pregnancy brain

Yesterday I took the bus to work (as I always do) but from a different Park N Ride than I normally go to. After work I hopped on the bus and read my book as I do every day. I grabbed my keys and bus pass when we got to our destination, hopped off the bus and looked around for my car. It was NOT there! Then I realized that I was at the wrong Park N Ride. I had to call Phil to come and pick me up. Luckily there is a little strip mall with Walgreens and Byerlys close by so I got a few errands done. When Phil arrived at Byerlys and I got in the car, he just looked at me and laughed. Really, he doesn't even say anything when I do things like this anymore. It has become a completely normal part of life:)

the waiting game

We're only 11 days from our due date and Dr. B. has promised that he won't let me go over more than a week. So 18 days max. Which is good. Because the few things that are making me uncomfortable are really getting to me. Mainly heartburn, tingly fingers and the bathroom breaks. Nothing major, but enough of an annoyance to make me feel like I am going crazy! Every day I wake up and wonder if today's the day.

It occured to me the other day that waiting for a baby to decide when to enter the world is like being a kid again, waiting for Santa Claus. The anticipation builds and builds and completely takes over your life. Of course I don't recall having any fears about Santa Claus. But with a new baby coming soon, there are lots of "unanswereds." For example, yesterday I stressed out about about what a newborn wears. Really haven't thought about labor and delivery pain (thank God for epi's!), whether the baby will be healthy (I am certain it is) or if the car seat is installed correctly (Phil had help from a certified professional). Nope, I really was worried about what I should dress my newborn baby in. Obviously the baby doesn't care so long as he/she is warm enough and comfortable. But these are the things that cross my mind everyday. Silly little things that I have no idea about right now and in a month probably won't really matter.

All of these questions will be answered once the baby is here. Phil and I will learn as we go and make lots of mistakes along the way. But that's half the fun of being parents, and I can hardly wait!!!!!

baby piccolo

We put the Pack N Play together last weekend that we will use as a bassinet when the baby first comes home. I wanted to make sure it wouldn't collapse, so I did a little test with Piccolo. She's a few pounds heavier than a newborn but it held her fine! Hopefully we can get the crib put together without incident this weekend.

pics

Baby belly at 37 weeks
My shower on 4/13/08

18 days

We're getting close. Holy crap, in a few weeks, we are going to have a BABY living in our house. It is hard to imagine what our lives will be like other than the obvious- sleep deprived. We are working hard to get the house cleaned, organized, and baby ready (this is what would be referred to as nesting). Phil is a little annoyed with my newfound energy because it means we are spending our weekends doing work, rather than playing golf but I do think he felt some sense of accomplishment after the weekend.

Throughout this pregnancy I really haven't had too many issues with strangers touching my belly or giving me unwanted advice...until yesterday! I am on the bus, minding my own business after a long day at work. A lady sitting next to me comments on how pretty my wedding ring is- cool thanks lady, now stop talking to me. But NO, she continues to ask questions- about my ring and then about the baby. So I politely answer these invasive questions. After some rather harmless chit chat, she asks if I will be breastfeeding. Kind of a personal question, but I (again) politely answer and try to ignore her. BUT SHE KEEPS TALKING! This time it is about vaccinations and how they do more harm than good. I should in no case allow my baby to have them, because in Minnesota you can say no and they still have to let your kid go to school. Vaccinations are bad, they cause autism and all kinds of other issues and I should really look into homeopathic medicine. Whatever I did to deserve this, I am truly sorry. All I want to think about is what I need to pick up at the grocery store. She then asks me for a pen to write down the name of a book I must read about DPT. Thankfully my stop is coming up and I am able to escape her soapbox. I will never, ever again forget to bring my book with me to work:)

I promised a few pics, but I keep getting an error message. I'll try again this afternoon.

welcome baby ekern!

We have a new nephew! Elias (Eli) Julian Ekern was born on April 10 at 4:34pm. He's just a little guy. Stats: 3 lbs. 15 oz., 17 inches long. Proud daddy Chris tells me that both mom and baby are doing well. I am very excited to meet him!

Congrats Chris and Ang as you start this new adventure- you're going to be great parents!