daddy's taking care of his girls

Matthew has been such a wonderful partner through this pregnancy- he takes such care with me, making sure I have the meals, the sleep, the exercise, and the relaxation I need. As D-Day approaches, he's become more and more attentive... Last night he made a delicious supper, complete with an appetizer plate of cracked pepper crackers with fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella. Then he proceeded to clean up the kitchen while I fell asleep and slept until midnight.



Because of the excessive heat (mid 90's), I've developed a heat rash on my abdomen that itches like crazy. Needless to say, I have to stay in ac. Unfortunately, our church only has window units so I had to stay home this morning. So Matthew is playing hymns for me and sweet pea. We are loving it!

36 weeks- 28 days and counting...

I am officially down to 4 weeks left. It's terrifying yet exhilarating to think that in just one short month I could have a little girl nestled up in my arms instead of cocooned in my belly. Matthew predicts it will be less time than that- he's calling the 15th. Of course I think that's just because he is getting more and more impatient as each day passes. I, on the other hand, am filling out a bucket list of things I want to do for the last time before she arrives since I won't be free to come and go like I am so used to doing. More on that later...
Had my 36 week exam on Wednesday- she is in the head down position and is lower than she has been before. My body is getting ready for the big day and my dr couldn't be happier. Of course I'll be thrilled once it's all over as I'm not particularly looking forward to the actual labor process... But, as people have emphasized several times over the past few weeks, women have been doing this since the beginning of time and my body will take over when it's time.
Still dealing with heartburn and cramped stomach space; although it has gotten a little easier since she's lower. My back pain is gradually increasing and by the end of the day, my belly feels so heavy and cumbersome. I've really put on some bump over the past few weeks and no wonder- she is somewhere close to 6 pounds and 18 in. Baby girl is getting ready for life in the external :)

fresh veggies= yummy dinners

We signed up for a CSA this year (community supported agriculture) and got our first batch of produce last Friday. Since them we've had some delicious meals, including cereals with fresh peaches and blueberries, Swiss chard and mushroom quiche with beets, pierogies and sautéed zucchini with Parmesan and onion Swiss chard, and leafy salads. We even got a crisp out of the deal. Looking forward to our basket of goodies tomorrow!

35 weeks: down to a month

one month left once this week is up. one month of just the two of us; one month of being free to make plans on a whim, leisurely mornings after a restful night's sleep, running out for ice cream at the local Rita's after a late dinner and a movie; one month of day trips with nothing more than a beach bag and a few water bottles; one month of laundry once a week, Sushi wiggling his way under the covers in the middle of the night, going out for hibachi on a whim. any regrets? no. we are both so anxious to meet this little girl who has stolen our hearts with her kicks and tiny heartbeat. will we miss our freedom? i have no doubt - but we can't wait for the trade-off. this month is going to be busy... child-birthing classes, finishing the nursery, redecorating the house with baby paraphernalia taking the place of candles and antique plant stands, finding a pediatrician: the list continues. fortunately, we got our maternity photo shoot done this past week... and we had so much fun! (pictures below!) worst symptoms: heartburn (continued), bulky becoming bulkier, insomnia, low energy no cravings out of the ordinary; however, food always looks and sounds SO GOOD. can't wait for mealtimes! baby: movement is still quite active, but becoming more aggressive as she grows. my belly definitely looks as if it is writhing on it's own at times, sticking out at odd angles when she finds a comfortable position with her elbows and knees askew. it makes us both laugh. as much as i'm ready to be back to my normal size and body-for-one, i'm going to miss feeling her move. i never thought it would be like this...

A Baby Shower

Two very dear friends threw a baby shower for us in Mars Hill, NC, two weeks ago on June 9. We had so much fun visiting with friends and family that we hadn't seen in awhile. Of course, it was also special because we were celebrating the imminent addition to our family in the form of our baby girl, dubbed 'Sparkle' by our niece Rachel - that earned a lot of laughs and the nickname has stuck.

Less than two months left...

At 32 weeks Friday past, still feeling good. More tired but it's been a busy few weeks for both mommy and baby girl. Finishing up with the school year has been exciting- the 2011-2012 piano year is finally complete. Our little darling is closing in on 17 in and 4 lbs. She's making herself much more known as well- lots of movement, hiccups, and little punches.