for a neurological exam, as requested by the company that we're applying for life insurance through. Since 2001, I had been diagnosed with Chronic Inflammatory Demylenating Polyneuropathy and have gone through treatments including IvIG wherein you sit in the chemo ward and have your body infused with an antibody that your own immune system is lacking (it takes about 8 hours per day for two days, is hugely draining and was definitely not a fun experience!) I've had countless EMG's done to test the reaction time in my nerves (they send electric currents through your nerves, not fun!), a Tilt Table test to look into fainting spells and cardiac problems (nothing wrong there other than low blood pressure!) and probably about 30+ vials of blood taken and sent for DNA testing for gene mutation over the course of 3-4 years.

Well...wouldn't you know it! The lovely Dr. Koudra (one of Dr. Jordan's residents) was able to pull up my neurological chart from University Hospital, and found the most recent results from my DNA testing in 2006...CIDP FREE! Read that a few times over. FREE...as in...I don't have it! I could have cried right there on the spot!

I've spent a 1/3 of my life thinking I had this horrible genetic disease...one that could leave me paralyzed and one that I could pass on to my children. I've spent the past 5 years convinced that I would not have children if I had even a 50% chance of passing this onto them. Knowing that I don't have it, and that there is absolutely no way I would pass it onto Bug is just an amazing feeling. I feel like I have my life back!

So this week certainly is a lucky one for us. We went out with C's best friend T and his new lady friend M last night for dinner, and I forced C to take a picture of me and my healthy (healthy! Can you imagine!!) baby bump since I just felt so absolutely amazing!



And this morning all decked out in green. C said that we must do a jig in the picture to celebrate everything Irish today (his mom's family actually came over to Canada from Ireland!) but I just giggled at him...



Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!

Maternity Clothes 101

At Christmas, C's parents were kind enough to give me a maternity-clothes-shopping-spree as my main gift. It was awesome! We hit up Target and Burlington Coat Factory by their condo in Florida, and I scored some really awesome stuff (some of which you've seen in belly pictures I'm sure!)

My issue now is that most of what I got was office-wear and/or cold weather weather. Lots of long sleeves, sweaters, a pair of dress pants and a couple of pairs of jeans (note to self: take blue ones in to be hemmed!). Now that the weather is absolutely beautiful, and at a whopping 15 degrees Celsius (in March!! March!!!!), I'm thinking that a mini-shopping-spree at Old Navy is in order for this Sunday.

I had originally vowed not to have a tonne of maternity clothes. I mean...you only wear them for, what...8-11 months? Why spend a tonne of money on clothes you're just going to box up afterward?! Well, if we decide to have more kids...I'm going to need more clothes. Yes, I realize that every pregnancy is different, and that I could be massively, ridiculously huge and that these clothes may not fit long - but at least it will be a good starting point for a wardrobe...right?

Perhaps, I'm just making excuses to go shopping! Either way...the weather is beautiful, and Momma needs some new clothes (and shoes! Ooooh...shoes!!)

A few selections at Old Navy that have caught my eye...




Paired with....




Oooohh....and these!

How cute would that be?! Especially for our maternity photo shoot next month! Ooohhh....I feel some shopping coming on!

Happy 100th!

Today marks our 100th post and what better way to celebrate than with something I'm known for around my office...baking.

This weekend, we spent a lot of time focusing on non-baby related things. Saturday, with the weather being as nasty as it possibly could be, it was probably a blessing in disguise that I had to work. Originally, I had planned to meet me ladies Synchrosally and MrsBraun in Oakville for some shopping and dinner. Then...C started working at the office and we've been working around the clock it seems! I had a meeting with a bride for a cake consultation in the afternoon, then we had some dinner and just relaxed. It was nice for a change!

Sunday was a great day, even though the weather was still grey and dreary. I got the baking itch yesterday after meeting with C (yes...another C!) to go over some cake designs for the bakery. 5 dozen cookies later...I have one very happy office this morning! (Hi guys!!)



Yummo! Peanut Butter cookies that basically melt-in-your-mouth, and Cinnamon Sugar Cookies that taste like the top of an Elephant Ear. Ya...that's right. I'm awesome!

The only baby related things that we accomplished this weekend were putting up the height chart and choosing some black and white baseball photography for his room. We should be able to pick those up in a couple of days, and get them framed and on the walls by the end of the week. C is going to be working on the dresser throughout this week, and hopefully by the end of the weekend...the nursery will be good to go and pictures can be posted next Monday!

Your Three Words

I'm going to take a page from Mrs.Jenni's blog here and try to sum-up and explain my crazy, ridiculous week in three word phrases. Considering that my brain is seriously lacking in power and wit today, and is completely exhausted now that C and I work together, I ask you to bear with me and be patient.

Hello 3rd Tri!
We've made it safely into the third trimester, and feel very blessed to be here after many complications and bumps in the road. Thanks for sticking with us, you lovely readers!!

Onto Project #3!
C's project for this weekend is to get the dresser stained and looking lovely, so that we can move it up into the nursery and finish off some of the decor. We've sanded it all down, bought the new brushed nickel knobs for the drawers and door, and have picked out a lovely Ebony stain. Once it's done, you'll all get to see the fruits of his labour!

Exhaustion Takes Hold...
It seems that I can't sleep enough at this point. 7am hits...I don't want to get out of bed. 2pm hits...I'm tired. 5pm hits...I can't wait to get home and have a nap. 10pm hits...I'm off to bed. I guess it doesn't help that I wake up about 3-5 times per night to pee!!

I'm Fine...Really!!
After the fall down the stairs, many lovely lovely ladies from the Bump (and our friends and family) have been super concerned for me and Bug. We appreciate all of your warm thoughts and concern! I'm okay! He's okay!

Oi! Braxton Hicks!
Yes yes, they've taken hold! It's so weird...I thought that it was Bug edging up really close to my skin at one point, but then it sort of felt like a cramp...and it went away with a little massage and some breathing. It happens a couple of times a day, and some days not at all. I guess we're really doing this...I guess I'm getting ready to have a baby! Woohoo!

Have a great weekend everyone!

It's All In The Sweater

After work yesterday, I was able to indulge in a lovely bubble bath and some relaxation time. Thank goodness - my back certainly needed it after that fall! It was so funny to me to be having a bath, trying to stay as still as possible...all the while being kicked and seeing the water spilling out of the tub from the waves that Bug was making! It made my day that tiny little bit brighter.

I thought after yesterday's serious post it was high time for some humour in this blog about Bug. What'd I reach for after my bath? Yes, that's right! My blue sweater!!

See, it still fits! I say that with a giggle because it's the same thing that my Dad said the last time that he wore the same sweater (about....2001ish)

Okay...so....my belly is one of two things.

1) the same size as Pops' belly

2) slightly bigger than his!

Fine...whatever...maybe it's bigger! Either way, thanks for the sweater Dad! It brings so much comfort on days where I just feel like going back to bed, or snuggling on the couch...or days after a slip and fall. It's on the "must pack" list for the hospital, and I'm so excited to have pictures, snuggling with your Grandson in this sweater.

Love you, Pops!

Prenatal Class #3...and Kick Counting

Oh last night was a bit of an ordeal. Since our prenatal classes are on Tuesdays from 6:30-8:30, we literally rush home from work, throw something together for dinner while we get changed, scarf down our dinner and head out to class.

Last night, a bit of a wrench was thrown in our routine. I fell down the stairs. Not the huge set of stairs from our 2nd floor family room to the kitchen landing, but the little 5 step set from the kitchen landing to the tiled garage door entry...and all of them. I don't even know what happened...it all just happened so fast. I had put on my coat and turned to go down the stairs, but fell down them instead.

I landed on the right side of my lower back/butt, mid back and my right forearm smashed against the stairs. Talk about Ouch! Thankfully, C was right there and got down on the floor with me. I cried...more so out of fear that I had hurt the baby than out of pain (at that point anyhow!). Once he got me to take a few deep breaths and lifted me off the floor (I kind of felt like a wet noodle), we set off to Prenatal Class.

Last night's class was interesting and I found really helpful (even though I spent the first hour kick counting...from 6:30-7:30 he kicked 32 times...the average kicks/hour {per Dr. Jordan} is 7...so he's fine from my fall and doing just fine today as well! I'm very happy to feel his ninja like moves today!). It was very much centered around birth plans, how plans can change, comfort measures that we specifically want to employ during labour and delivery, and Postpartum.

I've already talked about our birth plan and the techniques that I would like to use like meditation, relaxation and music...so I won't revisit that topic right now. The thing that I was most looking forward to last night was the information about Postpartum...specifically about Postpartum Depression Disorder.

My paternal grandfather, Grandpa Ken, had bipolar disorder and our family has a history of depression, anxiety etc. so I was just itching for more information about how family history can impact PPD. While it definitely puts me into a higher risk category, and C knows now the signs of things to watch for once Bug is here to make sure that I'm okay (or recognize when/if I'm not), it was nice to be able to talk about fears and concerns in an open forum.

First and foremost, our nurse told me that it's great that I know about my family history with depression, that I recognize that it puts me at higher risk and that I'm already bonding with Bug so much. I have to make a mental note (actually, make that put on my monthly Q&A list for our dr's appointment on March 30th) to mention this to Dr. Jordan so that he's aware and we knows what signs to look for etc. once Bug is born, or if I find myself becoming detached before he's here (which I can't imagine, but I'm sure can happen at any point!).

Once we were home, I was looking forward to LOST and then some sleep. Even though I'm mighty thankful that Bug's so active and continued to be active after the fall, I really really would have liked to have gotten some sleep last night. He kicked sonsistently from 3:30am-5:20am, when I was finally able to get somewhat comfortable to fall asleep. It seems to have amplified the pain in my back and arm, though. I only have a small bruise on my arm...so far...and hopefully it stays that way.

Thank God Bug's okay!

Warning...Bare Belly Ahead!

Everyday on The Bump I see these beautiful pictures of lovely bare bumps at 24+ weeks when they are perfectly round and wonderful. I thought maybe it was time to take a bare belly picture since my bump is nearly smoothed out - there's just a little dent along the line of my belly button...and a few stretch marks.

All in all, I'd say it's a pretty nice bump. My stretch marks are all pretty low (which doesn't surprise me at all since they had started before I got pregnant from weight fluctuations over the past few years) and it's really funny to see where he's sitting sometimes. This morning, for example, he was all squished over to the right hand side. The left hand side was practically flat, and you could see the outline of his body. So cute!!



Last night, Maggie was snuggling with him and purring up a storm...which sent him into a kicking fit that was really fun to watch! I could see elbows and knees...feet and his body....all squirming under my skin! C watched in amazement from across the room, and Bug continued to be a squirmy worm for about three hours!

Every time Maggie would squirm and snuggle up, he'd kick her. It didn't seem to bother her much last night, as you can see from the video (he kicks very hard at about 11seconds, and you can hear her purring very loudly!). She was so snugly last night for the full three hours of kicking.

Week 28?! Hello, 3rd Tri!

Wow, I almost can't believe it! We're entering week 28...which puts us at the beginning of the 3rd trimester. We've made it! I'm so thrilled and feel so incredibly blessed to be where we are now.

Bug's developments over the weekend were just crazy - from increased fetal movement (who knew that it could increase?! ahh!! He's so incredibly active!) to feeling hiccups...he's really starting to form a little personality in there! He responds when I talk to him at night before bedtime (or at least I like to think he does...), still doesn't kick when someone's touching my belly but kicks up a storm when C is in the room and talking, or when Maggie is snuggling up next to him and purring up a storm.

In terms of symptoms, I've been feeling more energy lately and have even taken pleasure in unloading the dishwasher. For anyone who knows me, I typically hate unloading the dishwasher. I mean...the dishes are clean, and put away...why unload it!? I've been happier throughout the day, which is great. My issues seem to come in the evenings, where Bug is very active, my legs get crampy and I can't seem to find a comfortable position to sleep in. I wake up about 4-5 times per night, either to get comfortable again or because I've been kicked in the bladder, and am pretty sleepy in the mornings...when he's super active again.

From about lunchtime until dinner time, he's pretty quiet and those are certainly my favourite times. Napping....resting....relaxing...I'll take what I can get, when I can get it!

Entering week 28, I thought I'd take a few different pictures...

Mommy's view down...



Please excuse the Bud Light in the background...



Mommy and Daddy - who wasn't cooperating. I think this is photo #3...he kept making funny faces from angry to sad to overly excited...



Thanks for the pose idea, MrsHollyMatesh!!

My Hospital Bag List

This seems to be something that is asked about every few hours on the 3rd Trimester board over at The Bump. "What do I pack for the hospital?" or "Help! Let me see your list!!"

Without much of anything happening yesterday or today (aside from T and C setting up the crib after dinner tonight!! Woohoo!!), I thought that I'd take a minute to discuss some of the things that I've mentally checked off my own list.

Tennis Ball
We learned at class this week that a tennis ball can do wonders when rolled across your back, to help with muscle relaxation as well as back labour, and can give Daddy's hand a break after Mommy squishes it too much!!

Stress Ball
I know that it's not going to be super effective to crush C's hand for the duration of some of the contractions. Realistically, he may be at work when they start! So...my backup will be a stress ball - but a firm one so that it doesn't give too easily!

Ipod
I'm already starting to go through all of the tunes that I have on there, get rid of the abundance of Christmas music I have (sorry K! I promise to have it back on for when Christmas rolls around, and vow to start playing those songs on December 1st!) and put on my guided meditation CD's to help with my focus and visualization.

Wembley
Yes, from Fraggle Rock. My Dad gave it to me when I was pretty little and he used to "steal" it all of the time. It was sort of our little inside joke and I've taken him to many a university exam, job interview and even Dad's funeral. I think I even held onto him while getting my hair done for our wedding!



Slippers
I had thought about bringing my cute bootie slippers that C got me for Christmas...you know, the ones that look knitted with the tie at the top and pom poms at the sides? Well...after hearing birthing stories and whatnot on Tuesday night at class, I think a trip to Walmart for some cheap-and-cheerful slippers that can be thrown away prior to bringing baby home from the hospital is in order!

My Pillow
I know that might sound a little crazy, maybe even anal...but it just seems so comforting to me to be able to sleep with my own pillow after he's born. Like a little piece of home.

Dad's blue-striped sweater
Again, just one of those comfort things. Anyone who knows me very very well will know the exact sweater that I'm talking about. I'm actually thinking about taking a bump picture in it, because I have a picture of my Dad wearing it (approx. in 2003/4) all zipped up, belly and all. Whenever I feel really down in the dumps, sick, lonely...that's the sweater that I reach for. It provided alot of comfort in the 1st trimester when I was battling morning-sickness and dehydration.

Blow dryer, hair products, straightener etc.
Again, I know it sounds ridiculous and I likely won't care what I look like in pictures after he's here, because really...come on...it's about him! But what if I do care? What if my hair is an uncontrollable mess from a ridiculously long labour and all I want to do, rather than sleep when he's sleeping, is have a shower and do my hair to feel like a human being? I'd much rather have my gear with me than not!

Obviously, there are more things that need to be packed like clothes for me and Bug, tooth brush/paste, bathing suits (for showers during contractions if that comfort measure works once we're there), snacks for C, diaper bag gear - but the list above are sort of my "in addition to..." essential items. They are things that I can't imagine not having there (right now anyhow) and things that will hopefully help me to stay calm, feel like a human being and be in the best positive mood that I can be throughout what is going to be the hardest experience of my life!

The Sweetest Thing

This song popped into my head last night when I was drifting off to sleep for a few reasons. I'll try not to get too emotional on all of you, but that's getting more and more difficult the closer that we come to the end of this pregnancy.

Last night, C excitedly told me that his grandmother gave us a gift last week for the baby. I was so touched by her generosity, it just made me so happy and I knew that it would be the perfect blog entry for today.

You see, Grandma Maria lives in Montreal, so we really don't get to see her as often as we'd like. We've been to Montreal 3 times in the past few years and always make sure to work in a visit. Thankfully, she was there when we told our families about our pregnancy and that meant alot to me to have her there. (Queue water works! Gosh these hormones are crazy!) She's just such a lovely lady, and she's raised such a beautiful family that I am so proud to be a part of.

I wanted to say a big big big thank you to Grandma Maria. We're going to be getting the mattress for Bug's crib this weekend with your gift - something that he will have for the next few years while his crib converts into a toddler bed. Thank you so much!! We love you!

The song popped into my head last night as well, and all I could think of was the following lyric


Blue eyed boy meets a brown eyed girl


In my head...it sounds more like Green eyed boy meets a brown eyed girl - and there you have C and I. I've found myself falling more and more in love with him with every day that passes. I'm not sure that he knows that, but with each day that passes, with every kiss he gives my belly and every reassuring word that he says to make me feel beautiful...I fall a little bit more in love with him.

Last night was one of those nights where I just starred at my bare belly in the mirror, and was just about in tears over how much it grew in just the few hours after dinner. Thankfully though, he rushed to my side and reassured me that it's a beautiful belly...because our son is in there. He hugged me, kissed my belly and reminded me why I love him so very much.

I could go on and on all day about how I love my boys (gosh it feels so good to say that!), but today I'll leave you with my 26week2day belly picture

Holy Prenatal Day, Batman!

What a whirlwind of a day we had yesterday! C picked me up for our appointment, only for me to realize that I had left my list of questions on my desk in my rush to get out of the office. Great start to a busy afternoon!

Well...let me tell you...the appointment was by far the best one that we've had to date! Some facts and figures for you...

Weight Gain: 3.5lbs since February 2nd (that's a whopping total of 4.5 lbs gained in total...which makes me giggle)

Bug's heartbeat: 140bpm

My blood pressure: considered "good", no figure given but as long as it's "good" I'm happy!

Great information to get, and I really like our new resident - Dr. Lesley. She actually went to high school with C and his brother! Small world!

I asked about kick counting. Since Bug is such a little ninja for almost the entire day, I've been worried that perhaps he's too active and if there is anything I should be doing to get him to calm down. I counted his kicks last Friday, and when I got to 7 kicks in one minute (rest for a few minutes, repeat) I realized that he kicks approximately 200-400 times per hour. That's alot of kicking!

Thankfully, Dr. Jordan was very happy with Bug's activity and said that it's actually a good thing. If at any point it's less then that, I'll at least notice and be able to be monitored right away. Apparently, 6 kicks per hour is considered "normal", so Bug's doing just fine!

Off to prenatal class we go...

Last night, we learned how to have babies, what different comfort measures are available, birth plans, what to pack for the hospital and viewed the birth video (wasn't ready for that one!!).

It was good and I definitely learned alot. Did you know that the placenta secretes a hormone called Relaxin that helps the pelvic bones and joints to relax so that they don't get broken when the baby is bring born? Hmm! Good to know!

And that for back labour, a tennis ball can be used to apply pressure while Mommy is sitting on a "birthing ball" (aka yoga/exercize ball)? Fantastic! I was even able to sit on one last night to see if it was comfortable, it took just that little edge off my back...I think we may have a winning coping strategy for back pain and contractions! Thankfully, we have one at home so that I can practice doing squats against the wall, centreing my gravity and rocking back and forth to find a comfortable rythm!

Jake...You Broke My Heart

Today's blog entry is going to be very short, due to the fact that I have a broken heart. Jake...you're a horrible person. How could you do that to Tenley?! It's like watching you kill a puppy...

Being pregnant, I have absolutely no control over my emotions. At first, when he was talking about how perfect she is and that he really values her morals etc. I was thinking "maybe it will be her!" But then...all of my hopes and dreams were crushed when I looked at her quivering lip. Queue water-works from the pregnant lady.

C's friend Tewks does a weekly recap about the Bachelor from a male perspective. I can't wait to hear his view on it this week, and to hear what he and C have to say on the podcast tomorrow. I mean...Vienna...really?! She looks like a man!

Today marks a really busy day in the life of us soon-to-be-parents....C's picking up the crib and setting it up with our good friend R, then we have our 26wk prenatal appointment this afternoon, and prenatal class tonight! Busy, busy day - but one that will be very positive!

I'm so excited to see the crib when I get home from our prenatal appointment this afternoon. It's a beautiful dark stain, curved back...just lovely! And it even converts into a toddler/twin/double bed so that it will grow with Bug really for the rest of his life (if he wants to keep it in the future that is!) Once it's set up, we can move the rocking chair in (we still need a chair pad for that) and this weekend we can get the dresser stained and up in the nursery!

My goal for next week is to finalize what we're doing for art and get all of the decorative touches figured out. We already have a lamp, bookends, Dad's drum sticks (tied with the picture that hung on my bouquet from our wedding), curtains, name art that will go over the crib (but won't be shown until June!). Just need a few masculine touches....

GO Canada GO!

As two avid hockey fans, you can bet your bottom dollar that we were glued to the television yesterday afternoon. Well...C was moreso jumping in and out of his chair, falling on the ground, screaming at the top of his lungs, and then....jumping up and down in the largest man-hug I've ever witnessed, cheering when Team Canada brought home gold for Men's Hockey yesterday afternoon.

I mean, I enjoy a good hockey game...but c'mon...a man-hug? It was pretty funny to watch though, I must admit!

It was debated, however, amongst all in attendance yesterday that our son would be named after whomever scored the winning goal (only if Canada won of course).

Everyone was calling with Sidney Szem by the end of the evening, which just doesn't sit right with me. Try saying it with a lisp...poor boy.

Now Crosby Szem...that's a name I could get used to! So, being the ever inquisitive one that I am, I googled "meaning of name Crosby."

The boy's name Crosby \c-ros- by, cr(o)- sby\ is of Scandinavian origin, and its meaning is "at the cross". Singer Bing Crosby.

Hmm...then again...maybe not!

This week marks some pretty miraculous changes for baby Bug, and my ribs are hurting pretty bad today to prove just how much he's growing and kicking right now. Not only are his eyes open, but he's working on a sleep pattern, sucking on his fingers and will weigh 2lbs. by the end of the week. Measuring in at a whopping 15inches, his lungs would be capable of functioning in the outside world, though with alot of medical help and long stays in the NICU.

And we even hit a milestone this weekend! We're down to double digits...only 98ish days left to go until our little boy is here!

PS: he has a name...and it's not Sidney or Crosby...and no...you won't know until he's born!