The Waiting Game

....Ain't nobody got time for that.... :)

Literally, 5 days until due date - OMG it's torturous to wait.... not to mention, she will probably come late :) Which I am continually trying to wrap my head around. The fact that I cannot plan anything with regard to this pregnancy. I like plans and I like knowing exactly how something will turn out... Its sick, how crazy I am about time and knowing everything... Since I have been pregnant I haven't known ANYTHING - everything is a surprise. Before I became pregnant, I would have told you exactly how it would all be.... and let me tell you EVERYTHING has been a surprise. A good friend of mine gave me some advice - she said, '...this is your first lesson in parenting, you need to let go and trust your child, trust your body and trust god'. I will admit, that since, I have 'let go' to the best of my ability, I have been able to discover some AMAZING (and not so amazing) things that I could not have told you 9 months ago would happen.

I didn't know:

- I would have CRAZY morning sickness that lasted ALL day
- I would have to stop running
- I would cry LESS than before (I have become somewhat less sensitive)
- I would want to have a natural no intervention labor and delivery
- How involved Kevin would be (he has been amazing)
- I would fall in love with Kevin ALL OVER AGAIN - for totally different reason's then before.... It's the most incredible feeling. You don't think its possible to love your husband more than you do.... and than YOU DO! :)
- I wouldn't feel quite like a MOM right away.... I honestly thought as soon as I found out I was pregnant I would go into mom-mode - but I didn't
- I would connect with the baby the most when she started moving
- Zoey would be so protective of me and the belly
- Zoey would recognize the word "sister" and kiss my belly
- We would meet people that would change our lives forever (our doula and our guru)

These are all things I didn't plan on, and things that I couldn't imagine life without - if that makes sense.... by not being in control of the situation, I found myself more happy then I ever could have imagined. To top it off we figured this out on our own :) This has been the most amazing experience for Kevin and I....

I am really going to try and let go, and relax these last couple days (or weeks I guess), especially so I am enjoying my time with Kevin while it's just us (and Zoey)

I have concluded that if Harper is early, she will be like mamma and if she is late (hehe) she will be like daddy... We shall see. Kevin thinks if she is late then she was probably doing her hair lol....

OO - we bought a new camera!! LOVE IT!! Check out the latest Zoey pic :) she's so stylish

XOXO

Engagement Pics (UMMM FINALLY)

SO  3 years later, I am posting engagement pictures.  It's Friday night, and I am relaxing with Kevin, thinking this is one of the last Friday nights EVER it will be just us, relaxing.  Now, I am not saying we won't relax with Harper, but it will be different for sure....  Anyways, I was going through pictures and realized that I never shared these with anyone at any time.  These were taken in October, 2010.

We became engaged Friday, September 3, 2010.  We had talked about it for a while (like forever) and decided together as a couple it was TIME.  On a whim, this particular night we just went out and got a ring :)  We make 100% of our decsions together, and this was no exception. :) It was really special, it was one of the most memorable days of my life :)

In October we decided to get pictures taken :)

This is at the GORGE METRO PARK, in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio.  We would go there ALL the time and hike/hang out.  The Gorge - Website

Just putting this out there, although some may already know, my husband is a total ham - he takes great pictures and feels totally comfortable in front of a camera.... me however, I am sooooooooooo akward and really don't feel too comfortable getting my picture taken.... hahaha :) but I really do LOVE these pictures, because this was such a special time for us - I think the pictures really captured our excitment....

XOXO

37 Weeks, Nailed it!

OK so for all of those "BTDT" (been there done that) moms you can probably relate when I say that each week that goes by (mostly in the third tri) you feel "accomplished" or like you "survived".... I am at the point where its hard to move fast/sleep/drink water lol - pretty much anything :) and everything is "something" - I have been convinced I have been in labor at least 3 times this week.  Honestly, it's just a waiting game - she still has a couple weeks to cook and I just need to relax.... which I have been - honestly, I am much less of a spazz than I sound ;)

I do want to share a couple things my mid-wife, doula, and guru shared with me on how to prepare  for labor in the "final weeks"

Red Raspberry Leaf Tea & Evening Primrose Oil

Here is some good information about Red Raspberry Leaf Tea from a good blog RRLT, but basically it helps strengthen your uterus to make contractions more productive when the time (actually) comes.... My midwife suggested I drink three cups daily beginning at 37 weeks.  (It's delicious)

Here is some good information for evening primrose oil EPO, but basically it helps soften your cervix  to prepare for labor.  My midwife suggested I take two capsules a day beginning at 37 weeks.  I haven't had any negative side effects (like nausea) so it seems to be doing well....

Of course I am still taking my prenatal - and because I am a FTM I am really not sure how this will all affect my labor but I am trusting the support we have surrounded ourselves with and moving forward.

XXOO

FTM Guess at a Hospital Bag

In just an hour, we will be FULL TERM with Harper!!!  WOOOO HOOOO!!!  I feel great.... well as good as can be :) This is the BEST reason to feel completely uncomfortable :).

Today we bought a camera - YESS!!! FINALLY I will have some quality photos to post on here, to (duh) enhance my fantastic writing (LOL)....

Anyhow - as a FTM (first time mom), a lot of the decisions Kevin and I are making are based on one of several things; opinions of others, class, our doula, Pinterest, & Google.... SOOO combining ALL of the information on what to have at the hospital, we came up with what seemed "reasonable" to pack in our bag.... for whatever it's worth here goes:

MOM:
- 3 pairs of comfy socks
- 2 sporty nursing bras (nothing fancy or underwire)
- 3 pairs of underwear I don't mind ruining
- 3 cami tanks
- 1 cardigan
- 2 pairs of sweatpants I don't mind ruining

DAD:
- jeans
- 3 tees
- sleeping pants
- 3 pairs of socks
- 3 boxers

HARPER:
- 2 onesies
- 1 go-home outfit
- 1 pair of booties
- 1 hat

GROOMING:
- shampoo/conditioner
- soap
- tooth paste / brush
- hair care
- facial cleaner/moisturizer

MISC:
- IPAD / charger
- Phones/Chargers
- Camera/Battery

At some point in the near future, I will come back and  refine this list so I feel comfortable with other FTM's taking my advice :)

XOXO