Nesting. Month 8 - October 2012.

"Nesting refers to an instinct or urge to prepare a home for the upcoming newborn(s).  It is commonly characterized by a strong urge to clean and organize one's home, and is one reason why couples who are expecting a baby often reorganize, arrange, and clean the house and surroundings."  Nesting Instinct

October was definitely a month of "getting ready".  From purchasing and receiving so much of what was needed...to instructions, to tools and assembly...to LOADS of laundry...to disinfecting and sanitizing.  We've been busy in the nest!

We were also overwhelmed by the generosity and support of others this month, as they also helped us to prepare the nest!

Early in October, I finally got to meet Phil's wife and son (Claire, and sweet baby-James).  I got the most useful baby supplies:  wipes, diapers, disposable change pads (who knew?), washcloths, etc.  I also got lullaby CDs, and I hear only great things about Jewel's CD.  Thank you so much, Noseworthy Family, for your thoughtfulness!!

My Mother-in-law bought me my baby shower outfit!  If you're ever in need for chic maternity apparel, be sure to visit Seven Women! 

On October 12th, Mike and I celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary!  Most of this day was spent planning and prepping for the best gift we could ever give each other...Fetus-Reali!  We brought both our vehicles in for the whole kit and caboodle!  We wanted to ensure that our rides were maintenanced and safe for our soon to be precious on-board cargo!  After that, I had a bi-weekly appointment with my OB.  That afternoon, we had our 2 baby car seats installed, 1 in each vehicle.  I would highly recommend Baby Car Seat Installers in Markham (http://www.carseatinstallers.com/).  At first, I wondered if I was being silly looking to a professional for installation.  After all, how hard could it be?  However, Mike and I learned a lot (some things we didn't even think of) and received clear instruction, demonstrations and hands-on practice!  I feel confident that my seats are correctly installed, and it puts my mind at ease knowing I'm ready to take my baby on his/her first journey (home from the hospital)!  

On October 14th, I celebrated my big, fat, multicultural baby shower with 78 of my closest family and friends!  What a wonderful afternoon at the Rouge River Community Centre, overlooking the Autumn splendor of the Markham Green Golf Club!  I wish to acknowledge my beautiful hostesses:  my sister-in-law Maria, my sister-in-law Lisa, and my forever friend Kathy!  Without them, the event would not have been possible.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart!  I want to thank everyone that came to celebrate and support me.  I am blessed, and truly grateful!  I was showered with so much love, generosity, thoughtfulness, wisdom and joy!  With everyone's help, I feel ready for the arrival of my first born. 

"In ordinary life we hardly realize that we receive a great deal more than we give, and that it is only with gratitude that life becomes rich." 

On October 17th, my all-staff meeting turned out to be a semi-fake!  They fooled me!  It was a mini baby shower complete with games, gifts and cake!  Thank you CDP!  I was 34-weeks pregnant!

Mid-October, we started receiving and assembling baby gear:  Play-yard, Mamaroo, Monitor, Mattress, Diaper Bag, Crib Mobile, Wipes Case, Highchair, Infant Car Seat Frame, and the list goes on and on and on...

With finally a bit of time, we celebrated our anniversary during the 3rd weekend of October!  Friday night, we enjoyed dinner at The Melting Pot, a unique, interactive fondue dining experience (The Melting Pot).  We spent the rest of the weekend on a bit of an anniversary shopping spree!  I'm glad the two of us got this time to spend together before baby makes 3! 

The 4th week of October, I had my last bi-weekly appointment with my OB (GBS swab).  I also met with my Doula, Christin.  We talked about our birthing day, the birth plan, placenta encapsulation, being ready to bring baby home (nursery, support, etc.). 

On October 26th, my Markham Stouffville Hospital colleagues hosted a wonderful baby shower in my honour!  20 of us were together celebrating what they have all been waiting so long for!  It was a fun-filled evening of games, delicious food and dessert, beautiful gifts, thoughtful tokens and wise advice!  A special thanks to the 3 hostesses - Carol, Debbie and Marianne.  I'm in love with my Skip Hop Treetop Friends crib bedding set, the homemade nursery artwork (courtesy of Nancy) and all the other wonderful surprises of the night!  Since May, Carol has been cross-stitching a blanket for the baby, and she's still going...unbelieveable!! 

  

We celebrated Mike's birthday (October 29th) on Saturday and Monday!  I can tell you one thing, cake is not out of style!  Mike was born on a full-moon, and his birthday this year was a full-moon.  Fetus-Reali's due date is also a full-moon...interesting...

With Peter, Daniela and Melissa

 

With Cheryl, Lisa, Paolo, Cassandra, Christopher, Andre/Nicolas



On October 28th, Mike and I took a 4-hour Child Lifeline Workshop.  This informative, interactive class focused on choking, breathing and bleeding emergencies, seizures, falls, accidental poisoning, burns, CPR, First Aid and prevention.  The dynamic presenter made the content fun-filled and relative!  I'm confident I can retain this valuable information!

At the end of October, Halloween 2012, I am 36-weeks pregnant!  1 more week to be considered "full term" and 4 more weeks until my estimated due date.  I have chux pads in my car and on my bed...I'm ready to go...LOL!  I feel fantastic.  I'm full of energy...no fatigue.  I'm still wearing heels!  I have no aches, pains or pressure.  The only symptoms I am experiencing, which are very mild, are ankle swelling (when I'm not being a healthy eater that day) and the occasional heartburn flare!  Oh, I do feel the need to pee much more often!  I'm not waddling yet, no practice labour that I am aware of, and still no stretch marks (still using coconut oil daily)!  I have yet to experience any constipation, headaches, leg cramps, a protruding naval or back pain.  Pregnancy does my body good!  In saying that, I better sign-off and get that hospital bag packed! 

HypnoBirthing. Month 7 - September 2012.

The month of August ended with me having to track my food and weight, due to a sudden gain in those 4-weeks.  Not only did September bring my favourite Autumn weather, but it also brought relief! 

I saw my OB/GYN on September 4th, and I was down 4.5 pounds since our last visit!!  Tracking what I was eating was quite the eye-opener.  What did I learn?  Dining at a restaurant, ordering in, or picking up take-out caused me to retain water and swell...almost immediately.  So, I stopped.  No more processed foods.  I started off the pregnancy so healthy, at the lowest weight I could recall.  Remember?  When did I veer off track?  I guess I was using the excuse, "eating for two".  I was glad for the wake-up call, and thankful that my care provider was accountable and professional!  Now, 3-weeks later (and being really good), I'm down another 1.5 pounds.  Healthy, home-cooked meals never tasted so good.  I won't lie, I miss the chocolate-peanut butter ice cream, but I choose my days to celebrate and indulge now.  September 26th was one of those days...mmm, the "dolce bombette"!! 

On Sunday September 2nd, I started HypnoBirthing.  The Mongan Method is a unique method of relaxed, natural childbirth education enhanced by self-hypnosis techniques.  It allows women to use their natural instincts to bring about a safer, easier, more comfortable birthing.  It is presented in a series of five classes, two-and-a-half hours each.  "HypnoBirthing is as new as tomorrow and as old as ancient times".  Of 1227 HypnoBirthing mothers surveyed, over 83% gave birth without any pain medication whatsoever.  HypnoBirthing mothers have a 50% reduction in C-section rates.  I hope you're not judging.  I realize this is not for everyone.  I'm not trying to be a superwoman.  In all honesty, the thought of the epidural scares me more than the thought of labour does.  The possibility of a pain free labour through better pain management, the potential for a drug free birth, less need for medical interventions, the reduction of post natal recovery time, reducing the chance of post natal depression, and generally shortened length of labour are the motivating benefits driving me.  I hope you'll cheer me along, whatever your beliefs!  My Doula, Christin Mandalentsis, teaches the class and Mike and I have met 3 other wonderful couples:  Helen & John (due in October); Camille & Chad (due in December); Dolly and Anthony (due in January). 

That night, I dreamt for the first time that I gave birth to a baby girl.  Mike already had this dream...also about a baby girl.  Were our dreams trying to tell us something?  I guess only time will tell...

On September 7th, I picked up my kit from Cells For Life.  Mike and I have decided to donate my cord blood to the Victoria Angel Registry of Hope Public Bank (http://www.cellsforlife.com/victoriaangel/).  They say give and you shall receive...

Well, I guess I did.  That same day, I received the car seat from my registry.  No matter what happens now, Baby-Reali can come home!!  Thank you for your generosity Angie, Laura, Rosanna, Lily, Antonella, Emma and Kayla!  I also want to thank Barb for the "Ipood" onesie...how fitting.  I can picture Baby-Reali wearing this outfit with purple boots on (just as Mommy would do).  xo.

The generosity of others continued...  On Saturday, my sister-in-law (Lisa) brought me a bag full of maternity clothes.  And, just in time!  I was going to a 50th birthday party that night, and needed something that wasn't casual or business attire.  I rocked new jeans, a beautiful green v-neck tunic and my sexy cowboy ankle boots. 

On Sunday, Kathy gave me a carseat that Sarah has now grown out of.  Thanks to her kindness, we now have both vehicles covered!  xo. 

On September 9th and 16th, we had HypnoBirthing classes 2 and 3.  We were learning how to prepare our minds and bodies for birth, how to go into deep relaxation easily and quickly, guided meditations, special breathing exercises and massage, birth positions, releasing negative emotions, fears and limiting thoughts.  It doesn't come easy...we had to practice everyday!

I started to feel the baby move differently, and in a new spot, the week of September 17th.  Since I first started feeling Fetus-Reali, it's always been low (bottom of my belly), and it always felt like jabs or kicks.  This week, it feels like Fetus-Reali is moving (not jabbing or kicking), and I feel it high (at the top of my belly).  Head-down, perhaps??

September 19th:  30-weeks pregnant.  Bought more coconut oil...still no stretch marks!

On September 21st, I received my "secret Elfster" gift.  My November 2012 Birth Club Group on Facebook organized a gift exchange, and I received mine from Lindsay Piggott!  Thank you for the bibs, rattle and card.  What a nice surprise!  My cousin that keeps on giving paid us another visit today...this time with a toddler bed, dresser and night stand.  He already has us prepared for 2 or 3 years down the road.  Daryl, I can't keep up with the thank-yous...we love you so much!!

On September 23rd, we had HypnoBirthing class 4.  Mike was sick and had to stay home.  I was on a solo mission.  We discussed our birth plan/preference sheets, birth rehearsal imagery, fear release, and labour.

On September 25th, I received another gift from my registry.  Jane purchased me a Fisher-Price Take Along Play Blanket, books (I Am Small, Goodnight Moon and I Love You Through and Through), and a duck bath thermometer.  I can't wait to read to Baby-Reali! 

On September 26th, I had my last "monthly" appointment with Dr. Peters!  31-weeks pregnant and only 9-weeks to go!  Fetus-Reali's heartbeat was strong at 156 bpm.  I'm measuring within normal limits, and Fetus-Reali is head down and ready to go!  I go back to Dr. Peters every 2-weeks now...on the home stretch!

That same night, I think Mike and I got a little bit closer to narrowing down names (for a boy and a girl).  It would mean a compromise for both of us, and is still not set in stone. 

On September 27th, Mike and I went to a workshop:  You, Me & Baby Makes 3 - Milestones from Birth to 6 Months.  Jillian, a paediatric Nurse at Markham Stouffville Hospital, was a fantastic instructor for Markham Prenatal!  We also met Catherine & Matthew (due December 4), Alicia (due October 2), Amy & Brent (due January 18) and Natalie & Joel (due December 17).  The content was informative and important:  sleep; bonding; eating; off to the Doctors; Here I grow (development and milestones).  Mike and I really valued the information presented in the workshop, and you could sense that everyone else in the class felt the same. 

On September 28th, we received a feeding chair from our registry.  Thank you Susy!!  We love you, and will miss seeing you at the shower.  A gift was not necessary, but we appreciate your thoughtfulness and generosity.  We also put the rocking chair in the nursery today.  This was the rocking chair my mother-in-law used with my baby-Daddy when he was just born!  Such sentiment!  Looking forward to dressing it up with Skip Hop Treetop friends pillows and throws!

September 30 - Our final HypnoBirthing class!  We discussed practice labour and moving into birthing; positions for descent and birthing; breathing baby down to birth; birth rehearsal imagery; family bonding with our baby.  We're ready!! 

September...my 7th month and still feeling great!  Still no symptoms to report...  My swelling and weight are under control; no stretch marks; hardly any heartburn; no real fatigue, no back pain, no leg muscle cramping.  I feel healthy, energetic and happy (oh, and my hair doesn't fall out in the shower)!  I have been blessed with a wonderful pregnancy and feel like a lucky lady!  Here's hoping my luck continues into labour and delivery...

The 2nd Trimester Comes To An End. Month 6 - August 2012.

August started off with so much fun and excitement!  Add to that, some pitting edema. 

Keswick-Fest 2012 took place from August 3rd to August 6th.  My brother (Paul), sister-in-law (Joey) and niece (Alexis) were honoured guests...here from Nova Scotia on vacation!  The last time we saw Alexis was on her 1st birthday (on the East Coast), almost a year ago to the date.  I think she enjoyed her first Keswick-Fest:  swimming, the beach, cousins, friends.  Isn't she beautiful??

I had already been experiencing a bit of swelling, meaning my body was holding onto too much fluid, caused by the extra blood circulating in my body.  Between 50-80% of healthy pregnant women have it; hot weather making it worse.  I was willing to accept it, especially because I've really had no other pregnancy symptoms.  However, what I wasn't prepared for was my "shin indent" (also known as pitting edema).  I hadn't heard of it and when I saw how "weird" my leg looked, I freaked out a tiny bit.  If I pressed on my skin, the skin didn't spring back right away...it was like there was a hole...yikes!  I'd elevate my feet and in no time I was back to normal.  This only ever happened at Keswick-Fest and never since.  Moms, friends and professionals have told me this is also normal, but that I should mention it anyway to my OB at my next visit.  I didn't take a picture...I never wanted to see it again. 

In early August, I made my first purchase of new maternity clothes from Thyme Maternity.  I bought 4 tops and 1 pair of dress pants.  It was overwhelming at first, but once a shopper, always a shopper...I fit right in!  What's with the expensive price of maternity clothes, by the way? 

Also in early August, around the 10th, is when I finally started to feel the baby move.  I felt slight kicks, or jabs?  I felt them low...under my bellybutton.  I was SURE!  From then on, I continued to feel the baby move.  Sometimes everyday...and sometimes 2 or 3 days without anything.  This trend continues today.  Because of my anterior placenta, it could be dependent upon the position of the baby. 

On August 13th, I was lying on the couch and felt the baby begin to jab/kick.  It was about 10:00 p.m.  I looked down at the spot on my belly and actually saw my belly "jump" with each jab/kick.  I can't explain how happy I was to see this!  I felt like I had been waiting so long!  My baby was there...I could see and I could feel.  Mike saw and felt the baby for the first time that night.  From that moment on, everytime I felt something, I could not take my eyes away from my belly.  Mike would watch for a while, then be distracted back to the newspaper, television or whatever he was doing at the time.  I kept re-directing him back to the main event.  LOL. Nothing could ever be more important now! 

Paul, Joey and Alexis spent their last day in Ontario on August 12th.  The Boucheres got together at my place for a goodbye BBQ lunch and dinner.  We feasted, to say the least!  The Boucheres all predicted the date, sex and weight of Fetus-Reali (we even called Mom & Dad in Fort Erie to get their vote).  My Dad wants his baby-girl to have a big, healthy, ripe baby...LOL!! 

On Saturday August 18th, the Daleys came to Markham (Daryl, Nathalie, Liam, Brandon, Meagan and Zachary).  They brought us the dresser and change table for the nursery.  They even offered us Meagan's toddler bed.  How amazing is family?! 



On August 19th, we met with our Doula (Christen) at home.  She just came to check-in on us, see how we were doing/feeling and answer any questions we had.  Mike and I are both looking forward to starting HypnoBirthing classes with her in September!! 

On August 20th, I had my Glucose Tolerance Test.  I've heard lots of complaints about the sweet orange liquid, but I liked it!  It tasted like the old school McDonald's orange drink.  Hoping for a pass...

On August 23rd, the first gift was shipped to us from one of our two registries.  What a gift it was!!  Fetus-Reali's first ever wheels!  Fetus-Reali has a very special CC Peter, Zia Dani and Cousin Melissa.  Thank you so much...xoxo!!!  We assembled it the very next day - Britax B-Ready 2012.  We're ready!

On August 26th, I hit Motherhood Maternity and purchased a maternity skirt and blouse.  I also got a free Johnson's Take Along Pack (oh, the things that excite me now...).  A member of my Facebook November 2012 Birth Club group informed us of a an App called My Baby's Beat (http://www.mybabysbeat.com/).  It works with my iPhone's mic, and headphones, and acts like a doppler.  I immediately installed and tried it, and it worked!  I instantly heard Fetus-Reali's heartbeat.  I was able to save the recording of our first listen, and would insert if here if I knew how...

On August 27th, I'm completed the Victoria Angel Registry of Hope that will allow me to publically store my cord blood and stem cells.  I also completed my employer pregnancy/parental leave form.  It hit me just how close we're getting...  Today, I was 26 weeks and 5 days pregnant (2 days before the start of the 3rd trimester).  Here I am...

On August 28th, I had my monthly OB appointment.  I passed my Glucose Tolerance Test and was scheduled for my RHOGAM shot later in the week.  The babies heartbeat was 157, and my OB called Fetus-Reali a "trojan".  Mike really liked that, and it was the first time I felt pride for my baby-to-be!  Fetus-Reali got his/her first hug and kiss today...LOL.  A co-worker (and friend), Pat, actually hugged and kissed my belly.  It was so sweet.  I think Fetus-Reali felt the love!!  I know I did.  And more love came that evening...  The Amorosis came by for a spontaneous evening visit and brought the baby his/her first Italian outfit (the Amorosis just returned from a 3-week vacation).  How fitting is this?  Perfect for a photographer's child.  Wondering if this should be Fetus-Reali's "homecoming" outfit, and perhaps first "beautiful photo"??

August 29th!  The start of the 3rd trimester (and 27-weeks)!  

Dr. Peters' office called me over today.  Apparently, my weight in the last month spiked suddenly!  I was told to track my food and weight daily until Tuesday September 4th, which is when I would see her next.  Of course I started to worry, knowing this was to check/rule-out preeclampsia, but was hoping and praying it was due to over-eating and water retention.  My blood pressure is perfect, which is the #1 symptom of preeclampsia. 

On Friday August 31st, I ended off my 6th month (and 2nd trimester) with a RHOGAM injection "where the sun don't shine". 

Stay tuned for what the 3rd trimester will bring...

Halfway! Month 5 - July 2012.

I started off the month applying to be a pregnancy blogger for YummyMummyClubCA.  The opportunity seemed a perfect fit for me...something I'd really love to put my heart and soul into.  Thanks Heather!  Fingers crossed...wish me luck!

I also had to start off the month with a foreign ice cream.  I walked to Longo's for my regular Haagen-Dazs peanut butter, but it was sold out!!!  This is what I tried...it didn't compare:

We spent the lovely Sunday afternoon of July 8th with our good friends, the Amorosis:  Victor, Kathy, Matthew, Victoria and Sarah.  It was a beautiful sunny day spent outdoors.  We enjoyed each others' company, and the delicious eats from the charcoal grill.  We were grateful for their wonderful "parents-to-be" gifts.  Books for baby, books for Mom & Dad, and Fetus-Reali's first security blanket!  We are blessed indeed.  That night, Mike and I read Fetus his/her very first book:  "Oh, Baby, the Places You'll Go" (a book to be read in utero, adapted by Tish Rabe, from the works of Dr. Seuss).  

On July 10th, I dreamt that I felt the baby move!  I wanted this SO BAD!!  

On July 11th, I was officially halfway...20 weeks.  Kathy surprised me that evening.  She stopped by with a tub of Haagen-Dazs peanut butter ice cream and some delicious nitrate-free prosciutto!  She's obviously been pregnant before, and knew the way to my heart...  

On July 12th, Mike and I celebrated reaching "halfway".  We had a delicious Italian dinner at the Unionville House Restaurant, followed by dessert at the Old Firehall Confectionery.  We strolled the Main Street; me with my vanilla milkshake and Mike with his death-by-chocolate ice cream.  This pregnancy thing is pretty sweet!!

On July 13th, more excitement!  My 18-20 week ultrasound (and my last ultrasound).  Mike and I were so excited to see our little one again!  We saw the hand (in a small fist), a leg (bending at the knee), toes, heart, stomach, spine, nose and tongue.  We saw Fetus open his/her mouth to drink the amniotic fluid.  So cool!  We will never forget that day.  Here are a couple of the great pics we got from the ultrasound.  Fetus-Reali is looking right in the camera for one of them!  

We spent July 14th and 15th at Joanna's cottage near Picton.  It was a fun weekend with Joanna, Gillian, Sergio, Steph, Shant, Andre and Nicolas.  It was Saturday night that I felt my very first flutter!! It was probably around 10:00 p.m.  Everyone was playing cards and I was sitting on the couch reading.  There it was!  The most subtle flutter, but a flutter nonetheless.  It would be a week before I would feel anything again...

On July 16th, Jen surprised me at work with a sweet Peek-a-Boo bear.  She said she saw it at Niagara-on-the-Lake, and had to get it for the baby.  When you squeeze the foot, the bear says "Peek-a-Boo", giggles and puts its hands in front of and away from its eyes.  Thanks Jen!

On July 17th, Kathy loaned me a bag of maternity clothes!  I didn't realize how ready I was for them, and who knew how comfortable they could be??!!  I think everyone should be wearing maternity clothes.  Thanks Kathy!  At this point, I can still fit into all my own clothes except for pants.  The shorts, capris, jeans and sweats were most welcome!

On July 18th, I was 21-weeks pregnant.  I went to Healthy Planet and bought coconut oil.  Stretch marks or no stretch marks, that is the question.

On July 20th, Kathy dropped off more maternity clothes for me.  Happy 10th Anniversary, Kathy & Vic!  xo!

Saturday July 21st was a big day!  We assembled the crib and mobile...very exciting!  We went over to my cousin's place for a BBQ dinner (Alana, Michael and Mitchell).  Not only did we have a great visit and delicious meal (fit for a king, I might add), but we also came home with a van full of baby hand-me-downs (clothes, a bouncy chair, a swing, a Jolly Jumper, a baby bath, an exersaucer, toys, you name it).  We are overwhelmed by all the love and support of family and friends.  Thank you!  Late that night, and for what seemed like hours, I felt a tiny vibration in the same spot (over, and over, and over again).  When I described it on Facebook, friends commented that Fetus-Reali might be hiccuping!  My first 2 "feelings"...a week apart...on Saturdays!  A party animal?!

On July 23rd, I had my monthly OB appointment with Dr. Peters (and a resident, Dr. Lougheed).  The 18-20 week ultrasound results were normal, and my placenta is clear of my cervix.  I did learn that I have an anterior placenta, which means the placenta is between me and the baby.  This explains why, at 22 weeks, I still haven't really felt the baby move, jab, kick.  The baby has a "soft pillow" to kick instead of my tummy.  I will eventually feel it, but it will take time.  I'm waiting...  That evening, I completed my registry at Babies"R"Us (except for bedding and a diaper bag, which I simply could not "settle" on).

On July 24th, Gabriella (a co-worker), introduced me to Dream A Little Dream Baby Boutique in Markham.  How did she know I needed her?  I immediately found my bedding and diaper bag.  I was ecstatic!  And, I can register...  So, Skip Hop was what I needed after all.  How precious is this bedding?  I must have been really excited, because I had no ice cream today...LOL.

22-weeks on July 25th!  Alex finished the matching owl hat for Daddy.  Isn't it ironic that the "owl" from Skip Hop Treetop Friends is now my nursery theme???  I can't wait for Daddy and baby to wear their matching hats home from the hospital.  Thanks Alex!  I also want to thank my co-worker, Lisa, for generously giving us her Graco playpen.  Another exciting day and no ice cream...

Guess what I discovered on July 26th?  PC Loads of Peanut Butter!  OMG!  That's all I can say.  Go out and try it for yourself.  You really should...you really must.  Yes, it tops Haagen-Dazs peanut butter ice cream!

On July 27th, I met Miss Olivia Elizabeth.  At 2.5 months, she is just the sweetest thing.  Precious!  It was a wonderful feeling cuddling her...thinking this would be me and my baby in exactly 4 months.  It was great seeing you, Gillian, thanks for the visit.  You have 2 beautiful children!!

On July 28th, I met with some Moms-to-be from my Facebook November 2012 Birth Club group (GTA Meet & Greet).  It was wonderful meeting Kim, Emma, Charlotte and Angie.  I think Angie and I were all ears listening to stories from Moms-to-be for the 2nd time, Kim and Charlotte.  I enjoyed the sunny afternoon...feeling like I belonged, and look forward to our next get-together!  And, what a cutie that Emma is!!

The end of the month was my last day at 22-weeks.  The end of July also brought one of my only pregnancy-related symptoms to date...heartburn.  Other than that, I'm feeling great...I still don't really feel pregnant.  I'm glad I got a preview of what Fetus-Reali "feels" like, even if only by way of a subtle flutter and a mild case of the hiccups.  I look so forward to all that lies ahead...

You'll find that this world's

a great place to begin,

but it could use some help,

which is where you come in.

So now, as my voice

burble-urps in your ear,

with a bump-thumpy sound

that is not very clear-

the words I am saying

you hear in your heart,

and know that I wish you

the very best start.

It's a scrumptulous world

and it's ready to greet you.

And as for myself...

well...

I can't wait to meet you!