37 weeks

I really can't believe there's only 3 weeks left until the due date.


My personal Christmas tree inspector.

This little guy is excellent big brother material.

Lookin' Good

I saw my ob/gyn today. She says that I still look like a good condidate for a VBAC. I'm very happy to hear that. I had all my questions answered and I didn't even have to refer to my notes. Question one was about how things were looking for the VBAC.
Question two was how much time we would have to get to the hospital once labour starts. This was more a concern of Aaron's. We might have to wait for my M-I-L to drive a half hour to us to babysit Daniel and then it would take us another 20 to 30 minutes to get to the hospital ourselves. According to the doctor we likely have up to 8 hours of labour so we should be okay. If we are really freaked out we can just take Danny with us. Not my first choice but I guess if we were stuck...
And my last question was if and when she would check internally for what was going on in this baby making machine. And that will be at 38 weeks. So we just hope that this little guy stays head down and keeps on lowering like he's supposed to. Other than that we just wait for nature to take its course. Being a bit of a control freak I really do wish there was a way to predict labour. For now its a guessing game. And every little twinge is under speculation. ;)

I took this picture because I am sure I have dropped. This kid now sits in my lap fighting for space with his big brother.


And speaking of the big brother I couldn't resist a few updates about the big man.
His newest hobby is Playdoh. I'm glad I have some ideas for Santa this year.

Yesterday, Daniel and I put up the Christmas tree. I admit its a bit early however I'm not sure how much time I will have to do it later and I really wanted Dan to have a nice festive Christmas this year. Strangely though my Buzz Lightyear tree decoration has gone missing.


We have been trying to explain as best we can that Daniel will be getting a little brother soon. And that he currently resides in mommy's tummy. Today he said "Baby Brody" when I asked him to say Baby Brother. Too cute for words.


And speaking of hobbies. Here's another one. I caught Daniel adding some crayon colour to our tv room walls. Yes, he knows its wrong. But its just so fun.

Almost 36 weeks...

And getting impatient, even though I have a ton of things to do before baby's arrival.

I do not go to the doctor until this coming Monday but I would like to ask if we are still considering a scheduled c-section or if we will let nature take its course (my vote is for nature - fingers and toes are crossed).

I still have my nights of insomnia but not all the time. I've been forcing myself to at least rest, if not nap in the afternoon while Daniel snoozes (Thank God he still naps!!) I've been trying to explain to him that we will be bringing a baby home soon. I've gotten him to kiss the baby (my belly) but he is only two so I'm not so sure he knows what the heck mommy is talking about.

Since I stopped working a couple of weeks ago my back has been much better. I've also stopped picking up Daniel unless absolutely necessary (like when he tries to run out into the street when we go outside - another Thank God for the fact that we aren't on a busy street.) By the way, little D insisted on weighing himself at my last doctors visit. He's now a whopping 32Lbs and just under 3 feet tall.

I did have some cramping and contractions the other night but they went away. I almost got excited there for a moment, but I haven't packed my hospital bag yet. :-P

Yes I am tired and it shows.

I had to compare my pics from this time last time because I feel so much smaller (and I've gained less weight) but I think I look pretty much the same.

Two and a week

I actually remembered to bring and use my camera at Daniel's birthday party and this is the only good picture I got. I must ask some of the guests (Daniel's Papa and Uncle Jason) for some of their pics.
Daniel loves the bouncy castle at the play center. Especially if the older kids join him. They put the bounce in bouncy castle.
Lucky for Danny, his cousin is having her fourth birthday party today at the play center. Plenty of big kids bouncing him around the castle.

In the last two weeks I have noticed a lot of Daniel's motor and vocal skills accelerating. He is able to do so much like put his blocks together. And the words he can all of a sudden say. He's even counting - sort of. Yesterday, while building his blocks up he counted, "Two, Five...two, five".

He has figured out how to turn on the computers by himself. Luckily he hasn't figured out the password - yet!

It would seem the cats are still trying to find their place in the new house. Sadly, we've had to confine them to the basement until we get a handle on their flea problem. Something we didn't expect when taking in our stray Cupid.
This is Bee. She's at a loss as to where to sleep - away from the other cats, the fleas and the two year old.

As for me, at 33 weeks (plus 2 days) pregnant, I'm tired and a wee bit cranky. Work is starting to take its toll however I'm not so sure I want to give it up yet. Aaron is going to take my busy day this week and I will go in on Friday. I'm just going to play it by ear for now. Since agreeing to this arrangment I have been sleeping better.
I still have to sort out the baby's room. I've got newborn clothes scattered around the room. A dresser from Daniel's bedroom set lying is parts on the floor. A spare bed that must go back to Baba's house. And closet shelves in need of repair. Maybe I should let go of some of my control freak ways and get some help - LOL!

6 days left

and then my little guy will be 2. Seems like yesterday we brought him home from the hospital and all he could say was "AHHH LAAAA" (which we translated to "I'm hungry"). This morning he said "Poo" as I chased him around trying to get him into a clean diaper.

And soon there will be two. I went for my 31 week doctors visit today which had me quite stunned. One of the things I love about pregnancy is the great dream recall. A few days ago I dreamt that I went for my appointment only I saw a doctor who wasn't mine. When I went to the office today in waking life she had a resident seeing patients with her. So dream prophecy fullfilled! Now to dream of the winning lottery numbers and we will truly be having a Merry Christmas.

The baby is doing well (of course - my guys are strong and smart!!). I had suspected he had flipped over because the shape of my belly changed. His head is down in my pelvic area getting ready for the big day. I thought it cool that I had figured this out on my own. Of course with the added pressure on my bladder I'd have to be pretty clueless. Doc is impressed with my weight (I'll give Daniel credit here. Chasing the little monkey around is a wonderful workout) and is still confident about the baby being small enough for a vaginal birth - yipee!!

And for a dose of cuteness. I asked Danny to say Cheese for the camera. Super cute result. (And yes he could probably use a hair cut. I can't bring myself to do it. When he gets a bit sweaty from running around the long piece up front curls and he looks like a little Superman!)

And me at 30 weeks pregnant just before heading off to a Thanksgiving get together. Yes once in awhile I will put an effort in and look somewhat refined. Being the thrifty girl I am - this dress is a maternity hand-me-down. I did however buy the stockings.

Early Birthday Present

I was having trouble deciding what to get Daniel for his second birthday. Similar to his clothing, he's kind of in-between sizes with toys too. Most are either to young for him or too advanced.
And since he doesn't string two words together (unless you can translate "mamo da") I couldn't really ask him what he wants. So we had to wing it.
We went to the store the other day for a rake and just to get out of the house and found Thomas.

The age restriction on this toy is from 2 to 6. Perfect! He comes with a "lantern" (flash light with a red sensor light) that Thomas the train with follow around.

Of course my dear son giggles until the train has run his course and then carries him back to me or his daddy to get him going again.

So the only trouble now is getting him to stop playing and go to bed without complaint. :D

29 Weeks and a Big Boy Bed

Hey, look I finally got a much needed hair cut!
I'm into the third trimester and still feeling reasonably good. A few aches and pains. Some Acid reflux. Oh and did I mention I get winded just sitting up? I'm pretty sure I felt/was bigger last time(Wow, I'm even wearing the same top). Maybe I'm just used to the idea this time. And I know that I have 11 weeks of growth left. I can't wait. Daniel has been so much joy to us.

And we are counting down to Daniel's 2nd birthday. This one seems even a bigger deal to me than the first. Maybe because he's not a baby any more and there are so many transitions he is going through.

Like getting a big boy bed.

He only fell out once last night. Aaron calmed him down and put him back in bed. And there he stayed until morning when he announced that he was awake. I thought it was a bit funny that he didn't climb out of bed until I went into his room.

23 Months

Almost 2 years old and I'm wondering where did the time go?

Daniel has started his reign of terror for independence. Meaning "NO" is his favourite word (even when he means yes he still says no). He pushes mommy and daddy away if he disapproves. Like when its nap time. (Of course he usually falls to sleep minutes after his bedroom door is closed.) He wants to drink from a big boy cup but when he pours it out onto the table and we take it away he gets quite upset.

Ahhhh the adjustment into the terrible twos. I'll just count my blessings that he's been such an easy baby to take care of. I'm hoping we will have it easier than some parents do with their little monsters toddlers.

One month to go my little man. Here comes potty training and big boy beds. Big brotherhood. A ton of learning (For you AND mommy and daddy). New words and experiences. And growing love.

I'm Perfect

At least my doctor thinks so. I went for my monthly visit today and everything is going well. My glucose test results were great. The doctor seemed particularly impressed with my blood count. Not sure what that means but its good. My blood pressure is normal. I've gained exactly as much weight as she wanted me to. And so far things are looking good for a VBAC. As long as this little guy doesn't decide to have an extreme growth spurt in the next 12-13 weeks and he gets into position when its time then its smooth sailing. Maybe I'm making labour and delivery sound too pleasant. But I do remember that C-SECTIONS SUCK!!!

I'm starting to get really excited about meeting this little guy and introducing him to his big brother.

27 Weeks

It's slowly coming together. Daniel is happy to finally have a seat at the big table. No more high chair for this guy.

At 27 weeks I finally feel pregnant. Meaning I can't breath. This kid is taking up quite a bit of real estate that used to be occupied by my lungs. And bladder. I'm thinking I might be more into the pregnancy now that I'm not concentrating on moving.

13 weeks to go. For some reason though I think we might meet the little guy sooner. Aaron and I both have a feeling that we are in for another c-section. And if memory serves me correct my doctor said that if scheduled we would probably do that a week before the due date. I'm starting to contemplate whether to just insist on a c-section now or wait it out. I would HATE for it to be another emergency c-section. Guess I've got a couple months to think about it.

One of the great things about the new house is our fenced in backyard. No more do we have to go away to play outside. And I get to watch my guys play from my kitchen window while I make dinner.

I think Daniel has the coolest dad!

Finally...Alone at Last

Don't get me wrong. I love my guys. I just haven't had a moment to myself since I don't know when.
So today I insisted that Aaron take Danny out to explore and leave Mama some time to do her thing.

This morning. At almost 27 weeks pregnant I finally have full length mirrors and I can finally see how pregnant I look.

It will be know problem getting back into shape after that baby is born. We came from a little house where we only lived on one floor. To this much bigger house with three levels.

I am still contemplating where to put the Windsor rocker my dad made for me. At the old house I had it in Danny's room where it was never used. Now that I have space I can show it off and use it on the main floor. But it might look nice in the baby's room. Lucky for Aaron it is a light piece of furniture.


So though I should be relaxing, I can't consider that when there is a whole kitchen that still needs organizing. Hey, to me that is relaxing. Aahhhh I love ME days.

King(s) of the Castle

Yes, we let our son run around outside in his diaper. It is his very own back yard after all.




I know of a couple of ladies who are probably looking at this big yard and plotting out a garden. That will have to wait until next year ladies. And I must leave enough room for a couple of young boys to play. I see a swing set in our near future :)

What I consider chaos!!!

The sentimental side of me wasn't around when more boxes lay in wait to be unpacked. So I didn't capture any pictures on my camera. My dad might have some I will have to steal. The OCD side of me took over and started putting things in their place almost immediately. Since I wasn't allowed to lift anything I had to do something to keep myself for going insane ;)

At my insistance Aaron and Dad set up the dining table (Oh My God! I HAVE A DINING ROOM!) on Friday. I do have a toddler to feed. They thought the table looked nice on that side of the room. I agree, but the light fixture is a safety hazard. Aaron will be moving it as soon as he has a moment.

Ready To Go

Daniel was ready to go on Friday morning. He didn't quite know what he was in for, but he's always up for an adventure.


Aaron managed to get a few important things to the house the night before when we gained possession of the key. You know, like the computers and TV.

It's On

The REAL countdown is officially on. By this time next week I will be waking up in a new house, hopefully with enough energy to start unpacking and organizing.

Things are getting quite hectic around here. With all the repair/freshening up of this house, the packing, and the toddler chasing I am quite exhausted by the end of the day. That doesn't mean I can sleep through the night ;) This pregnant body won't let that happen.

I am grateful that we are able to keep packed boxes at my mother-in-laws and at Aaron's work (which is only ten minutes from the new house). And I am grateful we have our small moving crew lined up or else I wouldn't be getting any sleep at all.

I must go begin my day. I hear a really cute little man calling for me. And a few more things to go into boxes that I never seem to have enough of. That is boxes that I don't have enough of. Not stuff. I've got plenty of that!!!

Yipee! The end is near!

24 Weeks

At this point I go from feeling big to having dreams that I am not showing at all. Grateful to wake up to visit the bathroom and feel this little kickboxer moving around.

My doctor visit last week went well. It was uneventful which is what we look forward too. She says the baby is growing well. And I am gaining weight the way she wants me too...ie not too much too fast! I credit the first child with this. I am running around with him instead of sitting on the computer munching away on peanut butter and banana sandwiches. Mmmmm that sounds good right now.

I told her about falling. Her response was that as long as I fell on my butt the baby should be fine. If anything bad was going to happen it would have happened in the first six hours. She also reminded me not to lift anything during the move. I told her that I am pretty bossy so I will just have to use that skill. She laughed "confessions good for the soul."

With only about 10 days until the move I am suffer a bit of insomnia. I wake to pee and then can't get back to sleep because my brain will not shut off. Usually it is just excited thoughts about moving. Sometimes it start thinking of all the things that still have to get done. I just want to be at the new house now so I can start nesting. Oh My God! The baby will be here in about 16 weeks let's hurry this up now!!

Okay, I promise myself I will try to remain calm and just know that things will happen as they should. Shut the brain off at 4am. If only I could get all these kids songs out of my head!!!

Cliche

We went to Walmart today and I found this jar of pickles for a really good price. I had to laugh at myself. Six months pregnant and buying a giant jar of pickles. This jar is bigger than the baby I carry :)

The Visit

We went to visit the new house today. We were happy to note that they had packing boxes all over the place. Aaron was worried they hadn't started packing. Every week when he goes to Ajax he drives past the house. One day they had the garage open and he noticed there were no boxes piled inside. He was a bit concerned. Crazy guy!

Daniel seemed right at home running from bedroom to bedroom. He loves the sliding closet doors. I just love that the closets are huge!

On the way down to the basement I slipped on the stairs. Mom in law and our real estate lady were very concerned but other than my back hurting and a scraped elbow I am fine. I landed on my butt/hip. I think the little guy enjoyed the ride. He started thumping around shortly after. (For all concerned : fetal movement is a great sign that everything is alright!) I will mention this to my OB/GYN on Tuesday when we visit just to double check. I blame the socks I was wearing. I've slid while wearing them before. I promptly threw them in the trash the minute we got home!

On this visit, my third to the house, the rooms looked even bigger than I remember. The more I see it the more I love it. I can't wait to show my parents. We are entitled to one more visit but at this point I think it would just be a tease. We are thisclosetomoveinday. I think I can wait the 19 days.

23 Weeks

Last Monday we took Daniel in for his vaccine. We were a few months late on it but better late than never. Up until that day we had a wonderful, happy good sleeping, hearty eating little boy. Now we have a miserable, crying, refusing food, saying NO to everything little pod person. From my understanding any side effects of the vaccine are only supposed to last 24 hours tops. He had a fever which broke at around the 24 hour mark.

We thought that it was over. Except all week he has been miserable. Even while visiting his Grandma Gogo. Even while Papa (Ya, we settled on Papa because that is what came out of Danny's mouth while greeting his Grandpa) was working at our house most of the week. He wakes up crying at all hours. I'm running out of ideas and patience. I need sleep too kid!

My dad did point out that he might be teething again. Those darned molars! I know it must be painful. We are all quite frustrated. The little guy seems to want to communicate words he doesn't yet know. And mommy and daddy just want to know how to make it all better so we can have our happy little monkey back.

I was also thinking that he might be feeling a bit of the upheaval of the coming move (about 19 days to go now!!!). Though we are not particularly stressed I guess he might be picking up on it. I haven't really started on packing any of his stuff yet - though I'd really love to tackle it. I think that might have to be a last minute room just to ease him into it.

We will be visiting our new house this weekend (the weekend we were originally suppose to move). I am looking forward to that. Hopefully Dan will be in a good mood for it!

At 23 weeks pregnant I am still small enough to get things done yet big enough to show the world that I am waddling for a good reason. And to wear my maternity jeans :) I feel the little guy kicking a lot more than I remember Daniel kicking. But that could just be me not remembering so well. I go to the doctor on Tuesday for my check-up. Boring routine stuff I guess! Better boring though in this case.

21...22 weeks I swear I grew overnight!

The other morning after getting dressed for work I realized how big I was all of a sudden. I swear it happened overnight. Must be all the exercize he's been getting - while I try to sleep. Which is hard to do with this little creature twisting and twirling and kicking and punching in my belly. Ya, I'm tired but loving it!

Here I was last week.

And just a minute ago (I am wearing the same pants. Notice they are a little more snug this week. I might not be able to wear them next week.):

My customers are starting to notice more now too. They are a lot more comfortable asking me questions about the pregnancy. I told one customer that we are expecting another boy and we both agreed that things should be easier with boys once they hit the teen years than a girl would have been. (She has a very sweet teenage son of her own.) Let us hope so ;)

And let's not forget our dose of Dan! Put a camera in front of this guy and he can't help but ham it up.