I don’t want to be induced again, I really want to trust my body to do this on its own. I’m taking a Gentle Birth tincture, which I loving call “Polyjuice Potion”, walking and trying to keep busy. All I really care about is her being healthy and happy- if that means her sticking around in my belly a little longer than is comfortable, then thats ok.

Almost baby time….

My slow cooker… I just throw food in in the morning and then I have nothing else to do.  LOVE.

Paper plates and plastic forks.  Don’t judge me.   I don’t have a dishwasher.

I’m unashamed over taking full advantage of our local organic grocery store and stocking up on some free kids meals for my toddler.  It’s so nice just pulling a turkey wrap, some fruit and a box of organic chocolate milk out of a kids bag for Daisy’s lunch or dinner- whichever I’m too tired to mess with lol.  SAVING my LIFE.

My husband.  I didn’t even have to have the, “Babe, I’m about to push a baby out any day now… Could you take over a load of laundry or two…?” conversation lol.   On his days off, Ryan is up with Daisy while I sleep in, making breakfast, changing diapers and letting me take it easy.  I’m spoiled.

At 37 weeks we’re having our Birth Team Meeting with my midwives.  I’ve never heard of any doctors or anyone doing this- but it sounds like a great idea.  Basically, everyone who’s going to be in the room- my husband and mom and me- meet with my midwives and talk about labor.  We go over my birth plan, talk about who specifically does what and get everyone on the same page.

I can’t believe I’m at THE END.  This pregnancy has flown by and its surreal to think I could be holding my newborn this time next month.  I’m at the point where labor, birth and infant is on my mind 24/7.  It’s like waiting for christmas- only christmas is going to be very painful lol.

Happy Bellies.

xoxo

Me and little, 4 month old, Daisy-Baby in her ergo carrier.  GOSH I miss it so much.  Now she wants to walk everywhere, which is a fun adventure too, but nothing beats holding your little one close to your heart.

baby hats and co-sleeping… I can’t wait to have my sweet little bean sleeping between Ryan and I.  Nothing is more precious than a sleeping newborn. Sigh…

Oh, and being able to sport some dresses like this will be nice too… Due date 23 days away <3

xoxo

Daisy had a short power nap on Ryan’s shoulder during part of the reception, then woke up,  found a few pieces of chocolate and perked up pretty quick.  I wasn’t sure how into it she’d be- she’s never stayed out LATE before.  I think the latest she’s ever stayed up at home is like 10pm and she’s never been close to being out with us past that time.  But, we had driven a little ways and wanted to stay and see family we don’t get to see too often.

I was STUNNED when the music started.

Daisy grabbed Ryan’s hand and pulled him to the side of the dance floor and stood watching everyone dance for a minute- then pulled him straight onto the floor and started DANCING.  Not, unsure-toddler-swaying, DANCING.  Like, twirling, jumping, kicking her legs, and shaking her tush dancing.  I was like “WHERE did that come from!?”  She’s not even 2 yet! haha.  I honestly don’t think she’s ever even HEARD dance-style music before much less seen or been around any real dancing.

You’re going to think I’m lying, but at one point the group made a CIRCLE around her and she free-styled on her own.  She twirled, kicked, moved to the beat and then DROPPED to the ground like a break dancer or something and did a sort-of split, moved her arms up and down and then stood up and did it again.  I was laughing so hard I was crying.  Adults were pulling out their iphones and videoing her and taking pictures with her.  At the end of each song she’d stop and clap and wait for the next song.  Like she’s been doing this forever lol.   She totally hammed it up and stole the show.

Who’s kid IS that?!   My cheeks were hurting from laughing so hard.  She danced with everyone, Ryan, his 2 older sisters, his dad- everyone.  At one point she stopped, came over to me and handed me her sweater, then ran right back out and started dancing again.  Excuse me miss 2 going on 20.

I guess I was just shocked to see dancing be such a part of her,  I had no idea.  Subconsciencely  I think everyone kind of expects their kids to be just like them or their spouse.  To like the same things we like and do what we do- and in many ways that’s true… But at the same time its good to see and realize that Daisy is completely her own person too.  I know NOTHING of dance or dancing.  I’m not into the spotlight AT ALL and hate being the center of attention but Daisy apparently thrives off it.

Also, I don’t think I’ve ever felt so PROUD of her.  She’s 20-months-old and was completely and totally happy and secure to dance, all night, with “grown-ups” she didn’t know.  She freaking loved it.  I just think of how many times over these past 20 months that I’ve doubted myself.  “Is it time for her to sleep alone? Is it ok for her to sleep on her belly now?  What should she be eating?  Does she get enough play time with other kids? Is our discipline style working?  Am I a good mom?”

Then to see such a secure, confident, bright and shining little girl laughing and bringing so much joy to everyone around her brought tears to my eyes.  I think we’re doing something right.

LOVE her.

Today I’m 23! (which my husband says is pretty much my ‘mid twenties’ oh blah blah blah… )  and today I’m also 35 weeks pregnant!! Woo!!

I treated Newbie and I to a hot cup of (not decaf) french roast coffee this morning.  Good.  Grief.

This year I will have my second, sweet, child.  I’ll fall more in love with my darling (this is my 4th birthday spent with him!)  and I’ll for sure read, write, drink tea and enjoy every moment of this beautiful life.

For tonight, I’m  going out on the town (toddler free )

I hope everyone has a great weekend this fabulously, un-wintery, January.

xoxo

ok.  haven’t started packing yet..

Labor-

* Arnica Oil

* Pillows

* Blankets

* Birth Plans

* Camera

Baby-

* Boppy

* Hats, onesies, jammies, blankies

Postpartum-

* Earthfare sprays

* Lanolin

*  Herbal Sitz Bath

* Olive Oil

*Camomile Tea to offset postpartum depression and calm nerves

* PJs

* Toothbrushes, shampoos, hairbrush

* feminine needs

* belly band

Food Cooler-

* Bottled waters and Teas

* Granola Bars

* Apples, bannanas, grapes

* Trail mix, nuts, cashews

* Beef Jerky (ryan)

Need To:

* make caring for daisy list

* wash boppy cover

* wash blankets

* get diapers- newborn and size ones

* go through daisy’s old newborn clothes, wash

* get onesies, blankets, baby pjs

* get another humidifier?

* clean and install baby carseat

* get “from baby” gift for daisy and wrap

* get frozen crockpot meals- make in advance

* get arnica oil, lanolin, sitz bath and herbal goods from ef

* get stretchy pj bottoms, comfy tops, slippers and a robes

* get feminine needs- have packed

* belly band

* baby swing

*Wash ERGO and newborn insert

ok so i was hoping more would be crossed off by now.. lol.. but most of it is packing- and i don’t think i even posted a cleaning list but much of my crazy cleaning is done.  Aside from tons of laundry i’m putting of till the last minute.  

Target had a huge sale the other day and I scored TONS of stuff for Newbie for soooo cheap.  I got 2 huge plush blankies, used to be $20 a piece on sale for $5.- a 6 pack of onesies that was $15 for $1… as well as a pack of hats, socks, mittens, an oven mitt, a plate and 2 bowls for Daisy ALL for $1 each!  I guess they were clearing out their baby stuff and I went on the perfect day.  Newbie has a pretty over-flowing amount of clothes, from what I’ve gotten her and daisy hand-me-downs.  All she really needs is diapers and I really want some chunky knit hats for her.

Woooooo

The flowers of tomorrow are in the seeds of today <3  Aren’t pregnant bellies gorgeous?  I mean, how much more feminine and beautiful can a woman BE!?

Not to toot my own horn, but I’m diggin’ my newest accesory, for the next month or so at least

pushin 35 weeks…..

Happy bellies!

As the mom of little girls,  I’m already aware of how I talk about my body in front of my toddler.  My husband and I are committed to raising Daisy in a “Chub-Friendly” enviroment  We love her little rolls, her belly and slight double chin.  She is perfect.  But I also realize that she will look to me for how to be a woman.  She’ll look to me to see how I treat my body and how I talk about myself.  I want her to know that she is beautiful and loved and this whole stick-skinny american mindset is way beneath her.

I love the conversation in the (amazing) movie Away We Go..

Burt Farlander: Do you promise to let our daughter be fat or skinny or any weight at all? Because we want her to be happy, no matter what. Being obsessed with weight is just too cliché for our daughter.
Verona De Tessant: Yes, I do. Do you promise, when she talks, you’ll listen? Like, really listen, especially when she’s scared? And that her fights will be your fights?
Burt Farlander: I do. And do you promise that if I die some embarrassing and boring death that you’re gonna tell our daughter that her father was killed by Russian soldiers in this intense hand-to-hand combat in an attempt to save the lives of 850 Chechnyan orphans?
Verona De Tessant: I do. Chechnyan orphans. I do. I do.

xoxo

I’m looking like this.  Not as cute, actually.

I’m halfway thru the 4th Eragon book, Inheritance.  Blowing my mind. Rocking my world.  I love dragons.

I could eat ALL of this right now..

I need to take a moment and be overwhelmingly thankful that I’m the mama to a BEAUTIFUL little toddler girl and I have another little lady on the way.  Boys are fine, but girls are just- heavenly.  There’s just nothing sweeter.

Hey, my birthday is next week…

Actually, I’d settle for a nap.. in here.

Oh, and a tip for all you heart-burnin’ preggys out there… These get rid of heartburn, and taste a lot better than tums.

Pretty much.