week 36

Best Moment: Tuesday! Evan was offered a great job at Amazon!! WOOHOOO!! Such amazing news for Evan and our family. I'm so proud of him, as he's worked so hard to get into Amazon and finally, his talents speak for themselves. It's about time they see what an asset he will be. It's insane timing but we're thrilled and feel an enormous sense of relief. So, so very proud of my wonderful, talented, darling husband. Oh and we also just so happened to celebrate our THIRD anniversary that night as well. Perfection.
Aside from Tuesday, Friday is a nice second. It started with our ultrasound which was...interesting. Because the quarters are so cramped, we couldn't make out much of baby, just a nice round head and clear spine. Both good things. Otherwise, we didn't see much else. The tech made us turn our heads a few times so we couldn't get a sneak peak at baby's "parts" but Evan was sure tempted! We've got 4 weeks left man, just hold tight. Aside from getting one last glimpse of baby before his/her big debut, we also learned that our little bee isn't so little. In fact, we're talking 96th percentile here. Apparently this means nothing more than baby is healthy and...big. Of course, mother guilt kicked in immediately and I automatically assumed that it was my "fault." Was it the milkshakes? The fact that I haven't been consistently walking the past few weeks? Shit! But alas, none of the above turned out to have anything to do with baby's size. In fact, at this stage in the game, the measurement is based solely on length and bone/muscle weight. Okay, whew!  So we have a big, healthy baby. Love it. It also doesn't mean that baby is going to come early, which I am fine with. Mama needs just a tad bit more time to get "there" emotionally.
We were also able to check a couple Ballard spots off our must-do list. Hot Cakes= best milkshake ever. Kickin' Boot= wonderful deck with apps and bevies and fabulous husband.
Cravings/Aversions: I'm bringing this one back because I've noticed a few cravings popping up. Aside from sweets, anything citrus is taking over my brain. YUM. Main aversions are anything that will cause more heartburn, which ironically includes citrus...Ah sweet irony. And sweet Zantac.
Symptoms: This could be laundry list time as at this stage in the game, I just might have all the 36 weeks pregnant symptoms. But that's to be expected, right? Good news, I'm just chuggin' and waddling my way through the next few weeks.
What I miss: The ability to anticipate what lies ahead. As we grow closer to baby's bday, I'm growing more and more anxious and, well, scared. The unknown is anxiety-inducing and for someone like me, who's anxiety meter is always a little higher than most, it's an interesting time. There is so much we don't know about what to expect when bringing baby home and how much our lives will change, that I can't help but feel nervous about it. And it doesn't help that people only feel the need to share the challenges of having a newborn. Sorry, did I give the impression that I thought it would be a walk in the clouds? Yes, we understand we won't sleep, we get that it's going to be hard, we hear that we can't prepare for it. Got it, noted. Now remind me of the GOOD!
What I'm looking forward to: is it a boy or a girl? In just a few short weeks, we'll know!!
Milestones: Your baby has added another one-half pound and now weighs nearly 6 pounds, measures almost 19 inches in length (or more if you're lil Sodi), and is almost ready to check out of "Hotel Mom." Your baby has moved downward into your pelvic cavity; hopefully headfirst (confirmed0.

deep thoughts on pregnancy

• really, i have to pee again? this is absurd
• really, i'm hungry again? this is absurd
• baby, what exactly are you doing in there?
• that placement? directly on my pelvis? is just not working for me
• thanks stretch marks, you really know how to make a gal feel special
• can i please just take a nap?
• husband + 3 pillows + expanding belly + queen size bed = completely illogical
• does "big baby" mean that all the newborn onesies are null and void?
• cannot stop thinking about baby
• so excited
• so effing scared
• we've officially entered the "waiting" zone...tick tock
• boy or girl...BOY OR GIRL!??!?!

week 35

for the record, i don't really look like this (my face at least)

Best Moment: Progress has been made! Saturday night we put the crib together and got the dresser in baby's room. Hallelujah almighty. Auntie Sneaks also got to join in the fun and helped us build the little crib masterpiece! It was only fitting that she got to experience the "monumental" moment in our lives or right of passage, whatever you would call building your first child's crib. The room is coming along so well now and it's really starting to feel like we have a place for the little bee. Evan and I even did a trip to Target to stock up diapers and some wipes, just to be sure we are set for the first few days. I believe this is officially the nesting period! While I'm not ready for baby to move on out, I do find myself feeling more and more prepared. whew.

Symptoms: I hesitate describing my symptoms sometimes because I don't want it to sound like I'm complaining, but a symptom is a symptom right? Doesn't mean I have to hate it but it's certainly no lovefest either. My back is feeling the effects as of late. Of course, to be expected, but dang Gina, can't a girl just sit for a little while without getting all uncomfortable and antsy? And really, the same goes for standing. I guess I need to just keep doing my cat/cows (yoga poses for those not hip to the yoga lingo) and hang on for another few weeks.
What I miss: Standing and sitting like a normal person. Ooh and getting out of bed. It's officially roll time and one of my least favorite things (along with having to bend down and pick something up). It's not that it's painful or anything, but just super awkward and inconvenient. Gone are the days of me springing out of bed - ha, like that ever really happened. But if they did, those days are gone and now I do a nice slow roll to a standing position.

What I'm looking forward to: What am I not looking forward to? We have 4 weeks (technically) until little Sodi joins the party and there is so much to look forward to. Friday we have an ultrasound to be sure that the babe is still head down, moving towards the light- although I can confirm that without an ultrasound. The hiccups on my pelvic bone are a clear indicator of baby's position, but hell, we'll take one last glimpse of little bee in utero before h/h big debut! I'm anxious to see how little space the poor thing has. Lord knows we're both feeling the cramped quarters, but it will be such a different scene from our last ultrasound when h/s had a nice little apartment to move about in.
Milestones: Baby's now the size of a coconut! From now on, baby's growth is mostly in the plumping up department- though he won't get much longer, he'll put on a pound or more of baby fat before birth. His hearing is totally developed!

we're going to need another fan

Act 1
Setting:  Outside temp- 94 degrees. Inside office temp- air conditioned
Scene: In a meeting where I'm standing and suddenly feel something dripping down my leg. Panic. Did my water just break? OMG, is this it?!! Wait...I'm hot, real hot. And sweating. Really sweating. That's not my water breaking but instead my thighs breaking a sweat. Great day to wear white linen pants.

Act 2
Setting: Outside temp- 94 degrees. Inside office temp- air conditioned. Different day, same blazing story
Scene: Sitting in conference room with about 17 other people including VP of Creative (who is also flamboyantly gay), door is closed. Feeling sweat building on my brow. Start fanning myself as if my life depends on it (which it does, as does baby's). Fast forward 3 hours. Back in same room with VP. Immediately he asks "How are you doing? I was worried about you earlier. At one point I looked over at you and thought there she goes, she's going down. I thought we were going to have to call a medic."

bzzz

As promised, here are some snapshots from my fabulous shower. Again, an enormous THANK YOU to Lora, Dana and Tiff!! It was a dream shower!!

week 34

Best Moment: Week 34 was a goodie. Not only did I have my first (fabulous!) baby shower, but I also turned the big 3-0. Raise the roof. Or not. I mean, turning 30 whilst pregnant is much like what I suspect Mormons feel like turning 21. Pretty damn uneventful. But it's all good, next year we shall celebrate in style. This year, it was all baby. As with every year, I took my bday off and was able to squeeze a lot in and have a great day! It started with a doc appt. My mom came up and she was able to meet my doctor, finally (and thankfully, Dr. Emanuel passed the Vea Steppan test). Baby is doing good. Measuring at about 36 cm, which Dr. E assured me doesn't mean the baby will be huge or born early...so it's all good. She did a lot of pushing around trying to determine where little bees head was and subsequently listened to the heart beat. All that jostling around sure got baby moving and h/s clocked a 174 bpm! That's pretty much a sprint. After the appointment, we grabbed a great lunch by the lake, then headed downtown so  I could get my hair did. My bff then surprised both my mom and I with pedis on Queen Anne. She continues to live up to her "Sneaks" nickname! The pedi was glorious and then it was off to dinner with a few friends and Denny and Vea. 30 didn't seem so bad!
Then came Saturday. Oh glorious, wonderful Saturday! My good friends Tiffany, Lora and Dana threw me the most beautiful baby shower that I still cannot get over. Down to every little detail, these ladies thought of everything and I couldn't have felt more special. Pics to come (how in the world do you download FB pics to a mac??!!? Grrr). Little bee and I are so incredibly lucky.
Finally, to round out the week, Tuesday night we had our final birthing class! I think we're ready for baby now- ha...
Symptoms: These days mama is feeling pr.e.g.na.nt. I mean, big time. I imagine heat has something to do with it, but good Lord. It's cruel and unusual. And makes me appreciate those crazy menopausal women even more. Aside from that, my hips are a little sore, my lower back is feeling it and sleep is an interesting concept. All things you'd expect from a woman in her 34th week. My favorite "symptom" though is feeling this little ninja rock and roll. Granted sometimes the amount of movement makes me nervous. "Why are you so anxious? Settle down, you've go nowhere to be just yet." But it's so surreal to see my belly move in waves, as our little bee tries h/h best attempt to get comfy. Sorry babe, this is all the room mama has to offer.
What I miss: Enjoying the wonderful hot weather. Now? Loathe. Why does it have to be so gd hot out? someone turn on the air!
What I'm looking forward to: Earlier today I was really excited about meeting the babe. Imagining holding h/h in my arms and being consumed with love. At this current moment, I'm feeling nervous and anxious. We're down to the wire hear and it's all becoming so real. we need to get everything prepared, car seat in the car, crib built, buy more diapers, have my other shower, etc, etc.
Milestones: Baby's now the size of a butternut squash! Baby can recognize and react to simple songs...time to start practicing your lullabies! In fact, baby will recognize frequently sung tunes after birth and probably find them soothing. Less cute news: She now urinates about one pint per day. Get the diapers ready!

week 33

hooters hidden

Best Moment: Selfishly my best moment was Saturday when I got to float the river with a group of friends. Evan didn't get to join in the fun, as he was taking care of our black son and getting some baby prep done. But let me tell you what, it was a fabulous day for this hot mama! The temp was near 90 and   to be on the river all day was glorious! Picture my 8 month self lounging in a 2 man raft, sailing down the lazy Snoqualamie. Pure bliss. And the company was a major bonus. It was a multi-person bday celebration so there were about 15 of us all tied together. Such a great time and exactly where I needed to be to avoid the devil's heat. Sunday was also a great day, as Evan and my dad painted the baby's room (the right color)! The first color we had the painter do was supposed to be grey but apparently natural light and time of day can totally affect just how that grey shows up. Little did we know that great grey color would be a nice little lavender once applied to our walls. So moving on, we found a great aqua color and baby has cheery, gender neutral walls! Sara and my mom also came over and we dove head first into making ourselves some hooter hiders. You know, the little apron-like things that cover the baby and your hooters when nursing. 4 hours later, I'd say it was a success. More importantly, how impressed are you with our domestic side? Loved spending the day with my mom and sharing yet another preg experience with Frida. lovely day.
Symptoms: I'm starting to feel the effects of my belly buddy. The sore hips, the uncomfortable pelvis, the fatigue, the lower back pain...all the glorious that "they" said to come about this time have joined the party. Sure it's not a walk in the park, but it's bearable. Just not the most comfortable I've ever been in my life. But it's all for the glory of our little bee, right? Sure. I think h/s is beginning to feel some symptoms of h/h self. We've got one active little ninja in here and I'm sure it's just trying to figure out how in the hell to get comfortable in such cramped quarters. We're quickly outgrowing this living situation. Well hopefully not too quickly...

Evan being a doll and rubbing mama's piggies

What I miss: The way my body used to work. Right now it's been taken hostage and I'm along for the ride. It's tough work, growing this little life.
What I'm looking forward to: So many things! Meeting baby is #1. I just cannot wait to hold our little  bundle! I feel my love deepening for this foreign stranger in my body, which is such an odd sensation, but I can't help it. It's amazing how the maternal instincts can just kick in. I can't imagine what it will be like when h/s is finally here and truly part of our lives. Cannot wait! Saturday is my first shower, which I'm also pretty excited about. Of course, having most of my darling friends together all at once is what I'm really looking forward to. Oh and Friday? I turn 30. Whoa. You can bet this chick is really going to live it up.
Milestones: This week your baby weighs a little over 4 pounds (heft a pineapple) and has passed the 17-inch mark. He's rapidly losing that wrinkled, alien look and his skeleton is hardening. The bones in his skull aren't fused together, which allows them to move and slightly overlap, thus making it easier for him to fit through the birth canal (we come from France- quick, name those characters). These bones don't entirely fuse until early adulthood, so they can grow as his brain and other tissue expands during infancy and childhood.