The Ball...

Remember how I mentioned that little dude is laying on my back bone instead of having his little bum on my belly button? Well, this is something that helps him flip around and is a great way to loosen the hip and pelvis. :) Sam, documented me at the Y. :)

We just got the extra large yoga ball seeing my legs are so long I had to give my other NORMAL sized ball to my sister in law...geesh. Ha!

Soon, Jess...Soon.

So last night Sam and I made a spontaneous run to Target to get tapes for his high tech-videographer's camera. (We are going to be making our own mini documentary of our labor/birth experience.) I browsed around looking at everything wonderful and fabulous...organizational stuff, baby stuff and decor stuff. Eventually I found myself in the clothing section. I found my eyes gravitating to the cute little snug jersey tees. They looked SO wonderfully amazing! I started to picture myself in one of them with my pre-pregnant body and started lifting them off the rack longingly one by one and holding them up. Sigh. Soon Jess, soon...

I love my pregnant figure. Heck yes I do. But, there is a very big (no pun intended) and healthy difference in loving your present pregoness and being settled into the fact that this is just how it is going to be from now on and not seeing any change in the future. Um...no. Soon, I'm going to have my little son in my arms, drinking from my milky way and I'm going to kick my rear back into shape. Sure, I'm not going to have unrealistic expectations on myself but, I'm still going to make and set some goals that's for sure.

My sweet man told me a few weeks back in a conversation he had entered into with me about baby weight etc...he said, "You know baby, I can't really remember what you looked like before you got pregnant." WHAT?!!!?? I thought to myself, that's freaking terrible!!! Now remember, this is coming from a man who tells me how gorgeous, hot and sexy I am countless times a day. He meant it in a totally sweet way. Um, but truly we needed some serious reminders here.

"Are you SERIOUS?!" I asked. I started going through pics on my facebook, iphone and where ever I could find pics of myself a couple of months before I got preggerz and the first couple months of my pregnancy. "THIS, babe, is what your wife looked like before incubation started."

I got some wide eyed, 'Ooo baby' kinda looks after that as he looked through pics and little video clips we had made together months back. I felt satisfied. ;)

So, seeing my time of being a personal feeding/growing station and spa for my baby is drawing to an end, my friends-I've gotten the not so old pictures out in a file on my desktop and say to myself-Soon, Jess...soon. :)

For your amusement...

Reading a love note Sam sent to me as I was getting ready for our wedding.

Glory! I even forgot what I looked like! HA!

Sam and I the day after our wedding right before we headed off to our honeymoon.

I'm looking forward to being able to do crunches again, climb trees and run full speed to my mail box when I'm excited about a package coming! As much as I love "the waddle" I'm ready to trade it for speed walking or a nice light jog.

At Home?

Yesterday I had my weekly appointment with my midwife, the all amazing Damaris! She said everything looks good but he hasn't fully dropped yet so she thinks I've another week. Which, I was happy and a little full of sighs to hear at the same time. Truly, I can use the time to prepare and get my house even more ready, do some frivolous things I want to do before he comes, but I also want to pop him out so I can hold him and cease to be pregnant.

He's still a little posterior, which is why my back has been aching a little more than usual. Lot's of hands and knees for me...no reclining Jess.

As many of you know Sam and I have been planning on having our little boho boy up at the birthing center which is a hop, skip and a jump from our house. But, now that the time is basically now to actually have the baby I'm kinda feeling mixed about it. I kinda really want to have him here at my house where it's cozy and normal feeling. Where I know where everything is and I don't have to get in a car and lug my huge self up there and then lug my baby and my deflated self back home. It's just something we are tossing around. I talked to Damaris about it and she told me either way was wonderful and I could do whatever I felt like I wanted and needed to do. The only difference between me having the little dude at the birthing center and here at my house is the location and space...no other difference.

If we did it at home my midwife, her assistant and my doula would all be here just like at the BC. So, I'm weighing out what things are more important to me right now and aid my comfort level.

At first, when I first got prego I didn't think at all I'd want to have my first baby at home because I was a little freaked out at the thought of labor. To me, at the time...I found comfort in being away from my house, I felt more secure at the thought of being on the midwife turf instead of my turf which seemed to symbolize I had not a clue what I was doing. Well, not now. I'm actually stoked for labor...I'm looking forward to it and the thought of leaving my house isn't looking all that appealing to me. We'll see. Who knows. :) I like having options and having the freedom to ask, "What if I want to do..." Put's a part of my brain at ease investigating and searching out what I really want instead of boxing my self in. I might totally go ahead with the birthing center route, but like I said, if a little part of me doesn't I like to have options. :)

Damaris measuring my belly.

My mom and I got lunch after my appointment and I cheated and had a very small cup of pistachio/almond homemade icecream... It was fabulous.

After the BC appointment I worked on little dude's room and got some of the trees up on the wall! It looks AMAZING! Beka is going to take some pics for me so I can do an amazing blog about his amazing little room. :) There's really not THAT much left to do and I'm getting really excited! Hopefully I'll finish putting them all up today and we can move his crib back and bring in the nursing chair!!!!

Not much longer baby! My heart is starting to ache for our little man and my mommy hormones are swinging into gear. I tear up all the time over the silliest emotional thing and I'm constantly day dreaming about my little trio of a family-the boho momma and her boys. :) Happy sigh...

Bellies, Fingers and Toes

Our lovely bellies and toes...

Today I had my weekly chiropractor appointment and then a fabulous pedicure time with my dear friend and fellow preggerz, Jessie Mathis, who herself is due in a couple of weeks with her second, a baby girl! Check out her blog here. :) We felt rather pampered as we got the deluxe toe treatment, warmed wax and all! Even our beautiful fingers got treated to some love. It was SO refreshing! She is such an amazing person, one of the most lovely hearts you'll ever find! (And she's a stinkin' hot momma!) ;)

I came home and had a huge burst of energy. I have read about and heard friends talk about the "nesting" thing that happens when you get close to having your baby. I've experienced little spurts of it sure but not to the degree of some of the stories I was hearing. I have been wondering if something was wrong with me...why haven't I done THAT yet? Well, whether or not nesting is a prerequisite for the telling of soon to be coming labor I definitely brought some twigs to the nest today. I got home and cleaned my house, scrubbed my kitchen floor-did some wash and was looking for something to organize. Yep, sure did. So, I guess I'm in more of the 'bird' phase than I realized. :)

I've been meaning to go to the pool and exercise this week and haven't gotten around to it so, this evening I went swimming over at my parents' pool and did some laps with my mom. Lots of breast strokes to help little man lay the right way and help mommy (me) have the feeling of staying active. ;)

I have to tell you one more thing before I turn off the light switch...we got our little dude THE coolest thing! It's called the "Twilight Turtle Nightlight" and it projects the constellations onto the ceiling, acting as a nightlight through the turtle's shell. We "tested" it last night. (Truth is, we were more excited about it for us I think! HA!) We fell asleep, looking at amber colored stars feeling like little kids.

Twilight Turtle Nightlight

Well, it's been a pregnant day and I'm calling it tomorrow and going to bed. Hopefully I'll get some decent sleep. See you when the birdies sing. :)

Yes, I'm Huge

Last night and this morning I've had cramping that reminds me of period cramps. I must have been having them in my sleep because I was dreaming that I was having them and then in my dream "BAM!" my water broke and labor began. But, I woke up and nothing was out of the usual. My hips were a little achy, my stomach was growling and I had the most intense urge to go pee.

At 38/39ish weeks:

I'm huge

I waddle like a duck

I feel like a water cow on some days and a dreamy, prego goddess on others

Still crave french fries all the time

constantly eat red plums

keep my house like an igloo (sorry Sam...)

wonder what my toes look like (I probably am in dire need of a manicure.)

dreams of sleeping on my tummy again

has been finding myself looking though pics of pre-prego days...(soon and very soon)

Oh dear... My Doula and mid-wife think I'll go into labor this week which puts a little kick to my rear to get things done! Ask me and I'll tell ya I have really no clue. I kinda think later this week but, I don't know. My contractions have been more frequent but I have a very high pain tolerance so I don't know exactly what's going on. Haha!

I moved all our sound recording equipment and loads of guitars, woodwinds and other music dillies into my closet out of little man's. The last bits of organizing are going down today in the Boho Cabin of Jess and Sam.

I was talking to my little dude this morning and realized it's just days away until I can look into his little eyes and sing him silly songs and whisper that I love him.

Last night my parents came along to meet all our friends who live in our neighborhood! We had a little fiesta at Brandon and Beka's house (my sister in law and brother in law). We played rounds of mafia and catch phrase until we were laughing and peeing in our pants! It's was amazing!

my dad and I out getting baby stuff...

I'll be posting a bunch of pics today of the baby room and the adventures of last week.

I better get back to work while I have the energy!

Little Guy is Moving In

Our little boho boy's room got all painted yesterday as did his amazing changing table! The room is bright and happy now! :)

mid-century dresser/changing table painted "Koi" from Behr and the walls "Retro Avocado" :)

We have a big shag rug we are going to try out-it might be too big, but I hope it fits!

In the process of all that though, all the half organized bins and boxes of baby stuff got scooted into our tiny living room and hallway. So, it kinda looks like we just moved in.

Along with all that, I went through, purged and organized my horrifically, disastrous closet. It had become a pile upon pile of scariness. I really have been wanting to get my little cabin de-cluttered before our little adventurer arrives. When friends and family are over and ask if they can get me "such and such..." I really don't want to have to say, "Um, yeah...the baggies are behind my records, that are in the bathroom closet under the towels and bags of jewelry..." eeek. Thankfully that is no longer the case...

I'm feeling rather accomplished as everything starts to come together. Last night Sam, myself and my folks did a final baby run to the store to get supplies. My mom was like, "If he were born on Sunday, what would you need?" So, we went down the list and got some goodies for little guy (and mommy). ;)

I'll be posting pics over the next two days of all the progress. I can't wait to show you his little room! :) Eee!

I've been experiencing more and more low cramping that seems to hint and remind me that I have a little human dreamer inside that's about ready to make his grand entrance. :)

Paint, Fatigue and Milk

Tomorrow our little dude's room and our mid-century changing table will finally be painted! The dresser is a watermelon color, which isn't bad it's just not what I'm going for and the walls are an awesome taupe color but I want to bring a little more life in his dream space. :) I'm SO excited! Eeee! Once the walls are painted, we can put up all the tree decals! It feels so good to get this done!

One of the things I've been using for color inspiration is an old cross stitch my mom found for me! It should be amazing when it's all done. Which, will need to be soon, I only have a couple plus more weeks till he could arrive.

Actually, he could come any time now. My midwife told me 2 days ago that I'm measuring at 40 weeks. (I've been a couple of centimeters over every time for the past 6 months! haha) She told me to keep my cell phone handy to time my contractions when the come. I've had a couple of bigger ones the past week but nothing that's continuous.

Severe fatigue has set in, unlike anything I've had during my whole pregnancy. I'll get a small spurt of what I try to imagine is energy then "poof" it's gone and I feel drugged. Sleepy little song birds start to sing me to sleep and I'm in a daze. It's kinda funny. I'm so not used to not being able to shake drowsiness so I just laugh as much as I can.

Tonight I have a milk boob class-aka breast feeding. I'm super excited about it. Breast feeding is the subject I decided to save for the month of July. (As far as intense study goes.) I haven't really gotten around to it so I'm glad for the class later. :) I've studied it but not delved deep. I'll be the first gal since my great-grandma to breast feed! So, I'm looking forward to restarting the practice. :)

I thought it was interesting the other day I got a packaged "sample" in the mail from a formula company. They sent me 2 HUGE containers of 2 different types of formula. I never registered for it, signed up or anything. It didn't offend me or anything I just was like, "Um, I didn't ask for this...what makes you think I'm going to use this?" I was raised on formula and turned out just fine but the health benefits of mom's own milky way supply FAR surpasses anything formula can or ever can do from what I've studied and heard from other moms. I'm going to write my own summary of why I'm choosing to go with the boob flow over the powder. Just my honest thoughts. :) Should be amusing I'm sure.

Anywhoo, I've got some really funny pics I'm going to be uploading over the next couple of days and a giveaway coming up too! So, check in and enjoy! :)

Surprise Reactions

Heather Armstrong Photography

One of my dear loves, (who was also one of my bridesmaids) Charlotte, skyped me a few weeks ago to tell me something very special. I had not a clue what was up her sleeve! She told me she was pregnant! She posted this video today of the reactions of friends and family she told! :) Charlotte and her husband Martin went to school with me out in California last year and they both were in our wedding-Charlotte as my bridesmaid and Martin (who is a phenomenal musician) played cello! They are from Norway and are one of THE most fun, amazing couples you will ever meet!

Heather Armstrong Photography

She is incredible and is going to be the best mommy ever! Yay Charlotte and Martin!!!

Check out Charlotte's Blog, it's amazing!

This is SUCH a great and creative idea to journal this part of your journey Lotta! I love you!

(at 2:30 is where my elated reaction is revealed! haha! )

Hot, Pregnant and About to Pop

Today was SO hot! I mean, unbelievably hot and that's coming from a girl born and raised in Dallas Texas. Sheesh!

For those of you who follow my twitter you can see that I have been a girl running back and forth all over town the last few days! My parents just moved here from our native Dallas to be close for the arrival of our little dude. They found a sweet little yellow, two story cottage with two AMAZING front porches. They are in the process of furnishing it and I've been helping by showing them around town, taking my mom to furniture stores and searching for cottage decor inspiration! :)

My mom is one of my absolute best-est friends and so is my dad. It's been a blast knowing that they are going to be so close for this most amazing time in our lives!

My mom and I last summer.

My mom and dad are hilarious!

Today, my dad decided to hang out at REI the camping store, (one of my favs) while my mom and I went to practically EVERY furniture store in town. We hit over 6 in an hour and a half! (Um, just so you know, that's impressive for the women in my family.) We had our eyes out for a particular style so it was pretty easy to narrow it down.

I'm starting to feel sorry for my family who is closest around me this past week. I'm realizing my patience isn't as extended and my usual exuberance is dampened by exhaustion. I'm not used to feeling beat tired out and this week it has been nothing but! Especially today! It was freaking hot and I didn't seem to be all there. Ha!

Realizing I only have 2 and 1/2 week-ish to go is encouraging! I don't want to be all down and "Oh geez, when the heck is this baby going to come for crying out loud!?" I have LOVED being pregnant, it's been one of the most amazing, fun and full of adventure experiences ever. But, this week has been tough, I won't lie. I was tired all day even after an AMAZING breakfast with my folks! Ha, I should have cracked an egg and fried it on the pavement for extra protein this afternoon. ;)

Before we all ate dinner together, (and at the pinnacle of my exhaustion) we headed over to my parents new place to put together their new slip cover sectional couch etc... I couldn't take it any longer...The floor was calling my name like a sweet lullaby...down I went in a half coherent daze. Ah, laying down never felt so good. :)

The couches before Sam and Brandon tackled them into a pieced existence.

After a full day of furniture shopping... the floor was heaven.

So, my little man child, momma loves you so much even when I feel tired and zapped by the heat. Every time you move it sends a shot of joy through my heart and an instant blurry eyed smile to my face and makes all this stuff that's hit me at the tail end totally worth it. I know that when I see your little face, feel your skin and lock eyes with you for the first time, this will all by nothing but a memory to make me laugh at myself. You'll have fun with Daddy and I! We'll create worlds of adventure and sail seas of dreams!

Loves babe,

Momma.

Sunny Side Up

I have an appointment at the chiropractor tomorrow morning. I totally forgot about it until about 10 minutes ago.

My midwife says I'm doing great but our little man seems to be rather indecisive as to what position he wants to come out of the shoot. ;) He is sunny side up, the more proper term is "posterior." Basically, instead of his face facing my tail bone, it's facing my belly button and instead of him laying on his side on my left or right side, his laying on his back. No bueno.

If he decides to stay in the position, it would cause extra back pain, or "back labor." Seeing I'm really not a big fan of extra intensity in the back region or anywhere in my body for that matter, I'm doing things to help him scootch along...

Such as:

not reclining

sitting with my knees below my hip bones (that tilts the pelvis in such a way that encourages the best position)

doing pelvic rocks on my hands and knees (in yoga known as 'cat and cow')

crawling

and sitting with my rear in the air (you know, the way you used to sit/sleep as a little kid)

My midwife recommended me to this chiropractor husband/wife team that have helped several of her other moms in the same situation. I'm not a super fan of chiropractors as a whole, I'm picky. I had one in Dallas that is THE bomb but not all of the practices are as thorough as hers is. But, since my midwife, who I love and respect told me to go-this chica is scootching her butt over there. :)

One mom who's baby was in the same position went and got this special adjustment just for this issue, and two days later, pop! The baby came out perfectly.

So, we shall see. I'm just glad I remembered. I've been terrible about forgetting things lately. There was this awesome, pregnant lady dance class that preps you for labor and I missed it two days ago. Thankfully I'm didn't waking up tomorrow and realizing I totally forgot. Ha!

I'll be sure and blog about how it goes.