A Day with My Mom

Last week my mom and I were able to spend the whole day together and we had a blast!!

I must say that there is a new love and respect I have for that woman as I prepare to bring my own child into this wide world... when I didn't think I could love her any more than I already do! I assume this new love will continue to grow deeper as I begin to live out my own version of being a mother to a daughter.
Our adventure included:

A trip to The KC Zoo...

Getting lost on our way home,

finding some good eats at this fun little spot...

And running errands around town... I am so excited to introduce Aliyah to my mom - I just know the three of us will go on many fun adventures together.

Another Day at the Doctor's

Yesterday was the last day that I get to see my OB until she returns from Europe on May 10th! I suppose I could see her again if this little one decides to come over the weekend, but since Aliyah hasn't even dropped yet, I am hoping for her to hold out until at least May 10th :)

I was so encouraged by my OB yesterday after giving her a copy of our 'birth vision' - she read it, said that it looked great and then told me, "If I am at your delivery or not, stick to your guns. You absolutely can do this without an epidural and if that is what you want to do, don't let anybody else try to talk you into one." I JUST LOVE HER!!!! She has also delivered babies for other women who have used our doula - Vanessa Flood (check her out... we love her too) - and thinks that she is a great doula and will be a wonderful advocate for us as well. How could I not leave that office with a huge smile on my face?!?!

(Of course I know there is a time and a place for medical intervention and will go into labor with an open heart, but it is still pretty great to hear reassurance from my doctor that I CAN DO THIS!!)

On the other hand... The weight thing finally hit me yesterday as I stepped on the scale to find that I’ve now gained 30 pounds overall and while it’s not a huge concern - the nurse did say to me “Marcie, your little girl is going to spend her last few weeks putting on weight - so the more weight you gain, you more weight she gains - and the more weight she gains, the more weight you have to deliver”

Then I made a face like this:

But after my appointment, Tyler treated me to dinner and despite the warnings I finished things off with a chocolate malt milkshake. My reasoning: Baby fat is squishy stuff, right?

Also, I’m an inch away from no longer fitting into booth seating anymore. Getting in and out is a lot like trying to pick out the funny bone in the game Operation without getting buzzed.

Push Present

On Monday, a jewelry catalog came in the mail and I caught Tyler flipping through it last night. I asked him if he was looking for a “push present” for me. To which he responded “Push present? Oh, I know what that is... it’s when I pull out a present to give you when you are pushing?” Hahahaha. Talk about motivation... “Here honey, push out our kid and I’ll give you this lovely Tiffany’s bracelet.”

After I finished laughing hysterically at the thought of that... I informed him that a better time to deliver such a gift would probably be after she’s born. And that I don’t really need a push present... I’ve got everything I need. (and I really truly mean that) But he seemed to like the idea, so I mentioned that if I really start to get into the weeds during our natural birth plan, I may be motivated by a new pair of shoes... just FYI.

Summary: I think footwear could come into play as a possible labor motivator.

Nesting Around the House

Aliyah's room is pretty much all set (nursery tour to come)... So to stay busy I am now venturing out to other rooms throughout the house. Tyler is really loving the growing to-do list (poor guy)!!

Spiced up the main bathroom with a little gold paint...

Freshened up the dinning room chairs with new seat covers...

I would also like to add that I mowed the front yard today (almost 38 weeks pregnant)... to avoid laundry - Yes, I hate doing laundry THAT much - ha!

Bump @ 37.5 Weeks

Congrats Gibsons!!!!

We celebrated the wedding vows of Chris & Christina this weekend and since I got dressed-up (doesn't happen too often these days) I thought I would throw in an extra bump picture... high heels and all...

37.5 Weeks!!!

Preparing For Baby

What we did this week in preparation: Week 37

This week we installed the car seat and had it inspected at the Leawood Police Department... thank you Officer Couturier!!

The Result: we passed

Baby Update

Wednesday at the doctor's I learned that my OB will be leaving for Europe in two weeks AND my pediatrician will be out-of-town on my due date/the day after: WHAT?!?! Don't they know I am trying to have a baby?!?

On the upside, I did find out that I am already 60% effaced and "a good one centimeter" - whoo hoo!! My doctor also informed me that Aliyah seems to be in agreement with our plan to go natural and has already wiggled herself in a great position for birth.

Also, I found out that my wonderful friend Nicole is pregnant with baby number two!!! CONGRATS ALDERSONS!!!!!!