Snowed in!



It's been really nice around here lately. The snow has been a real treat and I hope we get more of it later on this winter. For now, the temperature is going up and its all melting away - good thing since we have missed the last few days of work.



But its been worth those days off!



Bower enjoyed the snow as well.



Braxton Hicks

As the snow melted away today, we got the Westfalia ready to sell. It was about the only active thing I did besides walking over to my inlaws house and then later helping Jordan clean the kitchen. Over the past couple of days my B.Hicks have been more frequent. I know it is just practice labour but today it got to the point where every time I went up or down the stairs my belly tightened to the point where I wondered how my baby wasn't going to be strangled. I would then lay down and within a few minutes of relaxation the belly would loosen up. I also felt really out of breath going up and down the stairs and my lower back was quite achy as was my sternum/solar plexus area. The heat pad cured the backache, but it was all abit tiring. I also went to the bathroom alot more than usual. Maybe thats from all the Mandarin "Christmas" oranges I have been eating. Who knows.

I left a message with my midwife about what went on today. Am I supposed to get off my feet with B.Hicks when they bother me or should I ignore them? I didn't think I would be calling Gaelyn so early in my pregnancy, but I couldn't find an answer to these questions in any of my books.

Rumour Has It...


that Chara is probably pregnant and if pregnant probably conceived right around when we did last Spring. Jill is quite positive that we will have another baby arriving a couple months after ours!!!












Now does that look like a baby hump?

And is she eating like a pregnant mum horse?

Week 26

Our intuition was right and we are having a boy afterall! Last week I had my ultrasound with CR Obstetrition Dr. Kruger where I discovered the male parts and also where the little guy is positioned. He is head down facing out and he probably won't move too much from that position. It was a wonderful little appointment and the doctor said that baby and mom look great!

As far as movement, there is still alot of activity going on. He is always on the go! I can touch and massage his legs and knees and he doesn't pull back as much anymore. He must sleep alot at night, because his movements are intense in the evenings and then for another hour after I go to bed and then when I wake up in the morning he is at it again. He is moving as I type.

Since even before conception I have thought alot about this baby, and since I have been pregnant I have spent consistently alot of time bonding, actually both Jordan and I have spent alot of time together, bonding with the little one. Something tells me that your children choose you and from the beginning there is always a sharing of emotions between mother and child (beginning in utero). Its just how I feel. The past couple of weeks have been quite stressful for many reasons and also I think I have abit of those hormonal fluctuations happening. Thrughout this time of dealing with a sick dog, putting him down, deciding to sell our VW van and on and on, I have not stopped myself from getting upset or emotional - I have let myself go and just communicate to baby why I feel this way and that its only temporary. I am hoping that he understands in some strange way, because I know that he feels all that I feel.

Everyday is a new day and I happily ended my week with snow in the forecast. Saturday it started to snow! I had a great weekend. Had some family over for dinner. Went to see the Banff Mountain film festival showings in both Campbell River and on Quadra Island. It was great! I go every year and have always enjoyed seeing all the films, all the adventure and culture from around the world. I am so excited to take our little one on some great adventures in the future!

It continued to snow and on Sunday morning Jordan and I skied to Heriot Bay, had some tea and then walked home. The road crew had cleared the roads by then and the skiing wouldn't have been as nice!

We have about a foot of snow at the moment and I don't think it will melt for the next week. I have heard that Victoria got 2 feet! Everything seems to go crazy on the coast when we get these big dumps-no one is prepared like they are in the interior. I slid all over the place in the VW today, stalled it, fixed it and then got stuck at the Childrens Centre! Made it home in the end.

Week 25

I am now close to the end of my second trimester. This is my first pregnancy and it has been such a wonderful experience; I have learned so much more about my self and my body. Jordan has learned alot about my body and his self. We have become even closer, which I didn't know was possible.

Previously, I had no real physical complaints, only fatigue, constant bathroom trips and an aversion to any meat/fish. At this point there have been a few minor things that have come up such as muscle cramps in my calves in the mornings and some emotional shifts.

Its almost like the emotional PMS I used to get, but it has been ongoing since early November. I am wondering, however, could it be the pregnancy or could it be the constant rain? Some of these feelings include anxiousness, grumpiness, impatience and sometimes even boredom! I have never been the type of person who is ever bored...but sometimes in my freetime I am feeling bored. Outside of working and household stuff, I am feeling bored. Its too ugly outside to go for a hike. Its too stormy to head up to the Mnts, I don't feel like working on any projects around the house. I am nervously waiting for some outcomes and responses on the documentary I am producing. I just feel kind of out of sorts... I am bummed at having no prenatal yoga classes to attend - I stopped going to my regular classes this past week. I still do some birth stretches and some yoga at home, but its just not the same as a class!

I hate to be so negative, but this is how I have been feeling these past two weeks. For the first time in 8 years and since I have been living on the coast, I have begun to miss the snowy winters of the West Kootenays, where my family live. I miss Christmas there as well. Maybe next year all three of us will head up there and celebrate with them!

Now over to all that is good now. The little one is active and moving around alot. Less random kicks and more smooth movements. I have alot of fun watching when the baby does full flips. We are growing quickly now! Jordan and I are enjoying this time together; our freedom and everything else we know will be forever changed when the little one arrives. We also spend alot of time fantasizing about what life will be like after the birth. Will our baby think we are weirdos? How long will it sleep with us? Who will it look like? Fantasizing is alot of fun at the moment.

I am also really looking forward to our move to Victoria at the end of the summer. Vic is such a fun little city and there will be a ton of great stuff to do with the little one. Jordan will be back in full time school and my job will be to hold the fort down (or up?). I will be a stay at home mom or as some people say S.A.H.M.

For a year anyway.

Our other children

We have slowly been acquiring baby stuff and moving them into the nursery. For some reason, our pets seem to be really interested in the space. Bower, our dog, has decided that this is her new sleeping area and I will now always find her napping next to the crib. We also have two cats - Black and Grey (brothers), who are basically wild cats who sometimes decide to come home to visit. The other day I discovered Grey sleeping inside the bassinette which has been put inside the crib. I have seen him a few more times in there since then. What is it about this room that is drawing our animals?

Week 23

This picture was taken with our new digital camera! Tonight Jordan gave me my bday present a little early (Nov 7 is the big day). I had really wanted one knowing that we will probably be taking zillions of pics with the new baby. They will all just be snapshots and developing is so expensive - digital seemed like the perfect way to go. I will also probably take a million belly shots because I am just loving my body so much right now and I think that it looks so special! Aside from the kicking, I can now feel body parts moving around as well as flipping. I still can't identify the body parts, but there is definitely alot of exercise going on in there. Sometimes I will go for a day or two and the movements are less and it seems as if the baby is sleeping more - those are the times when I am more tired as well. But the last few days it seems as if the baby has been active for much of the day and into the evening! Must be getting strong!

Tonight we had a dual birthday dinner at Janet's house - another woman - Linda was also there and celebrating her birthday. She is a massage therapist who has furthered her education into learning about energy balancing and pregnancy. Her partner was at dinner as was Case and Jordan. Really nice night and we must have sat around the dinner table for 3 hours! I fully SAVOURED a small glass of Southern Auz wine - a Shiraz/Sauvignon and it was soooo nice! It took hours to finnish, but I enjoyed it so thoroughly! Being pregnant, I never drink alcohol, just a special occassion - but I really enjoyed taking the time to enjoy this small amount of high quality wine. It made me think how nice it would be to do a wine tasting tour in some country like Australia or France or California...so sensual!!!! IS that romantic or what?

Linda and Janet

Week 22

Week 22

I am now feeling more energized and less tired. It feels like I (baby) just had a huge growth spurt and just overnight my belly is finally noticeable. I am taking a yoga class which has also done wonders for my energy levels. Every day that I do yoga is that much better; I am happier and much more energized.

Now that I am no longer with that 'bloated belly' look and the bump has actually formed, it has all moved higher and I am able to wear my normal pants in total comfort. They will probably fit just fine until the baby drops at the end of the nine months. BUT, now that my belly is sticking out, my shirts are riding up. Lucky for anyone pregnant during these times of fashion, though, as you can go to just about any trendy store and buy long shirts that come down below the butt. Perfect! Anytime I am browsing through these stores and the salesgirl asks if she can help, I always say, I love these new fashions! They are perfect maternity wear! Sometimes I get a strange look, but its kind of funny anyway.

After the Halloween party at the children's centre (my current employment) I went home and relaxed with Jordan. It was really fun being with all the kids and their excitement and costumes; all the parents had been going all day with festive activities and were geared up with snacks and warm gear to trick or treat, stop at fire hall for hot chocolates and finally check out the games and haunted house and finally fireworks at the community centre. Phew...I figured, this year I am gonna relax because I know that after this year, I will probably be one of those frazzled parents running around with their kid on Halloween. Don't get me wrong, I am totally excited to be one of those parents - really, but for now I am gonna rest and enjoy the quiet life...

Actually, I have been very conscious of my freedom and I have been really taking advantage of my time to myself and privately with Jordan. I will be 30 in a few days and I am so excited for all that the coming years have to offer. My 20's were all about me, growth, freedom, and tons of sponeneity. Things have now moved forward within me and my life is taking on a new shape. It has not been sudden change - just a slow evolvement for the past couple of years which is now taking a more obvious shape. Now I have a clearer vision for my future, I know what I want and I know how I will get there. I am already there, really, in mind, but it will in time translate into life and all that surrounds me. It already has in many ways; being with my life partner and getting married, building our house and being pregnant. These are all very new things but they have brought such fullfillment and they are the natural step forward in my life. I could no longer be fullfilled with all that consumed me earlier in my 20's, they just don't have the appeal.

Now I am excited to give birth - like the actual event! I am excited to start a new family and to be back in school in the next few years. Jordan is starting up again this Sept to finnish his Enviro Degree at Royal Roads in Victoria. I will be heading back to school a year or two after him. Our little one will only be about 6 months when we leave Quadra Island and return to Victoria; our plan is to return once more of our schooling is completed. In the meantime we will use our Quadra house as a vacation rental.

But for now I am going to enjoy all the activity in my belly, the silence and then head to work. Four more months until our new arrival!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Week 20 cont...




Ultrasound of our
baby at 19 Wks!!!
Here is the active little one. In one shot it is waving at us and the other one looks as if something is floating between its legs...umbilical cord maybe??

Although there was nothing going on in my belly Friday night, Jordan put his big warm hand over my bump and within a few moments I felt a commotion and sure enough the little one became active and gave a few big kicks (or high fives??) into his hand. The two finally made some serious contact!

Fairly busy weekend with charity auction for the Quadra Childrens' Centre and then spent Sunday in CR with inlawts - Jordan helped Case (his mother, Janet's, partner) put in some house windows while us ladies went to a baby shower party/exhibit put on by local businesses. Gained some info, got some free goodies and saw lots of pregant women - 3 out of about 20 were carrying twins! Then browsed around at some of the baby stores. There is just so much 'stuff' out there to buy for baby, half of which don't even really seem to be that useful for very long. So far, we have been given a ton of stuff and haven't really spent a cent - well except for the bassinette I bought at the recent Quadra - Philippines Connection garage sale. Also, I am sure that once the little one is born, there will be many gifts, there are 3 sets of grandparents afterall (lucky baby!). Not to mention 6 1st cousins, an auntie and 3 uncles and lots of extended family. 2 of the cousins will be only 11 months old when baby is born! Theres a whole lot of people out there who are excited for our March arrival.

Week 20

Met with my midwife, Gaelyn, this week. All results from the ultrasound appeared normal and I am a B+ blood type. I have a slightly above average amount of amniotic fluid, but I am told that its still perfectly normal. Gaelyn said that all growth with our baby has been like clockwork and that its development is the same as every baby out there that is normal and healthy. From this point on, no two babies are the same. For instance, although the fundal height of my baby is as it should be, 20 cms (the measurement from pubic bone to top of uterus), the top rests at my ribcage rather than navel like alot of babies. I do have a rather short trunk...but I am still in awe as to how high it is. Also, the belly is sticking out more and I have finally gained weight. The kicking and rolling and whatever else is going on inside the belly is as strong as ever. Last night I laid on my bed for a few minutes after work and stared at my belly and all of the sudden it was as if there was some kind of party down there, I could actually see my belly rippling and protruding. It was amazing. Then I realized I had just sucked on three toffee candies and I am sure it was a sugar rush to 'Guido'. Jordan missed the party as he was in the shower. Next time.

My weight gain, I am sure, was helped along with two turkey dinners for Thanksgiving. First one at my father in laws (Jerry) house. Huge scrumptius turkey and tons of food with enough room for his wife's (Jill) fresh pumpkin pie (one piece for me, one for Guido). It was a wonderful feast in the mid afternoon autumn sunlight with lots of family to celebrate with. Afterwards the guys checked out Jerry's new crossbow and did some target practice. The deer have been all over our gardens this summer and eaten nearly everything they can get to!
Dinner number two was at my mother in laws house (Janet) where we enjoyed more turkey with all the delicious dishes and some pumpkin pie and, of course, the infamous cheesecake 101 bites yum yum yum. Am I a totally spoiled pregnant lady or what? Oh, and we are still eating turkey!

Today I am not quite as tired as I had been for the past couple of weeks. Although I haven't been to the gym or done any yoga in a week, I am still going on alot of walks. This incredible stretch of sunshine will be gone for the weekend, and I think that the rains are just around the corner. Jill and I took the dogs to the spit this morning and it felt really nice to be in the cool crisp sunshine. The walk goes so quickly when you talk the entire time - I could have walked for hours! It was nice.

Everytime I visit Gaelyn, I borrow several books from the clinic library. I will list a couple of them on here soon which I thought were really good. I was disappointed in one though. I grabbed Naomi Wolfe's 'Misconception', thinking that it would be stimulating like her other books, including 'The Beauty Myth'. It was stimulating, but not in the way I had anticipated. ALthough I have not read it from cover to cover, I started at the beginning and then read quickly through a few chapters. I found it very negative and almost pathetic. She sounded like such a victim in (so far) what I have read through her prenancy and the women she interviewed. All these women with terrible experiences and c-sections etc... No real empowerment. I could not relate to this book in the least, its totally foreign. I have felt completely knowledgable and in control of all decisions within this pregnancy. Information is everywhere and it comes from many directions. Its up to me, my baby and Jordan. Ultimately me and baby, but Jordan plays a very big role in the decdision making.

Our bodies were made to have babies. We just need to make sure our bodies are properly tuned up and taken care of. We have such power within our bodies. When something abnormal occurs, or there is a serious emergency, the doctors and specialists are needed. These people aren't needed for a natural function. I know there is pain but I also know that our minds are strong enough to counter that pain and deal with it. Its so simple, its all about being in touch with all aspects of your self.

Maybe I will look through the book a little more, but I don't think I will be able to relate as I did as an adolescent to Wolfe's book, 'The Beauty Myth'. Which was such a different time in my life when I felt so intensely the growing pains of my adult emergence.

Week 19

We had our first ultrasound on Thurs at Campbell River General. Wow! The baby was so much higher than I ever thought! When the technician started pushing her wand up around my ribs, we could see the head. I was totally surprised. How could it be that high up already and how could it be that big when I had barely looked pregnant two weeks ago? My belly is growing so quickly now and its finally feeling more real now. Really real! The entire area from my pubic bone to my rib cage is sticking out and things already feel really tight! My poor organs, stomach and intestines have fled towards my back and its now all baby up front.

Another new strange feeling is that I get sooo full so easily now. It feels like I have barely eaten enough to properly fill me up and around that point I feel like I have eaten for hours! A small amount of food really stuffs me up good. This means that I am eating more frequently with smaller portion sizes and anytime I forget and eat too much, I suffer!

My next midwife appointment is on Tuesday, so we should have the results of the ultrasound at that point. I wonder if Gaelyn will be surprised at the growth of the baby since my last visit? Or maybe this kind of quick growth is typical amongst first time moms?

Jordan is anxious to feel the little one's kicks, especially now since I feel them so much and so frequently. I think its just a matter of days when he will be able to finally feel movement with his own hands. We have had alot of fun in this pregnancy together - Jordan is so involved with everything and its so nice to be able to share everything with each other as time goes on. He has so much interest in every aspect of pregnancy - he brought up the topic of the perineum the other day and how he read that its not always so good to cut it and that in most water births, the perineum never tears because of how elastic it becomes from the bathwater. At this point, as long as the baby and I are strong and healthy, we will be having a home birth. Maybe some of it will include laboring in water, it would be very soothing and I love baths...

It's Thanksgiving weekend and I am glad to have some days to relax. I have felt tired the last few days and I think I am battling a cold. I am really stuffed up and abit achy all over. I'm sure it'll pass quickly.

FLASHBACK...

An extra surprise for our July 15, 2006 wedding....

6 wks pregnant!!!

Feeling little **"Guido"** moving around more than ever. Jordan can't wait to feel the movements himself. I imagine that within the next couple of weeks he will be able to put his hand over my belly and feel the little one in action! Speaking of belly, my uterus has grown and moved up so quickly over the past two weeks; its almost at my belly button. Exciting times!

Spent a nice weekend relaxing, going for walks and enjoying these beautiful autumn days. It seems that since I became pregnant, I always want to walk along Rebecca Spit, which is an incredibly scenic walk. I go at least once during the week alone and then on the weekend with Jordan. I feel such goodness and closeness towards the life inside me and at the same time I am totally immersed in nature...the ocean, the mnts, the trees. Its almost as if the mix brings me to this really spiritual place, a place of total awareness, inside and out. When Jordan and I go, its the same way, just with alot of talking. We talk about the present, our future, our baby and our dreams. I am feeling so great in this pregnancy, its amazing...probably alot of crazy hormones.

These same hormones have made me feel alittle loopy at times as well. Absentmindedness and forgetful and then the newer states of total hyperness. The hyperness has added an element of such silliness recently. Jordan and I go crazy at times like we are children, running around, play fighting, laughing and just being rediclous! I am wondering what the little one is thinking as he hears his parents laughing and shreiking and all the crazy movements...
But then there are times when I am so tired! So far its been a whole array of emotions and moods, but all of it good.

**for some reason, since we found out about the pregnancy, we always call the little one Guido...don't know why, but its kind of funny and we figure its better than "it"**

Week 18

I have noticed a return of some of the fatigue I had in the earliest part of my pregnancy. So far it is not even comparable, but I can feel myselft slowing down again. It might be a result of my new job working with children. Currently I am a supervisor at a non profit childcare facility; the age group under my care is ages 6-11. The job is quite enjoyable and incredibly fullfilling; I couldn't imagine any other more appropriate work during my pregnancy! I love children and up until now, stealing my nephew and nieces for the summers and having them to myself has been enough, but now I want more!!! That probably helped us get pregnant so quickly last spring.

One subject that I have spent a great deal of time reading about and researching has been childhood vaccinations. I am very aware of both sides of the issue. I think that I understand and support both sides. I believe that vaccinations have always had their time and place and I think that they are vital in many parts of the world. I have noticed that some of the children at the centre are vaccinated and some are not...I want to ask the parents about their decisions and why they were made. For those who have taken responsibiliy for their family's healthcare, what are your ideas and what lead you to your choices?

I have gone both ways with deciding what vaccinations, if any, I will have given to my baby. At this point I can't see any real reason to vaccinate until the baby is older and we resume our travels to developing countries. Although statistically extremely low, I am aware that the possibility of side affects exists yet I also know that if certain diseases are caught, there may not be medication for a cure.

Jordan and I have discussed this issue quite abit and have not come to any permanent decisions yet. We feel that these are important decisions to make and we need to be truly knowledgable. We need to continue looking at all aspects of the vaccination spectrum.

http://www.cbc.ca/consumers/market/files/health/vaccines/tips.html

A 3D ultrasound of a 16wk baby - not mine!









Week 16

It finally rained this weekend. Really rained! Feeling tired, I hibernated all day Sunday. Made a fire, read, wrote and enjoyed the tiny movements in my belly. It has been only in the past few days that I have been able to really feel the 'fluttering'. It doesn't matter whether I am laying down or moving around; I still feel an occasional movement/jab. I can't remember a time when I felt so happy and content for so many months in a row. It is probably a mix of the no PMS months and the little life growing inside of me!

Week 15


Just to make sure, I eagerly asked my midwife if we could check for the heartbeat again this month. I heard it for the first time last month, but other than that I still have no solid proof of my baby! Of course I KNOW I am pregnant; the two pink lines, bloodwork etc... I have had no big symptoms, only slight little pleasant reminders. A little fatigue for about three weeks in the beginning, an aversion to meat and fish, a bigger cup size and a spiritual/mindful connection to the little person who I am sharing my body with. I guess I have just been overly eager for the little bump to start showing itself. Sometimes I appear alittle bloated so I excitedly go try on the hand me down maternity pants I have in my closet...but I am not ready for them yet. They are too big. But my bloated little belly is not so comfortable in my regular hip hugging jeans. Maybe there is some maternity jeans I can get somewhere for 4 month bellies. The day my belly becomes really noticeable will be a day for celebration. AM I crazy or is it the hormones making me so excited about 'looking' pregnant? Probably a little of both.