39 weeks...

Well, the time has come and the official day count is on!
Kai and Si both graced us within the next few days of this week...will this little baby be a 39 week-er too...or fashionably late. As I am sure all could guess, I am hoping the entrance into our world is sooner rather than later ;)

Every twinge...every "sign" I am finding myself wondering, is this it.
Will baby's decided arrival come in the form of my water breaking, or contractions?
Will they begin when Ryan is home, or will he be blessed with my frantic phone call at work?
Will I be home alone with the kids, or out working?

All the thoughts that have been circling in my head...
No, there is nothing planned about the arrival of your little one (if you are not having a scheduled "C").

I am off for an afternoon pedicure with my girlfriend. An early birthday present...cause who knows where I will be on the 10th!
Friend time, pedi and taking my mind of this baby for a few minutes...just what this gorgeous Sunday calls for!

Happy Sunday!

39 weeks- courtesy of thebump.com

Are we there yet? You’re probably feeling like you want to get this baby the heck out of you. We’re not sure, but the impatience and discomfort many moms feel around 39 weeks (and beyond!) might be nature’s way of getting you mentally prepared for delivery. Remember how freaked out you used to be about it? Now, at week 39 you probably don’t care what you have to do, you just don’t want to be pregnant anymore!

Your baby's the size of a watermelon!

Baby keeps growing, despite being so crowded in there. He probably weighs around 6.2 to 9.2 pounds and measures about 18.9 to 20.9 inches.

Share this with family and friends

your baby at 39 weeks

• He's probably able to flex his limbs now.
• His brain is still rapidly developing -- he's getting smarter by the week!
• His nails may extend past his fingertips.

9th Month Tea...

Who knows if this stuff actually works; but if it helps at all, why not!
This tea goes by a few names: 9th Month, 37th Week, Labour Tea. All the same thing.

The tea contains different herbs that are are said to help begin contractions... an example being Red Raspberry. Another theory of the tea is that with the different ingredients in it, it helps thin the cervix (therefore also aiding in contractions beginning), and can therefore help in a quicker and possibly easier labour. I am definitely all for the latter! And the first for that matter.

I drank the tea a couple of times daily at the end of my first two pregnancies...and so here I am again. Why not, right!?
Both kids were a few days early...Si's labour once she decided to make her appearance was very short.

Really who knows if anything REALLY helps induce labour or not. There is a long list of things that some say "put them into labour."

I must say, I do most of the things on the list...and not just to "induce" but because they seem to be everyday happenings around our house.

Stay Active- yep
Walk and keep moving- impossible not to with our kids!
Vacuum- check
Spicy Foods- have started adding chili flakes to dinner!
Sex- sorry, that's a little personal to be sharing here ;-)

These in "theory" have been reported to help. There are many other items on the list. But again, who is to say what works and IF any even do at all!

For now, I am going to finish my cup of tea, take the kids outside to play..and then enjoy an evening with some great ladies... Moms Club Night!



 

My Bumps Through Three...

All of our images were captured around the same time. 34 weeks pregnant.
I am in the midst of completing a photobook on my pregnancies along with a book for each baby.

I was comparing some Maternity shots. Here are a few of my favorites.
We are still waiting upon most of ours from our shoot the other week, but I have one for now.
I find them all SO different, and yet I LOVE each in their own way.

1st Pregnancy- Kai

2nd Pregnancy- Si

3rd Pregnancy- ???

Amazing how different each pregnancy is.
In feelings.
In looks.
In mind.

"A moment in my tummy... a lifetime in my heart."~ Unknown

No rest for the weary... but for the pregnant, yes please!

Creeping on 37 weeks. The week that marks the ability of being "any day." A week that stands for full term, before the actual due date arrives.

I'm not gonna lie...lately I haven't been feeling the best. Aside from wanting this little being out of me and into our arms, I have been getting slightly more uncomfortable as the days progress.
Funny how being active, smaller weight gains and keeping busy don't always keep your body (and baby) happy.

My sciatic pain left a long time ago. It is slightly back now that baby is moving on down. I had a doctors appointment today. Baby is head down, not engaged however...and I am dilated 1.5cm. Really, that means next to nothing as you can literally walk around this way for weeks to come.
I was relieved to have my appointment today however, to settle some nerves, and mind!

Last night was the worst night I have had. After two pregnancies...this third has brought an entirely new set of symptoms along with it. I guess this baby doesn't want to be left out!
I have been having mild swelling, major headaches and some shortness of breathe. With these feelings increasing before bed last night, my mind would not rest; which made for a night of little sleep. The doctor assured me all is fine; so here is to a restful night tonight!

Aside from the usual aches and pains at this point in the game, the Doctor says to rest.
Right. Rest.

Two problems here.
1) I am a Scorpio...i don't know if we know how to rest!
2) I am a married mother of 2 toddlers, a career, a dog, a house and a baby inside of me that wont stay still.

Likelihood of rest...slim to none. But I will try.

Anyways. An update for the "journal" of baby number three... when will we be meeting you?

~Last Sunday @ 36 weeks~

Sexy Back...

I came across this article today, and well, it seemed fitting!

Husbands: How To Make Your Wife Feel Sexy After Baby (click on title)

Everyones' circumstance and position (no pun intended) on this topic are different as per work and family life I am sure. But for us being on our third baby...I know what is to come in the sleep department for the next while.

When Kai was born, being our first, neither Ryan or I knew what was ahead. Long sleepless nights. Lots of little sounds...and many sleep interruptions.
Ryan, being a light sleeper, had to move to a blow-up bed in our second bedroom apartment in order to sleep and work the next day. I slowly adapted to the new sleep arrangements and got used to the sounds Kai made...and eventually was able to sleep with him in the room.  A few months later, Kai returned to his own room and crib, and Ryan to our bed.

Knowing what was to come the second time around was a little easier to handle. The first time was rough on us as a part of our husband and wife connection was re-moved and I definitely felt a lack of bond and connection for a while. A little, alone. Having a baby is an amazing and scary thing. Funny how something so wonderful can also be the most scary thing you have ever done. Kids definitely change every facet in your life...and your marriage is one that takes its toll as well. Marriage takes work: and kids put it to the test! When you are used to it just being the two of you...suddenly someone else takes the front position.

I knew for round two, I didn't want to be "separated" from Ryan for as long, and therefore Si was moved from bassinet to her own crib a lot faster.

Third time round, and I am feeling no different. At least this time we have a spare room and actual bed for Ryan to enjoy! My intentions are for the baby to be in it's own room as soon as the time permits. Hopefully I wont be missing my partner in our shared bed for too long!

All this talk on sleep and beds brings me to the topic of the article. Not sleeping in the same bed (let alone the same room!) with my partner, missing a certain connection and feeling of support obviously all have significant outcomes on the way a wife, in my circumstance, me, feels after having a baby. It is the little things that make a huge difference in the life of a new mom; and when those gestures are coming from her husband...for me, they made me feel as if he was still trying and always present.
I am fortunate for the man I am married to. He is an amazing dad and supportive husband. Although this is our third, I recognize that we are never fully in the know as to what is ahead, but am thankful that we know how to help alleviate some of life's pressures and stresses for one another. I know that he will be there for me and our kids as best as he can; and I hope he knows that I will, and do, do my best to do the same for him.

I definitely do not feel like the most sexiest person these days, but am very lucky I have a husband that thinks his wife is attractive when pregnant...and when not. But lets face it...for a man to look at his wife in the same way after labor and childbirth, likely changes. Especially if that man were one to have been south of the equator watching their bundle of joy enter the world...
Just saying.
And for the woman...having something the size of a watermelon appear from a lemon...well, likely her thoughts for a good while are "ouch" or maybe, "not a chance."
It takes some time...and it takes some work. Patience, love and support by all parties.

Back to the little things...feeling wanted, acknowledged, loved and supported make everyone feel sexy, not just the wife after baby, right!?

And if you husbands want to take the sexiness one step further...



What is more sexy than a man doing the laundry, vacuuming, changing the diapers...
;-)

Time...

Yes, I am referencing time again and how fast it goes! I cant slow down life and have so much to do and so many things I want to do and there are not enough hours in the day!
I am missing not having the time and/or energy (at night) to blog more. It is such a great outlet for me... and a journal for my kids in a sense, and not getting to it often starts to bug me!

Last weekend was Thanksgiving here in Canada. We went to Whistler for the weekend and carried on traditions that we started once Kai was born. We have our turkey dinner up there with Ryan's parents one night, and then on the nicer of the days, we head to North Arm Farms in Pemberton for a day at the "farm" and pumpkin patch! So far we have lucked out with weather, and this year was no exception. Sunshine and pumpkin patch picking; the day was successful and fun!

Here are a few pictures.

After the weekend in Whistler, we headed home to cook a Turkey Dinner of our own. We had my dad and girlfriend over along with my sister. It was a nice evening...and apparently they said, the best turkey they ever had! I'm thinking they felt they had to say that otherwise, pregnant woman and hormones may have been too much to handle!

Being away that weekend, we had Turkey dinner the weekend prior with my mom. She is new to turkey cooking...we think her second ever, and it was great! Needless to say, 3 turkey dinners and some left overs...we have had our turkey fix for a while!
I guess I caught up on some needed baby weight gain over that weekend alone!

Now, the turkey in my oven is cooked...time to come meet the world!
Less than a month!!

Nesting Sale...

My nesting is in full swing and last night I was able to sort thru and organize all of the good clothes we have that need some new homes. Holy crap did our Tupperware under the house and kids closets empty out!

Not only do we have boys and girls clothes... we have an assortment from newborn up to 3T. Some things were never even worn before outgrown! This is madness and we need to get rid of it all before it drives my crazy.

Along with the kids clothes, there is an assortment of woman's clothes from Maternity thru sizes S-L. A HUGE array...and there is even some good men's stuff.

So on top of the clothing, we have some random items to lighten from our load as well...

A "Cars" training wheel bike...

Similar to this one

Some kids toys...

A carpet, a shelving unit etc...

SO....... GARAGE SALE! Since this is the long weekend, I think we will set it for next Saturday morning. Details to be confirmed.

Being pregnant can have some serious advantages on the household front...organization!

Baby/Belly Advice...

Why is it that when you are pregnant everyone feels like they can offer you advice?
Its a strange phenomenon...along with the fact that most people feel it is okay to touch your belly.
I am NOT OKAY WITH THIS.
Not only do I not like when people I do not know attempting the belly touch, I only allow those I do know to touch occasionally. I may be weird about this, but this is still my body and you are invading my space.

Tell me I am not alone on this one!

Another article I came across.

14 Most Outdated Pieces of Baby Advice

This is why listening to others isn't always the best way to go. Do your own research.

I was at the gym the other day and the cleaning lady there asked me how I could be exercising as baby is jumping up and down. I should be "sitting still." She proceeded to call out to my baby belly as she left the room "it's okay baby!" Nut job, I think yes. Unsolicited advice.

My rant for the day :)

Happy Tuesday! Off to make popcorn, watch the Lion King with my kids...and "sit still" so that baby belly doesn't bounce around. ;)

Moments Captured...

Saturday was our family/maternity shoot. I love having our "Moments Captured" as we rarely all have a photo; and even more rare is when I am in them. It is nice to document "life" every so often.

Saturday however, was not the best of days. Si was not cooperating. Full on tears, barely let me put her down. Kai was good at the beginning and then was lost by the end. All in all...it was a frustrating shoot. I had all of these thoughts of images in mind, and none came to light. I was hoping for a nice belly/family shot, but one did not really arise.
Thankfully our photographer was able to capture some photos of us as a group...and a few solo images so the session wasn't a loss...but I guess that is what you get when you have a 3 and 2 year old to attend to.

It makes the shots even more realistic, lol. If only you could have had a birds eye view of the shoot itself...probably would have been good birth control!

I will share a few quick shots. Karolina Turek shot us, and will be sending us the edits later this week. I quickly edited a few to ensure our shoot produced something!? I am pleased with the ones she captured...and frankly, a little amazed, lol.

I look forward to her edits later this week and will share more then. For now... here is our expanding family. I will see if any of her edits are "pg" enough to post ;) Here is the family for now.

Another week closer....34 WEEKS!

Bump Picture.

Thank you to Karolina Turek for helping us capture some memories :)


 

Airplanes and Butterflies...

I finally finished Kai and Si's rooms a fee weeks ago and keep forgetting to post the pictures.
Here are some photos of Si's big girls room. She loves all the butterflies on the wall. I am please with the end result :)

Now, if only she would wear dresses and not want sweats and a t-shirt all the time!

And we couldnt leave Kai out all together, so he got some new bed sheets, an airplane stencil...and a large plane to hang from the ceiling. He was stoked! He loves his "new room" as well.

this is the huge plane we have yet to hang from his ceiling

Nursery is nearly there... I will share those photos once the baby has arrived.
Our basement turned out great! It actually feels bigger (and much more organized!) now that the wall is up. Ryan and I now actually don't mind heading downstairs and relaxing with the kids. Much warmer and cozy than before.


The office...the guest bed is set up, my desk is organized...still have a few more details to finish, then it will be complete as well.

It has been a busy time getting these things done; but feels so great to have the big items of the lists.

Next up...
Wash and install the baby's carseat.
Sort thru newborn clothes. Wash and sort.
Clean out some closets.
...then have a little kids/adult clothing garage sale along with a few little items.
Have a bunch of stuff that is in great shape but collecting dust. What a shame...time to find it all a new home!

Maybe by the time I tackle the next list...baby will then make an appearance! Here's to wishful thinking!!

Another Week Closer...

Sunday post...a day late ;)

33 weeks today! Another week closer to meeting the little one inside of my belly. Hard to believe~
When you think weeks...that's 7 more till due date. 49 days!
4 weeks till baby is considered full term. Both kids were a few days early.
Kai's labour was 13 hours...4 hours active.
Si's labour...by the time we were at the hospital, she was out 2 HOURS later.
Needless to say, I am beginning to get a little nervous. I am not nervous about the birth itself...been there done that, lol. I am nervous about the time this baby decides its coming out. Where am I going to be? Will it be day time/night time...a weekend or week day? Will I be at home with the kids alone, or will Ryan be there...
2 HOURS for Si and she was here...the nerves are getting me because the Doctors have been saying, in general, labours/deliveries are faster than your last.

I have a direct drive to the hospital the minute this baby feels like the appearance is immanent!

I had a check up last week and all is going well. But in the last few days...it really feels like this baby is making its way down... doing lunges and squats, not to mention sometimes just walking, feels like the pressure is getting lower...and the waddle walk slowly begins (well, i am hoping not! lol).

I haven't had too many complaints as of late. My sciatic pain seemed to have really lightened up the past few weeks; I am not sure why...maybe I should have been re-arranging furniture and moving boxes a long time ago! But somehow, despite all the moving, my back has been pretty good!

The legs, well, they are the same. I wake up with major veins, and the fade gradually throughout the day. They are LESS apparent the more idea...again, another anomaly the doctor doesn't understand. I don't know if I will post a picture of these unsightly things or not... Not quite there yet!

I guess my overall complaint has been fatigue. The past few weeks I have been pretty exhausted. With getting things done, working, the kids...and the kids joining us in bed in the middle of the night, it has not made for the best of sleep-filled nights! To add to it having bronchitis last week, so a double whammy of not being able to breathe (combined by the weight of the belly), sleep pretty much, sucks!

I guess it is just an over-rated factor in life...

Your Pregnancy: Week 33

You are one hot mama -- literally. A 20 percent metabolic rate increase throughout pregnancy can leave you begging for a cool breeze no matter what the weather is like. Distract yourself with an exercise in blind identification. Try to distinguish between baby's feet, fists, knees, and elbows -- all doing some major pushing and nudging inside of you.

"A baby will make love stronger, days shorter, nights longer, bank balance smaller, home happier, clothes dirty, the past forgotten, and the future worth living for." Unknown