Ready for Change

I am beginning to dislike this time of year. Don't get me wrong, I love Christmas...and this year was even better than ever!!! However, it seems I feel this way on an almost yearly basis. Antsy for change, antsy beyond belief. So, come on 2011...let's see what you've got! I'm ready for you!

On another note...Christmas this year was fantastic! Miss Neva didn't necessarily participate in the festivities, but buying presents for her and opening them with her made our day a lot more fun! She loved checking out each of her new toys, especially the ones the light up and make noise!

She has started all kinds of new tricks. She rolled over from her tummy to her back, pushing buttons on her toys and she has been giggling. She started the giggling awhile ago, but would only do it in her sleep. Now we get some giggles when she's awake! Especially when we blow raspberries on her tummy. She is also anticipating things more...she knows that when we say, "1-2-3" something fun will most likely take place immediately after and she grins from ear to ear! She also knows that when we say "up, up, up" we're going to practice sitting up and again, the biggest smile ever.

She totally rocks! And we are so in love!

One Year Ago (and a few days...)

December 16 marks the anniversary of the day I found out I was having a baby. Crazy how one short year can change your life forever.

Perhaps I'm feeling a bit sentimental because it's the holidays and I miss being with my family more than usual at this time of year, but this has been one of the best years of my life. Being pregnant was one of the most amazing times of my life. Bringing Neva into the world was by far the most impressive thing I have ever done. Having almost all of our family to come out to visit over the past 3.5 months has been unbelievable.

But then? Then, they leave. And my heart hurts. And it hurts more after every departure. During this time of year when we're supposed to be all happy and jolly, my heart feels very heavy. Luckily, we still have a few more visitors before the end of the year, but then it will slow down. And my heart will be all achy again.

This sad feeling has increased greatly with the arrival of Neva. It sure would be nice if she could see all of her grandparents, whenever we wanted. It would be tons of fun for her to be able to play with her cousins on a weekly basis, rather than a quarterly basis.

And the weird thing is, before Neva was born, it wasn't so bad. Don't get me wrong, I missed my family everday. But nothing like this! Having a child definitley makes you realize how important and amazing family truly is.

The difference a year makes.

Happy holidays to all of you!!! And much, much love!

3 months

I now have a 3 month old. I cannot believe Neva has been in our lives for 3 months already. It feels like just yesterday that she arrived!

Neva is doing all kinds of things these days! She has found her thumb and loves to suck on it! She also thinks her hands are two of the coolest things she has ever seen. She can sit for quite awhile in her Bumbo chair, which is very cool. Also very exhausting for a little girl! She has started to blow bubbles and blow raspberries with her mouth!

Neva also continues to be very vocal...all girl, this one! She will make sounds and loves to have them repeated back to her. She will also try to imitate what we say to her, if it's in her vocabulary! And this goes on for several minutes...so cool!

One of her most endearing qualities, in my opinion, is holding things with her sweet little hands. This usually consists of a finger or my shirt while she's eating. However, there are some nights when driving home from Ronda's where a pacifier just doesn't cut it and the only way she is calm, is if she's holding my hand. It is so sweet...and almost brings me to tears every time it happens!

We love this little girl so much...and it just keeps getting better everyday!

Thank You

Seems only fitting that one should talk about the things they are grateful for as Thanksgiving quickly approaches, so here goes.

I'm thankful for:

Being married to the most amazing man, who treats me like a queen.

Having a healthy, thriving, beautiful baby girl who melts my heart everyday.

Being surrounded by loving friends, near and far.

Having the BEST family a girl could ask for, all whom I miss dearly EVERYDAY.

Being healthy and happy.

Having a job, especially in this economy...and a job that I enjoy.

My gratitude seems to grow immensely everyday. Being a parent is an extremely humbling job and makes me much more appreciative of the people in my life. So, thank you, each and every one of you for how you have touched my life.

10 weeks

It's been 10 whole weeks since Miss Neva was born. I cannot believe she's already 2 months old, I also can't believe all that I've learned.

10 weeks ago...
I had no idea what true, unconditional love was.
I had no idea what it meant to be truly selfless.
Time didn't move as quickly.
I thought I was busy.
I thought I wanted a son.
I didn't know how much I could love someone.
I didn't cry as much.
I didn't smile as much.
I didn't worry as much.
I wasn't a mom.

Life sure has changed over the past 10 weeks...

4 days

1 week

2 weeks

3 weeks

4 weeks

5 weeks

6 weeks

7 weeks

8 weeks

9 weeks

10 weeks

Fall back

Oh the dreaded time change...I enjoy falling back much more than springing forward, but either way it goes, I am always completely thrown off. However, I just have to brag that little Neva slept from 10:30 last night to 6:30...and then went back to bed until almost 10:00. Must have had an effect on her little body, and we got to reap the benefits! And IT.WAS.AWESOME!

She had her 2 month check up on Friday. Weighed in at 10 pounds 0.3 ounces, 23.75 inches long. She's in the 25th percentile for weight and 75th percentile for height. Wonder where she got that build!?!?! Lucky little lady! She also got a couple shots at this appointment...and I cried almost as much as she did. Hard stuff to watch them do that to your baby!!!

Neva and Eric got a little one on one time together today while I went to a friend's baby shower. She gave him a run for his money, but they did pretty well together! And I enjoyed being away for a few hours...can't believe this is the first time this has happened! Hoping she can be nice to her Dad so that I can get back to bellydancing sooner than later!!!

She continues to do amazing things...smiling, tracking objects, holding her head up when pulled to sitting. All right on track. And all quite amazing to me! I so love to watch her meet each developmental milestone...it is so cool!

Also??? We bought a new couch over the weekend!!! Our new one will be here on Tuesday and I am beyond excited!!! Another thing to mark of my 101 in 1001 list! Will post pics of us lounging on our sweet new sofa once it arrives.

Meow!

One of Neva's costumes for today! Happy Halloween everyone!

8 weeks

What the heck happened to the last 8 weeks!?!?

I cannot believe our lovely little lady is going to be 8 weeks on Saturday...time is FLYING! I know people say that happens, but I have never felt like time has been moving so fast!

Neva has been going to work with me for the past week and a half, which has been both awesome and difficult at the same time! It is great to still be able to spend the days with her, but it's a challenge to be working two jobs at once. Paperwork is paperwork, but having a newborn is a full time job. And this gal is not doing so great at handling 2 jobs at once. Sure wish we were independently wealthy so I could stay home with her, but instead she gets to start daycare on Monday. She went to Rhonda's for about an hour on Wednesday and will be going for a longer visit tomorrow so they can get to know each other before Neva starts going there 40 hours/week. Heart breaking, but it is our reality.

Neva continues to smile more than any kid I know! It is amazing how much she smiles...and we cherish every single smile! And she is starting to figure out that her hands are attached to her body and she does have some control over them. She has been sucking on them...and getting really mad when she loses her hand again. Too funny!

She has been sleeping about 5 hours or so at a time...funny that 5 hours can seem like a long time now! But we appreciate her giving us some decent sleep at night! Keep it up, little one!

Neva is also one strong little lady. She does a really great job at holding her head up...it's quite amazing! She also likes to practice standing...okay, not really, but she does like to bear weight in her legs. Maybe she'll be a soccer player!

I haven't uploaded new photos since last week, but will get some on here soon...I swear she changes everyday. And just keeps getting cuter and cuter!!

Tomorrow...

Tomorrow...I have to go back to work. Back to the ol' grind. And I am not looking forward to it. I know I have to go, as our mortgage won't pay itself, but I really don't want to. The only saving grace is that I get to take Neva with me for the rest of the week and for all of next week. However, if I could lay on the floor and throw a temper tantrum...I totally would.

I mean, how could I want to give up 24 hours of this????

Neva's first trip to the pumpkin patch

She loved it...or slept through the whole experience!

Lovin' some bath time

Big smiles for Mom

And if it's possible...even bigger smiles! Best baby ever!!!

Neva (through 5 weeks)

Here are just a few pics from the past few weeks. Tomorrow Neva will be 6 weeks old...cannot believe that! On Wednesday, I have to go back to work. Not looking forward to that, but she will be going with me for a week and a half and then starting daycare on November 1. How time flies...

Neva's Birth

Finally, five weeks later, I figure I should write about my birth experience before I can’t recall what it was like! (Thanks to Aarin for taking notes throughout the day to help me!)

On Thursday, September 2, contractions started. They woke me a few times during the night but I didn’t really think anything of it since all the pain was in my back. Little did I know I would only experience back labor.

They continued on Friday. I still didn’t realize exactly what was happening and went to work. Finally decided I should start timing the breaks between the back pain as well as the duration of the pain. They were pretty regular at about 5-7 minutes apart. I continued to work the whole day and helped with random tasks, such as moving furniture, as I still wasn’t convinced that I was actually in labor. It was a completely different ‘pain’ than what I had anticipated and since it was all in my back, it took me awhile to catch on!

When I got home from work, Eric and I decided I should call Jasmine and let her know what had been going on. She informed me to eat something bland, so we all had noodles with butter on them for dinner. My mom, Eric and I enjoyed a movie during dinner as well. Eric and I also went for a walk to help things progress and I let Aarin know what was going on and she headed over to do some massage and to help as things progressed. We also called my sister and let her know that she should start heading to Colorado, after celebrating her birthday with dinner and drinks with her husband. Jasmine came and checked things out about 10:45 – 1 cm and 50% effaced. She informed us that I could take a shower to help with the pain and then we should all try to get some rest.

I did not sleep much. And neither did Eric. He was a trooper and got up with me for almost every contraction. I tried to let him sleep, but eventually needed his help and just enjoyed having him up with me. Eric and I were back downstairs around 2:00am, as I didn’t want to wake everyone. At around 3:00am we woke everyone back up, Jasmine informed us that I was in active labor. Everyone was awesome, helping me through each contraction. Around 5:00am I took another shower to help with the pain.

Jasmine had to leave to go to Palisade, about one hour away, to deliver another baby.  She assured us that she would be back in time to deliver our baby. In the meantime, her wonderful assistant came to be with us at about 6:00am. Around 8:00am they started filling up the tub and I was soaking away by 9:00am.

Jasmine was back at our house by around 11:00am (that baby came fast!) and I was beginning to have a hard time with the contractions. I was encouraged out of the tub around noon. Jasmine checked me again and things were progressing. My sister arrived around this time. I had joked that I hoped she would not get here in time for the baby to be born because if she did, that would mean I was in labor for a long time…

After laboring around the house – in the bathroom, in our bedroom, walking the stairs, etc. – I was able to get back in the tub! I thought my water had broken and I was ready to push, but I was wrong. We switched the music to a play list called “Baby Booty Mix” as the meditative mix wasn’t doing much for me anymore. I was again encouraged to get out of the tub and move around, which I did, after some resistance.

Eric and I eventually headed back upstairs. He took a much needed and well-deserved break as he had been with me for every second so far. After that, we were in our bathroom alone for quite some time. I was able to feel my bag of water bulging, but it just wouldn’t break. This was an extremely challenging time for both of us and I didn’t think I would be able to continue. After about an hour, Jasmine came in and broke my water. We headed back downstairs and were able to get back into the tub as the baby was on its way!

This part was amazing. The contractions were intense and like nothing I’ve ever experienced, as was the pushing, but then there was a nice long break before the next one. The pushing feels like nothing I’ve ever done before, but it was amazing. I don’t know how long I pushed before she arrived…but I know the second her head was born, I felt immediately better. The rest of her came out in one push and all the pain was gone.

Neva Mae Brotherson was born at 6:44pm on Saturday, September 4, peacefully in water at home. The first few moments were a little scary as she was born with her cord around her neck and not breathing. Jasmine gave her 4 breaths and then Neva cried! Jasmine did an amazing job at not getting all of us worked up about what was going on at the time. I was never worried because I could see Neva’s sweet face and her big eyes looking around checking everything out…so amazing to see her finally!

We got out of the tub and enjoyed bonding as a family on the couch. Aarin fed me a delicious enchilada (made by my sweet husband). Jasmine monitored my status and we had our first nursing session. The three of us eventually went upstairs for the night. Jasmine did her newborn exam in our bed with the birth team all present. It was so special to share that with the women who were there to support us during the birth. Eric's parents also stopped by to meet their new grand-daughter. Everyone left and Eric and I enjoyed our first night as a family of 3. I don’t think we slept much, but we enjoyed staring at our beautiful new daughter and talking about the events of the day.

Another cool part of the day was that my dad was called during the pushing stage of her birth. He, my step mom and little brother were able to listen to Neva be born. As close as it gets to being there, while still being a state away. My brother jokes that I give birth like a girl…

There are so many reasons that I enjoyed birthing at home and would do it the same way again and again. Okay, maybe only one more time…but you get the idea!! Since then we have enjoyed getting to know Neva and watching her sweet personality emerge. She truly is the best thing to ever happen to us!

I would like to give a huge thank you to our birth team. Jasmine, the most amazing midwife ever. Alicia, a huge support to us throughout the day. My mom, the best mom out there. My sister, the best sister and friend a girl could ask for. Aarin, a wonderful friend and amazing doula. And Eric, the most amazing husband and birth partner out there. Everyone helped with each contraction physically and mentally…the support you provided was amazing! Without all of your help, I don’t know that I would have been able to do this!

One month

We officially have a one month old baby on our hands! And she is incredible!

We all survived our first trip back to Kansas as a family of three. It was crazy and wonderful...all at the same time! Neva was a trooper in the car...and we continue to have to wake her up every 3 hours to eat. So glad she's a good sleeper and hoping we're not ruining it by waking her up to eat!

Neva was able to meet so many family members, including all of her great grandparents. Such a lucky baby!! We had some amazing baby showers with Eric's family and my family while we were home as well. We are surrounded by people who love this little girl...she is so lucky!

On a crappier note, our day care provider backed out as we were leaving town. So now I have 14 days to get day care figured out before I head back to work. Guess that's what I get for planning ahead and having this all lined up 6 months in advance! Unfortunately, we also live in a place where day care is limited...I have found 6 licensed providers, 4 of which we've heard back from as a 'no'. So any day care suggestions would be much appreciated!!!

Neva is truly the most amazing thing! She continues to be a very happy baby...smiling all the time. She even smiles when she eats...so cute! She is starting to hold her head up when on her tummy or when trying to burp...she is one strong kid! And she loves bath time! It's really cute to watch her relax and kick in the tub.

We are getting this parenting thing figured out and every day it gets easier. Tonight, as Eric was holding our daughter, he looked at me and told me, "I love this". It truly doesn't get any better than this. I am so blessed to have these two in my life.

Pics from our trip to come...

2 weeks!

I can't believe it has been 2 whole weeks since sweet little Neva arrived! The past two weeks have been two of the best and most trying weeks to date...but I wouldn't trade them for the world! Being a parent is amazing...and no one can prepare you for what you are going to endure! I could cry every day as another day passes or as Neva does something new...or even over a good poop! :) And I could laugh all day at the sweet faces she makes when she sleeps or the time I spend napping with her on my chest...that's got to be one of the best parts! Eric must be feeling the same way, as we had a conversation about how anyone will ever be good enough to marry Miss Neva. I reminded him that we have about 25 years to worry about this, luckily!

Today was our first outing as a family...and it felt amazing to get out of the house! Although it was quite surprising to see the fall colors emerging! Last time I was really out and about, it was still summer...but fall is definitely on it's way!! We've gone on short walks and spent time in the back yard, but today we ventured to Glenwood and stayed out of the house for several hours! Doesn't sound like much...but it was quite a task! It felt great to be out again and we all had a great time. And we are all exhausted afterwards! So, happy two week birthday, Neva! We celebrated by watching some good friends bellydance and listen to a little live music (from very far away, I promise)!!

We also tried our first real bath...which wasn't a huge hit, but I think we'll get there! It was a little harder than the sponge baths we have been doing but guess we can't do those forever!

As I said, I can't believe it's already been 2 weeks...how quickly time is going! Have a feeling it's not slowing down anytime soon...

10 days

I can't believe that just 10 short days ago, our lives were forever changed! It has been a whirlwind week and a half! Our parents have all been out to visit and have all returned back home, which is always difficult for me but even more so this time! Eric has returned back to work, for the most part, with a few days off here and there...and all of us treasure those days together! This job is definitely easier with his help! He is truly AMAZING!!!!!

Neva is also amazing!! She makes the funniest faces...even in the middle of the night when we're up for a late night snack! :) She is most content when swaddled. She is nursing like a champ...and we're gettng that figured out together! She is just the cutest, sweetest thing ever! Of course, we are a little biased!

We tried to have a photographer come to the house and do some newborn photos today! Neva was having an eating marathon and then was exhausted, but didn't want to go to sleep, which makes shooting a newborn difficult! Hopefully, we'll get a few good pictures!!

And...we're breaking down and turning our cable back on. I know it's only been a few days, but this mommy needs some background noise!! On the other hand, I am totally enjoying spending my days at home with this little bundle!! It is incredible!

Will post more pics...when we've all gotten a little more sleep!

Neva Mae has arrived!

We welcomed our beautiful daughter, Neva Mae, into the world on Saturday, September 4, 2010. She was born at 6:44pm, weighing 7 pounds 7 ounces, and 21 inches long. She is the most amazing thing I have ever seen and Eric and I are totally in love!

I'm not quite ready to write out the whole birth story...but did want to share a few pictures and the good news with everyone!!

Having Neva at home was absolutely the best choice for us!! It was amazing, intense and perfect all at the same time. I would not have done it any other way...and now look at the amazing reward we got in the end!!!


Baby Cave...


Alycia checking in...


A little relief in the tub...


She's here!


So in love!!

41 weeks!

Not the best picture, but you get the idea!

Here we are, officially 41 weeks pregnant...one week past our due date and one week to get this baby here!

We met with Jasmine last night and all looks good. Lots of fluid around the baby, good heart rate at 148bpm and facing head down, ready to go! Just might need a little encouragement! So, today we're starting some homeopathy (Black Kohash and Blue Kohash) to see if that will stop the Braxton Hicks contractions and encourage some uterine contractions. I'm hoping the baby will be here over the weekend, but if not we'll see Jasmine on Monday and continue with some gentler induction methods.

She has instructed me that today is my last day at work. Somewhat bitter sweet... Don't get me wrong, I'll enjoy my time at home but I'd really like to have those days for when the baby arrives! Luckily Monday is a holiday, so that doesn't count...and hopefully we'll have a baby over Labor Day weekend!

On the other hand, I still feel really good for the most part. Okay, I'm a little tired as I didn't sleep last night but for the most part...I feel good. I know this is alarming to people...How could I possibly feel good? How could I possibly still be working? How could I possibly still be wearing heels? Guess I'm just that amazing! :)

Really?

Yes, I am past my due date. However, I am pretty sure I am not the first woman in history to ever go over a due date. That said, I think the following comments which I have heard already this week are somewhat inappropriate.

"Oh my, you're still here?" Yes I am...and due to the fact that I work for a non-profit organization and don't have the world's best maternity leave plan, I will be here until the baby is born.

"You must be miserable!" No, actually, I still feel good. This baby and I have been very nice to each other. I still feel great, still sleep great (most nights)...just doing great!

"I bet you're ready for this to all be over." OR "Don't worry, you won't be pregnant forever." See above. And add in there that I have it pretty easy right now! My body is still providing a safe, warm home for the baby. My job is about to get much harder, but right now? I have it pretty good!

"Can't you have this baby already?" Well, since I have so much control over it!! This baby will come when he/she is ready!! Think about the journey this one has lying ahead!

"Hopefully we won't see you at ____ (fill in the blank with a variety of things!)". Hoping people aren't saying this to people on a regular basis!

"Are you sure your midwife didn't get your due date wrong?" Well, no, it is very possible that is a little off since they are a guess anyways! But that is the case with all pregnancies!

On a serious note, I am feeling great! Eric and I are ready for this baby to arrive! And somewhat relieved that this baby hasn't arrived yet, as Jasmine has been very busy delivering babies over the past week. We are perfectly content to wait our turn so we can have her undivided attention! In the meantime, we are enjoying long nightly walks and timing contractions to see if they might lead up to something! Tomorrow? Tomorrow, I'm have a massage by the most amazing massage therapist out there. And I'm sure she'll know all the right spots to work on to help things along. We're also enjoying having my mom here, helping us prepare for the arrival of this little one. Any ol' time baby, whenever you're ready!

Waiting...

We are past our due date. Which really means nothing since due dates are just a guess...but we're getting awfully antsy.

We have nothing left to do.

The house is clean.

The freezer is well stocked and getting more stocked as we speak.

Thanks to all of you for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers and letting us know that we are loved and thought about.

Now, come on Baby Brotherson. I know it's super warm, comfy, cozy and dark in there. But I promise you....great things await you out here as well!!!

It's okay, come on out!

40 weeks

Here we are. We've reached our due date (according to us, although at our appointment yesterday with Jasmine, she had that as our due date...first time I've heard that). 40 whole weeks of pregnancy completed. And we're just waiting. Amazing how patient you can be for 40 weeks and now Eric and I are both anxious, nervous, excited and feeling ready to meet this baby.

At our appointment yesterday, all is looking well. My blood pressure had gone up a little at an appointment a few weeks ago, but was back down yesterday after taking some herbs for the past 2 weeks. They aren't delicious, but they did the trick! She re-tested me for Group Beta Strep as we did my initial test early but they are only considered valid for 4 weeks. Baby's heart rate was perfect at 140bpm. Still feeling pretty good, just could use a little more sleep! Plan on doing lots of resting and napping over the weekend!

The house is still clean, my work is still caught up and ready for someone else to take over....now we just wait. Hopefully, somewhat patiently.

Here is a 40 week picture for your viewing pleasure!

Redrum Photo Shoot

A few weeks ago we had a belly dance photo shoot done by Redrum Photography. Here is my photo from that day...not too shabby for being 36 weeks pregnant!



I get to pick another for them to retouch and make me look beautiful...so excited! And such a talented duo we worked with! I was hot and sweaty and standing in front of a white wall...and the above photo is what they were able to create. They are amazing!!!

Cook, Clean, Sleep....Bowl?

Over the weekend, we were extremely productive. We have a freezer full of enchiladas, just waiting to be cooked after the birth of our little one. Figured that just in case no one had time to cook, we better have some delicious food to feed our birthing team.

We've cleaned the house from top to bottom...and then have done it again and again. The house is cleaner than normal, as if the baby might actually care or notice if we missed a day of running the vacuum. Don't get me wrong, I love the cleanliness of our abode right now but really don't know if it can get any cleaner around here!

And I've been resting up or at least trying to do a better job of getting a nap in here and there. Resting up for the biggest challenge of my life! And I'm trying to get as much sleep as possible at night, as I've heard these nights will be few and far between for the next several years.

So, the nesting is done. And now we just sit back and wait for the little one to make his or her arrival.

However, in an attempt to speed things along we went bowling yesterday. No changes yet, but we'll see what happens!

Come on baby, we're ready for you...I think!

39 weeks

Tomorrow marks 39 weeks. One more (official) week of waiting!

Again, I say, I can't believe how fast this has all gone.

We had another home visit this week with Jasmine and she brought another assistant, Alicia. Alicia is a very sweet soul, who was so excited to meet us...and our baby. She introduced herself to the baby before touching my belly and it was so sweet.

My belly is measuring at 35 weeks, significantly different than last week. Which means the baby has dropped and is getting ready to meet us! Baby's heart rate was good at 146. Keep trying to follow an old wives' tale...low means one sex, high means the other...but baby keeps it right in the middle, so we can't even make a guess based on the heart rate!

Every visit, Jasmine asks me how I'm feeling. Every week it's the same...feeling good, sleeping good, still exercising, just doing well in general. This pregnancy business has been very enjoyable...I've had very few complaints, very few sleepless nights...and consider myself extremely lucky. Jasmine told me, in her sweet and gentle way, that women usually have to get to a point where they are really uncomfortable before their babies are born. She also joked about putting me on a coke and white bread diet, so that the baby doesn't like being inside anymore. Of course, she was joking...I'll continue to drink my tea, take my herbs and take a handful of supplements everyday. Alicia disagreed somewhat and informed us that she feels that I will feel great up to the end and be one of those women who has an "orgasmic" birth. Don't know if I'll be that lucky, but that would be better than many of the birth stories I've heard!

So, at this point, we wait. We get to continue to hear the guesses of when the baby will arrive....full moon on the 24th, first time moms never deliver on time, it will definitely be September before this baby arrives...we've heard quite a range of guesses. Some dates have passed and some still seem very far away. Only thing for sure, this baby will come when he/she is ready. And I can't wait!

Baby may be waiting until we decide on at least one name for each sex....in that case, I hope the baby comes out wearing a name tag.

38 weeks

We have hit 38 weeks and I would the nesting is in full force right now!

I have completed some projects that I wanted to have done prior to the baby's arrival. I started knitting this blanket months ago. I'm not a very good knitter and had to use a loom...and am not sure I'll ever knit again! But...here is the finished project.



And I sewed this quilt. It's not perfect and it's much smaller than I originally anticipated, but I made a quilt damn it. Aside from a gift for Mandy & Elliott, I haven't sewn anything without help from my mom or my grandma... And I'm quite please with myself. Have a look...



Yesterday, poor Eric got to rearrange our bedrooms on his own...because, really?? I'm not much for lifting furniture these days. But the rooms are ready for the arrival of the little one. The baby room is ready. Our room is now ready, complete with a rocking chair and bassinet. And the guest room has been rearranged to accommodate all of the furniture that we just couldn't fit in our bedroom any longer!

I am actually on top of things and for the most part caught up at work. I have paperwork from one meeting last week to complete and a few things to finish up, but I have been putting in lots of extra hours over the past few weeks to get things caught up and ready for someone else to deal with while I'm out for a few weeks....and it feels so great! Staying on top of my caseload, including having paperwork up to date? NEVER.HAPPENS. I'd say we're ready to go!

Still feeling well...I could sleep for days straight sometimes. However, I have been better about lying down when I get home from work and napping on the weekends. Enjoying all of the quiet time that we have left...and so looking forward to that quiet time being filled with sweet baby sounds in the next few weeks!!!!

The countdown is on....10 days (give or take) and counting...

37 (and a half) weeks

Here we are...on the final countdown! We are past 37 weeks, which means we could really have this baby at anytime! But officially, we have 16 days to go! But all that really means is that any time in the next 1-30 days we will be having a baby! Where did all that time go????

We had an appointment with Jasmine yesterday and everything is going great! I am measuring right on track and have gained the right amount of weight. My blood pressure is good, baby's heart rate is good..everything is good! Our next appointment will be at home again. It is so nice to have these appointments at the house. Jasmine will be bringing another assistant for us to meet, as one of these ladies will be attending the birth with Jasmine.

The house is ready for the little one to arrive. The dresser is full of clothes and diapers, all the baby necessities are bought and put in their proper place and Eric is doing a great job at making sure that we keep the house cleaned up and ready to go! Everyday we think of more things that need to be done before the birth, but just little things that make us feel better....and more prepared!

People have been asking if I'm done being pregnant a lot lately. I have really enjoyed being pregnant and have had a pretty easy run from what I've heard from many other women. I'm not tired of being pregnant, but I really can't wait to see the little person that Eric and I have made. Will he/she be long and lean like Eric? Will he/she be a belly dancer or a soccer player? Will he/she be as stubborn as each of us? I just can't wait to see what traits each of us have passed along to this sweet little one. I also can't wait to see who has been kicking and poking me for the past 37+ weeks.

I continue to feel good, although I am definitely starting to slow down. I'm not swollen, I continue to sleep well...I just feel good in general! I have been busting through a whole month's worth of work over the past few weeks in hopes that I can leave things done and in order when the baby decides to make his/her arrival. Guess that's my way of nesting right now! However, all this work makes for one tired mama at the end of the day!

Since I have been pretty bad about picture lately, thought I would include some tonight...for your viewing pleasure.

This is our previous home visit with Jasmine. She came and saw our house and did our prenatal visit in the comfort of our home.



Here we are as of today, 37 weeks and 5 days. Please excuse my appearance...I had a day full of meetings and changed into sweats as soon as I got home.



And this was a double rainbow we saw tonight. Just a cool sight, worth sharing.

Surprise!

Last night I was surprised by some sweet friends with a baby shower! Eric and I had planned to go out to dinner, as our days as 2 are coming to an end. He informed me we needed to make a quick stop to get some elk antlers cut for Risa. (I know this sounds extremely red neck of us, but she loves them and they are full of calcium and way better for her than rawhides). So, we stopped to have a friend cut our antlers and...SURPRISE!!!

There were several of my close friends hiding in the kitchen! There was tons, and I mean TONS, of delicious food! Salsas from my favorite Mexican restaurant, spinach artichoke dip, tater tots, salad, fried ravioli, veggie and chicken skewers, Janet's famous purses and to top it off rice krispy treats and some delicious cupcakes! These ladies are amazing, I tell you!

We enjoyed some delicious food...and I think some beverages were consumed by others. :) Eric and I were also treated to some super sweet 'wish cards' for us from these friends, an awesome picture holder and the pack and play that we've been wanting! It is so amazing to have such generous friends in our lives!

It was an extremely enjoyable evening, shared with some of the best friends two transplants could ask for! I feel completely blessed to have such amazing friends to share the arrival of our baby with! Thanks to all of you!!!!

Ouray

Eric and I took our last trip as two over the weekend. Just a short overnight trip to Ouray, Colorado but it was so worth it to have a little time away before the arrival of Baby Brotherson.

We drove out over McClure Pass, which was a beautiful drive! We stopped in Paonia for lunch at The Casa...if you ever get to Paonia, go there! We sat outside and ate some yummy food...and got a good couple of laughs at the 10ish year old kid there eating breakfast by himself. The only kid I've ever seen send pancakes back because they had sugar on them. Too cute!

We finished our drive and arrived mid-afternoon. Just in time to take in the shops in downtown Ouray. Then we headed out for a night on the town. We ate dinner at the Beaumont Hotel, which is super old and super fancy. We sat outside in the rain, which was awesome. We were entertained by an almost two year old, Theo, throughout our appetizer and salads. After our dinner, our waitress braved the rain again to bring us a delicious dessert purchased by Theo's dad. Too sweet. Little did they know, we really enjoy playing with other people's kids, so double win for us! We grabbed some warm decaf beverages and headed back to our room for some SNL action. Since we don't have cable any more, SNL and the news make for a pretty good Saturday night.

Sunday morning, we got up and went to breakfast at a funny little restaurant. The owners and wait staff were all enjoying their breakfast at the table next to us, while they took turns serving us and making sure our water glasses were full. Quaint little town, I tell you!

Then we headed to Cascade Falls. A very short little hike, leads you to this amazing view...



Then we walked around where there is some apparently amazing ice climbing during the winter. Box Canyon Falls...





And here we are, just the two of us...



Then we went to the actual Box Canyon Falls...pretty amazing stuff.





Here is a 36 week belly shot at Box Canyon Falls...



We finished up our trip with a stop in Ridgeway, where we happened to see Theo's family from dinner the night before and were able to thank them for the yummy dessert. Yes quaint little mountain towns. It was a fantastic weekend. Extremely relaxing and I am so glad we got a chance to get away!

But I'll tell you what, I am so excited for our next trip...as a family of 3. When we can start showing our little one the beautiful state where we live, Kansas where all of our family lives, the world...I just can't wait.

Mountain Fair

Over this past weekend was Mountain Fair. A fun little fair that happens in Carbondale every summer...and all the hippies come out to play. I love Mountain Fair, just for the people watching. This weekend, I saw a real pirate!! Okay, probably not really...but did see a gentleman dressed as a pirate just checking out the fair. And I love it.

I also got to dance with the wonderful ladies of Bella Luz and Sahara Moon. It was hot and humid...and a long night, but definitely fun and totally worth it! I also get to mark one more goal off of my 101 in 1001 list, as I did a solo pregnant. I'm not usually one to do a solo as I'm not overly confident in my dance abilities...I can learn choreography and follow someone else, but when it comes to doing my own thing, I don't feel it's my strong suit. BUT...I did it. I've done a solo once before in front of a much smaller crowd, so I was pretty darn proud of myself.

Dancing with the lovely ladies of Sahara Moon

Me, Aarin and Sophia

Close up shot of belly...dancing at 35 weeks

Side angle view of the belly...during my solo, or duet with Baby Bro

Baby Shower Pictures

Sophia and I trying our best to chug...way harder than you might think!!




Chocolatey goodness a la Sue....

Super cute decorations a la Aarin...

Aarin, myself and Sophia with my beautifully painted belly mold a la Sophia...

Me taking in the beautiful belly dancing...

Thanks again to Sue and Aarin for hosting such a great shower!! And to everyone for your contributions to making the day so enjoyable! Sorry for not posting more pictures!