Post 2. An Update

Sunday night was the worst night of my pregnancy thus far. I am nine months pregnant and really feeling it. I was having contractions all night long that were accompanied by some very painful stomach cramps, nausea, and hot flashes. I really thought I was going into labor. I slept maybe 3 hours total and woke up cranky with the world. The contractions had eased a bit so I decided to try to go to work to get my mind off of everything. I lasted about an hour and a half and then headed home. The nausea was unbearable and the contractions were about every 10-12 minutes. I realized that if I did go into more active labor I did not want to be at work. I got home slept a little and then called my midwife. She suggested acupuncture. She said I could do one of two things. Induce labor or slow it down. Inducing would, if she was ready, bring on stronger contractions and possibly have our little girl out within a few days. Slowing it down would help me sleep, reduce the nausea and hopefully reduce the frequency of the hot flashes. I chose to try induction but obviously it didn't work. Our little girl just isn't ready yet. I guess that should make me happy. She loves her mama and wants to keep me to herself for a little while longer. I am really okay with it. I am 39 weeks and have made it thru this pregnancy with very few complications.
So since Monday everything has slowed down. I am still having contractions all day but they are not as frequent or as painful. The nausea has disappeared as well as the frequent hot flashes. Now I am just back to the waiting game. I talk to her often and remind her that we are ready to meet her. I know that the end is near. I can feel it in my bones. She just needs to be ready too.

Post 1. The Biggest Rumor in Car Seat Assistance

For as long as I can remember I have been told that if you go to a Fire Station anywhere in the US of A firefighters will come out to your car and inspect your car seat installation job and assure you that you have installed it correctly. Now, I remember hearing this long before I ever became pregnant myself so I assumed it to be the truth. I assumed that you could, without your husband in tow, spend an hour with some hunky fireman while he installed my baby's car seat. Once I became pregnant the rumor spread even faster. I heard it in EVERY single baby prep class we took. So, let me be the first to tell you all that THIS IS A LIE! A BIG FAT LIE!!!! Here is the tale of how I found out.
Last Monday I decided to stop by our local firehouse and see if I could have our car seat installation approved. We have a 1999 Nissan Sentra that has none of the new fangled anchors and reinforced belt systems so I thought it especially important that we have someone check it out. Much to my surprise they turned me down.
Me: "So I have heard that you guys check out car seat installation and approve proper placement?"
Not so hunky fireman: " Yeah, No. That is a rumor. The city of Portland refuses to take on the liability so we aren't trained."
Me: "Oh. Well. I guess that is okay."
Fireman: "You could go to Tualatin and have their firemen do it. I know they are trained."
Me: "Perfect. I don't work far from there I will give them a call tomorrow."
He then proceeded to head out to my car to take a look from a fathers perspective. He unbuckled the car seat loosened the straps flipped it over and said, "Yeah, I don't know about this. I would take it out to someone who is trained."
Gee thanks.
On Tuesday I decided to call the Tualatin Valley Fire Department first to see if they would do it. In short, they don't either. No firehouse in Oregon will take on the liability of installing a car seat. In fact, they are not even trained in the installation of them. It is a lie that has been propagated by thousands of people for decades. Maybe they did at one point, I don't know, but I am here to set the record straight. Don't bother with them ladies. It is a waste of time!

4th of July Fun

Because I am only two weeks away from my due date I decided that a low key quiet 4th of July was what I needed. Every year my bother Vince and his wife Joy have a neighborhood party and this year they invited Steve and I. An added bonus was that he had his daughters, Leah and Lauren, this year which always provides added entertainment. The people were great, the food was plentiful, and the kids were a riot. The fireworks weren't too bad either. Our drive home was even fun. As we drove along 205 north we could see fireworks going off all over the valley. I didn't get too many pics but I did take a couple of me and Joy and an okay one of me and Steve. He decided at the last minute to put his hand on my belly which made him forget to smile.

Me and Joy looking pregnant and cute

The future BFF's giving their first "fist bump"

Proud Mama and Papa

Our patriotic pedicures.
What can I say, Steve loves a pedi as much as the next guy.

37 Weeks

Tomorrow marks week 37 of this pregnancy and there is almost nothing new to report. I saw our midwife on Thursday and was given the pleasure of having my cervix checked. She was happy to report that my cervix is still very long and very closed. She then went on to say that I would most likely deliver close to my due date, 7/20, if not after. I have until 8/10 to have this baby at which point they will induce. I am hoping that she doesn't hang in there that long but if she does it is for a reason and I will just have to live with it. As some of you probably realize this news of her predicted arrival came as quite a shock to Steve and me. I have been saying all along that she was going to be early. I knew in the core of my very being that I would not make it to my due date. So when I heard this I was a little disappointed. My first reaction was "crap, can I really wait that long?" But now that the idea has set in I am actually pretty stoked about it. For the past few weeks Steve and I have been running around trying to accomplish everything and now I feel like we can just take a deep breath and relax for a bit. I am even thinking of taking off for a romantic night away. And now that Steve has officially finished his first draft of his thesis I just might be able to swing it.

Maggie's Baby Pool

Step right up folks and take a guess. It will cost you nothing but may grant you first peek at our little Maggie. You already know the sex so just give your best guess at date of birth, height, and weight. I can't wait to see who wins.

Showers in June

If you live in the Northwest you may think this is a blog about the never-ending rain that we are dealing with but you would be mistaken. This is actually about a baby shower for me and our little one on the way. After days and days and days of steady rain the clouds parted for a brief 18 hours to allow the sun to shine down upon our intimate little gathering at the Child's home in Washougal. The shower was given by my oldest friend Melissa Child Cudworth and her mom Diane Child. Not only was the weather great but so was the food! Thanks so much to all who came to celebrate!


The food and beverage bar!

THE CAKE!!!

Me and Missy

Group photo

Just the 3, no wait, 6 of us. Two of my good friends, Rachel and Ellie, are also pregnant and were present at the shower.

My mom is a master quilter. This is the first of what I am sure will be many quilts that Maggie gets to cuddle in.

Sasha Bear

This post is specifically for Emily Adamson. Emily and I have been acquainted/friends with for about 7 years now. She is a very cool gal that I got to hang with this weekend and we shared blogs. She informed me that my blog was seriously lacking pics of the pup so, Emily, here you go.

This pic was taken the day we brought her home. Notice how she made herself at home.

Good girl. This is one of my favorites because she looks so regal.

Steve and Sasha are the best cuddle buddies. She looks to him for affection and treats.

Last but not least. My little pony.