Darkness brings with it contractions that get me super excited for what may happen. Unfortunately, so far they all stop sometime in the middle of the night and that is that. Tonight, after dinner (stuffed squash blossoms a la Casi, fresh bread and homemade greek salad made from ingredients from the garden), Nick and I walked around the neighborhood. I did some lunges down the alley, just for good measure. This is my fifth walk today and I am determined to walk this baby out.
Nick has asked that I please wait until at least tomorrow night because he has had a series of really full days and did not get much sleep last night. Because he is just lucky like that, I have a feeling that means no labor tonight.
Definitely not going to be an August Baby, but September is a fine and special month to be born. I did however, have a secret thought that maybe everyone in the family but me would have a birthday on the 31st (Nick in July and Finn in October). So much for that plan.
There are so many people waiting with us on pins and needles for word that labor has started and Nick has promised to update the blog the minute things really get going. In the meantime, keep us in your thoughts and we'll keep posting!
xoxo
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Tuesday
Last night before bed I was having some strong contractions and thought for sure that I would wake up in labor, but instead I woke up at 6:30 am after a really good night's sleep. Although I would prefer labor, I will certainly take a good night's sleep in exchange. Lately, I have been having insomnia between 3-5am, which has been super discouraging mentally and physically so sleeping through those hours is bliss.
Finn had preschool this morning and I was able to get some projects done while he was away. We got home at 1pm and went immediately to bed and both slept for nearly 3 hours which is probably the longest nap I will be able to take for a long, long, long time and feels gloriously induglent. Once baby comes, my guess is that naps will be a 20-30 minute affair between feedings and two children, if I am lucky enough to even get one.
My mom comes by every afternoon after work and we have all come to love her visits. Finn gets some attention in big dirt world, I get to vent about my condition and Nick gets a few minutes break from big dirt world and venting pregnant wives. In addition, Casi and Nick have been staying with us off and on and having Casi around is fantastic. It is going to be bittersweet when this baby is born and all this attention and visits end!
Send baby thoughts our way! As in the past 2 weeks, it could be any moment!
xoxo
Finn had preschool this morning and I was able to get some projects done while he was away. We got home at 1pm and went immediately to bed and both slept for nearly 3 hours which is probably the longest nap I will be able to take for a long, long, long time and feels gloriously induglent. Once baby comes, my guess is that naps will be a 20-30 minute affair between feedings and two children, if I am lucky enough to even get one.
My mom comes by every afternoon after work and we have all come to love her visits. Finn gets some attention in big dirt world, I get to vent about my condition and Nick gets a few minutes break from big dirt world and venting pregnant wives. In addition, Casi and Nick have been staying with us off and on and having Casi around is fantastic. It is going to be bittersweet when this baby is born and all this attention and visits end!
Send baby thoughts our way! As in the past 2 weeks, it could be any moment!
xoxo
Monday, August 29, 2011
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Sunday
Happy Sunday! The day is almost over, but we are back in Seattle and enjoying a quiet, sunny evening in our little house. Nick is putting Finn down for bed and I am sitting in the living room lounging in the dappled evening sun reading the NY Times and remembering to update the blog.
Although the nights are getting (blissfully) cooler, it feels like we could have a long summer here in the Northwest. I wouldn't mind having at least another few weeks of summer sunshine, especially given how wet and cold our Alaska summer was this year. Finn is enjoying the weather immensely and has started to protest wearing clothes. I don't blame him considering that I have a temporary built-in furnace keeping me perpetually hot.
I am feeling great, no signs of baby yet, but I am not ruling out the possibility of everything happening all of a sudden. We are now pretty much done with all the baby prep work: I have a gorgeously clean house, a freezer stocked with food, a self-sustaining garden, all the clothes washed and put away, newborn diapers washed and cleaned (we are doing cloth diapers again) and the birth kit ready for use. Now, the majority of my time gets to be spent with Finn and Nick (when he is not packing in the extra hours at work so he can take a breather when the baby is born).
More tomorrow!
xoxo
Although the nights are getting (blissfully) cooler, it feels like we could have a long summer here in the Northwest. I wouldn't mind having at least another few weeks of summer sunshine, especially given how wet and cold our Alaska summer was this year. Finn is enjoying the weather immensely and has started to protest wearing clothes. I don't blame him considering that I have a temporary built-in furnace keeping me perpetually hot.
I am feeling great, no signs of baby yet, but I am not ruling out the possibility of everything happening all of a sudden. We are now pretty much done with all the baby prep work: I have a gorgeously clean house, a freezer stocked with food, a self-sustaining garden, all the clothes washed and put away, newborn diapers washed and cleaned (we are doing cloth diapers again) and the birth kit ready for use. Now, the majority of my time gets to be spent with Finn and Nick (when he is not packing in the extra hours at work so he can take a breather when the baby is born).
More tomorrow!
xoxo
Saturday, August 27, 2011
40 weeks + 1
I slept amazingly well last night and woke up to another beautiful day. We are still on Bainbridge and taking each moment as it comes.
Finn and I took a hot tub ('hot pool' in Finn speak) early this morning and then Auntie Casi, Nana, Daddy, Finn and I went to the Farmer's Market. We danced a little, ate some food, got some delicious vegetables to juice and freeze for postpartum recovery. Then Finn picked me a flower for my hair and we played some more.
Finn and I took a hot tub ('hot pool' in Finn speak) early this morning and then Auntie Casi, Nana, Daddy, Finn and I went to the Farmer's Market. We danced a little, ate some food, got some delicious vegetables to juice and freeze for postpartum recovery. Then Finn picked me a flower for my hair and we played some more.
A ready Mama
A ready Daddy
After the walk, we went on a 2.5 mile walk in the Grand Forest. Finn lasted for an impressive mile and half before Daddy had to carry him.
After the walk, we came back to Nana's house and took long naps. Finn woke up before me and I found everyone at the end of the dock waiting for Papa to come home by boat.
The Snopac Innovator ship is up in the San Juan islands processing Puget Sound pink salmon for the first time. Papa is jetting around in his boat communicating with fishermen and seeing tons of Orcas and came home for a Finn fix. It is beautiful weather and a far cry from our Alaska fish buying operations.
No baby signs yet, but we are having fun and getting lots of rest in preparation!
Friday, August 26, 2011
Baby
Hi Baby!
In case you didn't know, today is your due date. I know that it really doesn't mean anything to you and you will come when you are good and ready, but can I tempt you with some of the fun things that are happening today?
We are at Nana and Papa's house on Bainbridge and it is a beautiful day. We went out for breakfast at the Streamliner Diner, where I have been going since I was a little girl. Your big brother had a waffle and ate all of my toast and half of Daddy's eggs. He was starving! You want to know why? Because he woke up early this morning in Nana's bed (when you are older you will get to have special treats like sleeping in Nana's bed) and played all morning in the sun with his tractors. Then he chased Inca who was real frisky and made us all laugh. Then we went and looked at big dirt in Winslow before breakfast. After breakfast we went grocery shopping and on the way back to Nana and Papa's, we stopped at Frog Rock. What a fun morning!
This afternoon we are cooking lots of food to put in the freezer so Mama doesn't have to cook and gets to spend lots of time with you and your big brother. Nana, Auntie Casi, Marti, Vicki and Hannah are all coming over to help. Meanwhile, Daddy and big brother Finn are going to go swimming in the neighbor's pool. Finn can't wait to show you all of his swimming tricks. His best trick is helicopter in the water and he can spin himself around and around by kicking his legs with no help from Mama or Daddy.
After all of this, we are going to walk down the road and pick blackberries to make into pies and jam, which you will be able to eat when you are older. Finn loves blackberries best of all berries, but doesn't like that they are sharp to pick. Daddy is really good at helping him find the not-sharp ones. And Finn is really, really good at only finding the super ripe ones that are really tasty. He will teach you how when you are older.
We can't wait to meet you and give you lots and lots and lots of kisses. Finn has some special things for you when you do decide to come out and join us.
See you soon!
Love,
Mama, Daddy and Finn
In case you didn't know, today is your due date. I know that it really doesn't mean anything to you and you will come when you are good and ready, but can I tempt you with some of the fun things that are happening today?
We are at Nana and Papa's house on Bainbridge and it is a beautiful day. We went out for breakfast at the Streamliner Diner, where I have been going since I was a little girl. Your big brother had a waffle and ate all of my toast and half of Daddy's eggs. He was starving! You want to know why? Because he woke up early this morning in Nana's bed (when you are older you will get to have special treats like sleeping in Nana's bed) and played all morning in the sun with his tractors. Then he chased Inca who was real frisky and made us all laugh. Then we went and looked at big dirt in Winslow before breakfast. After breakfast we went grocery shopping and on the way back to Nana and Papa's, we stopped at Frog Rock. What a fun morning!
After all of this, we are going to walk down the road and pick blackberries to make into pies and jam, which you will be able to eat when you are older. Finn loves blackberries best of all berries, but doesn't like that they are sharp to pick. Daddy is really good at helping him find the not-sharp ones. And Finn is really, really good at only finding the super ripe ones that are really tasty. He will teach you how when you are older.
We can't wait to meet you and give you lots and lots and lots of kisses. Finn has some special things for you when you do decide to come out and join us.
See you soon!
Love,
Mama, Daddy and Finn
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
The baby goes here
No baby yet!
But once bambino/a does make a debut, Finn has it all worked out. His is constantly saying 'baby come out and baby goes here' and pointing to various locations depending on where he is. When we are in the car, the baby goes in the baby carseat (we have put it in the car to get him used to the idea). When we are in the house, baby goes pretty much wherever Finn goes. When he is eating, baby gets to sit on his highchair tray, in a tiny little spot in the corner, but not near the plate because that would be a mess. When we are in bed, the baby goes between all of us. The only place that is 'no baby' is the dirt where Finn plays 'big dirt' with his toys. Fair enough, I say.
But right now, the baby is "still in here [Mama's belly] 'til comes out."
(Finn and Daddy playing foosball after one of the midwife appointments)
But once bambino/a does make a debut, Finn has it all worked out. His is constantly saying 'baby come out and baby goes here' and pointing to various locations depending on where he is. When we are in the car, the baby goes in the baby carseat (we have put it in the car to get him used to the idea). When we are in the house, baby goes pretty much wherever Finn goes. When he is eating, baby gets to sit on his highchair tray, in a tiny little spot in the corner, but not near the plate because that would be a mess. When we are in bed, the baby goes between all of us. The only place that is 'no baby' is the dirt where Finn plays 'big dirt' with his toys. Fair enough, I say.
But right now, the baby is "still in here [Mama's belly] 'til comes out."
Monday, August 15, 2011
Happy Monday Morning!
Nick had a photoshoot on the Olympic Peninsula this weekend, so Finn and I had the weekend by ourselves. We got a lot of stuff done around the house and garden and spent the rest of the time playing, swimming, reading, sleeping and cooking (Finn helped me pick and pickle the first batch of cucumbers from our garden!).
Finn had a good night's sleep followed by an early morning visit from Papa who arrives and leaves on a motorbike (Papa Motorbike is his full name these days), a trip around the garden on his tricycle and a quick iPhone photo shoot. Currently, he is off running errands with Daddy and keeping his eyes open for 'big dirt' which is code for any construction site and construction machinery that deals with dirt, rocks, cement or mess. 'Big dirt' is by far his favorite thing in the world right now and any tantrum or troubled moment can be remedied with talk of big dirt.
Finn had a good night's sleep followed by an early morning visit from Papa who arrives and leaves on a motorbike (Papa Motorbike is his full name these days), a trip around the garden on his tricycle and a quick iPhone photo shoot. Currently, he is off running errands with Daddy and keeping his eyes open for 'big dirt' which is code for any construction site and construction machinery that deals with dirt, rocks, cement or mess. 'Big dirt' is by far his favorite thing in the world right now and any tantrum or troubled moment can be remedied with talk of big dirt.
Friday, August 12, 2011
Pregnancy Update
Today marks the 38th week of pregnancy! We are on the countdown to meet new little baby Hall and the whole family is excited, except for Inca who is a little frightened about meeting another creature who has the capacity to pull tails or ride her 'like a hosse'.
Although I think Finn has no idea what he is actually in for, he does know that there is a baby in mama's belly and that the baby is 'nice'. And he definitely knows what babies are, pointing out every single one we pass. He gets a little frustrated with my inability to join him on the floor or pick him up properly, but if I ask him 'do you see this big belly? Mama can't run fast like you and doesn't want you to run in the neighbor's yard when we are on a walk, because it is too hard for me to catch you, okay?' and he will answer 'kay' and not do it again. So the belly has some power.
I have been having intermittant contractions for the past 10 days or so, which the midwife says is normal for a second baby. Life has been a little overwhelming lately and unlike Finn's much anticipated late arrival, I am not counting down the days, but instead thankful that the baby is staying put for the time being until I can wrap up all my work, home and personal projects and get to nesting.
I am also really enjoying plugging into Finn, Nick and our little family. I have been physically present, but in all other ways absent this summer, especially to Finn, due to work demands and I am trying really hard to pack in those special 'just us' moments that I hope will fill up his love bank account enough to get him through the trials of a new sibling.
Speaking of siblings, this morning Finn found a tape measure and wanted to measure my belly like the midwife does. Afterwards, I asked him if it was a boy or a girl and he said girl, which is a word I have never heard him speak before. All this precious little moments are being stored in my love bank account because sometime in the next few weeks, we will never go back to 'just us.'
But we think that is a good thing.
The Pool
I think we have firmly established that Finn is a water baby. He LOVES swimming, showers, puddles, oceans, lakes, rivers, baths, streams, hotsprings, you name it. We have been talking all week about going to a local park that has a heated outdoor saltwater pool right on Puget Sound with magnificent views of the Olympics. Unfortunately, both Mama and Dada have been too busy to find the time to take him. But yesterday we made it happen:
(Sorry for the quality of the photos)
It is a 1/2 mile walk from the parking lot to the pool and Finn RAN the whole way (we bought new shoes a couple of days ago that make him go "fast fast fast"). Then we swam for about 45 minutes and then lounged in the sun for another 15 or so before heading back to the car and promptly falling asleep.
It was a good day and if we are lucky, it will happen again this afternoon!
It is a 1/2 mile walk from the parking lot to the pool and Finn RAN the whole way (we bought new shoes a couple of days ago that make him go "fast fast fast"). Then we swam for about 45 minutes and then lounged in the sun for another 15 or so before heading back to the car and promptly falling asleep.
It was a good day and if we are lucky, it will happen again this afternoon!
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Monday, August 8, 2011
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
