Road Trippin'

December 17, 2011
4 weeks

4 weeks old.  Wow.  Where does the time go?  As I was up nursing him this morning at 2am, I reminisced back to exactly 4 weeks prior when I was starting the first of my pushes to bring the little peanut into this world.  Wild.  And now he has graduated out of newborn diapers and into size 1!  Yes, Colter weighed in at a whoppin' 9.36 pounds yesterday.  He is 21.5 inches long.  I knew he had to be gettin' huge (huge is relative!) because he has outgrown his newborn clothes. 

I suppose I have my breasts to thank for my son's growth.  And boy oh boy are they producing.  I was all excited to get back into my pre-preggie clothes after I gave birth.  Little did I realize that a large portion of my shirts won't fit me for the next year.  Thank you boobies!

Today marks the first day of Colter's first road trip.  Stop 1:  Sedona.  Stop 2:  San Diego.  Stop 3: Orange County.  Stop 4: San Diego.   Stop 5: Home!  It should be an exciting 2 weeks for the one-month old.  Lots of family time (including meeting the entire Malcolm clan), a visit from Santa (I'm pretty sure he hasn't done anything too naughty in the first 30 days of life), and a whole bunch of "firsts".....  We shall see how the little man does! 




Stop 1:  Sedona!


My new favorite thing?  Waking up Colter from his nap.  He makes the cutest what I call the "pterodactyl" noise and brings his hands up under his chin ever so gently.  But the best part?  Holding him against my chest.  As if I don't do it enough, for some reason it brings this incredible joy every time I get to do it again.  I may be feeling exhausted, but the second that boy makes his little high pitched screech and curls up on my chest, I am in heaven.

I'll leave it at that for today.  I can't help but feel incredibly blessed for this glorious gift of life.

4 weeks to the day....

Love

December 12, 2011
3 weeks, 2 days

Colter had his first "big boy" shower with Papa tonight.  He loved it.  My home is filled with water-loving boys.  Which means I am in trouble.  Or, rather, my electric bill is in trouble.  Life could be worse :-)

An intrigued Colter learns to read with Papa

We had our first road trip down to Flagstaff with Colter earlier this week.  The main purpose: his circumcision.  I will spare you all the details.  Let's just say he is healing quite nicely.  We hadn't left "Dodge" aka the Canyon since coming back up after I gave birth to Colter.  We were itchin' to get out of town, for sure.  I must admit I was a tad bit nervous about how the boy would do.  Mainly, I was afraid he would sleep all day long and then be up all night (oh beloved sleep how I miss you!).  I shouldn't have worried.  He is my son after all- he did awesome.  No fussing as we wheeled him around while we did some Christmas shopping and he loved sitting in his carseat staring out the window.  And the best investment ever?  Our poptop.  With a heater.  Which means I could sit in the poptop with the heater running and nurse him while CJ and Owen played ball.  And I didn't have to worry about exposing him to nasty germs.  We were (and are) a happy little family. 

My Happy Little Family

With CJ on paternity leave, we have taken up the routine of walking to the post office daily.   It takes about 40 minutes roundtrip and follows a lovely paved walkway through the trees.  Yesterday we walked through the snowstorm - Colter bundled up and well covered in his carseat hooked into the Bob stroller.  The Bob totally rocks.  It four-wheels through snow like its nothin'.  And it provides balance for me across the ice.  Win win.

Rockin' out with the Bob

It is amazing how fast time goes by.  Colter is a growing machine.  I can't get enough of kissing his adorable head.  And fingers.  And toes.  And cheeks.  Okay, he is just a bundle of cuteness that I cover in kisses regularly.  I figure in about 18 years he will definately NOT be letting me do that.  Nor will I probably want to.  So, for now, I will savor these beautiful moments.

Mama and Colter - 3 weeks

At the end of the day, we have embraced our new role as Papa and Mama (and Owen as Big Brother).  Minutes turn into hours, hours into days, days into weeks.  Yet, somehow, admist lack of sleep and being a human cow, I wouldn't trade one moment of it for anything in this world.  I love this little dude way too much. 

Motherhood

December 2, 2011


Colter's First Thanksgiving

13 days (how time flies!)

I love being a Mama.  I love looking at this beautiful baby boy that grew inside me for 40 weeks and 1 day.  I love making up silly little tunes to sing to him.  I love how he grabs my thumbs.  I love how he watches the world.  I love his "gas" faces.  I love his smell.  I love Colter.

The first two weeks have been a whirlwind- as I am sure they are for all new mothers.  My life now revolves around a 2.5-3 hour schedule of nurse, keep Colter awake (during the day) and naptime (for Colter and occasionally for me!).  I must admit our little family has adapted quite well.  I thought for sure I would be so exhausted I wouldn't be able to function.  Yet, somehow, I manage to keep smiling, laughing and loving every moment. 

A fellow mom and I were talking about our labors and she said, "All I know is that it will be a long time before I want to go through that again!"  And I thought,"That's funny.  The first thing I thought when they placed Colter on my chest was, 'I would do that again in a heartbeat to bring such a beautiful child into this world.'"  Now, perhaps I am jaded because my labor was 5 hours long.  FYI:  it wasn't easy.  And it was incredibly intense.  I'd say 3.5 hours of serious intensity and pain.  They say you get breaks between contractions- I did not.  They just rolled in one after another.  I'm not looking for sympathy.  I am merely saying everyone's labor experience is unique and can never be fully appreciated by anyone else.  I guess that is what makes it so incredible. 

We have been blessed with support from family, friends and the community.  I firmly believe this has made a HUGE difference these first few weeks.  My parents were here over Thanksgiving and the first part of this week - how wonderful to share in the first few moments of their first grandchild.  Oh, and for the record, I have no pride issues in letting my Pops clean my bathrooms.  My church community is bringing over dinners through the weekend while CJ has to work.  A friend dropped off pumpkin bread on my doorstep this morning.  A mom is bringing me herbs for my sitz baths.



Learning to read with Grandma



Colter is a curious little guy.  He very rarely becomes a "Fuss Monster".  When he is awake (and it is often a feat to get him there but the reward is great, I assure you), he spends up to 2 hours with his eyes wide open, exploring the world around him.  He loves the color yellow and is fascinated with lights.  He loves to look over our shoulders and holds up his head quite well for a 2 week old.  He perks up every time he hears CJ's voice (ah, the Malcolm tone) and definately knows where his food comes from.  It is a wonder to watch him take it all in - the little mind a sponge soaking it all up.

Our biggest accomplishment these past few weeks?  The swaddle.  Not just any old swaddle will work for our super strong boy. He broke out of every swaddle we did for the first 5 days.  So we got serious.  We went to YouTube.  We discovered that Australians know how to swaddle.  One blanket does not work: two is key.  One to lock down the arms, and one to secure the babe.  I swear he sleeps much better now that he doesn't startle himself with his arms.  We are sold.

Our swaddled little munchkin

November 19, 2011: Happy Birthday!

November 19, 2011
40 weeks, 2 days
2:25 am

Colter Ramsey Malcolm is born!

A recap from CJ:

Hey folks... sorry for the mass email.  I think this is the first one I've ever done.

Heather delivered a beautiful boy early this morning, Colter Ramsey Malcolm, named after Jim Bridger's partner, John Colter, first explorer of Yellowstone National Park and guide to Lewis and Clark.  "Ramsey" is Heather's pops' name, passed on to his first grandchild!

Heather's water broke last night (9ish) while baking a coffee cake at our home in the Grand Canyon. We lolly-gagged around for an hour or two thinking we had a bit of time and debating whether we wanted to eat coffee cake enroute to Flagstaff.  We decided against it.  By the time we reached town, Heather was rapidly progressing.  We stopped at Ken Phillips' house -my boss- for a quick rest and nearly delivered the baby in the drive way.  The paper boy was kind enough to stop and offer assistance as Heather lay in the drive way mid contraction w/ a hospitable twenty degree wind chill factor greating us like an old friend.

We made it to the hospital shortly thereafter.  Heather delivered at 0225, within 45' of entering the L&D suites.  Our obgyn was a wonderful woman and coached me through the delivery...I was blessed to catch the baby -who by the way was swimming like a fish exiting his 9month prison.  Heather was insanely brave and was able to deliver naturally.  It was fun to watch the nurses scrambling a last minute sortie to start the delivery... they actually had to tell Heather not to push -I don't think she was hearing a whole lot in those moments. 

Heather had a record breaking 5 hour labor -pretty dang quick for a couple of rookies!

I'm currently downstairs drinking espresso as Heather sleeps upstairs w/ our healthy 7lb 6oz kiddo.  I love you all and wanted to share the excellent news as soon as I could!

C.J.

Dear Baby

November 12, 2011
39 weeks, 3 days

Dear Baby,

This is your Mama.  I love you!  You have been so very patient in waiting for your Papa and I to get ready for you....thank you.  And you have been very good about not kicking me in the ribs recently.  Perhaps because you have "dropped" and are getting ready to join us!

Well, your Papa and I have decided that we are ready for you to come now.  We had a wonderful stroll under the full moon along the rim and Papa turned to me and said, "I'm ready for Baby."  It was simple, and oh so beautiful to hear those words.  Honestly, I wasn't ready a week ago.  I didn't understand why all those other Mamas out there were so eager to get the little babies out.  But now I do.  I am so very excited to meet you!!!

I understand that I have created a warm environment for you to live in.  It must be wonderful - I know how much your Papa loves the water and I am sure you feel the same.  I promise that although it is wintertime I will keep you nice and snuggled up here in the world.  We have some pretty fancy cold weather gear for you.  Just wait till you see snow! 

I understand that it is scary to enter into a new world.  Mama and Papa will be there for you.  We promise.  The second you come out in this world we will hold you and love you and protect you.  We will show you the wonders and teach you to love to explore. 

If you need to wait a few more days, that is fine!  Just know that your Mama, Papa and big brother Owen are eagerly waiting to snuggle with you.  We love you! 

Safe journey and we will see you soon!

Love,

Your Mama



11-10-11 Mama & Papa under the full moon at Mather Point



Happiness is....



November 4, 2006: 
Our First Kiss as Mr. & Mrs. Malcolm


November 5, 2011
38 weeks, 3 days

Last night CJ and I celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary.  5 years!  Brilliant...

We stepped outside before going to bed and held each other under the warmth of a Mexican blanket as the snow fell down around us.  Baby kicked CJ in the stomach.  Owen frolicked through the yard like a kid in a candy store.  It was perfect.

This morning I woke up early because I knew that Owen would be super excited to go outside and play.  OK, really now, who am I kidding?  I was super excited to go outside and play.  We went on a nice, long slow stroll (with Owen sprinting 1/4 mile away, 1/4 mile back the entire way).  The wind whistled through the freshly blanketed pine trees and the sun broke through the clouds at all the right moments.  Not a soul had marked tracks yet.  It was our winter wonderland for the morning.

I was reflecting on life (BIG topic to reflect on...) and realized how truly happy I was.  I mean, really, it doesn't get much better than this: an awesome husband, Baby on the way, an obedient dog (98% of the time....let's be honest), a great house, a good job....oh, and did I mention that I live at one of the seven natural wonders of the world?!  That's gotta count for something.

A few things I've learned during my first pregnancy:

1.  When there's a bathroom, stop and use it.

2.  There's nothing wrong with walking slowly.  Waddling is normal.

3.  Elastic is your friend.

4.  Recruit help.  Why bother bending over when there are plenty of folks who can do it and still breathe?

5.  No matter how much unsolicited advice you receive, always smile and say "Thank you!"

6. Cankles don't mean you're 75 and going into heart failure.

7.  Yes, your belly can be a tray table.

8.  Snore away.  Breathe heavy.

9.  No matter how much weight you gain or discomfort you are in, you can always find happiness.



This morning! Please forgive the sexy attire...
and the puffy morning manatee eyes.


Fun Baby Fact:  Baby is around 7 pounds this week and 20 inches long.  All systems are pretty much ready for action outside of the womb.  What triggers Baby to decide to join my winter wonderland?  It's tricky to know for sure- but most likely a combo of things.  It begins with the fetus whose "brain sets off a relay of chemical messages that kick off a chain reaction of hormones in the mother.   These hormonal changes in turn pave the way for the work of prostaglandins and oxytocin, substances that trigger contractions when all labor systems are "go"." 

Fun Pregnancy Fact:  I feel like a ticking time bomb.  When anyone hears when I am due, they automatically go into, "Any minute now!"  mode.  And, yes, it could be any minute.  One of those beautiful things in life that I have absolutely no control over.  Frankly, I am glad I don't have to be the one to make the call of when labor begins. :o)

Full Term Photo Shoot

October 30, 2011
37 weeks, 4 days

At 37 weeks, we enjoyed a road trip down to Sedona.  My husband did a fabulous job taking some pics.  Here are a few belly photos for your enjoyment!

Hello, Cervix!

October 23, 2011
36 weeks, 5 days

I have been feeling exhilarated the past few days.  Perhaps it is the gorgeous fall weather - the wind gently blowing off the first of the golden brown leaves.  Perhaps it is the good nights rest I have had over the past few days.  Perhaps, just perhaps, it is because Baby is on its way.....

I had an OB appointment on Thursday.  And when the doc asked, "Would you like me to check your cervix?", I have never opened my legs in a cold office building quite so quickly.  Curiosity definately won out.  So, for those of you who can't quite stomach reading about cervixes please feel free to skip down a paragraph or two.  As of Thursday, I am 2 cm dilated; cervix is 50% effaced; and Baby is in Station -1.  Check out the diagram below:




Unfortunately, you can't predict anything from these measurements.  What it does indicate is that I am at a good starting point!  The doc says it would be rare for me to have to have a c-section.  I have had no Braxton-Hicks contractions (pre-labor contractions) so I am pretty darned pleased that I have opened up a bit without that.  Looks like my body and Baby are working together quite nicely.  

I was thinking of starting a betting pool for the day Baby will come.  I was thinking a PayPal account might be exciting (hehe...). My bro thinks the winner should have naming rights.  Any takers?!  ;-) 

My ligaments and tendons are getting loosey goosey.  I stepped off my deck today (a mere foot and a half) and my left ankle gave out and I landed, rather gracefully, on my left knee.  I popped back up with no pain.  Later on my walk, I stepped on a rock and this time my right ankle gave way.  Thankfully no serious falls but with everything starting to loosen up and open for the coming of Baby I should be more cautious! 

Protein.  According to a nurse I spoke with, I should be shooting for 90 grams of protein a day.   90 grams.  Wow!  This is increasingly difficult as I find I am not as hungry as I once was.  The uterus taking up the space of my stomach?  Most likely.  However, my craving of the past few weeks has been oatmeal.  I love oatmeal.  And I figured out that a bowl of oatmeal made with milk and with added raisins and nuts has 20 g of protein!  I think this is a fabulous way to start my day.  We also get farm fresh eggs (the yolks are so yellow you wouldn't believe...and they taste.....like a little slice of heaven) which, according to incredibleegg.org, have 6 grams of protein each.  So with 2 eggs, a bowl of oatmeal and an Odwalla protein drink, I am at least at 50 grams a day.  I figure I am hitting at least 60 -70.  Whew.  With all the extra weight I am carrying (about 30 pounds), my legs should be seriously muscular by the end of this pregnancy.

Have I mentioned how much I love Amazon.com?  I order things and they come right to my front door.  No questions asked.  None of the "You live in the middle of nowhere" stuff.  It just comes.  Like my cloth diapers.  I am getting so excited to use them.  And I have a diaper sprayer to clean off the chunks.  Yes, chunks.  Or perhaps soft serve?  Or, even better, liquid poo?  If you know the Malcolms, then you know I couldn't talk about diapers without throwing in something about poo.

In remembrance of my 15-week belly.....Did I really think I had a bump back then?!  And I look so thin.....hehe....

And my belly as of 10 days ago (I promise an updated Full-Term belly in the next week!):

Fun Baby Fact: Baby is gaining about half an ounce per day.  Baby simulates breathing by inhaling and exhaling amniotic fluid.  And Baby has hiccups!  He hadn't had them until about a week ago.  Now pretty much every evening after dinner she hiccups away for a few minutes.  It makes me laugh.

Fun Pregnancy Fact:  I think I divulged plenty of this above :-)  3 days till FULL TERM.

Ramblings

October 16, 2011
35 weeks, 4 days


Family Photo 10/15/11



This past week or so has brought on some most exciting changes.  Body changes, that is.  According to my husband, I snore.  And I have acid reflux.  And, believe it or not, Baby is still torturing my right ribs.

Let's start with snoring. I will have you know that I have never been one of those people.  In fact, I always prided myself on being a quiet sleeper.  Not in the last month of pregnancy.  CJ says that it all began a few weeks back when I snuggled up to his neck (I tend to take over his pillow part way through the night) and I woke him up with my loud mouth breathing.  Please appreciate that pregnancy causes nasal congestion.  But then, within the past week, my "loud mouth breathing" has turned into snoring. What have I become?! 

Acid Reflux.  It has become the bane of my existance.  The past two nights have been long.  Very long.  With very little sleep.  Night 1 I managed to sneak through the night with only mild sleep disturbances. An additional pillow seemed to ease my discomfort.  However, last night was an entirely different story.  The burning morphed into nausea and I floated in and out of sleep until about 3 am.  At that point, I added 3 additional pillows (until I was sitting upright.....).  That helped for about an hour.  I then trusted my husbands' 4 am wisdom: "Drink some baking soda and water.  It helps neutralize the acid."  Within 30 minutes or so, I was able to return to bed and drift off in my upright position.  Tonight, I ate dinner nice and early.  I will beat you, Acid Reflux.

 



Peek-A-Boo!  Backdrop: Mt Humphrey's



I love Baby.  I really and truly do.  He/she could do me the favor of migrating his/her feet out my right rib cage.  Maybe try out the left side?  If this baby is going to be even half as active outside of the womb as he is on the inside, we are in for a real treat :o)  It is reassuring to feel her squiggling around, hiccupping and kicking me.  I love it.   According to the doc, my fundus is growing perfectly and Baby's heartbeat continues to be strong. 

Almost full term....!  We are feeling prepared.  Embracing these last few weeks of Mr. And Mrs. Malcolm pre-baby.  CJ and I joke about Baby not allowed to come before November 14 (my estimated due date being November 17).  We have "planned"  our lives until that date - including when I start maternity leave.  According to the nurse from the labor class, it is common for women who live at altitude to go into labor 2 weeks early.....We shall see!  My new mantra?  Baby, you come when you're ready!





The Glory of Fall

Fun Baby Fact:  Baby weighs in pretty darn close to 6 pounds this week.  The countdown to a full term Baby begins....10 days - 37 weeks!

Fun Pregnancy Fact:  We are in major "labor" prep mode.  We went to our Labor class and have been reading up on natural birth.  I am not nervous or scared about labor- in fact, as a nurse, I am intrigued to see how my body will respond.  God created women to go through childbirth.  Knowing the reward of the hard work helps me stay focused on ultimate the goal!

Learning Patience



33 1/2 week belly photo



October 5, 2011

33 weeks, 6 days

Pregnancy has taught me a new level of patience.

This past week, as I made my way through TSA at the Flagstaff airport (en route to San Diego for Baby Shower Weekend Extraordinaire), I felt remarkably calm.  I squatted down, took off my shoes, and slowly stood back up (could you imagine losing your balance while in line with however many impatient travelers behind you?!).  I gracefully lifted my bag onto the conveyor belt and smiled as I *quietly* burped up my morning dose of yogurt and berries.  I found a seat in the terminal and chuckled as I realized that I was breathing rather heavily.

Within the chaos of the airport, my mind was quiet and peaceful.  I was acutely aware of my body: my steady heavy breathing, Baby wiggling away inside of me, the squeezing of my compression stockings pushing the fluid back up to my heart.  It was a wonderful sensation - being present with my body, if even just for a few moments.

Now to maintain my new-found patience in the year to come.......

34 weeks!  Whopeeee!!!  My official Baby Shower was just perfect....not too many people and surrounded by those women (and a few men) that are so very dear to me.  Naturally, as I am sure most preggie mamas say, it was overwhelming.  So much love, praise, unsolicited advice....and to try and process it all in just a few hours was both rewarding and exhausting.  My nieces did a fabulous job of playing "hostess" and "waitress".  I feel so incredibly blessed to have such wonderful family and friends - a support network that will be my backbone over the coming year.

Now I am back home.  Home.  Sigh.  Home and ready to organize the goods and prepare for Baby.  I told CJ, "No more big road trips 'til after Baby comes!" The temperature has been a chilly 45-50 degrees today and they are predicting snow tomorrow.  Oh, wouldn't it be fun if we had an early winter and a nice, big snow storm when I go into labor?!  Hehe.... I swear my husband is doing a little dance to the weather gods (he not-so-secretly wants to deliver our baby somewhere other than at the hospital).

Fun Baby Fact:  Baby can be up to 5 lbs this week.  CRAZY.  If Baby is a boy, his testicles are descending (if I were a man I might have greater appreciation for this particular event....).  Fingernails reach the ends of the fingers getting ready for a manicure- oh, and speaking of!  The little Vietnamese lady who gave me a mani/pedi, touched my belly and claimed, "It's a boy!"  Hehe....

Fun Pregnancy Fact: My morning wake up call has become a right calf cramp.  If I manage to flex my foot in time, it passes over with only mild pain.  However, in the event that I am not so speedy in the flexing I find myself laying very still and wincing while attempting not to wake my love biscuit lying beside me.

Striking a pose while out for a hike in Rancho Penasquitos
Canyon Reserve (San Diego)...elastic pants rule!

Baby Love

September 22, 2011
32 weeks, 2 days

Last weekend I had a much needed "Girls Weekend".  The RGs (my nursing school roomies) and I met up at my rents place in Sedona for a weekend of relaxation, bonding and.....a surprise Baby Shower!  Honestly, I think I can count on one hand- make that one finger - the number of Baby Showers I have gone to.  And going to my own surprise one with only 4 people?  Fabulous!



Baby Love from the RGs


I will have it known that the RGs know how to shower love.  Games, diaper cakes, fun-fetti cupcakes, handmade onesies....and an embroidered bib that says, "I love my Aunties- H-momi, JJ and K-Dawg".  Could I ask for anything more?

We spent a day at the Hilton Spa....and I treated myself to a prenatal massage.  The masseuse did wonders to my sciatica and I felt like a new woman (until today at work....I am thinking it is perhaps the shoes I am wearing...).  I have determined that if I could I would get a professional massage daily.  Any takers?

I am, however, incredibly blessed with the most awesomest (yes, that is a word) husband on the planet.  He has been willingly abiding to my every wish and seems to read my mind at other times.  Tonight while I sat with my cankles elevated,  he prepared my hamburger for me just the way I like it.  It is the little things. 

Fun Baby Fact:  Baby has gotten so big (4 lbs!!!) that instead of jabs, I now feel rolls and waves in my belly.  I thought the jabbing was funny feeling but this new sensation is just plain amusing.  Baby has toenails, fingernails, and real hair (or some sort of peach fuzz....)

Fun Pregnancy Fact: Gaining about a pound a week, at least half will go directly to Baby.  I am starting to feel my ligaments stretching and loosening - which causes mild to moderate discomfort toward the end of the day.

Rainbows

September 15, 2011
31 weeks, 1 day

I love fall.  I love the changing weather: how one day it can be deceivingly warm, as though summer is still upon us, and the next turn cool, the day filled with a chilly breeze and cloudy skies.  I love layering: breaking out my down slippers, a beanie and a down parka (because it is never too early for down!).  And I love that this year it means putting on my hubby's because my belly is just too darn big to squeeze into my coat.  I love hot cocoa as the rains pour and the skies crack down thunder and lightening.  I love baking: everything pumpkin and good so that my kitchen warms and the smells as you walk in fill your heart with love.  I love the anticipation of snow.  I love hearing the elk bugling.

I love that, for us, fall means new life.

The other evening after an incredible hail storm, I was mesmerized  by the most beautiful double rainbow shining through the heavens across the street from my house. A friend at work caught it over EMS and the clinic:

It reminded me of God's promise in Genesis 9:12-13:, "And God said, "This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come.  I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth."

I feel very pregnant.  My sciatica hurts constantly, I can't sneeze or cough without holding my crotch, I waddle, I feel bloated and uncomfortable, I have cankles, I can barely put shoes on, when I do put my shoes I can't breath, I cry and laugh within seconds of each other.....So you would think, with a list like that, life would be challenging.   To be perfectly honest, I have never been so happy.  Baby jabs me in my ribs and I smile.  I take at least 20% longer on my walks with Owen in the morning:  and I thank God that I have 20% longer to be out in the glorious weather.  I race to the bathroom (since I can hold all of maybe 50 ml max) and I laugh thinking about Baby resting his head on my ever shrinking bladder.  I get up, cringe at my butt cheeks for the stabbing pain they are causing me and then gather a sense of peace knowing that not only is this temporary, but it means that Baby grows bigger daily. 

Perhaps this is a classic case of the "glass half full".  I do not know.  But, I do know that as the time draws nearer I grow more excited to meet this little pumpkin ('tis fall after all!) growing so adamantly inside of me.  As I told the little pumpkin on our walk this morning, "You just take your time.  You come out when you're ready."

I've filled my day with cooking and baking.  Chili and cornbread; pumpkin cranberry bread (in honor of my Little Pumpkin); banana chocolate chip bread.  Owey's little nose has been exploring the kitchen for scraps all morning.  What a fabulous day!

Fun Baby Fact: Baby weighs in at over 3 lbs and 18 inches long.  She is now processing information, tracking light, and perceiving signals from all five senses.

Fun Pregnancy Fact:  I had a week of what I like to call "The Lull".  A bit down, super emotional and overwhelmed with the prospect of being a Mama.  With the aid of my beloved, prayer and a few nibbles of chocolate, I feel revived and ready to conquer motherhood (ok, that may be a bit extreme....but I feel great!).  On to every 2 week OB checks-- my last one a week ago: my fundal height is at 32 cm (perfect!) and Baby's heart beat was fluctuating between 140 and 152 - a healthy sign as a variable heartbeat indicates good neurological growth.

Coming soon: An Updated Belly Photo!

Twenty-Nine

September 3, 2011

Belly 9/1/11

29 weeks, 3 days

I couldn't have planned it if I tried:  turning 29 during my 29th week of being preggie.  LOVE it.  And it was indeed a fabulous birthday.  CJ and I celebrated early and headed down to Flagstaff Tuesday night- dinner and then we got a hotel room in town and watched hours of the boob-tube.  Considering we don't have television, this was an exciting evening for us!  It is truly incredible how much time can be spent staring at a screen....but I have no complaints at all!

Wednesday we ventured out into the San Francisco mountains for a  late summer hike through the aspens and meadows.  So freakin' beautiful.  My sciatica has started acting up this past week (perhaps because I worked 6 of 7 days....which as you know is a lot for Mrs. Part-Timer) but I am managing to move through it and try stretching as much as possible.  Sciatica or not, it was a memorable pre-birthday birthday celebration.  The temperature was a breezy 75 degrees with patchy cloud cover.  Heaven.  Even Baby stirred a few times.

Baby continues on movin' and shakin'.  My right rib seems to be the location of choice this week.  Significantly better than the bladder, I might add.  It is quite apparent that Baby is nearing 3 lbs by the size of my belly.  It still amazes me that a baby is growing inside of me.  She hasn't been keeping me up at night but CJ did tell me that several times through the night he wakes up because Baby is hammering into his back. 

We got a hand-me-down baby carrier backpack.  It is CJ's new favorite toy (well that and our Bob stroller courtesy of my grandma).  He put the backpack on and was walking around the house last night with it.  Classic CJ, "This makes me excited to be a dad!"  If that is all it takes, great!

Family Photo on our birthday hike

Fun Baby Fact: Baby, who measures in around 17 inches, is mighty close to his birth length. However, this week fat, called white fat, starts developing under her wrinkled skin.  White fat serves as an energy source versus brown fat (which Baby had previously) which is necessary for temperature regulation. 

We get to start counting kicks twice a day!

Fun Pregnancy Fact: Thought you all might like a diagram of what is happening my body... Please notice the increasing limited space for organs besides my uterus:

Into the third trimester....

August 27, 2011
28 weeks, 3 days

I am in a bit of shock that the third, and final, trimester has crept up so suddenly.  It feels like just yesterday I was secretly smiling to myself as I walked through the streets cherishing the being not yet the size of a pencil tip.  And now I rub my belly and wonder what it is that is growing so rapidly inside me and that is so insistent on kicking me at the most inopportune times.  For instance, he has taken to using my bladder as a trampoline on car rides.  Last night, as I was laying to go to sleep, I swear she did a full somersault with a few strong jabs in my ribs.  

Don’t get me wrong- I don’t mind these little games one iota.  I embrace these movements and take comfort knowing that Baby is alive and well.

The big event of the week has been diapers.  Exciting, I know.  Originally, I was turned off at the prospect of cloth diapers.  Disposable just seemed way more convenient.  However, over the past week I have been doing some research and talking with Moms and, frankly, cloth diapers these days seem much more user-friendly than they were 30 years ago.  No diaper pins needed.  Although the option of a diaper service for us is definitely out of the question, doing laundry every other day will be a reality as it is.  I got the hubby involved and I think we are now going to try it out and see what happens.  For long trips and camping outings, I have a feeling we will default to disposable.  But, I think we could do a lot for the environment by using cloth on a day to day basis.  And wouldn’t you rather have organic cotton on your bum than plastic?!

I am in “nesting” mode.  Both a good and bad thing.  Good:  I want to set up the nursery, clean house and start stocking up on food in my deep freeze.  Bad:  my 28-week body doesn’t want to let me.  That and my shower isn’t for another month.  I can’t tell you how tempting it is to go out and start buying all my sheets and such so that I can be super prepared!  But I resist the temptation and find other means to fill my time, i.e. doing our Italy scrapbook and working on our yearly photo book for 2010.  I even started thinking about Christmas presents…..if that’s not nesting I don’t know what is.  My mom and I did wash all the hand-me-down baby clothes and put them away in the dresser which was fun.

The past week or so I have noticed a significant shift in my body.  I find it is telling me to SLOW DOWN.  Let’s be honest: I am NOT good at this.  But, my morning walk has slowed and I force myself to stop every few hours and sit for at least 15-20 minutes with my feet up.  Irritating at first, I have come to relish these mini-breaks during my day as a time to connect with Baby.  

Fun Baby Fact:  Fat begins to accumulate under the skin, toenails and fingernails appear, and downy hair sprouts on the body and scalp.  Baby weighs in just over 2 lbs 6 oz.  Baby is about 16 inches long and at birth will be somewhere between 19 and 21 inches long…

Fun Pregnancy Fact: My uterus is the size of a basketball.  The upper half of my belly button is peaking out now.  No exciting “pop”, but more of a creeping.

Givin' some love to my puppy dog...our little seal

Belly Holes and Beaches

August 15, 2011
26 weeks, 5 days


26 week Belly shot


I have spent 3 significant days at the beach.  And I have 3 more!  We celebrated my moms 60th on Saturday.....and we ordered 60 mini cupcakes for the occasion. Did I mention that I have been having a major sweet tooth the past month?  Forget my normal binges of chips and salsa.  No more.  Bring on the cookies, brownies (Trader Joes are particularly fudgy), chocolates, etc...  I have never been one for sweets but I guess I never knew what I was missing.  The 60 mini cupcakes?!  Fabulous idea.  Between chocolate, strawberry, coconut, vanilla and lemon I have been satisfied daily.

At the coffee shop this morning, I decided on a new phrase, "A doughnut a day keeps the doctor away."  It has a great ring to it, huh?

I dug my very first "belly hole" the other day over at the bay.  My bro and mom were playing an intense game of smash ball, CJ was entertaining himself throwing the ball to Owen and I was desperately searching for a comfy position in the sand.  That's when it hit me - the perfect time for a belly hole!  I got to work diggin' away and within a few minutes had the perfect spot.  I haven't laid on my belly in months.  And it was incredibly comfortable.  I plan on taking full advantage of the sand over the next few days.

Clearly, there is no denying the fact that I am pregnant any longer.  Leaning over to pick up things is a feat and a half, my bladder cannot sustain itself when I sneeze and my ankles....let's be truthful:  they have become cankles (because I refuse to wear compression stockings at the beach).  At least the extra water weight will leave me rapidly after Baby has popped out.  Forget keeping my clothes clean.  I have the oddest habit of spilling things all over my belly now a days. 

I have determined at the suggestion of others that I am carrying Baby "high".  Family has determined this means I am having a boy.  One thing I don't understand:  if I am carrying Baby so darn high, how is that he still manages to kick on my bladder on a relatively consistent basis?  One second I can't hold it any longer and the next I feel empty.  A vicious cycle.  And then when he starts poking me under my hip bones.  It tickles - I swear!

Fun Baby Fact: Baby measures in at about 15 inches and is over 2 pounds.  Its eyes are starting to open now!

Fun Pregnancy Fact:  I am eagerly awaiting the "pop" of my navel.  My brother thinks it is just a matter of time - and then, BAM!, I will feel it the moment it pops out.  I'll keep you posted.

Busy Bees

August 8, 2011

Zach, Uncle Ceej, Athena, Aunt Heather, Tatum and Owen
at Oak Creek Crossing



25 weeks, 5 days

Phew!  It has been a crazy fun week - my brother-in-law’s kids came out and visited us at the Canyon for a whole week….I have never spent a week of my life with a 15, 13 and 9 year old and, let me tell you, it was memorable.  A taster of what is to come?  Perhaps.  An adventure with the youth of America?  Definitely.  And all with a broken dishwasher.  How ‘bout them apples?



From an IMAX and condor show to monsoons to hikes to swims to rock climbing to bowling to a multitude of intense games of “Blokus”, it was 6 days excitement.   I even made them write their very first postcards.  I am an evil aunt, I know.  Their highlight was climbing in Oak Creek – and finishing the climb in the rain.  Uncle Ceeej, the perpetual teacher, was incredible.  Athena and Zach got to rappel down the climb and all 3 kids made it to their “goal” spots on the climb.  I loved seeing their faces as they dipped their hands into the bag of chalk for the first time ever.  



My highlight?  Standing back and taking pictures as my husband and the 3 kids “blokused” the waterfalls in the creek and swung off of rope swings.  And then sprinted to shore for an occasional brownie or handful of chips. Owen meanwhile either swimming eagerly between the kids and checking up on them after each jump or busying himself in the shallows as he attempted to dig up a hidden stick from beneath the mud.  I couldn’t help but chuckle as the other families eluded to us as a “family”.  Which we are.  But not in the “Mom-Dad”  sort of way.  How young do you think we started?!

I am, however, incredibly thankful that we are starting with one child.  And working our way upward from there -ease me into the whole “parenting” thing. 



I did all this while carrying an eggplant in my belly!  Yes, Baby is over 13.5 inches long now and weighing over 1.5 lbs.  And Baby is quite the active little dude.  Several times during the day, Baby will kick so hard that I produce a squeal- something to the effect of “Eeeep!”.  My fellow employees or my husband will look at me startled: I usually start laughing and blame it on Baby.  It is just such a trippy feeling.  This little alien thing poking from the inside out.  I LOVE it!  



I had another baby dream the other night.  Again, a beautiful baby boy.  This time it was just born and the most precious thing you ever did see.  Dark hair, eyes just like CJ.  The odd thing?  (There is always something odd when it comes to my dreams…) Baby’s skin was a beautiful deep tan.  Weird, yes.  These dreams serve one purpose- the make me extremely curious as to what Baby is and what Baby looks like!  Just under 15 weeks….

Fun Baby Fact:  Baby is inhaling and exhaling small amounts of amniotic fluid, which is essential for the development of his lungs.  The second trimester is coming to a close....



Fun Pregnancy Fact: I have officially outgrown several of my scrub tops.  With a nice sized bosom and a blossoming belly, the non-stretch cotton fabric is not forgiving.  Anybody have any hand me downs?  I refuse to buy a few tops for 3 more months.  I would much rather have the money for Baby…  Pregnancy hormones?  Forget those light, occasional cries.  I love the full emotional breakdowns.  They can be so cleansing (and draining…). My sweet, sweet husband.

My 23-week belly!

July 20, 2011

22 weeks, 6 days

As I write this, Baby is playing away inside my uterus.  Kicking, prodding, poking, dancing….enough for CJ to feel when he puts his ear to my belly and whispers, “Baby?  It’s your Papa…I love you!”  I think it is one of the most wondrous feelings I have ever experienced.  I am truly blessed!

What is even more incredible?!  Baby is officially a pound this week.  A POUND!  Wild.  And about 8 inches long, from crown to rump.  I am still in awe over the growth that this new human has to overcome in just a mere 40 weeks….and now to gain another 6-7 pounds in 17 weeks?!  I will naturally be gaining that as well plus the necessary additional blood volume, fat stores, etc to support Baby.  Phew!


We took our first big family off-road trip to Colorado last week (first with Baby onboard, that is!).  We joined CJ’s sister, Julie, and family and embarked on an adventure from the North Rim to Durango to Silverton to Ouray to Telluride.  What magnificent country!  We explored peaks and passes and relished in the color green.  Southwest Colorado just seems to be exploding with color!  From fields of luscious green grass to paintbrushes, columbines, and blue bells…oh my!  We off-roaded to silver and gold mines and camped in the high mountains next to mountain streams (which were quite chilly!) and snow fields not yet melted.  Thunderstorms rocked the evening skies, somehow managing to hold off just long enough for dinner and s’mores.  My nieces asked me nightly, “Does the baby like s’mores?!”  And my reply? Of course! Maybe a little too much ;-)

High Camp, San Juan Mountains outside of Silverton, CO

I will admit, however, that driving bumpy roads 22 weeks preggie is not the best decision I have ever made.  I eventually managed to determine the best method: pillow braced to the belly and seat tilted as far back as possible.  Relaxation is key.  Sightseeing consists strictly of viewing those things window level and above.  But it works wonders!  

We are set for girl names. We are in a search for some rad boy names.  We’ve got some goodies in the running but we always appreciate input.  Maybe I’ll bake you cookies if we choose the name you give us!  I make a mean oatmeal peanut butter chocolate chip….

Fun Baby Fact:  My nieces nicknamed Baby “Mayo” on the trip…I had a rather fitting mayonnaise container that was determined to be the size of the said babe this week.  And approximate weight.  Although, the picture of a large jar of mayo in my belly is a bit disturbing…. Baby’s inner ear is developed – giving him his own sense of balance.  We’ll make a climber out of Baby yet.

Fun Pregnancy Fact:  According to my daily email from “What To Expect”, babies of moms who exercise throughout pregnancy score higher, on average, on general intelligence tests by age five.  If that’s not motivation to get my groove on, I don’t know what is!

Half Way There!!!

Family time at Glorietta Bay in SD

July 2, 2011
20 weeks, 3 days

We have officially hit the halfway point!  So exciting....We had our ultrasound on Tuesday and Baby weighed in at a whoppin' 11 ounces.  CJ remarked, "It still has a lot of growing to do!"  Yes, yes it does.  And apaprently so do I! 

From our ultrasound, we ventured south to San Diego for a quick few days...Baby got its first boat ride (although I opted out of tubing off the back of the boat....)!  As I was laying in the bathtub later that night, Baby was going crazy.  One kick even made my belly rise!

You may be wondering, "What do we look forward to now that the 20 week ultrasound is over?"  I was asking myself the same question.  And then I realized, "The REAL deal, people!"  Hehe.  We are starting to collect our things and have spent many an hour talking over names and plotting the best way to cram baby stuff into our little home.

Here are a few shots from Tuesday of our precious little dumpling:

Baby chillin' out in utero



A fabulous 3-D shot of our photogenic Baby


Fun Baby Fact: Baby's uterus is fully formed....or its testicles are dropping from the abdomen!  Exciting times....

Fun Pregnancy Fact: I learned something new about my husband - he eats watermelon with a spoon scooping out circles from the bottom up!  How did I never know this?  I have officially recovered from my gnarly attack of The Canyon Bug (aka coming out both ends....) and have regained the lost 4 pounds with diligence ;-)

Movin' & Shakin'



@ a SAR training, early June

 June 18, 2011
18 weeks, 3 days

I know, I know.  I have been a slacker in the blog writing the past few weeks.  I suppose it isn't the worst thing in the world that I have been too busy doing other fun activities though, right?  Between fun activities and working double what I normally do (savin' up the money for baby!), my evenings have consisted of doing, well, absolutely nothing.  By nothing I mean reading, cleaning, cooking....so my nothing really is something.  Either way, the blog was not top priority.  But we (as in Baby and I) are back in the game.

Some parents-to-be come up with cute nicknames for their little one.  Over the past week I have determined that I too have a nickname.  Albiet not the most original name in town, I feel a wonderful attachment to it and it reminds me of what is happening to my body: Baby.  Yes, I am serious.  I call it Baby.  And I have a good feeling it is gonna stick.  I like it- simple, to the point, no questions asked.  It also goes quite nicely with the new little tune I like to sing and hum as I do "nothing"; There's a Baby in my belly, dear Liza, dear Liza.  There's a Baby in my belly, dear Liza, a Baby. 

The big news since I last wrote:  I have officially felt Baby move!  The first time it felt like a "bla-dup" in my belly (also could be described as a tiny somersault-like feeling).  I knew instantly it had to be Baby getting crazy in my belly because it was the oddest, most wonderful sensation.  I have felt Baby several times since then - ocassional teeny-weeny jabs and the "bla-dups".  In the beginning it is more sporadic when the mother feels the babe, but as time goes on I will start feeling it more and more.  I am sure the cute "bla-dups" will turn into "BLA-DUPS" in no time.

And the much longed for Baby belly photo!!!

18 weeks, 3 days; Owen is getting curious...
Oh, and please excuse the laundry in the background!

Fun Baby Fact: By 19 weeks Baby is 6 inches long and weighs about 1/2 pound!  Pretty much the size of a mango....And I really love mangoes.  I bought 8 of them the other day.  Oh so good.

Fun Pregnancy Fact:  In the past week or so, I have noticed that I tend to get super lightheaded and see stars when I get up too quickly.  It is a weird sensation which keeps me grabbing for the nearest chair or wall while I wait for the blinky stars to fade away.