Thirty Weeks

Here is a picture of me faking it. I actually have a bit of a cold and I am trying to avoid too much medicine. I think the smile is pretty convincing though!

Yes, there are 2.5 months left; no, I have no idea how she will fit, but she will! Usually, all things considered, I feel pretty good. My last doctor report was just about perfect: I do not have gestational diabetes, my blood pressure is low to normal, I am not anemic (which I have had a history of in the past), I have gained very little weight, but she is growing right on target, her heart rate is normal, and my dentist said that I do not have swollen gums (which is common for pregnant women).

I have been spending my time organizing things and setting up schedules of chores and such in a way that I hope will be baby friendly. I don't want household tasks like laundry to become overwhelming when she is here- my goal is little by little. I am also working on the painting I will create for her room. In the past, I have painted pictures for friends' nurseries, so I, of course, want to make sure I do something for my own. This has been no easy feat! However, I think I finally have the right design sketched out and I am ready (as soon as I kick this sinus headache) to give it a try! Here are a few pictures I did for Amie's nursery. They hold a special place in my heart because they were my first and because she loved them so much, she asked for more!








Claire's nursery is going to be black and off white (per the pics of the bedding below) and I decided to use plum and lilac accents. I have been very drawn to purple lately.

Otherwise, I admit to more than a fair amount of momma-to-be anxiety. I feel like it is probably a fear of the unknown that will mellow after she is born and we start to adjust to the many changes that will take place. I very much understand the wanting the best for your child instinct and fear, on occasion, letting her down- though I will do my best and know that I have plenty to offer over all.

Here are some things I use input or encouragement on (please leave me comments- all you have to do is click the comments at the bottom and type away! I can't tell you how much it means to me to read all the things my loved ones write!):

1) I am blessed with 5 months maternity leave because my leave will run straight into summer vacation. I am aware that this is a blessing, but think to myself- 5 months is SO young! I can't believe I have to turn over my baby at 5 months. She will not be old enough to understand or know what is going on. She will not be old enough to play, learn or bond, so I can't justify it as she is "getting something out of it". Yes, I have done the math and the investigation on staying home for a year and, sadly, no, is not possible for me. Luckily, I have a good job that I am grateful for and, next to staying home, it will allow me the most time with my sweet girl. Where I need help is- I need child care advice. I am looking into sitters and private day care centers. I have heard debates either way. Please let me know what you think and if you live close to me and know of any opportunities in my area, I'd love to hear about them!

2) Obvious concern of all mothers (and the country as a whole right now) is saving money. If you have any tips about how to save money, what expenses you have found unnecessary, and ways that you manage, please pass them on! I have decided to take cues from friends and begin clipping coupons. I want to reduce my grocery and toiletry bills by up to 1/3! (must have a goal!) Wish me luck! Anyway, I want your tips for money savings and cutting the unnecessary! Please share!

3) Right now, everything still seems so surreal to me. I think I am going to write Claire letters or something. I want to try bonding with her without feeling silly. I do talk to her. Sometimes, I poke her back (gently) when she kicks me and she lightly responds. If anyone has any ideas as to how to bond with a bump, I am also game.

Mostly, I feel that comfort and answered prayers are found by those who calm down long enough to talk to God and are patient enough for a reply. This is a constant challenge for me. Admittedly, I am prone to worry and have difficulty letting go when I need to. I think I am going to start journaling my prayers again. I tend to focus better when I write it down, than when I rely on a stream of subconscious thought.

Thank you to all of my supportive friends and family that read this and all of the prayers. Things are going to be just fine. I am just super hormonal / emotional. I cried for no reason during my last doctor appointment. My doctor must have felt bad for me because he hugged me before I left! I have a really good OB.

Love,
Linds

My country tis of thee...

Love or hate Obama, there is something positively mesmerizing about the inherent joy of our country today. In a time of recession unparalleled since the 1930s and almost six years of war, it is thoroughly refreshing to see people dancing in the streets because they finally remembered what it feels like to be proud to be an American. I am not writing to engage in political discussion, but to express that it is easy to see the glory of God in a chance for change and new found hope. It is a beautiful thing.

I also love knowing that Claire will never know a time without a black president. (also note- Joe Biden is the first Catholic VP and first Catholic in such a high ranking office since Kennedy). The other day, Michael and I were discussing the difference this makes for black people everywhere, when he remarked that he was sure black Americans probably felt like they would never see a president that resembled them. I returned the suggestion by stating that I always felt that way as a girl. I never thought I would see a woman president in my time. However, we sure came close this race- with women running for president and vice president. I now feel like it IS possible to see that in my lifetime. I am overjoyed tha things such as this will probably always seem possible to Claire. She may even feel like she wants to run for an office herself someday- like her daddy. I am nearly certain Uncle Dan, who bought Claire the onesie pictured above, would campaign heartily for her.

For now, I am about ready to sign off. I am filled with hope and wish you all the same joy.

Much Love,
Lindsay and Claire

The Third

This is Mindy and Isaac at 36 weeks and me and Claire at 28 weeks. We are at Mindy's baby shower.
This is a picture of me on my first birthday- now see the picture below.
This is the table and chair set I had as a little girl. In the picture above, I am sitting in one of the chairs. Here is the set, in Claire's room, newly refinished and ready for her!
It may be a little washed out by the flash, but this old painting is me at about age 3! My mom and dad were friends with an artist in Enid and she painted this. It was actually in a few art shows!

Here we are, staring down the barrel of 29 weeks! This is officially the third trimester. I am really looking forward to seeing and holding her. Of course, I am completely anxiety ridden. I am blessed to have 5 months with her (my leave will run into summer break). However, I am NOT looking forward to the task of finding an appropriate place for Claire when I have to return to work in the fall. I just keep praying for a miracle. I don't want to leave my baby!

Michael and I will start birthing classes in February. I am hoping they will be helpful. I am very much leaning toward an epidural. I always figured I would. However, I am really trying to look into what is best. My priority is what will leave me in the best position to hold and bond with my baby as soon as I can. I want to feel good and lucid. Hopefully, these things can occur at the same time!

I have been blessed with 3 lovely baby showers. The first will be a family shower, January 31, given by my aunt and cousin. The second will be a church shower, given February 22. The third will be a high school, college, and new friends shower, given by college friends on March 7. I look forward to each and am incredibly grateful for all the people so anxious to celebrate Claire's life with us.

I think I am moving around pretty well for being full of belly and I am trying to do quite a few nesting activities now. My understanding is that I will be ready to slow down that last month and I want as little to worry about then as possible.

I definitely welcome advice about the content of this blog and any other things you think I should know. I can't tell you how much I appreciate the love, support, and prayers of our friends and family.

Love,
Linds

The beginning of the year Claire will meet us!

I suppose, depending on which website you look at, this is the beginning of trimester 3 for me. I don't doubt for a minute that I look it! Being this short, I knew she'd have no where to go but out!

After Christmas, Michael and I got a few things done around town, though not nearly as much as I had on my mental to do list. On New Year's Day, my mom and my uncle joined us for a Christmas celebration. Late, I know, but I feared that it would not happen at all, so I am glad.

How am I feeling? Tired. Sleeping is not what is used to be. I was a devout stomach and back sleeper. Gee, both of those are ruled out now. If you were wondering why I started this blog with a picture of a recliner, this is why. When I thought about it, I decided I would be much more comfortable rocking Claire to sleep in a recliner than a glider. Especially for any night when Claire would be (heaven forbid) sick or just have a tough night. A recliner was something I could see myself sleeping comfortably, if needed. The only difficulty was finding one that was affordable, yet well constructed and was not overly poufy / tufted. Ever notice that recliner makers think that fabric has to be bunched and filled with way too much loft? I just wanted something soft, simple, neutral and easy to clean. Found the winner pictured above and decided it was a winner. I put a few things up for sale on ebay and now I just have to make my purchase (and arrange for the truck to transport). Meanwhile, it would be wonderful to sleep in for when I get my old lady sore hips. (I will remember to treasure every moment of sleeping on my back and stomach after Claire is here- even if it is in 5 minute intervals!) ; )

It looks like shower dates are in the works. I will gladly pass along more info as it is official. Meanwhile, make sure I have your address, pretty please! Otherwise, how can I send pics later?

Claire is stronger all the time. Michael can feel her more regularly now. I used to think she was playing a game with him- "come get me, I am kicking! I am kicking! Ha-ha! Now I've stopped!" Michael felt a little conspired against.

Mom brought my baby pics so we could go through them on this visit. I have seen them a million times before, but they are different to see when you are almost seven months pregnant and seeing pictures of your mom close to your age and you as the baby. Makes you really wonder how things to come will be and what kind of pictures and memories you will create in the future.

More later-

Love,
Linds