3 Weeks Old!

Little man is growing fast!  He already feels much heavier, his head is looking huge to me and his wrists and cheeks seem to be filling out a bit.  He's eating about 12-15 times a day this past week which is exhausting for me, but I'm happy that he's growing and that I can provide him with his food.  We're over the thrush issues though I have some residual soreness.  I went to a La Leche League meeting on Monday to get some breastfeeding support and the ladies there were helpful and validating to my issues and feelings.  It's great to have all this community support available to me.

This picture is from December 22nd on our first walk near the beach.  He seemed to enjoy being carried in his sling!

This picture is of Enzo and Esme (my friend Deborah's little girl) on Christmas day.  Esme was 10 days old and Enzo 15 days old.  They will grow up to be best friends I'm sure!

We've spent a few mornings here trying to get a good photo of Enzo for the birth announcement.  Here's a picture from Thursday that is good, but that we're not using.  Tie-dye courtesy of Grandma Sheila via Wheatland of course!

And here he is today in his baby jail outfit!  

And lastly, thank you all for the outpouring of Christmas/Chanukah/baby gifts!  I will get to everyone individually soon to thank you, but I wanted to  let everyone know how much we appreciate our friend's and family's generosity!

Happy New Year!

First Bath!

His cord fell off on December 20th so yesterday we were brave enough to give him his first tub bath!

It didn't start out so great.  He did not enjoy laying back in the sling.

But once we sat him up he seemed more content and quit screaming!  I think we're going to get one of these.  The video is so cute!

After the bath he got dried in his ducky towel then into his bathrobe.  Yes, I know I look tired and unwashed, but Enzo is happy!

Ready for an evening of lounging.

Then into his jammies!  This belonged to the Metcalf boys when they were little ones.

Yesterday we also went to the ocean and walked on West Cliff Drive for awhile.  Then we went out to lunch at an outdoor cafe.  Baby got fresh air and the parents got to feel like they were part of civilization again!  We were all very tired by the end of the day.

One week and One Day

Enzo is such a joy!  We are so in love with him and enjoying this week of many firsts.  Anyone reading this has probably read the birth story in the email we sent out and one of these days I may post it here adding a few more details.  This post is about his week of firsts.  Everything is so new and exciting!

First outfit!  This was taken right before leaving the hospital.

Right after this picture was taken at the hospital, he threw up everywhere - his first puke and first frantic outfit change.  Also, this is before his first car ride.

We took him home on Wednesday the 14th.  Pat made this beautiful sign!

Enzo after his first sponge bath in his ducky towel.

First family walk with Enzo in his sweet ride!

First outfit I bought for him and it says "Mommy's little Pumpkin".  I actually don't think it suits him.  He is more of a colorful cotton outfit baby.  We've been using this though when we go outside because it's warm and it's the only thing that fits him perfectly.

First cloth diaper!  We weren't planning on using a pacifier until after a month, but his screaming during diaper changes changed our minds.  We only give it to him during the diaper change for some self soothing.

This expression says to me, "Hey dudes, milk is kool!"

Ahhhh!  Too cute in his t-shirt and cloth diaper!  Just look at those chicken legs.

First fancy outfit!  Fox onesie courtesy of Amey and adorable beyond belief.

Not exactly a first, but Jake and Enzo have an afternoon habit of snoozin' and readin'.  They are so cute I can't leave them alone!

41 Weeks!

Oh dear!  What's a girl to do?  We're trying everything we can to get this baby out naturally.  I had two appointments this past week to make sure baby's heart rate is okay and everything is fine.  I've been having painless contractions since last Tuesday which kinda means I'm in very early labor.  It's just nice to know that something is happening in there!  This was me before by appointment on Saturday morning, when Jake thought we wouldn't come back to the house for a few days.  At this point our power was still out after the storms on Wednesday.  It was out for a total of 4 days and it was stressful!  Luckily it came back on Saturday afternoon and I got busy doing laundry and running the dishwasher.

Pat and Gary arrived last night and we're trying to think of things to keep us occupied.  Today we went to pick out a Christmas tree!  Jake has been wanting one for years and I finally caved.  We went to a tree farm near our house and picked out the best one, of course.

Here is Jake and Gary coming to inspect that one I choose.

Jake and I next to the tree before it was cut.

 Jake and Gary did a great job!

I was horrible at trying to saw off the little branches at the bottom.  I didn't even one off!  We were hoping this would induce labor.

Packed up on the car.

Me using techniques to remind Pumpkin to come out!!

40 Weeks!

Well, what can I say?  I thought I would go early and now I'm going to be late!  The doula and midwife keep reminding me that the baby is ready when it is ready.  We're trying a few natural induction techniques as of now and we'll start getting a little more serious later this week with herbs and such.  We'll see how my exam on Wednesday turns out and take it from there.  Baby is still moving a lot and just feels so big in there!  It must be pretty cozy in there.  We really had our hearts set on a Thanksgiving baby, but I wouldn't be surprised if it was a December baby!

I'm trying to stay busy by stocking up the kitchen and doing some housecleaning that isn't too hard on me.  I'm taking more naps and distracting myself with games on the iPad.  Jake also expressed a desire to learn how to knit and we've been spending our evenings watching movies and making baby hats.  Jake made a small washcloth as his first project and made a hat for his second project.  It's so cute!  (Jake put the hat on the bear that Jen made for us.)

To be continued......

Discouraging Day

Today was a bit discouraging.  At my appointment today my exam revealed that the baby is not engaged (read: dropped and ready to go) and I'm not dilated at all.  Cervix is "pretty ripe" but I was hoping to be farther along than that.  The midwife is pretty sure I'll go over my date and I have no reason to feel otherwise as well since I haven't been having contractions yet.  I know the baby won't stay in forever but it still seems like labor is so far away and I just want to get it over with!

Also, I dropped my phone on a dog walk yesterday (since I'm now forever attached to it in case something happens), the screen cracked and Jake had to take it to San Jose to get it fixed for $150.  Now I have a new-to me refurbished phone and I've lost information (lots of pictures) from my previous phone.

Just a frustrating day.  Hopefully tomorrow's food fest will put me in better spirits.  These bourbon pecan pie truffles that I made yesterday are helping though:

Week 39

Well, last week was the worst!  But now I'm feeling much much better and have unfortunately passed the plague on to Jake and now he's miserable (and has to continue working).  Being sick was a bit of set back in terms of project Pumpkin so this week is focused on finishing up those last minute tasks and preparing for Thanksgiving.  We've made no plans with anyone so if there's no baby in the next few days, Jake and I will be gorging on Thanksgiving yumminess by ourselves in the comfort of our own home.  Not really complaining about that!

Today I had a heavy duty acupuncture session focusing on induction.  We are all rooting for this baby to come out by the weekend!  I see the midwife on Wednesday and I'll most likely get checked to see if I've dilated at all.  Will keep everyone updated.

Amey drew these amazing designs for some onesies!  I love them so much!  She drew them, then printed them out on to iron on paper and put them on organic onesies.  Such an amazing gift!

Here is Amey, me and Sophia after a big Hawaiian dinner (from November 12).

This is from a couple days ago, where I am testing the tensile strength of my t-shirt.

38 Weeks

Pure misery!

I woke up Monday morning with a terrible cold!  Everything on my head hurts right now, even my hair for some reason.  I can't take the pharmaceuticals I'm used to for symptom management so hot showers, vitamins, herbal supplements and acupuncture (I luckily already had an appointment to see her yesterday at noon).  Sleeping helps too so I'll be trying that as much as possible.  I thought I would make it through the pregnancy without getting sick - I was so close!  I also really don't want to go into labor while ill, which I don't think will be an issue at this time.  Baby is still moving around a lot and I have a check up tomorrow with the midwife.

Baby Room

It's coming together!  

Here are the curtains Jake thought I would never do!  It killed my back to iron, measure and hem them, but Jake helped and I'm glad they're done.  I think there's enough fabric to do a small window on the other wall.

Changing table with Jen's Mr. Bear in the new swaddler I got on etsy.  The print is forest animals and is really cute.  I got it here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/VintageKandy?section_id=10346032.

Crib, obviously.

Drawer full of clothes since I know some of you have been asking if we had enough.  There are a range of sizes.  The entire left half is all newborn-3 month sizes.

And I'm so excited about this outfit!  Carrying on the tradition of a hippie baby!

37 Weeks

Randomness:

1.  Last Friday I had a quick ultrasound and Pumpkin is in the right position (head down)!  My check up went well and I'm finished with my birth plan.  We'll go over tomorrow with our doula to make the final touches.

2.  I've been pampering myself - last Thursday I had a pedicure (my first ever!), Friday I had a facial and today I saw the acupuncturist.  Gotta take care of myself!

3.  My work baby shower was yesterday.  There was a photographer but I don't have any of the pictures yet.  The shower was really nice and my friends put together a great party continuing with the Pumpkin/Cranberry theme!  We played a few games such as "how many cranberries are in the bucket?" and "what kind of melted candy bar is in the diaper?".  For gifts I received lots of clothes, tons of burp clothes, cash, some gDiapers and a few other miscellaneous things (including a bottle of wine for mommy!).  I also came home with a lot of food which has been handy since I'm getting less busy in the kitchen lately.  Will post some pictures when I receive them.

4.  Took a nice walk with Jake and the dog on Saturday.  Rain cut it a bit short though.  

5.  We got a new camera lens and Jake's been practicing and taking some great pictures with it.  Must practice before we start taking millions of pictures of the baby!

Baby Shower from 10/22

Amey (our hostess and good friend) wrote up a little piece about the shower on her blog.  There are more pictures of the decorations, food and of her dog Snoopy being a party animal!  Click here to see!

36 Weeks!

Technically full term, but I think the Pumpkin needs to cook just a little longer!  It's still moving around frequently and those feet on my right side can get a little uncomfortable.  Heck, I'm just all uncomfortable.  Still loving being on maternity leave and I'm far from being bored.  I am pretty good at entertaining myself though, always have been.  Hopefully that trait will be passed on!

Here's a few photos I've been meaning to put up.  Just a few weeks behind!

Me at 34 weeks.  Still hot outside making me miserable.

A few shots from the baby shower.  I'm really disappointed I didn't get more pictures of my friends, especially of the ones I don't see that often.

Book themed cupcakes made by Amey and Sophia.  They are pink because it's a raspberry frosting, not because they are gendered!

Jake and I looking through a book that Kim brought.  (Cousin Tracy in the background)

Jen made us a very cute doll!    One of the few handmade gifts we've received, so it's extra special.  

 Some party guests from left to right: Cynthia Mathews (Amey's mom), Deborah, Laura, Andy, Rose and Kim.

And for Halloween Jake and I carved a special gestational themed pumpkin, a babysaurus in a pregnant tummy.  

Me sitting on our old porch steps (where our friends live now) next to the babysaurus pumpkin rex.

35 Weeks!

We are getting so close!  Is it time to freak out yet!?!

Both our doula and friend Deborah predict that I'll go into labor before 40 weeks and told us so on Sunday.  I think this freaked Jake and I out a little so that night we ordered a ton of stuff on Amazon for baby essentials - diaper bag, changing pads, reusable diapers wipes and wipe warmer, newborn outfits.....

More to come about the awesome baby shower on Saturday!  Still need to download pictures, but in a nutshell it was so fun, the weather was warm, the guests were fabulous and the food incredible.  Jake played bartender again and helped me open all the presents.  Our library is getting big!  Thanks again to Amey and Sophia for hosting a shindig to remember, for Jake and I will probably never have any fun again....

Friday Update

I've had a stressful week - the last few days of work were tough, I fell going to my car after work on Tuesday and today I have 8 hours day of testing at work starting at 7am.  I've decided to go on maternity leave a week early because of back and pelvis pain and when I saw the midwife yesterday we faxed all the paper work.  I think it was a good decision - I couldn't bear thinking that I had three more days of work left!  I may be a wimp going on early leave, but I need to stay healthy.  I am worried about getting bored, lazy and uncomfortable until I deliver!  I have a lot to do still before pumpkin arrives, but I've noticed when I don't work I get extra lazy at home.

And yes, I'm writing this at 4:30 am because apparently Pumpkin likes to dance or do aerobics starting at 3am!  I had to be up at 5am anyway so I though I'd get up early, make a decent breakfast and update everyone on my decision to leave work early.

I'm really looking forward to tomorrow where I get to see a ton of my friends (and some family) at my baby shower at Amey's.  Jen is coming in for the weekend which will be wonderful as well.  It's going to be so fun!

34 Weeks

I'm currently in the midst of my super busy month!  All last week was work and appointments the next week and a half will go as follows:

Today: work
Tuesday: work
Wednesday: work
Thursday: midwife and shopping for Saturday
Friday: 7am class for work
Saturday: super huge baby shower!
Sunday: work
Monday: work
Tuesday: LAST DAY OF WORK!

I'm really hoping I'll get to finish off work but I promise I will stop early if it gets too hard or stressful.  It's just another long week then maternity leave where the only things I have planned are midwife appointments and parties (including another baby shower that my co-workers are throwing for me).  Also, a lot of internet shopping is planned so Pumpkin better not come too early.

I saw this on another pregnancy blog and thought I'd copy parts of it.  Here we go, Week 34 by the numbers.

1. Weeks pregnant: 34

2. Days pregnant: 238

3. Days until due date: 42 (OMG!!!)

4.  Blood pressure: 113/70

5.  Babies heart rate: last appointment it was about 140

6.  Items packed for hospital: 0

7.  Hours I predict I'll be in labor: 24

8. Number of childbirth education classes so far: 1

9.  Most recent baby purchase: super cute diaper covers and infant thermometer (edit: make that a humidifier since Jake just called from Costco)

10.  Number of hours of sleep I need to function: 5

11.  When I'm most energized: at work actually

12.  Diet: have been carb crazy lately, really need to work on more protein intake

13.  Exercise: mostly dog walks though I can't go very far since my bladder feels like it's going to explode within 10 minutes, gentle stretching as well that helps my hips and back

14.  Average number of times at night I get up to pee:  1

15.  Number of times I change position during sleep: countless!

16.  Things I enjoy about being pregnant: not a whole lot, but now that I'm nearing the light at the end of the tunnel, the baby part!

17.  Parts of my body that hurt the most: heartburn and pelvis (I swear it's dissolving!)

18. What I'm looking forward to post baby: baby snuggles, breastfeeding and being able to move around without grunting and moaning

19. Times I've been sick during the pregnancy: excluding nausea, 0, though I did have a couple of cruddy days where I felt I was almost getting sick, but it never really turned into anything.  I may take these vitamins forever!

20.  Time off for maternity leave: 4 weeks before and probably 2 months afterward, haven't totally decided but it's flexible

21.  How Jake and Turnip are doing: Jake has been a wonderful husband (foot rubs! making it to all midwife appointments) and expectant father (putting together the baby room, wanting to feel the baby move).  I can't wait to see him hold our Pumpkin!  I think Turnip knows there a change coming.  She sleeps by my side constantly on the floor when I'm sleeping alone.  She even pushes open the door with her head if I have the door closed because it's day time.  I think she'll be a great big sister.  The biggest challenge with her will be keeping their toys segregated.  She thinks all the baby toys are hers right now!

That was fun!  I like having stats!
    

33 Weeks

This month is super packed with work, appointments, parties and classes!  For example, I worked last Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, then I had acupuncture on Wednesday, meeting with the doula on Thursday, midwife appointment on Friday and then we left for San Francisco on Saturday which was Jake's birthday.  Whew!  This week is looking pretty similar and then next three Saturdays I have parties to go to (including my own baby shower Amey is throwing for me!).  Actually, I just looked at my calendar and I have something everyday for the next 15 days.  But then, maternity leave!  And then I can be as lazy as I want for the next month.  With my luck I'll probably give birth my first day out....

Anyway, our trip to San Francisco was a little disappointing.  We left early on Saturday morning to go to Sage's 4th birthday party at Big Basin state park.  We were a little late and then couldn't find the party!  We ended up hanging in some of the common areas for about an hour to see if anyone else showed up but no luck.  It turned out we were the only ones who did show up for the party and were walking right behind them for about 30 minutes on one of the trails right by the gift shop.  We just totally missed each other!  From Big Basin we took the Skyline route to San Francisco (a route midway between the coast route and the freeway) which was really nice, though all the twisting and turning through the forest did not make me feel very good.  In San Francisco, we tried a new boutique hotel which turned out to be horrible.  There was no air conditioning (and it was hot in the room) and we were right above the bar/nightclub that was going full strength until 1:30 am.  Our dinner Saturday night was at BStar Bar which was Burmese fusion food which had wonderful reviews and is really popular but it was just not for me.  Jake and our friends liked their meals but I wasn't thrilled with mine.  After dinner we went back to the hotel for a few then headed back out again to a bar near our hotel called Gitane.  (The concert that we had tickets for had been cancelled a few days before which was such a bummer.  We had the tickets since the spring!)  Anyway, Jake and I had been to Gitane before and had had a great experience.  So, Jake and friends got some fancy drinks and I'll admit I had a white wine sangria and it was so worth it!  I was still hungry so I got a cheese plate and everyone else had desserts.  I know I know.  Booze and unpasturized cheese - I'm such a bad gestater!  Despite the major disappointments of the evening, we had a really fun time with our friends who we do not get to see very often anymore.

After a late night (due to the very loud nightclub scene right below us), we went to the deYoung museum to catch the end of the Picasso exhibit.  It was amazing!  Despite the saucy subjects of his paintings, we did find a really cute baby book with Picasso paintings at the gift shop.  Gotta make sure Pumpkin gets their humanities education early!  We then had an awesome Vietnamese lunch at a restaurant we hadn't been to before and then stopped at a Russian bakery on the way back to the car.  We both got hamantoshen which were excellent.  (We also picked up a fresh loaf of rye bread and made ruebens today for lunch.)

Maybe we'll get to go somewhere else before D-day, but not this month and November might be cutting it a little close.  Plus, I'll probably be exhausted by the time my maternity leave rolls around!

And Happy 86th Birthday to Grandpa!  

From the Michigan Baby Shower

Robin took some great photos of the baby shower in August!  So many nice memories.  Thank you Robin for the documentation since no one else took pictures.

First, the food.  My mom and Jake's mom did an amazing job making sure there was way too much food!

I loved the swaddled pumpkin and all the photos that were taken with the party guests holding the pumpkin!

 And Jake and I being adorable!

Thanks to everyone who came!  (I'm still working on the thank you notes if you've been waiting for yours...)