34 weeks.

Well, well, well... look who it is, little Miss 'I love writing' is back on her blog... I don't know how I am SO bored, but can't find the time to update this happy little blog.

Week 13 to 22

So much has happened in the last 14 weeks.... not to mention the HUGE belly I am carrying around or the bags beneath my eyes, but TWO showers, an appointment with an OB, a new midwifery student, a cottage trip and movement... LOTS OF MOVEMENT!

So I can't go back, because my memory won't allow it. I can summarize and include pictures and then go forward... into the great unknown.

On April 20th Cassy hosted an adorable Dr. Suess themed baby shower for my girlfriends and I. We decorated onesies, played with Candy, filled in the blanks (one fish, two fish, THREE fish, blue fish - Oh Mallory). It was a great afternoon... so thank you to Cassy... the ultimate Melanie/Richard/Baby party hostess (She's 2 for 2). 




Oh yea... before that I turned 30, with a relaxing weekend at home. On my actual birthday I spent the day at the spa... a prenatal massage, facial and wax. Mmmm... I got Yogurty's on the way home and was surprised by flowers. We had a romantic dinner (thanks to Mum for the GC) and then retired. It was lovely... but don't fret there will be a GRAND party post baby. 

Richard also had a birthday tucked in there... and he is now 28, we gathered for Gourmet burgers at the works and learned our first lesson about 'Booths and Bellies'... mainly that a pregnant belly doesn't really FIT in a booth anymore. 

We all had shirts made! Thanks Mum!

We spent the long weekend up at my Dad's and compared bellies... Dad's is still BIGGER, but he is VERY excited about being an Opa (he is already a Grandpa, but with this round he thought he would change things up, because that isn't confusing AT ALL.)

On the baby front... Zilla started moving around in May, like without a doubt wiggling around in my belly kind of movements... no mistaking it for gas. Richard finally got to feel the kicks after a few weeks of trying... Baby Z, seemed to still every time Richard approached. I teased it was because he loved me more, but Anita assured us it is because Richard has a calming affect on me and Z can feel it... hopefully this continues after birth. 

I have a few videos of my belly dancing around... and love 'playing' with Zilla after work, because during work I plead with him to keep still. 

I celebrated my first PRE Mother's Day with beautiful flowers and a yummy brunch... 

And Richard celebrated his first PRE Father's Day with his favorite breakfast and a shopping trip to SAIL. 

Richard finally met Anita (after missing an appointment to golf, which she knew about... which didn't go over well... despite them always ignoring him when he DOES tag along, which is more often than not) and Veronica joined the A Team... which I guess is now the AV team (I don't like it as much). 

I met with my OB (my just in case OB, but let's hope we don't need her, because she is not all that pleasant.) She told me I was fat and should consider a diet. Thanks. She set me up with Fragment shots for the 6 weeks after Zilla arrives (it's going to be a BIT chaotic).

We started a Baby Pool at www.babyhunch.com (if you haven't voted yet, you should)

I had my last meeting with my endocrinologist and my levels are good. I have all my post delivery details and she told me not to come back, but in a nice way.

I did diabetes testing and passed with flying colours. 

I also got tested for allergies (and was forced to give up Dilectin *sigh*) as it turns out I am NOT allergic to anything... including penicillin. Yay!

Liz hosted a beautiful baby shower in early June for family. It was lovely and decorated with a million little outfits (I am not EVEN exaggerating). Everyone was unbelievably generous and supportive. Mum and Solstice even made the day trip to attend. 

Afterwards that we spent the GC's at Babies R Us and got everything we needed, including the much discussed Pack N Play for Zilla to snooze in for the first couple months... Zilla is all set, just a few more weeks to cook and then BAM we're parents.

We have a third ultrasound scheduled for next week, because Z is living up to his GODZILLA status and is a bit large... surprise, surprise. I am just excited to see him again. Every test we've passed with flying colours, my blood pressure is on point, I've gained 45 pounds (which I am already plotting to lose) and his heart rate is strong, plus all the kicking... Ye-oww! He is strong. 

We've done the hospital preregistration and an online prenatal course through Alberta health (werid, but free, online and VERY informative). 

I have told Richard I would like the self administered laughing gas and the big bouncy ball for delivery. Can you even imagine??

Just in case you can't... 

Umm... what else is going on? I got distracted by the doodle.

Richard turned our family into Biker Hobbits with Zilla's new riding gloves (see the entire story here... *insert link*)

And we explored the waterfront. 

Solstice did her best impression of my belly and I did my best to copy her PRICELESS expression.

We only have 6 weeks to go and plenty of things to fill the days... including a surprise anniversary celebration (I can't believe its already been 12 happily ever after months since the wedding), Grandma's 60th birthday party and my last day of work! Yay!

I'll leave you with my latest BELLY picture... Enjoy!

My Belly at 32 weeks... I know I am BEHIND, again!

Almost half way!

I should be writing more, but I don't like to drone on about the same things... although THIS post will be NEW stuff, like our ultrasound last Tuesday in which we found out... I AM HAVING A BOY! We practically hi-fived the technician, who wasn't the nicest women in the world... it didn't matter WE ARE HAVING A BOY!

We both wanted a boy first, although I was warming up to the idea of a daughter. 

We weren't going to find out, when we were but only us, then that all went down the drain when she zoomed in on his little bits and told us it was a HIM. We barely left the appointment before we were telling everyone!

I liked telling all the girl predictors they were WRONG.

On top of this little 'Zilla has started swimming around... I can't feel him ALL the time, but when I do it is obvious he is trying to be felt. When I lay down on my left side, especially when Richard cuddles up he starts dancing up a storm. He's not big enough to feel on the outside, which sucks for my DH, but soon. 

I have a midwife appointment to hear his little heart and get all my test results. I haven't seen anyone since early February. It's time... the appointments keeping getting delayed because of live births, which I can't argue or compete with. 

What else??? Ummm... we got the crib! Mum showed up this weekend with Solstice and a BIG giant box. We spent most of Friday night putting it together. Its bigger than I expected, but perfect. 

The building process... 

The severed arm shot... not sure what is happening here

Ta-da!

We haven't made any further headway on the nursery, because we can't seem to stay focused on a theme. Before we had picked Dr. Seuss, but couldn't find any bedding so... we talked about Pooh bear, which I didn't like. We talked about Eeyore, which I loved, but ran into the same issues as the Dr. BUT NOW that we don't have to keep it neutral everything BOY is the theme... better said RICHARD is the theme. We've got Ninja Turtles, Motor Cycles, Maps, guitars... everything a little Richard would need to be happy. Its less limiting than a theme... if its cute we buy it. 

I loved this, but there was no other pieces...
it would look very lonely as the only piece of the Dr. in the room.

We still need to find the accent colour so Mum can get started on the sewing projects, she is making curtains, pillows and bedding. I think it will be in yellow, but I can't seem to make up my mind... SURPRISE.

Oh yea... and in the past two weeks I have found my new favorite store: Once Upon a Child... its a consignment store for kids, most of the stuff still has the original tags on it, but its priced at 80% off. I have spent $100 so far and can probably dress my SON for the next 9 months. 

This is Richard's favorite outfit so far... its SO small.

I love baby shopping... I need to reel it in, though. We have to work on savings for while I am off work. Apparently the Government hates parents... we are getting NO help for 12 months and things will be tight, but it will ALL be worth it.

Love!

PS - I learned to crotchet so I could make this little sheep for my little one!

His name is Henry... 

And I love him!

Just for fun... me and Zilla at 16 weeks.
I really need to take a new shot this week.

Approaching Week 18

You are currently 17 weeks and 5 days old... although I hope my dear sweet Zilla never reads this blog. Sometimes it is peppered with frustration.

Today I am happy to say I feel good. I refilled my Dilectin prescription which is working better than I realized (two days of unmedicated nausea will do that). I think Zilla is fighting a battle in my belly... or I have really awkward gas, but based on where my intestines are currently located... its my child working out. 

Not much new to report... we meet with Anita again next week and in less than two weeks our last ultrasound (fingers crossed). This is also the ultrasound where we have the potential to determine whether I am carrying a little girl or a little guy. 

It's funny... from the beginning of the idea to conceive I assumed a boy would be first. I always assumed a boy. It never crossed my mind that I could parent a girl, not that I wouldn't love a little Melanie running around. It just never occurred to me that a girl could be exactly what we get, not until my good friend Angie made her, almost never wrong, prediction of a little girl. 

Even then I still laughed at the idea... I was clearly having boys. 

Now I don't know... all the wives tales point to girl (9 out of 10), but I still dream of having a son, which has to mean something. I am happy either way to have a bouncy bundle of love float into our lives, but a girl changes the game. I am more afraid of raising a girl. I know how much work I was. I know the challenges with a girl vs. a boy. 

That being said... I would love to have a daughter. My mother drives me crazy, but I love her and would be lost without her. I see Richard's mother and all the struggles she faces, because she doesn't have that bond with a daughter. She wants it with me, but its not the same and it can't be forced. 

Having a daughter means baking together, gossiping, talking about boys, planning a wedding, sharing a pregnancy and all the other mother daughter things, Richard's mothers will never have without a fight. That makes me excited to have a little girl... maybe she will love dresses and flowers, maybe she'll love dirt bikes and mud. She will own mine and Richards heart for her entire existence... her poor little brother (hoping for one of each... hehe). 

And the relationship between our little girl and her Dad... it melts my heart to think of him with her... learning about ballet and princesses, sitting down for tea and nursing her first broken heart. He'll work to teach her about tools and oil changes so she'll never depend on a man for anything... no man other than Dad. She will look at him like he's a hero and he will look at her like she owns his heart. 

That is why having a girl would be amazing... the teaming up on Richard, because GIRLS RULE is just an added bonus. 

Now having a boy... it just seems so natural. A special little guy to snuggle with, to watch him grow into a man like his Dad would be the best accomplishment I could have. Helping him prepare for prom and tie his shoes (those are backwards, I hope by Prom my little guy can tie his shoes... although its family rule to slip into DCs). I can't wait to hear him say he loves me and I am the only girl for him, knowing its not true; kissing his scrapped knee as he tries not to cry. 

Teaching him the right way to treat a girl and the benefit to having a softer side. Playing in dirt piles and learning about trucks. Watching him and Richard get all greased up in the garage upgrading his dirt bike. Hearing his stories of bad guys and hero's. 

Aw... I am all full of emotional goo today. I just can't wait to whom ever floating around on the inside. 

Love!

The spare room is no more.

Well sleep over buddies, you're going to have to find new digs. The spare room is officially the nursery. Although we just call it the baby room, nursery sounds too grown up, which we're still against. Richard and I may be adults, home owners and future parents, but I still wouldn't classify us as 'adults'. 

Any who... this past weekend was FAMILY DAY. What better way to spend it, then prepping for our family. On Friday we hummed and ha'd over the 'spare room', finally Richard took action and started taking things apart and loading them into the car. First the desk, then the futon. I worked at clearing out the closet and finding new homes for things. 

Then we drove to our storage unit AKA, the basement in Acton and dropped everything off. The room was still in shambles, because nothing had a home yet. Sadly, this room will be shared between baby and linens/storage. We just don't have the space anywhere else in our wee little home. 

Saturday we puttered around cleaning the rest of the house and finally on Sunday we went to Ikea. We have been putting this off for weeks, we can't afford it, but we needed something to offset the loss of storage in the closet and under the desk.

We found a PAX wardrobe (I love PAX) that would become out 'linen' closet. Richard managed to get it into his car, while I stood and watched. Making a person has rendered me useless. The 8 foot tall box hung out the back of his car, while I crammed into the front seat. I was literally sardine'd in. We tried to take pictures, but none could accurately portray my discomfort.

Finally at home we waited for Dad to help with the unload. We have lots of stairs and this 8 foot box also weighed a tonne and I again, I was of no help except gentle encouragement. 

By 7pm we had the monster constructed. Dun Dun DUN!

We took a break to eat and celebrate Dad's birthday at Chaps! yum! And when we got home we loaded it up with everything... towels, electronics, bedding and stuff. 

It really cleans up the room and makes everything seem much more prepared for the baby.

Mum is ordering our crib for us! (Yay! And Thank you!) and everything else will be coming from Richard's childhood bedroom after a fresh coat of paint, which has to wait until the spring time.

It feels good to be on track.

It was an exhausting weekend, but truly worth every ache.

Love!

I look pregnant!

 I knew it would happen, but then it didn't... but 14 weeks and I have my baby bump.

This weekend went by in a blur... like all weekends. Saturday I went up to Cheryl's to relax with the girls, luckily for me the girls didn't show up and I got to hang out with one of best friends. Cheryl is all about babies, but hasn't been able to have her own just yet... which means when her friends get knocked up she is over the moon excited and has tons of questions. It was funny... she just kept saying 'You're going to have a baby.' and then looking at me in awe. 

We had a lovely chat about all the scary things going on in my body and even some of the gross things... I love little 'zilla more than I can express, but its still weird to think of a little person growing inside of me. 

Sunday brought on the shop... it was finally time to buy maternity clothes. The guys at the office could only tolerate my unbuckled pants for so long. I have been putting it off, because its expensive, I hate shopping and I have felt bloated, which I guess is now a good thing. 

I asked Richard to drop me off at Old Navy, while he ran to Canadian Tire. I love that store and they have a pretty cool maternity section that isn't insanely expensive.

I popped in and wandered around, several times getting sidetracked by the 'normal' clothes, which may fit snugglie today, but will not fit in a couple weeks. I finally ventured into the maternity section and everything looked funny. All the jeans are zipperless, all the shirts have gatherings and are incredibly long. I grabbed a couple pairs of jeans, a few tank tops (I will be the most pregnant in late spring/summer) and a sweater. 

I made it in to the change room and tried stuff on... the funny jeans and weird shirts fit SO well. They even made me LOOK pregnant. And believe it or not they were comfortable. 

After my first outfit my phone buzzed to say my dear husband was just outside. I was excited to show him and share this experience with him, what I didn't realize was he was excited to see me as well. At first he sat quietly, but eventually he ventured away and started bringing me outfits. He picked some super cute tops and even some dressy bits. 

Every time I opened the door he had another armful of things for me to try. 

He even found some baby things including the smallest little jeans ever! They even had a button and zipper... although the zipper was only an inch long. We giggled and played with them, before he found an even smaller pair!

It was so nice to share this experience with Richard and see the growing excitement within him.

I love that he sees, and loves, my belly. 

This is the outfit Richard picked for me.

Dad & Solstice

I never wrote about how I told two of the most famous people in my life.

Dad and Solstice.

DAD

I had to wait to tell them... my family has a habit of sharing secrets and I didn't want it blown. I love Solstice to beans, but she is still working on her secret keeping abilities. So my brother couldn't know anything, because of his inability to keep secrets. You see where I am headed with this... so dear old Dad had to wait until January to find out.

We set a lunch date for January 21st at Casino Rama... my Dad's Disney land and conveniently on the way home from the cottage. Little did we know it would be the worst snowstorm of the season.

After battling snow squalls and bad drivers we made it to Rama, Dad and Sophie followed about 30minutes later. We headed to the buffet for lunch, because I was STARVED.

We sat down with our first plates (it was a buffet, a pregnant girls BEST friend). I said I was relieved to know it was hunger and not morning sickness. They brushed over it. So I pushed on and continued with the last 6 weeks its been morning sickness. Sophie picked up on it and asked 'You're not pregnant, are you?' I said 'Yup.' She followed with an Congratulations and so did Dad. He looked a little lost then said 'I knew it.' How? I don't know, but I let him have it.

They asked all the basic questions and then we continued on with lunch. I remember thinking Dad would be more excited, but then his phone rang and the first words out of his mouth was 'Melanie is Pregnant!'. See how my family is with secrets, but it showed me just how excited he was.

We spent the afternoon browsing the slots and learning some tricks to making money. I won and I lost... better than Richard who just lost.

We left early to try and get on the roads, before they got worse. All and all it was a great day.

**Early that weekend we had revealed to our friends that we were expecting... and we quickly learned who could and couldn't babysit unsupervised.**

SOLSTICE

I didn't know how to tell Little Miss Solstice. I wanted to tell her in person when we had a weekend together, but that kept getting pushed back, finally settling in March. I knew I couldn't wait that long. So, I got my Mum to teach Solstice about Facetime and once Richard was home from work we called her. Now (remembering my family SUCKS at secrets) my Mum watched Solstice making the call with her camera out. Solstice knew something was up and I answered the call as she was running through the house to get away from Grandma. Ha! I love that kid!

We chatted about school and the weather, toying with Grandma. Solstice was also playing with the camera (Richard may or may not have been egging her on, making faces behind me).

Finally I said it 'Solstice, I'm pregnant.'

And Solstice said 'Cool.' With about as much excitement as I expected. Solstice and I are cut from the same cloth... we're not the types to jump up and down and scream. We take it in, play it cool and then react.

We asked her what we should name the baby (Thomas and Grace were her top picks) and asked if she would teach me about diapers. Being a big sister to 6... she knows more about babies then Ann does.

A few days later, after everything sunk in, she started messaging me with names and ideas.

I love that kid. I can't wait to go through this with her.

Ok... that's everything.

You are up to date and I behind at work.

Have a good weekend!

Love!

I'm having a BABY!!!

And it's not a secret anymore!

On Tuesday (Jan 29) Richard and I saw 'Zilla for the first time. We had our first ultrasound! It was amazing... and weird... and spectacular; and I grin just thinking about it.

I spent all day at home watching the clock... trying to be patient, but my 3pm appointment was simply too far away.

I ended up filling my time with housework... how boring, but it worked. At 1:51p I went pee for the last time (this IS relevant). At 2pm I drank a litre of water, which isn't completely out of the realm of normalcy (I drink about 5 litres a day), normally I pee every hour. For an ultrasound you need a FULL bladder and I wasn't going to muck it up, so for a half an hour I crossed my legs and waited for Richard.

When he finally rolled in (picking me up for the appointment) all I could say was 'I need to pee.' and giggle... because I was so damn excited and seeing Richard, trying to play it cool, made it even better. He ran in, kissed me and headed to the shower in 10 minutes he had his coat on and was heading for the door... me in tow.

We went to the Burlington Ultrasound and Radiology Clinic, put all the change we had in the parking metre, including 3 pennies, and went to the waiting room. Richard read magazines and I sat on the edge of my seat... waiting, grinning.

Finally they called my name.

We jumped up, April (that wasn't her name, but could have been) asked me to come with her and told Richard she would come back from him in a little while.

The look on his face said 'What?!?! Why don't I get to come?' but he didn't say a word, winked at me and sat back down.

I went back with April, I am sure I was skipping. She instructed me to lay down with my pants around my hips and my shirt up. She put unbelievably cold stuff on my belly and started to look around. She didn' t show me the screen, I didn't ask. I wanted to see WITH Richard... who was still in the waiting room.

She asked how I was doing and I simply replied 'I am trying very hard NOT to pee on your table.' She laughed and said 'Thank you'. She was lovely and I could tell she loved what she did, it made it so much easier to get lost in the excitement. She clicked away and we talked about babies. After 10 minutes she asked me to pee. Oh the relief that must have flooded my face. She laughed and said only a little bit, which at the time I thought was impossible, but she took me to the loo and I tried. I filled 4 cups as instructed and went back to the room. Apparently I had been TOO good and my bladder was TOO full. Oops. The second round of tests were much better.

Although little 'Zilla wouldn't sit still... just like Dad (hehe, I love calling Richard 'Dad').

Finally she covered my belly and told me she would go and collect my husband. I was relieved to have him with me. He walked into the dark room. Nervous, excited... he pulled the chair over and reached for my hand. I was grinning and focused on the screen as she turned it around. I wish I had taken another look at my doting husband, but I can see him anytime.

She put the thingy on my belly and the screen came to life. Richard squeezed my hand as Zilla popped on screen. Now TV/Movies has taught me to expect an unrecognisable blob on the ultrasound. TV is a liar. Zilla was fully a baby... head, body, arms and legs. He wiggled around and swam away from the thingy.

It was AMAZING. Probably the most amazing thing I have EVER seen. I couldn't take my eyes away. I wanted to look at Richard, but I couldn't I was mesmerized as April pointed out all his/her little bits (by 'bits' I mean arms, hands, feet...etc.)

When I finally snuck a look at Richard he was tearing up, but not crying. I thought I would have cried (I am tearing up now), but I didn't I was just SO happy... I can't even explain it. We could see Zillas little heart pounding in his chest. *Pause to gather myself*

AH.MAZ.ING.

I wanted to spend the next week just watching, but alas our appointment was coming to an end. April printed off some pictures for us and sent us merrily on our way with the news that we are further ahead then we thought. As of Tuesday we were 13 weeks 1 day.

Once the ultrasound was done I got to pee. Weeeee!

The only downside to that was, we had to skip along to the clinic for blood work and a surprise pee test... luckily I had a little left, but they should have warned me. Whewf.

Finally we made it back to the car and settled in for a ride home, both high on the images of our baby.

Richard took pictures of the pictures and called Dave. He is SO excited and it all finally feels real to him.

That evening we decided to make the news public. Facebook was getting an earful. We posted a picture of the boots and waited for response. Richard sat in front of the computer, with one hand on my belly and the other on the keyboard.

Every time someone noticed or commented he got excited (he was also learning about Facebook). We chatted with friends and took in all the wonderful attention, before heading to dinner. We had a GC to the Keg and knew it was the perfect time to celebrate.

We shut down Facebook and Svrider.

Dinner was delicious, but ignoring the dinging of our phones was hard. We still managed to enjoy every bite. On the way home I read the responses to Richard; such an out pouring of love.

Facebook is annoying at most times, but when you have things to share its perfect.

I am so glad the secret is out. I love being able to talk about Zilla and show my belly... which is growing everyday.

Love!

I'm wearing the belly band.

And thus far one person has inquired about my pregnancy... hehe

I feel like I am causing rumours, but no one would dare ask me (except Heidi who caught me in the change room at the gym taking it off.)

I am feeling better about being pregnant. We're closer to breaking the secret and I am ready to stop hiding everything. I know its important in the first few months, but it seems like old news. I have know about little 'Zilla for 2 months. I don't want to keep it a secret anymore.

Tonight we're sharing the news with the Austmans, last night I told Solstice and she will spread the word to my brother and his family. Facebook still doesn't know, but I would like to keep it that way as long as possible. I like the looks distant friends give when they see me after months and I have a belly. hehe.

My Dad knows.... did I tell you? I told him on Sunday and he acted as most many do. He said very little, offered a quiet congratulations and changed the subject. My Dad isn't the type to jump up and down. I knew he was excited when he took a phone call and the first thing he said was 'My daughter is pregnant.' It was very sweet and I think he is looking forward to being a more hands on Grandparent. My brother and the kids don't get up to my Dad's nearly as often as he would like... they do live 5 hours away.

We also told our friends this past weekend... I slipped it into a conversation about pets, in which everyone asked why Richard and I are yet to own a pet (the rest have dogs and cats). I told them the story of the Goldfish... I wanted a cat, but Richard knew my interest was usually short lived. He got me a goldfish and told me if I kept it alive he would get me a hamster... if I kept that alive we could talk about a cat. The fish died in less than 24 hours. I didn't get a hamster or a cat. This sparked a lot of jokes and in the mist of the conversation I said 'Well, we have about 6 months to figure out his whole parenting thing.' the conversation continued for a beat. Then I was asked 'What did you say?' I repeated and they all screamed. The girls first... the guys took a second to register. They all congratulated us and started planning the next cottage party with baby Zilla.

We still have to tell Richard's aunt Cindy, but that is happen on Sunday and our good friend Ian. Then its public knowledge and there is no more secrets. I can't wait.

As for 'Zilla and I... we're working on our relationship. I feel less nauseous most of the time, but still pukey at least once a day. I started getting migraines, but I don't pee in the night as often. Which is lovely. I feel less tired and more up for nights out. I have a small belly, but it looks more like a beer guy than a baby bump.

Tomorrow we are 12 weeks.... tomorrow we start our second Trimester and it already feels too soon.

On Tuesday, we will get to hear little 'Zilla's heart beat... I can't wait.

I have a pile of work to do... I need to stop rambling.

Love!

The A Team

Lots has happen in the past couple weeks... days? I'm not sure. Time is crawling and whizzing by all at the same time. It's surreal. 

I feel good. I'm on Dilectin (started a week ago) which helps lull morning sickness.I have asked both my doctor and midwife about it and both have deemed if safe, claiming it is the most tested drug in North America and there are no side effects. I feel like I need to say that since both Moms cringed when I mentioned it. I find myself less interested in asking their advice then I expected. I get what I need from my specialists and the Internet. Its a different pregnancy then they had 30+years ago and a lot of their ideals are outdated, but I know they mean well. 

Anyways, the point of this post was to introduce the A team. Last night we had our first appointment with our Midwives. This is something I really wanted, even before becoming pregnant. I believe in Midwifery and love the ideals of it. Not everyone on my team has been supportive, but ultimately it is a decision left up to Richard and I.

We're working with the Burlington Midwifes. Our actual Midwife is Ann (+ her student April) and our back-up Midwife is Anita. This is where I got the 'A team' from. I like it and they seemed to enjoy it as well. 

Midwifes in Ontario are hard to come by, this is why I am so thrilled that we were accepted and after meeting everyone last night I feel like we're right where we need to be. It helps that Ann reminds me of Nan. She speaks with a British accent and started her career as a midwife in the UK... just like Nan. Ann has delivered 100s of babies and I feel very safe with her. April (her student for now) is lovely, someone I could be friends with, full of knowledge and a quick talker like myself. The only sad part is her placement ends in April, so we'll have a new student for delivery. I just hope her name starts with A.

I haven't met Anita yet, but our next appointment (in 4 weeks) will be with her. 

They answered a lot of questions and put my mind at ease. The entire process now seems so exciting. Richard seemed excited too... except for the 'home birth' option. He doesn't even want to consider it. We'll see... I think I am more comfortable in a hospital as well.

Ok... you've been introduced. 3 weeks till we get to SEE 'Zilla and I am very excited to get there. 

Love!

Happy Holiday!

Well, it was an eventful holiday and after 8 days I am back at my desk. It feels like I have been away for weeks.... especially with all the changes to my body.

Let's start with the news: The Saturday before Christmas we sat down with Liz and Pete (Richard's parents) and told them about little 'zilla. We wrapped up a triple clamp for Dad and paired it with the itty bitty boots Richard bought. It only took a second for Dad to clue in... then Mom opened the card which read 'Good Parents get promoted to Grandparents'. There was a lot of crying and hugging.

Surprisingly enough there weren't a lot of follow up questions, which shocked me. It was a nice evening and I am grateful we told them, because I was exhausted and nauseous.

That night we told Aunt Sue, she didn't look too surprised but teared up and hugged us both.

That night we also told cousin Katie. *Head shake* Let's set the scene, dear, sweet, quiet cousin Katie was having a quiet Christmas gathering at her house, just a few close family members, nothing too out of hand *eye roll*. Richard and I had joked about the best way to tell her, because her reaction will be award worthy (she screamed and nearly punched me when we told her we were engaged). I said to Richard we should wait till the end of the night and then just as we're leaving, while hugging her, I would whisper 'Ps. I'm Pregnant' and then walk away.

This plan was all before dear sweet Katie got annihilated on Jager Bombs and Vodka.

I wanted to cancel the plans, but Richard and Colin egged me on... so just after midnight, after all the party guests had left and we were finally putting our coats on, I hugged a very drunk Katie and whispered 'I am totally pregnant'. This is when she jumped back and spit food at me, she then called me a liar and yelled at her husband. All of this is on video.

It took some convincing, but we finally left the party with a congratulations and a hug... oh and then she stood in the street and mooned us.

It was a good night.

On Christmas Day we told my Mum. I gave her a onesie that read 'Grandma & Me'. She cried, but seemed to have a sneaking suspicion that we were... how? I don't know. And then again with the no questions... which was odd, but I have come not to have expectations for my family's reaction to big news. I think it sunk in later when on her way home I was bombarded with loving text messages.

So... I have to tell my Dad and my niece... then it is public knowledge, because my niece will tell her Dad, my brother, and he has the biggest mouth on the planet.

I can't believe we're already in our 10th week. I have my first pre-natal appointment tomorrow morning. Yay!

I am feeling bloated and naseaous all the time.

But the worst symptom so far is the dreaming... they are so real and so exhausting that I am always tired. I haven't had a good sleep in a very long time.

Whewf... long post.

Love!