Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Just about 28 weeks

So it's been a while since I've posted. Hello again world! I'm still pregnant! And loving it.

No one ever told me that pregnancy hormones could be so fun! Yesterday I was stirring some peanut butter and started laughing. That's right. The peanut butter made me laugh. It was just so darn gloopy...hilarious!


I just returned from the Land o' Lincoln to see my family and go to my baby shower! It was wonderful.

I feel so grateful to have so many wonderful women in my life. Especially my Mom and sister who organized the whole thing. Thank you to all of my family and friends who came to shower me with your love and wishes and gifts. Toby and I truly appreciate all of it.

Here's some pics. My sister, Colleen, wielded the camera for me...


These women obviously own the place (my cousin, Linda and my grandma, Bernadine. Linda's daughter, Ellie, is on the left).

One of the murals...what a fun and vibrant atmosphere this was!

The ladies.

The cupcakes...carrot cake with cream cheese frosting, made by Kristen and DELICIOUS!

I have to brag - I drew this picture of a baby on a plate while it was on top of my head. Forget being a therapist...I missed my calling here!

Kristen's cuties - Libby and Sydney.

So many gifts!

The two pregnant ladies say, "It's time to go home!"

A wonderful time had by all, I hope.

I'm back in Boulder, now, and getting back into my routine. Which, thankfully, doesn't include all that much.

I've been marveling at the movements inside my womb. It makes me laugh when I feel a big one. It is really such a strange and delightful feeling to feel your baby move inside you. I'm in love!

I've been playing with the baby more...I push, it kicks. Amazing.

I'm trying to stay as healthy as I can - exercising, eating well and surrounding myself with love and beautiful sights, sounds and smells.

And - don't get me wrong - while I'm laughing at peanut butter and Baby's kicks - I also have moments of fear about birthing and raising this child. I feel supported in many ways around both of these things...and they're still scary to consider at times. I continue to read other women's experiences about childbirth, particularly homebirth - this helps me feel better. And I'm already hooked up with an online mom's group here in Boulder. So I'm gathering goodness around me in hopes that it will help me through the rough times ahead.

Love to you all. And happy autumn! Enjoy the abundance!

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Gestation...wait for it, wait for it

I am 20 weeks pregnant! I hope to make this more of a baby blog soon. But for now, I'd like to share some pics from the summer.

Belly pics to come!!

Before we left, we moved into our new house.



And then to Springfield for some good times with the whole family.

Silliness with Zach



The new pool in Mom's backyard is quite a hit





Downtown with Sydney, James, Libby, Kristen and Joel after a visit to the candy shop.



Me, Mom and Colleen getting ice cream



Libby on the boat on Lake Wee-ma-tuk where we visited my Dad's family



Awwww...



A rainy day at Kristen's house



Tornado rainbow!



On our way to Chicago, Toby, Sara and I went to a memorial service for my first stepdad, Larry, who died in May. It was a wonderful time full of old stories and laughter and love for an incredible man. We saw his family and had a proper buffet lunch in the basement of the church.

We took the Dixie Highway from the memorial service in Danville to Chicago. On our way, Sara spotted this gem:



(that's a plastic Santa Claus in the front seat dressed up as a Cubs fan, which of course he is)

We talked with the guy who made this car for quite some time. It sits on his front lawn.
He also sang us some quality Cubs songs. Cheers to that guy!



Breakfast in Chicago with Natalie, Sara, Quinn and Rachel...mmmm...bacon!







That's all from Illinois. I'll post our pictures from Scotland, England and France soon.

Love to you!