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!

15-18 Weeks! Month 4 - June 2012.

June started off with a baby shower.  No, not mine...  The shower was for my cousin's wife, Melissa (who is due in July with her first...a boy)!  It was a special, exciting event for me.  Being pregnant gave me a different perspective on Melissa's special day (by the way, she was glowing)!  I think maybe I was feeling a little bit of what she was feeling?  The excitement, love and well wishes she received that day was something I indirectly shared with her.  It was fun to be with my family that day, and as she opened her wonderful gifts, we were probably both thinking about how very real this was all about to be!!  I was glad to be a part of her day, and I hope she doesn't mind that I shared in the experience with her!

On June 3rd, I received wonderful news.  My cousin (Daryl, Nathalie and their family) offered us beautiful pine nursery furniture (crib, dresser and change table).  Mike and I were overwhelmed by their generosity and support, and we accepted gratefully...  A nursery?  Isn't that a place for gardeners?  Nope!!!  Thanks Cuz...we love you and appreciate your help...xoxo!

Later that same afternoon, Mike and I interviewed a Doula (also a Registered Massage Therapist and Childbirth Educator).  Her name is Christin and she works for Maternity Wellness Ltd.  Christin was recommended to us by a co-worker.  Christin shared a little bit about herself with us:  her birth views, her role as a Doula, her education, her experience, what we could expect, etc.  She recommended that we interview 1 or 2 other Doula's, just so we would be sure that we were choosing/hiring based on the right fit for our personalities.  We both liked Christin right away, and would think about it for a while...

On June 8th, I received my very first "parents-to-be" card from Laurissa and Chris.  I was so excited!  One day, I'll read it to Fetus-Reali...

June 11th, two days before hitting the 16-week mark, I noticed for the first time a "baby bump".  Fetus-Reali was already cute!  Also, IPS #2 test this morning.

June 12th was a busy baby day...  In the morning, I pre-registered at Markham Stouffville Hospital.  I got lots of information.  I received a great resource:  "Before, During & After Birth - Caring for yourself and your baby - 2nd Edition:  Your Guide to the Childbirth & Children's Centre Blue Book".  I received a birth plan (to be completed), I registered for Prenatal Breastfeeding classes, and got my first pack of newborn diapers (a pack of 24) for $5!

That evening, Mike and I went to a Cells For Life Information Session in Markham.  We took in lots of information about umbilical cord blood stem cells collected at birth.  Another decision to go away and think about...

June 13th...  16-weeks...  Fetus-Reali can hear!!  I was so excited, and told everyone.  My co-worker, Jo-Anne (a.k.a. Blues), sang Fetus its first 2 songs:  Robin In The Rain and I'm a Little Teapot.  Another colleague, Diane Purdy, had the first conversation with Fetus-Reali (it was appropriately about shoes).  My good friend, Barb, suggested that I expose Fetus-Reali to its very first Aerosmith song.  Thanks Barb; can't believe I didn't think of it myself.  Alone in my office, I blasted Dream On, while Steven Tyler and I took turns singing the lyrics for Fetus.  From this day forward, Mike and I talk and sing to Fetus every chance we get...

On June 14th, I hired Christin to be my Doula/Massage Therapist/Childbirth Educator.  I didn't feel the need to interview any others.  I was confident that Christin was the perfect fit for us.  I also booked HypnoBirthing (The Mongan Method) prenatal classes through Christin, and was on my way towards "a natural approach to a safe, easier, more comfortable birthing"!

June 15th was an evening to note:  my first time at a nightclub pregnant!  I had a great time with the girls (especially the late-night pizza that followed...yum)!

June 17th was Father's Day.  We had all the Reali's over for a BBQ lunch (we celebrated with my Dad the weekend before).  My nieces, Cassandra & Melissa, were so cute (and they are very excited about a new cousin).  They went to each family member and asked them to predict the date, sex and weight that "Phetus"-Reali would be born.  I'm hoping my "Phetus" won't be as early as some of the dates on their chart predicts...

On June 18th, we received a baby-to-be gift from a teacher (Tracey) at Mike's school (someone I never met).  It was very thoughtful...I was touched.  I sent her a note the next day to express my gratitude.

Aerosmith swag arrived that week...June 19th, June 20th and June 22nd...

On June 25th, I had my regular monthly appointment with my OB/GYN.  She confirmed with me that my IPS results were within normal limits.  I got to hear the baby's heartbeat again...a beautiful sound and comforting feeling.  I told the Doctor that I was not happy with how much weight I had already gained...18 pounds at 18 weeks.  She said I was only a bit over what she would expect, but went through my daily diet with me anyway.  It appears I'm eating very healthy, but she recommended a couple minor changes.  First, I'm consuming too many of my calories at breakfast, so I should spread my total calories out more evenly in the full day.  Second, I'm eating lots of healthy fruit, which also comes with lots of natural sugar...  So, less fruit...more veggies.  I'm up for the challenge...

I was surprised by another sweet gift this morning...from Alex (my co-worker, Debbie's, daughter).  Isn't it precious??  When Mike saw it, he asked if I could request a matching hat for Daddy.  Alex is working on it for Daddy's big head...

The parents-to-be / baby-to-be gifts kept on coming late June...  I met my girlfriend Armanda for ice cream at the Village Ice Cream Shoppe on June 27th, and was again touched by such sweet sentiment...  Fetus-Reali's VERY FIRST rattle and a unique resource of books for Mike and I.  We love all the Browns and are already enjoying our reads...  Thank you!!  xoxo.

June 30th was a busy day!  We spent the morning emptying what WAS the home office, and is now the baby nursery.  It felt so good to do...both of us were extremely excited.  We will leave the colour of the nursery as is for now (blue and buttermilk yellow), and will decide on a change (if any) once we know if Fetus-Reali is a boy or a girl.

  

At 12:30 p.m., my cousin Daryl came from Kingston to deliver the crib.  We got to catch-up and enjoy lunch together!

At 2:30 p.m., we headed over to Jean & Gary's for the Stouffville Strawberry Festival, dinner and Canada Day fireworks.  Little did we know there would be more wonderful gifts...  The kindness of friends is unbelievable!  Mike says thanks for the Stella, his favourite beer.  Words are not enough!  xo!  Lisa/Chris (and their kids), along with the Browns, joined us later in the evening to end the night off with "a bang"!

At the end of June, I was 18 weeks, 3 days pregnant (and a bit heavier than I had hoped).  However, I discovered something.  Maybe it's not the extra calories at breakfast, or all that fruit throughout the day?  Perhaps it's my CRAVING (there, I said it) for ice cream!  I think about it everyday.  I want it everyday.  I have it "almost" everyday (fine, twice on the 27th).  I take pictures of ice cream.  I tweet about ice cream.  I even dream about ice cream.  There was one day, and just one day, that I didn't even think about ice cream........until I read TJ's Facebook status (he was having Dairy Queen).  Guess what?  I had ice cream that day.  It's official...I'm with child and I crave ice cream!  I hope my indulgence balances out with the 45-60 minute walk I try to get in everyday.  Hey, I even walk for ice cream!  The top three ice creams I crave:  1:  Haagen-Dazs Chocolate Peanut Butter (118mL personal-size, spoon inside).  2:  Kawartha Dairy Chocolate Peanut Butter (from the Village Ice Cream Shoppe).  3:  Oreo Ice Cream Sandwich.  Coming in at #4, thanks to an introduction by Natalie S., vanilla milkshakes on Unionville Main Street.

As I write this, on the hottest day of summer'2012 (a day that broke records), I have still not had an ice cream.  I guess you'll have to wait until next month's post to find out what happens...