Walk him out of me…

Today Kyle and I decided to take some advice from friends about how to induce labor- go to the Mall of America. They claim that this is a sure fire way but we have yet to see results, even though we just returned a little bit ago. (I’m anxious, I know). So we spent around 3 hours window shopping and buying unneeded (but useful!) crap in America’s largest mall. My favorite purchase has to be the first onesie that I’ve personally bought for my baby– see the picture below. I think it is very fitting coming from me. We also found a church (yes a church, in a mall!) named after him. Who knew our son would become so popular even before he was born! So anyway we are happily keeping busy enjoying the endless weekends of summer, and loving the thought that we get to meet baby River sometime soon!

Arghhh!!!

So yesterday we went in for another check up– and we have gotten to the point where the nurses are asking me, “you’re STILL pregnant??” ANYway, I was very healthy (blood pressure, heart rate, etc.) and when she checked to see if I have dialated, she said that NOTHING has changed. Bummer! I was hoping that I was dialated to like 5cm and I didn’t even know it. (10cm is when you actually start pushing) But that was a nice dream, and I’d be one tough cookie if that was the case. So at the end of the appointment some of the nurses came in and showed Kyle and I pressure points on my hands and feet to try to induce labor. So far, it hasn’t worked, but we’re gunna keep trying!

So other than that, they also checked with a mini-ultrasound machine to see how big River was. It was SO cool seeing him! They said he’s got some hair and he’s very average size and could come out fine at any time. They guesstamated that he is currently around 7lbs, 11 ounces and we watched him “practice his breathing”. Very fun. Kyle was cute during this whole peep show because he kept saying how neat it was to see him on the ultrasound, but how much cooler it would be to see him in person. He is an anxious daddy (plus I think he wanted to see River come out yesterday because it was his 30th birthday!) But alas, we still have to wait. I am trying to keep cool while Kyle is working hard getting a rock wall built around his garden. So I guess we’ll keep on truckin’ till baby Carson arrives!

We’ll keep you posted!

Holding Out

So since it’s the weekend and River hasn’t made an appearance yet, Kyle and I have been busy planning the next few days. It’s funny how now that the end is REALLY in sight, we are doing, and planning anything fun that comes our way! We have every night planned for the next 5 nights except for one in hopes that we can enjoy these last few days without worrying about poopy diapers.

So River, we can’t wait to see you, but if you want to wait to come out until after mid next week, we’ll be a-ok with that! (although by then who knows what we’ll have planned!)

Here is me at almost 39 weeks- maternity shirts don’t even fit anymore!!!

hiccups

One of my favorite pregnant feelings so far has been the subtle and reassuring feeling of hiccups. This morning I woke up to the constant beating of River’s abdomen hiccupping within my body. It is so weird and cute all at the same time! It is like a costant little “jump” in my belly every few seconds. No one ever told me how fun hiccups could be in an unborn baby! (Strange, I know…)

Now although it is getting more and more difficult to move around because he is getting heavier and heavier, I also love the fact that I can feel his legs and feet and various body parts squirming around! I really do feel for all those people in the world that can’t experience this incredible pregnancy thing- it really is the most amazing thing my body has ever done. Sharing it with another life is just so cool, something I am so thankful for.

So since I am in the “full-term” stage it is time to start actively trying to get this kid out of me. Kyle and I are taking walks and he is now starting to give me hand and foot rubs, which is supposed to bring on labor. (Yes!) I went to the Dr. yesterday and although I am not dialated yet, she said I am 80% effaced. Basically, depending on how my body acts I could go in a week, or 4. So, we are anxiously awaiting River’s appearance in this world. But for now, I am enjoying my rest, relaxation and cute little hiccups!

A Rare Sight

During the last few weeks of walking around town, enjoying the beautiful new Northfield pool, going to see movies, and generally living life as “normal”, I’ve found that people tend to stare at me. It’s a strange feeling, since I have never been someone that stands out in a crowd, but recently, since my belly has become so large, I think people are a little weirded out that I am actually out in public- sometimes even wearing a bathing suit! (That barely fits anymore- but oh well).

For example, almost everywhere I go people ask me when I’m due, and when I say in a couple of weeks, they’re like “ya, I’m not surprised”! Or when I walked into the bathroom at the pool the other day and a little girl looked at me and screamed at the top of her lungs, almost in fright, “She’s got a big belly!!” took me a little by surprise. Then, when her mom proceeded to tell her that there was a baby in there, the girl calmed down a bit but couldn’t take her eyes off me. I thought it was very cute, but also made me think about how often I see other REALLY pregnant women out there and it occurred to me that it was not very much. Why, I wonder? Is it because there is such a short time when we look this pregnant? Or maybe I am somewhat less self-conscious than most pregnant women? Hmmmm… who wants to spend they’re last few weeks of “freedom” hanging out in their house? Not me! I like to go out and play in the world WAY too much.

Speaking of not being self-conscious, yesterday we went in again for another photo shoot to Stone Cottage Photography. Scott (the photographer) was really nice and did this follow up one for free and took some more cool photos. Two of his pictures are below, and the rest are on the link (after the ones we shot previously).

Stone Cottage Photography

Have a fun filled weekend!

Weekly appointments and things I didn’t know

I have now hit the stage where the Dr. starts checking me every week to see if I have dialated. Let me tell you… soooo much fun! (Not!) Anyway, the Dr. said that everything is looking good and my cervix is thinning and feels like “room temperature butter”. What the heck do I say to that?? Great!? So nice to hear that my insides are softening up!? Boy, pregnancy really teaches a woman that our private parts are not really private, and that they’re just a vessel for other, more interesting things.

Other than that interesting tidbit of information you all wanted to know, last night was our last pregnancy class at the Northfield hospital. It was “learning how to care for your baby” class. It’s amazing how many things I really didn’t know (but thank goodness kyle was great at changing diapers!!) but made me worry a little bit for when River is actually here! I guess that’s why I am SOOO thankful my parents will be out here immediatly after the birth- a little guidance never hurt anyone!

This is a cool shirt that my dad got me in London that has the shape of a baby on it done with the words “I love you” in different languages. I think it’s so cute!

Full Term Belly!

Summer’s Here!

All of those who are teachers and students can understand my excitement for the coming of summer. It is such a relief! I have no idea how those of you in the business world can go year round- but I also can’t imagine having to teach 13 year olds year round. Whoa- that could make anyone go crazy.

So anyway, today was my LAST day of school. I left this year with quite a bit more excitement and also skepticism than normal. For those of you who don’t know I am planning on taking off until January 3rd, 2008 to spend time with this little person in my tummy. I am very excited that I am able to spend the first half-year of River’s life by his side, but also a little scared. Am I going to become a mom who can’t ever leave her babies side, or has no life of her own? What trials am I going to encounter when hanging out all by myself with this new little thing? It’s a scary thought putting me in charge of another life! Humph. I guess I’ll do my best and consult the plethora of books we have in his room when I need to.

So now all I do is wait. No trips to Europe or Colorado, no summer classes to take, just time to do my nesting thing- which, knowing me, might not really happen at all (at least not to an extreme!) So as the days get hotter, and I get more and more swollen, don’t show up at my house unannounced. I will be scantily clothed since I have no one to dress up for if I am not spending time at the local pool where I will be in the water.

Man, you gotta love summer!!!

Almost Full Term

Crazy- seems just like yesterday that I began this blog. Time sure does go fast! Well, in about one week or so I will be considered full term- so if I go into labor, they won’t stop me. It’s amazing that this baby could come at almost any time… I’m really looking forward to it!

River is really making himself known now. If you touch my belly at basically any moment you can feel some sort of body part- hopefully I’m not poking him too much! But then again, my father always taught me about what a joy it is to torcher your children- why not start when they’re in the womb! (Just ask me about the pencil-fish incident sometime!) Anyway, it feels as if he is coming very soon- so stay tuned to the blog. I asked at the hospital if they have wireless, and it looks as if they are technologically advanced, so we’ll have a laptop there to keep you all informed!

Here’s me at 36 weeks–