Wednesday, March 23, 2011

2 more weeks

until the expected due date. The question "when are you due?" is now asked daily by just about everyone. I tend to give ambiguous answers that seem to tick people off more than I'm ticked off about answering it again. Saying something like soon or beginning of April is just not specific enough for people. Makes me wonder - why are we so focused on the exact date since we know this baby has a mind of her own on when she wants to enter the world anyway?

So I have approximately 2 weeks, or however long baby stays comfortable, to enjoy my freedom and finish reading etc as people say. I haven't done much reading since I've been home, but I have washed just about all the baby clothes and my moby wrap. Now I have to start on the blankets and hooded towels. I have diapers, wipes, and shampoo/body wash. I have somehow managed to not pick up baby powder or diaper cream - who knows what brand to get anyway?

My apartment is moved-in and organized. Yesterday Will helped me finish hanging things - no more pictures on the floor! The extra room is a mess and the crib is still at my parents unassembled. However, I do have a co-sleeper, lots of onesies, sleep and play outfits, swaddling blankets and car seat figured out so I think we are prepared enough.

I've had no signs of labor or false labor yet and I haven't gotten that burst of energy that seems to proceed labor on the day of - no desire to clean though I have grudgingly kept up with most of that. So for all of you that have been waiting for an update - I'm doing really well, getting a bit uncomfortable, and see no signs that this baby is going to have an aqua marine birth stone. April birthday and diamond birth stone all the way ;-D

Monday, March 14, 2011

The Good Life

On Wednesday afternoon my grandma passed peacefully to the next life. She is watching down on us and probably smiling that Will is finally back in the country. There are so many memories I will keep dear to me. She lived a good life for 83 years and struggled for 6 months. We are all glad she is no longer in pain, but very sad to see her go and be left behind.

In December I came home to visit her. I loved her spirit and gratitude for her visitors. She told me about her friend that gave her a card every day and was so excited to get picture Christmas cards, including one from me with a baby bump. I saw her on the feast of the Immaculate Conception and brought her communion. I also sang Hail Mary, Gentle Woman and went through the readings for the day. Little did I know how much that meant to her or her preference of songs.

Today I will go sing at her memorial mass. Included in the program is Hail Mary, Gentle Woman - not exactly a funeral song but one of her favorites and a request. Hopefully I will make it through that song okay for her. I love you Grandma!

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Life at Home

I am still without internet, but that gives me an excuse to get yummy soup at Panera :-)

Things are settling down. I had a shower on Sunday and was amazed by and blessed with many great gifts. Things are all put away if not completely organized and I have gotten to take some naps. I've also been to get a massage and an adjustment by a chiropractor. I've got to get some pampering in now right?

Will is still abroad and leaves for a snowboarding trip on Thursday. He gets home on the 19th and I have that day excitedly marked in my calendar - finally I'll get bunches of foot rubs again ;-)

Until then I am just trying to stay calm for this baby. My grandma was recently moved into hospice so we're praying for her and Will's safe return home.

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Settling In

Well I'm home and starting to adjust to the time difference. I'm still going to bed earlier and waking up earlier than I would normally though - it is being a slow process. However, that means I am quite productive in the morning!

I've done lots of nesting in the forms of unpacking and decorating. I think I have a place for all my wall art which is a surprising amount of pieces! It didn't seem so much when everything was spread throughout the 2000 sq ft house we were sitting while the owners were in China. I'm amazed I even have a spot for everything in an apartment only 900 sq ft. So, having a livable house came first in the nesting instincts, but I'm about ready for that baby shower and actually getting ready for this little one too! I can't believe how quickly everything is coming up now.

With all that I have done, I haven't been able to get a quick installation appointment for my internet. My time here will continue to be sporadic until next Friday. Why do we always have to wait so long?