One

How time has flown. I remember early on it seemed that this pregnancy was going to take forever. And suddenly, she's almost here.

I've been having contractions and some painful false labor. Or pre-labor. Whatev - it ain't the stuff that brings the baby out! But it sure does hurt. Yes, I foresee an Epidural in my future.

My parents have moved over to M-F but are now in Portland, so my dad can have some minor surgery. I'm glad they can be here and meet their granddaughter when she arrives, provided she doesn't do it before Thursday - something I'm not discouraging at this point. Though, for some unknown reason, I'd like her to have an October birthday.

So, really, just waiting, doing little projects, waiting, reading, waiting, watching movies and, yup, more waiting. I poke her every once in a while and say: "Are you ready to come out yet? Now would be good."

2? 2!

Um....not much to report really. Things are going great. I'm sleeping better. The baby is moving more but that's more fun than anything. Jason is nesting by putting together emergency kits for us, rearranging furniture and reading a book about being a good birthing partner. My mom and dad move to town this weekend. And we got the second car seat (thanks so much, Amanda!) and it's installed.

We did purchase a brand new couch yesterday. A real couch - not a futon. And we paid for it with cash.

We have waited years to make this purchase - I'm very proud of us. And it's so comfy! The pets have already licked and scratched it but it shows no signs of it! Next purchase will be a coffee table. The main requirement for it - that it be of an appropriate height for a toddler to color at. The things you consider when becoming a parent.

One rant - a rant for all my pregnant friends out there. I was talking to a woman (a never-been-pregnant lady) on Monday about the baby and she said, "Cora, I think I'm more excited about this baby than you are!" Thankfully, I was driving at the time, so I couldn't punch her. I was able to make a calm response, though I wanted to pull over and say, "F-off and get out of my car." For me, personally, it's difficult to maintain an emotion like excitement over long periods of time, much less 9 1/2 months. And as excited as I am to become a parent, I still have to give birth, something I'm not excited about. Also, it was 6:30 pm - after a long day of work and then 2 hours spent with 20-somethings, so I was extra exhausted. But I don't need to justify myself, that was just a plain rude thing to say. I'm working on forgiving her, since 98% of the time she is a delightful person to be around.

To repeat last week's lesson - please, I implore you - do not ask a pregnant woman, especially one 8+ months if she is excited. If you must ask her anything, ask her if she'd like a comfy chair or a beverage/snack.

And there endeth the lesson.

P.S. Shout-out to my friends, Maralea and Sid, who's due date is today!

Only 3 to go

It seems as though my third trimester has turned into my first trimester. I've been nauseated for much of it, I'm on the emotional roller coaster and I'm having strange cravings (spaghettios mixed with mac n' cheese, anyone?). (By the way, I haven't actually tried that...yet.)

The doc says everything looks good - she's in the proper downward position, facing my back. Her movements are getting stronger - her actual pushes can be a bit uncomfortable. And a foot or two has found it's way into my rib cage. I don't blame her, but I keep telling her that's all the room she's got. Oh yes, and I'm also the picture of health. The picture of health on swollen lumps otherwise known as feet. Good thing my pedicure is still in good shape.

Today is my first day working from home. From now until she makes her debut, I'll spend the first part of the week at the office and the last part at home. Even though I still have to work while home, at least I can sneak in a nap when I need it.

I'd like to address one issue, primarily for those of you who haven't been pregnant or it's been so long that you forgot - please don't tell a pregnant woman how soon she's due. She knows that already, better than anyone else. And don't ask her if she's excited - she most likely is, but she's also tired, swollen and uncomfortable and facing a major life changing experience - labor - that could happen at any time. If you must say something, tell her she looks radiant and offer her a comfy chair and a mango smoothie. Okay, that's what I wish people would say to me, but you get the gist.

P.S. Approximately two years ago, Hugo came into our lives. How the time has flown! He's so big now. I predict I will be saying the same thing two years from now about someone else.

4 more! Weeks that is.

We have officially passed the 4 week mark! I am excited, anxious and a little impatient. Some days, I am so ready for this to be over. Others, I'm content with her baking a little longer, getting those last bits of growth in.

This past weekend, we had a great "last hurrah" with friends in the Wallowa Mountains in Eastern Oregon. It was relaxing and fun. Thanks, gang.

One thing that has been on my mind is how judgmental I can be of other pregnant women. One of the first things I recognized going into this experience is how different it is for each woman. Recognizing that, I should know that, of course, women would act differently than I would. I apologize to my friends, co-workers, strangers and celebrities for judging their actions.

I have had to judge Rachel, the cat's, actions. She has taken to peeing in the baby's room, so we've had to lock her out. She tries like heck to get back in - she really loves that room. She obviously has great taste.

Okay, off to do some prenatal yoga.

5 remaining

Though, I keep telling people I only have 4 weeks left - wishful thinking or prophetic statement?

Monday was rough - I was done with being pregnant. I strained or pulled or something a muscle in my left foot over the weekend and was also very nauseated most of the day. And I had to be outside at a work event in 90+ temps. Not fun. But, somehow, I managed to survive.

We packed the bag for the hospital. Next week, we'll install the car seats.

It's another late night/early morning post - gas bubbles are keeping me awake.

Today, as I was doing some shopping in town, I had a realization - how hard must it be for women who choose to give their children up for adoption. Because I'm now so visibly pregnant, most folks will comment - ask when I'm due, what I'm having, what her name is and if I'm excited. And perhaps not all the women who choose adoption feel bad when asked those questions, but it would be hard for me.

Wow, so, this post is a bit of a downer - really, I just think I'm tired.