Happy Easter!

Our last holiday before baby arrives and we spent it being purely indulgent! Sandy went for breakfast with his friends and then golfed Men's morning. Heather and I went to the Kingfisher Spa for pedicures (our birthday present to each other this year ) - it was a wonderful experience and we both truly enjoyed it.

This afternoon we went for a walk and now we (and by "we", I mean Rob and Sandy!) are making Easter dinner....prime rib, yorkshires, potatoes, and vegetables....yum!

I am starting to feel more excited/impatient to meet our little one. This is due partly to the fact that I now have sausage fingers and toes (swelling has officially set in and let me tell you, it's not pretty!) and partly to the fact that I've been pregnant for 36 weeks 5 days and I am ready to meet this baby!!!

"Happy Birthing!"

That is how our pre-natal instructor ended our class last night. It struck me as kind of funny at the time and I had a little giggle about her saying that, but the more I think about it, it seems like kind of a nice thing to say.

So, yes, we finished our pre-natal classes last night. It was a four week long session that ran for two hours each Thursday. That sounds like a lot of time, but there is a lot to cover! We went through early labour, active labour, transition, actually having the baby, and last night's class was about the "other" types of things that we may experience: pre-term labour, induction, cesarean sections (all things I am really hoping to avoid, but I suppose it is still good to be informed).

The classes were very informative and I think that Sandy and I both learned a lot. He found the details about each stage interesting. Things like how I'd probably be feeling/acting (like a crazy person!), what was going on with the baby, and comfort measures he could provide that may help me cope with the pain.

I've been doing a lot of reading throughout this pregnancy so had a pretty good idea about all of that stuff, but it was helpful for me to hear that there is a wide spectrum of "normal" when it comes to childbirth. There are lots of different things that can happen and they are all part of the process (some of them are pretty gross, so I'll spare you the details ... although, if you have children, you know what I am talking about!).

So, here's hoping for "happy birthing"!

Midwife appointment

*Another* appointment today! And, good news .... no weight gain since last week! (It's only been one week so really, there shouldn't be any, but still!)

Baby's heart rate was 156 beats per minute. Joanne said the baby seemed "happy" ... I have no idea how she can tell, but it is a nice thought anyway. Fundal height was 35 cm, blood pressure was good, so everything was just fine.

Another good thing is that she said it seems like the baby has turned a little bit and it's back is more facing towards the front now .... all of that walking, swimming, and lying on my side is paying off!

A very special gift

On Monday, a purolator delivery person came to the door and gave me a package. I was so excited to open it and even more excited when I looked inside the box. A very special gift awaited me .... a blanket, toque, and bear for the baby! Knitted especially for our little one by my Grandma Arn. As you can see from the pictures, these items are so precious. They will forever be treasured by both the baby and me. Thank you Grandma.

36 weeks!!!

Your baby is almost ready and most likely, so are you! The only organ still to mature is the lungs. While certainly you are both growing anxious to meet, remember that each day (up to 42 weeks), that your little one stays within your womb will multiply his chances to breathe on his own.

If he hasn't already, this week your baby may drop into the birth canal. While breathing for mom becomes easier, walking may be the exact opposite! If he's not your first baby, this "lightening" may not occur until right before labor.

Fat is dimpling your baby's elbows and knees, and forming creases in the neck and wrists.

His skin is growing smooth and, shall we say it, "baby" soft.

His gums are very rigid. It won't be many months before you'll see his teeth.

She has a fully developed pair of kidneys and her liver has begun processing some waste products.

Your child's average size is now 18.66 inches (47.4cm) and 5.78 pounds (2622 g). Between now and birth she will gain about an ounce a day

Put on your sunglasses ....

Because these t-shirts are BRIGHT! My parents recently returned from a vacation in the Bahamas. It's no secret that my Dad has a penchant for "loud" clothes (think of the orange shorts!) so he chose the orangey/yellow/blue swirl one for himself. The little blue t-shirt with the rainbow v shape is for the baby. I absolutely cannot wait to see them side by side wearing their Bahamas t-shirts!!!

Woo Hoo!!!

Today was the last day of school before Spring Break ... two weeks off for the students! And, the beginning of a year off for me! Even though it feels early, I am starting my maternity leave on Monday. I feel like I could teach for another couple of weeks, but with Spring Break being two weeks long this year (because of Easter), I'll be 38 weeks when school starts up again. I'm pretty sure I won't feel like teaching then!