Nursery!

Before the cleaning and organizing began...

Well after a busy weekend, Ian and I can officially say Rowan's room is ready.  It was a little overwhelming going through all the things he was given at showers.  Needless to say we have AMAZING family and friends.  I can honestly say I don't think we'll need to buy this kid anything until he no longer fits into 6 month clothes...except for maybe some wipes here and there. But really...his bedding is set...plenty of blankets for sleeping and floor time...swaddlers...bottles...toys...clothes galore...you name it.  And what we didn't get in items, we were hugely blessed with gift cards.  It's unbelievable how well taken care of this kid is already.  I'm a bit humbled.

Will post more after our doctor's appointment this week, but here are a few pictures of the nursery.  Hard to believe he's due to arrive and be sleeping in this little room in less than a month.  =)

All clean and ready to go

Diaper Changing Central

Diapers (mostly cloth), soft friends, and toys

Closet FULL of clothes and blankets

Books, bathroom stuff, and a few odds and ends

Sleepy place...all ready for a little baby

Getting Ready

Warning...there's a lot I feel like I need to update, so this may be a bit long.

Changing pad

Ahh...where to start.  We're 34 weeks along, crazy!  Only about 6 weeks until due date, but really about 3 more weeks until he could come any time.  That's just crazy to me.  It's hard to believe that we're really going to experience parenthood shortly.  It's such a relief too to know that if he were to come early, at this point he'd likely be just fine and wouldn't be likely to experience long term complications. 

Nursing cover

LOVE  this fabric

Diaper bag with changing pad in it

We've been busy getting ready.  A friend of mine and I spent a weekend making some different things for our babies.  She's pregnant and due about two weeks after us.  Together, we made nursing covers and changing pads that go in diaper bags.  I made a nursing pillow and a diaper bag as well. The diaper bag was a bit of an adventure, but I think we'll like it.  Initially, I followed a pattern in a baby sewing book that I had, but it was pretty small and there weren't that many pockets.  So Ian and I talked and figured out a few modifications we'd make.  So...I had my first adventure in sewing something without a pattern.  I like how it looks so far...here's hoping the changes we made make it more functional. We're relying on the talents of Rowan's wonderful Aunt to add a bit of style to the diaper bag.  Once it's done, I'll post a picture.  I'm guessing these are all things we'll use pretty regularly, so it's a step in the right direction to feel ready when he comes.  Stroller and car seat are out of the boxes.  Car seat is getting installed in our car this weekend too. 

Rowan's room is getting closer to being ready too.  We went back to Rapid City a few weeks ago to visit some family.  While we were there, my mom's friend Calene had a shower for us.  It was amazing and a bit humbling to see how some people I hadn't seen for a very long time still wanted to come and celebrate this new chapter in our lives.  We were given quite a few fun little things and cute clothes for Rowan too.  Filling the nursery up with those things-especially all the clothes-made it seem a bit more real that he is going to be here soon.   

I've continued to feel good...though each day is getting a bit more uncomfortable.  Getting out of bed each morning is getting more and more awkward, though I'm still sleeping pretty well.  My sleep in the morning is a bit restless, but not too disturbed.  My feet haven't been too swollen, but some days are worse than others.  (They are a bit bigger now...that's a little weird to me.)  If I'm on my feet for too long though, they are pretty sore the next day or that evening.  My wedding ring almost doesn't fit any more.  Work is getting to be a bit uncomfortable too sitting at my desk for a full day.  It's hard to find a way to sit for 8 or 9 hours that's comfortable.  So yes...I feel good, but I have a feeling I'll be very ready to have this baby in a few weeks.

34 weeks-belly's getting bigger!

Doctor's appointments have still been positive.  Rowan's growing like he should, though he hasn't decided to go head first permanently.  At our 31 week appointment, his head was down...at our 33 week appointment, his head was off to the side.  Our doctor was out of town (3 week vacation in Amsterdam I guess...rough life) for our 33 week appointment, so we saw a midwife at our doctor's office.  She seemed a little concerned that he wasn't head first yet, so she gave me a few exercises to do to encourage him to move head first.  Good news is he hasn't settled into the pelvis so he's got time to move around and flip still.  We'll see the midwife for one more appointment before our doctor comes back.  If he's still head up at that point, I'll start getting a bit nervous...now, not so much.  I trust he'll get where he needs to be when the time is right.  I'm thinking he's just taking advantage of the space he has while he can.  He's moving around quite a bit and makes my tummy dance most nights.  Ian says he's still pretty active late at night...glad I can sleep through the party in my belly. 

Our childbirth class is wrapping up soon.  I feel like it's been a good class-spent a lot of time going over the different stages of labor and feelings women typically experience during each stage.  It was good to learn a few different ways to cope with labor sensations.  Ian's been great going through the classes with me...even when he has to do the guided group meditation.  Not exactly Ian's favorite thing or style, but he puts up with it and doesn't even complain.  Once the class is over, we'll be 37 weeks and 'officially' ready for him to make his debut. 

So yes...we're getting close to being ready.  I'm almost to the point of counting down days...but not quite there yet...that's another step down the road of readiness.

30 weeks!

29 1/2 weeks and feeling great!

30 weeks down, 10 to go!  That means we're 3/4 (or 75%) of the way done!  That's crazy!  These last 10 weeks are going to fly by I'm sure too. 

I am sooooo thankful I have continued to feel amazing!  I think a large part of it is forcing myself to drink a lot of water (100-128oz per day) and move every day.  That and I must have some pretty good genes in my line.  My only complaints as of late are sore hips.  Swelling hasn't been bad and I've been sleeping great still.  I'm feeling Braxton Hicks contractions every day.  I'm hoping they really are 'warm up' contractions and my body is learning what it needs to do come labor and delivery time.

I've decided to officially 'retire' my skates for a while.  I noticed a few weeks ago that I was having more Braxton Hicks contractions when I would go for a walk.  Our doctor thought this may be because I was dehydrated, but I'm really not sure how that's possible.  Either way, I don't want to push myself too hard, so my work outs have changed from skating, yoga, and walking to just yoga and walking.  Didn't quite make it through all of June with skating once a week, but that's OK. Yoga has felt AMAZING.  The dogs love the walks too...it's just been too hot this week to take them on walks.  100 degree days and humidity so high you can see it in the air isn't good for me or fur covered animals. 

Marveling at how tiny newborn diapers are

Rowan is doing exactly what he should.  Good strong heart beat at each appointment, growing, and regular movements...though he likes to push up into the right side of my rib cage which isn't the most comfortable.  Ian says each night when he comes to bed (and I've already been asleep for a couple of hours), he can feel Rowan having a party and moving all over the place.  We may have another night owl in our house come September.


We're getting more and more things ready in the house and in Rowan's room.  We have our stroller and car seat sitting in his room waiting to be put together and  installed in the car.  Clothes are starting to appear in his closet.  Diapers are appearing on the changing table.  There's going to be a baby living in there soon!  Every day a bit more excitement replaces a bit of anxiety. 

reality check

The weeks keep moving on.  That means each day I wake up is one day closer to meeting our little Rowan.  That also means I'm one day closer to experiencing something that scares the crap out of me: labor and delivery.

I'm not afraid to admit that I'm scared of giving birth.  I know it's a natural process and women have been doing it for thousands of years...but I've never done it!  I have no idea what it's going to be like...how long it's going to take us...if we're going to have any complications...if things are going to go to plan.  I'm glad there are lots of women in my life who have experienced giving birth recently that can share their stories with me.  I'm also very glad we are taking a 10 week child birth class at our hospital to help prepare us.  It's a longer class because it's geared towards women who want natural child labor.  My plan involves no medication and Rowan coming out in a textbook perfect delivery on September 3rd so his birthday will be 09/03/12 (because 9+3=12...and that's labor day...ironic no?).  OH...and my plan is to have labors like my mother...between and hour and a half (me) and three hours (my brother)...TOTAL.  Realistic?  Nope...but one can always dream right?

I honestly don't know how I'm going to handle the pain or the waiting.  I remember the contractions I felt when we had our miscarriage and my body started contracting.  They certainly weren't comfortable, but they also weren't working to push out a fully developed baby.  Not quite sure how I'm going to adjust to the differences there, but we'll cross that bridge when we get there.

Right now, I have to say that my biggest fear is having to be induced.  What happens if Rowan doesn't come out?  What happens if September 6th...10th...14th..comes and goes, and he's making no movements towards the door?  What then?  Do we wait? Do we induce?  That waiting game is going to be hard.  And then there's the waiting game of being at home or at the hospital waiting through the contractions that are just there to get us ready for delivery.  Some people may not know this about me, but I'm not always a patient person when it comes to waiting for things I want.  Just ask Ian...he knows that part of my personality all too well...

I know that no matter how the story goes, the ending is the same: Rowan is delivered.  I know that I have the ability to give birth naturally.  I also know that I'm not a 'failure' or did something 'wrong' if I can't give birth naturally (either by using medication or having a C-Section).  I know I have a husband that completely supports the plan that we have for getting Rowan out into this world.  I also know that Ian is a smart guy who's going to work with me in making the healthiest choices for our son's delivery.  I know I'm going to have lots of support and encouragement from friends and family on D-Day (delivery day) for whatever fear I'm facing that moment.  I also know I'll have an equal amount of encouragement from the same friends and family that it's OK if things can't go according to my plan.

Do all these assurances I have ease my fears?  A little...but not much.  Labor and delivery is going to be something COMPLETELY different than ANYTHING I've ever experienced before.  But, I still have time to prepare and time to wait.

Moving along and my amazing husband

Me at 22 weeks.  Bishop was curious too.

I feel like we've reached the point in this pregnancy where I really don't feel like there's much to say.  We're at 24 weeks, so only 16 or so to go!  Things keep moving along like they should and there's really nothing exciting or nerve racking to talk about.  Rowan's growing like he should according to our doctor and she doesn't have any concerns at this point.  He's moving more and more now, though I'm not sure how much of it is kicking and how much are hiccups.  Either way, there's jolts, jabs, and jerks at various points throughout the day.  I'm feeling great...for that I am soooooooo thankful!  My only complaints have been sore hips right when I wake up and a sore back if I'm stuck in one position (sitting or standing) for too long.  I'm pretty much out of most of my pre-pregnancy clothes.  I am still rocking the pre-pregnancy work pants with a belly band, but that's going to be ending soon I'm guessing.


We are starting to get the house ready for Rowan too.  We had some rearranging to do, and Ian did a good chunk of it last weekend.  We've moved the office into the downstairs living room and will be moving the guest room into the office so that Rowan can have the guest room.  Some furniture moving will have to wait until we have other bodies...I'm not planning on doing much lifting or furniture moving myself.  Another one of those 'not recommended' things.  =)  Thankfully my parents are coming down towards the end of the month, so they'll be able to help us get some of these bigger projects taken care of.

Some AMAZING clothes we found for Rowan. He's going to be so cool!

Over the last few weeks, one of the things I  have been noticing more and more is just how wonderful Ian is being.  I'm getting to see a different side of him that I've never noticed before.  He's really doing a lot of things to take care of me. I probably haven't noticed this too much because I don't let him (or anyone really) take care of me. I'm pretty darn independent and take pride in the fact that I can do things by myself.  I still can...and do most of the time...but Ian's just been taking on some things that I haven't really thought of.  Like what you ask?  He's taken complete responsibility for mowing the lawn...taking out the trash...and planning our furniture moves.  He also slept on the couch for a week when he was sick so he wouldn't get me sick.  He's cooking dinner on nights I get home later from work...because if I don't eat by 6:00 or so I turn into a cranky monster.  He also got me my very first mother's day card and drew a picture on our bathroom mirror for me.  He's been amazing.  I always knew he was amazing (kinda why I married the guy), but now I'm seeing another side of him.  I can't say it's a new side, it's just a side that I haven't chosen to see.  It makes me more and more excited each day to see how he's going to take care of his son.

Big difference in 3 months

Rowan at 8 weeks

 So, this post does have a lot of pictures, but none of me.  =)  This one is all pictures of Rowan.  I remember being so excited when we went in for our first appointment and seeing the little guy (though I didn't know it was a guy at the time).  That first appointment was very nerve wracking for me (and I'm sure Ian too).  We didn't know what this pregnancy was going to hold.  It took a while for me to come to terms with that (I think I talked about that in my first blog post of this pregnancy?).  Anyway, it was the best feeling when we went for that first appointment and saw a little heart beat in that ultra sound.  It was just a little flutter on the screen...but it was there.  Victory!

Profile of a bunched up baby Rowan

 Eleven weeks later, we got to see Rowan again.  This time my mom got to be there, which was just wonderful.  It was great to see him on the screen moving around.  He was pretty active...even danced a little jig.  I felt a little bad for the ultra sound tech because she had a hard time getting all the shots he needed.  He started up curled up in a tight little ball.  Feet behind the head and everything.  Then he started moving more and more.   I guess this explains why I've been feeling little kicks more frequently...and a few punches (see picture below)  =)

She was eventually able to get all the measurements she needed (and a few great shots of him).  He had a great strong heartbeat (155 bpm).  He was measuring a little bit ahead of schedule.  Our ultra sound was right at 19 weeks, and all his measurements (head, abdomen, and femur) were measure at 20+ weeks.  Only reason that makes me nervous is because Ian was a big baby...10 lbs 11 oz.  Here's hoping Rowan is a bit more normal sized.  Even though he was measuring a bit big, our doctor didn't feel like it was enough to move the due date.  September 6th it stands.

Now that we're halfway through this pregnancy, I'm realizing how much we have to do still.  Since we've been out of town so much lately we haven't done much looking at all for furniture, car seat, stroller...pretty much anything.  Guess we'll have a few things to add to our weekend to do lists =)  But, now the fun stuff begins.  All Rowan has to do is keep growing and getting bigger...just not too big.

Alien face!  =)

Paying homage to ORG in the 2011 South Central Region Playoffs

Five perfect fingers

Crossed baby feet

Little foot

Pics...as promised!

Eek!  15 weeks.  Beginnings of a bump.

 Well, as I've promised here are a couple of pictures of my 'bump'.  (Apparently it's impossible for me to make a 'normal' face with baby bump pictures.  I looked through the ones Ian took...I look goofy in all of them) 

There's definitely something there, and Baby V is reminding me of that more and more with their movements.  Nothing is all that regular yet, but every now and then I'm caught off guard with a little flutter in my tummy.  I'm super excited for Ian to be able to feel it too in a few weeks. 

That's it right there! Baby bump! 17 weeks.

We go in to the doctor again on Thursday.  I'm really excited about this appointment because my mom's going to be able to come with us.  We'll be 19 weeks when we go in, so we'll have our ultrasound.  If baby cooperates, we'll be able to find out the gender.  I'm just so glad that mom will be able to be there and see her grand baby with us.  I'm also looking forward to seeing this munchkin again.  Last time we saw it, it was just a little peanut at 8 weeks.  I'm guessing it looks a little different now =)