Stuff Chio got for Christmas

Teeny-tiny mittens! Thanks Auntie Anne!

Glider from the Grandparents.

Mini sound system from Daddy.

First card that says "welcome to the family" and handmade hat from Aunt Kristen and Uncle Butch!

A little late...

Catching up on belly photos.  Enjoy my pics with mi panzoncita.

Ready for the Holiday Party:)

La Chio and I after our night shift.  She assisted me with two deliveries last night!  She was kicking wildly as we were cheering on the pushing moms.  I loved having her at work with me:)  I was so grateful that my pregnant body put up with all that work.  When I think about birth and get nervous about stretching my body to the limits I remember all the times in the past that I have thought I couldn't go on, but I did!

A corner turned?

So we are staring down the barrel of the third trimester.  I can definitely feel a difference.  My energy level and my appetite have both disappeared.  I am grumpy and complainy and intolerant of things that used to be a breeze.  I cry easily and fall asleep even easier.  Sharing my body is hard work.

On the bright side I have amazing support.  Not the least of which is Christian.  I truly did marry my best friend.  He has been more steady, unconditionally caring and supportive than I could have asked for.  One exercise this Sunday in our Bradley class was to thank our partners for being so involved.  We had to say three things we were grateful for in our partners.  I could have gone on and on.  It's a pretty good feeling a week before our third anniversary.

Another person I am grateful for is Tara.  Today I went to her house, complained endlessly about my heartburn and just held and fed her babies.  It felt great.  She just let me be and it was what I needed.  Cuddle time with babies and kitties, an understanding ear and Thai food.  A nice reprieve from work which seems like an endless, impossible checklist.

So, other than reaching out for help when I need it, what else can I do to take care of myself in these last few months?  Here are some ideas I have:
1) Eat more protein
2) Sleep when I can
3) Lovingly say NO to extra work/taking on others' problems.  I don't, at present, have the energy to give it the attention it deserves.  It takes love to say no.
4) Remember that I am loved and valuable because of who I am, not what I DO.
5) Drink more water
6) Use crying as a release.  I have read recently that crying is also good in labor.  I believe it!  Boy do I feel lighter after I've let it out, even if I don't know what "it" is.
7) Remember that this too shall pass. Though I know I'll be tired in the future, I have so much to look forward to!
8) Honor the work that my body is doing by not abusing it with late nights, junk food, and extra stress.
9) Talk to my baby.  Remember that this is all for a good reason.  Learning to take care of myself is essential to creating a healthy family.
10) Laugh!!

For those of you reading this that I am in contact with often, I would not mind gentle reminders of my own list as I count down the last months of my pregnancy.  It really does take a village.

Parenting Practice

Christian holding Heather's nephew, Fenton.  

Us changing Simone's diaper.  She was born at 34 weeks, so tiny!  Christian wasn't at all intimidated.  He is a natural.  

Aw...the good stuff..

Take-it-easy Sunday

Christian and I love having Sundays together.  Along with going to our childbirth classes we have the time to run little errands and cuddle in front of the TV and Christmas tree.  Today Christian insisted that we go to Destination Maternity.  I am in sore need of a warm coat that fits.  I've been looking online, but have yet to commit.  I was disappointed with the lack of selection I saw today and left back at square one.

We did some shopping for Christmas gifts, oggled the new football jerseys at the Nike store, and basically walked as much as my little pregnant body could handle (it's getting harder).  We also picked up some parenting books and a free (!!) baby monitor today that were being given away on the neighborhood list-serve.

We ordered in for dinner and Christian fell asleep on the couch watching a soccer game.  I love these days.  I know they will change once Chio comes.  I am relishing every day that I get to sleep in, and every moment that I am able to have my husband to myself.  I will miss these days, but am so excited to see how much she will add to our lives!

Welcome December!!

I had a wonderful day yesterday with my girls Stephanie, Michelle, and Loren.  These are three of the four lovely ladies who have volunteered to throw my baby shower.  We went to Bryant Park to take in the holidayness.  I was a little bummed that I couldn't ice skate, but was excited to share some Nutella Churros and browse the ornaments and jewelry. Afterwards, the girls were kind enough to indulge me in my craving for steak (it was really Chio's demand).  We had a ridiculously overpriced lunch at Wolfgang Pucks.  We lounged and laughed and really enjoyed ourselves.  At one point Loren called me "baby drunk" which I thought was appropriate.  My hand is on my belly most of the time I'm sitting.  Though I'm not always comfortable, I am always entertained by her movements (getting stronger every day) and fascinated by the thought of becoming a mom in a few short months.  I am pretty happy most of the time.  I love dreaming about her and what she'll become.  I loved sharing these special moments with three of the most intelligent, funny and kind women I know.

Loren took the picture so she's not in it :(