Baby To Arrive SOON

First, let me update you on my recent projects, then give you a Baby J update.

In this household, we go through an insane amount of yogurt for just two people.  We're partial to Greek yogurt especially, though I rarely purchase it because of the expense.  Yogurt has been my pregnancy staple, and that has increased our usage.  Not to mention that I bake with yogurt, make yogurt smoothies, etc.  I have been trying to find ways to reduce our monthly costs, and decided that I would tackle yogurt next.  I have always wanted to try making it anyway.  I did my research, discovered that it was pretty simple, and put my plan into action.  The result?  Delicious Greek yogurt that we both loved--better than the store version!  Easy to make, AND I can flavor it any way I like.  The best part, though, is that making my own yogurt will save us at least $20 a month!

The whey is what's left over after making the yogurt.  Apparently, it was once considered the "food of the gods."  You can use it in almost anything (substitute for water), and it is super healing for the gut (I'm interested in this particularly because of dealing with food allergies).  I won't bore you with all the details of what it actually does...  I'm pretty happy with the result, and since yogurt making required very little effort on my part, it's going to be part of my weekly chores!

And now for Baby pictures!

 35 weeks.

37 weeks.

You wanted more of an update, right?  Well, today at my 37 week appointment, I shocked my doctor.  This was the first time she checked for the pelvic station, effacement, dilation, etc, and she clearly wasn't expecting anything.  The conversation went something like this:

(look of shock) "Girl, you're pelvic station is basically fully engaged, you're over 90% effaced, and you're dilated at least 2 cm!  You want to tell me about those contractions you've been having again?"

Me: "Well, I haven't had anything that I thought was bad enough to be real labor yet, and..."

Dr: "Oh no!  We doctors hate people like you!  Crazy pain-tolerance--you're never going to know when you're in labor because you'll think it's not bad enough & then you'll have this baby in the car!  (turns to Brian)  If she even starts talking about pain, get her here!  Me, now, I want the epidural before I even start labor!"

We continued talking, but apparently some of those contractions/symptoms I've had have been "real labor contractions."  The doctor doesn't think I'll make it to my due date (just fine with me!), and figures it won't be long now.  Not to mention, I've met all the pre-labor symptoms and qualifications.  I don't want to get my hopes up, but I suppose we'll see.  I just wish all that nesting energy I had over the weekend would come back--I cleaned everything in the house-twice!  I got more done in 48 hours than I've been able to accomplish my entire pregnancy!  

So at this point, I'm allowed to encourage labor, and believe me, I will!  Baby J is more than welcome to come anytime--I can hold my little one, be DONE with throwing up, and get rid of these hives and sciatic nerve pain.

I'm going to be a MOM SOON!!

Smiles!

Catchup and Countdown

Here's hoping getting up early in the morning to post pictures will actually work today.  But I'll probably be napping later...

In September, we took a few days off to celebrate our first anniversary!  Brian was unable to get any time off from work over our actual anniversary, so we celebrated a month late.  Hopefully that won't always be the case, but I suppose August is a popular time for most people to travel.  We're thinking of making a beach trip an annual occurrence,  since it is our favorite place to be.  It was amazing to be able to just be together, away from home for a day or two.  It did rain quite a bit, and I was sicker than normal, but we truly relished the chance to deepen our relationship and reminisce over the first year of our marriage.

 We discovered this little car on a sunset walk.

 And I thought I felt big then!

 Bethany Beach, DE.  Lovely, very quite place.

 Assateague.  Lovely and wild looking place.  Almost haunting.  The pony drive is in July, so we missed that, and it was very rainy, so I think most of the horses were seeking shelter.  We came back covered in mosquito bites.  Brian did manage to capture this horse...

 ...And self-timer strikes again...  We're both getting pretty anxious for Baby J to make his/her appearance.  Don't know who is more excited.

 This is Baby J at 31 weeks.  Already outdated because my belly grows and changes shape daily.  This weekend I'll be 34 weeks, with about 6 to go!  

This Mommy is big and uncomfortable these days and very ready to meet her little one.  Feeling very mother bear-ish--want to keep baby all to myself for a little while. ;-)

  Papa Bear isn't much better.

Snowstorm in October!  This is the before shot; I don't have the after.  This is the first time in my life I've ever seen a snowstorm in October.  The last time we had an accumulation of snow like this was in 1925!  Apparently, La Nina has formed again, so we'll probably be in for a long, hard winter.  Brian and I are okay with that; we're going to stay snuggled in with our little one (though we might get a bit restless).  I think we got about 3 inches here, but where Brian works, and in the mountains, they had close to 10 inches!  Plus ice!  Crazy!!  The colored leaves were so pretty against the white snow.

I have lots of projects to complete before this Baby arrives, but it doesn't seem to make the waiting any easier!  Know what else?  It's almost Thanksgiving....AND CHRISTMAS!!  My favorite time of year!  Enjoy it, people!

Smiles!