Almost there...

Went to the doctor:
I'm 1 cm! 80% effaced! The baby is REALLY low! AND last but not least...I'm having contractions every 2 minutes! They're not really intense and I've been having them since last night! Went to work today, then cleaned my house like crazy b/c my parents are here from Maui! They just got in today!

Wait to here more! Hopefully sooner than later!!!

FYI

Click this link:
PVHS Babies

Then Click on Poudre Valley Hospital

Then you can search by 'Family Name' Mother's Last Name: Leili-Biss

Or you can search by Hospital: Fort Collins, CO
Then Poudre Valley Hospital
Then the date

A picture should be posted of the baby!!! I don't know how long it takes to post though.

Today Cont...

So today, Barry and I went on a scavenger hunt for his birthday present! He picked out the GPS he wanted: a Garmin Vista HCX!!! Hurray!!! We're waiting till next friday at REI since they're having a really good package deal sale on it including the case, a topographical U.S. software CD, but not an SD card...still about a $100 cheaper altogether!!! (He was however looking at Walmart and found it even cheaper but REI has a lifetime guarantee on everything so we'll have to weight that out.)

<---37 Weeks

Aaawww!!! How Cute!!!!

<---38 Weeks
Could this child possibly grow anymore?

<----Today!

I think he did get bigger actually! I can't even finish a whole meal...there's nowhere for it to go.

38 Weeks and 2 Days

Holy Cow...I'm such a HEFALUMP! I can't bend over anymore. I can't sleep anymore. It hurts to move, turn, roll, anything....I've been discussing with Adrian the possibility of him coming early...actually encouraging it. I seriously have to pee twice an hour, which is hard when I'm working...I just ask to use clients homes...I don't mind though some caseworkers do...I think it's a good chance to see the rest of the home and I think I have a good enough excuse! So walking is more comfortable than sitting BUT I sit all day at my job...either in the car (drove over a 100 miles yesterday for visits) or at my desk or in trainings. Walking too much hurts my back though...so it's a lose-lose situation at this point. I used to say, "he'll come when he's ready" but now I say "no time like right now!"

Must keep my mind and self occupied till he decides to show up though:
Barry's Birthday (#30) is on Monday!!! I think I'll take him out to get his gift this weekend! It's a GPS!! He has no idea. I kind of need his assistance in picking out the right one that he'll want...and if we do it this weekend then he can use it!!! (http://www.geocaching.com/)
Our friends are coming to Ft. Collins and we'll go out to dinner next week sometime!!!
My parents are coming on Wednesday!!!
I have an doc appointment on Wednesday!!!
I have a cool DV (domestic violence) training on Thursday all day!!!
Of course work on Mon, Tue, Wed, Thur, AND Fri is scheduled should nothing interfere!

Last Wednesday, I was totally effaced and he was 'engaged'! That means I can start dilating at any time and he's in the right position and stuck there!!! hahahaha!

I've got everything else ready to go...almost...still working on packing that bag although there is a pile of stuff in the livingroom and the baby's bag is packed and the carseat is set up in the car. The house is an endless whorlwind of clean clothes and dog fluff! (Yay for shedding season!)

Good news: we've managed to pay of some of our stupid credit card bills!!!! HURRAY!!! Don't use credit cards! Also, we're going to sign our new lease this weekend!!!

Well...Have a good weekend!! Wish happy thoughts for Adrian to come soon!

Baby Shower Picture Catch-Up Blog

So I guess I should post those baby shower pics! I had so much fun and everything was soooo cute! I love my turtle theme! Of course after Barry saw the cake, he hacked off the head and ate it. :( It was so cute, I couldn't watch.

16 Days and Counting...

So I thought I was tired last week...but really I'm tired this week...it's harder to fall asleep now and to stay asleep once I've fallen asleep. Any aches and pains I complained about before weren't as strong as now. The other night was half asleep from 3-5:30 with cramps!!! But I haven't felt any (besides Braxton Hicks) since then.

On Sunday, I set up a baby area in the bedroom. One bookshelf with diaper/bath stuff and books. Another with all the clean clothes: one box of 0-3 month and another with mostly 3 month, a box of socks, and a box of hats! This kid has more hats than Barry and he wears them daily. I washed all the blankets and cloth diapers and swing/chair covers! The swing is set up in the livingroom, which I also rearranged and reboxed all the stuff we won't need till after we move. The car seat is in the car. And I'm ready to go!!! (except for that hospital bag) Can we say 'nesting?'

So the hospital bag deal: If I pack it, I'll need it right? So why not wait till everything at work is settled and then I'll feel better about being ready. Physically I feel ready but there's so much still to do like a phone tree, finding someone to care for the dogs, waiting till my parents get into town (next wednesday), and finishing at least one more week of work.

Doctor visit tomorrow! Hopefully I've progressed a little more. Adrian is still head down as far as I can tell and not able to move as much any more...running out of space. He still kicks and I felt his foot for sure the other day. I was so amazed because it was a perfect outline and so tiny! It was cool! He's been using the space under my ribs to stretch into...which is awefully uncomfortable and just a little painful. Poor guy has no more room.

Work is going well! Still training, lots of observation. I think I'll learn a lot more as I get cases and clients to work with. Still figuring out how the system runs with so many aspects to keep track of. I saw a little baby at work today, a caseworker just had him last week. SOOO tiny! I can't wait!!!!

Our friend is about 3 weeks behind us and they just had a baby shower for little Miles this past Saturday! They had a BBQ at their new house! It was 70+ degrees out and I got a sunburn. I'm so excited we'll have playdates with kids all around the same age! I look so huge compared to her. However, I'm not wearing maternity clothes.

37 Weeks and counting...

Doctor's appointment went well today. I am 50% effaced and the baby is head down! Next appointment is next Wednesday.

Otherwise all is going pretty well. New job and training is keeping me busy. Also still trying to catch up on my to-do-before-baby-comes list: ie. pack hospital bag. Feels like whenever I get one thing done, two more get added to the list. How does that work? Whatever...it'll get done eventually. I'm getting more tired during the days as we get closer to D-Day!

Baby shower was awesome this past sunday! I'll have to write and post pics later since I'm about to pass out from fatigue in two seconds.

36 Weeks and 2 Days...

36 weeks means that next thursday Adrian will be considered a full term baby and could come at any time! I'm freaking out now...nothing is ready...my bags aren't even packed for the hospital. I have no idea how to get ahold of my doctor if I go into labor at nighttime. My parents are coming and my house is a WRECK! We have to move and I have nowhere to put stuff if we start packing. I'm willing to get rid of stuff that Barry still wants and Barry's willing to get rid of stuff I still want...so we have are left with a ton of 'stuff'. I have to work until Adrian comes which leaves me no energy to clean my house when I get home. I'm running out of things that fit me comfortably but even then, everyone tells me I don't look as far along as I am. And ... I can't stand looking at these stupid pink walls anymore. Who coerced us into that idea anyway?? AAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

On the non-freaking out note:
I had fun at my training Thursday and Friday! I learned a lot about interacting and building relationships with families, as well as moderating feelings that might come up in working with tough clients. The hotel bed was rather comfortable...and even though I signed up for a double to share with someone they ran out and I wasn't charged to be put into a single!!! Yay for my own room. Ate lunch at Rocket Johnny's burger joint at the mall, then dinner at Piatti (awesome authentic italian place in Cherry Creek if you're ever there), and lunch on friday at Chez Jose (very good and cheap). Our trainers: Bunny and Cassie were absolutely fun and amazing! They kept us entertained with coloring while we listened, group activities, role playing, and food! They had a wealth of knowledge and experience to share and I look forward to the other two classes in this series.

Looking forward to tomorrow and the baby shower! I have to go clean my house and get ready to babysit tonight.

*** My parents are coming on the 30th not the 20th.

35 Weeks and 6 Days

So I ended up not babysitting for anyone this past weekend....but we had a lovely dinner at my cousins and celebrated Barry, Bobby, and Judah's birthdays! Babysat monday and tuesday, went to a meeting at work yesterday and a benefits meeting today. Yay!! I get benefits!! Dental will only cost about $3/month if I get it. I think that's amazing!

Tomorrow I'm going to a training in Denver for two days (if the incoming storm doesn't close Denver public schools)...they pay for a hotel and food and we'll take a county car. Three of us are going to that and I hear that the trainings are pretty fun so I'm excited!

Except...last night I had some aweful shooting pain in my back and then my hip hurt all night. Today my whole pelvis hurts. Fun Stuff! I hope the beds are comfy at the hotel.

I'm looking forward to the baby shower this sunday also!!!

:) GOOD NEWS!!! I just got an email that my parents are coming out from April 20th to May 13th!!!!

Otherwise all is well and busy as usual. I really need to pack my bags for the hospital soon. Adrian has been moving a lot considering how cramped his space is growing! He was head down last time I was at the doctor and tends to hang out like that for longer periods during the day and night than he did before but he still moves around. Right now he is head down; I can tell because he's got hiccups right now! I can also tell when he's tickling me with his hands or kicking with his feet or knees. He's getting so big. I can't tell if I'm growing bigger but a good indication could be that my clothes are getting tighter and my shirts are getting shorter. Hhhmmmm.....I've gained a total of 28 lbs so far. Not too bad, hopefully I'll lose it just as easily. Childbirth classes last for one more week. Then we wait till after all the babies are born and we meet four more times. Barry and I have a Parent's Preview Tour of Poudre Valley Hospital on the 19th! Anyways...I need to go rest...I feel like I could pass out right here at the computer.

Child Abuse Awareness Month

Adrian got to hear lots of new voices today.....because...
I started my new job today: Life Skills Case Aide. I got to shadow other case aides during visitation between parents and children, set up my computer, email, phone line, check out my desk, get fingerprinted and set up all my paperwork at HR, and meet the rest of my team. I feel like a grown-up with my own desk and phone line! Next week I have a training in Denver, for which I'll spend the night, all hotel and food expenses paid. I feel a little overwhelmed today with all the information but overall the job looks to be exciting and the people I work with are awesome! Lots of incentives for working with the county: paid gas milage, food at all the trainings, county vehicles to use instead of your own car, trainings of all sorts: I'm a dork: I love taking classes and going to trainings.
Anyways, long day...and another tomorrow...Then I babysit Maddie on Saturday and Monica and Daniel on Sunday! Sunday evening we are celebrating Judah's B-day and Christie, Ty, Melissa, and Tom's return from Italy in Longmont! I think I'll go celebrate my bed right now though.

April 2nd

Happy Birthday to Judah!

Last night I went to my friend Molly's and we ordered Chinese food! I'm eating leftovers now :)

Went to the doctor this morning but had the rest of the day off. All is well! Adrian is head down now (although this morning he wasn't until we got to the docs). What a show-off! He sure is wiggly still though. And I can totally feel the extra pressure on my bladder...maybe I should invest in those adult diapers...eeewwww...I don't want to. I got my finger pricked to do the hemoglobin test-I'm not anemic!! She wanted to see me in a week and every week hereafter but she is out of the office Mon thru Wed, and I've got my new job on Th/Fr....so it won't be until week 37 that I see her again.

After the doctor I went to get a new copy of my birth certificate, but I didn't have a check or cash with me so I'll do that tomorrow since I'll be in the area anyway for work. Then when I went to check my car for a checkbook, I locked myself out....thankfully they had a hanger and my window was open half an inch.

Went to the library, shopping, to visit my coworkers and children at the daycare because I miss them, and to get gas-I was below E. Then I came home and made a pan of lasagna for our neighbors who just had a little baby girl!!! I got to hold all 9lbs of her-9 lbs is tiny considering....Then I made a pan of lasagna (gr. beef, spinach, roasted red peppers) for B and I.

OMG-Ronnie sent out my belly! It's here safe and sound. She couldn't resist throwing in a Beattle's guitar rendition of songs that came with a puppet and rattle, some musical instrument bath squirters, 3 new Horton Hears A Who Onesies, and 2 maternity T's for me!!!! Thanks for spoiling us Ronnie! Barry says: "how does she know I love the Beattle's so much?"

So last night I woke up at midnight and it took me 3 hours to fall back to sleep...and all I was doing was worrying about 'what if I go into labor now?' I tried to relax but then I got hungry and had to get up to eat a snack. Then the dogs woke up and wanted out. I also peed about 5 times. Hopefully I"ll get some sleep tonight since I have a full day tomorrow 9-5. So yes...I start my new job tomorrow! I'm nervous but excited!

I've been having crazy dreams lately. I actually saw the baby's face the other night...he had big ears that stuck out, big round brown eyes, cute little mouth and lips and a very distinguished nose. He was cute though. I didn't know he was being born until I felt a tickle on my hip and it was his hand. That was weird. The night before I had a dream that he was under my shirt but he wasn't in my belly anymore...tada...I wish it were that easy!

So since yesterday was April Fool's Day I had to call Barry while he was at the bar watching the Yankees game with a guy he met in our childbirth class. I told him he better come back home now. I was really calm but he freaked out anyway...hahahaha. I didn't lead him on too long, that would be mean. I could have had him come all the way home...ahahahaha..

My Birth Plan: 1st Draft

Welcome to the Birth of Adrian Leili Biss!
Parents: Barry R. Biss and Neshamah D. Leili-Biss
Support Team: Barry Biss and Deborah Leili (please talk with them about anything that needs to be discussed with me-they will communicate between us in between contractions)
Doctor: Dr. Diana Hornung, Salud Clinic

Mother’s Statement: I want a natural, non-intrusive birth experience where my body will be doing the work without any ‘medical’ intervention. I trust my body and my baby’s body and my support team. I welcome your experiences and expertise in this birth. I understand that a birth cannot be ‘planned’ but I want everything and anything that can be done to make this experience as natural and void of intervention as possible. Thank You!

Natural Experience To Me:
No Intervention Means:
No Pitocin!
No Medications!
No Time Limits!
Avoid C-Section by any and all means!
No Rupture of Membranes!
No IV!
No Constant Monitoring! Baby or Self!

Natural Assistance Means:
TRUST ME!
Only periodic Monitoring of Progress…(ask me 1st if I want to know)
Drink (/Eat) as needed! Hydrate Self!
Movement and Position Changes!! Ball! Use Tub/Shower! (Every 30 minutes)
Distractions: Music! Control Temperature and Atmosphere! Massage!
Informed Consent of anything that is done!
Support Team: Barry knows how to help me! Deborah will support him!

Labor
-Visitors (ask me 1st)
-Wear my own choice of clothes
Delivery
-Barry and Deborah Only-No Visitors
-Not back lying
Baby
-Breastfeeding and Rooming In
-All/Any support Welcome
-Visitors Welcome (ask me 1st)

38 Days Left...

The night before last I was half awake and unable to fall asleep b/c Adrian was moving so much when all of a sudden I bolted up in my bed. Adrian was RUNNING, his feet were pounding against the left side of my stomach! I've never felt that before and I was just a little surprised and scared wide awake. I woke Barry and of course after running a marathon, he was taking a break by the time Barry's hand made it to my stomach.

He has been SOOO active lately...they say that with your first child, they should go head down in preparation for birth anywhere between 32 and 36 weeks. Sometimes they wait until labor but usually if it's a second or third birth. I've felt him hang out upside down though, and I wouldn't mind if he waited, even though we might stress about that. I guess right now, he's upside down...terribly uncomfortable and heavy when I stand but better when I sit.

Last night we tried to find the heart beat but all we could hear was his hiccups pounding the microphone. It was pretty funny! Our friends have a dopplar, the kind they use at the doctors. That would probably work better.

I bought a book called 'Belly Button Book' by Sandra Boynton when I was out baby shower shopping! Hilarious! I make Barry read it to us! I love Boynton's books.

Yesterday we went to Estes Park for a friend's baby shower! It was at the Redstone Restaurant (which used to be the P.O. Cafe where I worked when I was a young teen). Very cool little place now! Our friend is from Ireland and we met her working at the YMCA in 2001. She married a guy and they live in CO but plan on moving to WY-closer to us at least, and they're two weeks behind us! They're also having a little boy: Conor! Here is a picture of our babies meeting each other.

Barry's mummy -Grandma Biss-made us some more things for Adrian that I brought back from NJ: 2 blankets and a little baseball outfit: the ribbon has baseballs, and the buttons on the sweater are baseballs! CUTE!!!

34 Weeks, 2 Days

Well here goes 34 weeks! The time is flying by now.
Doesn't the belly look like a tumorous appendage now? Not really part of me anymore...it has a mind of its own...and moves as such. I thought because he was getting bigger and has less room that he would move less but NOOOO he was just taking a break last week because he hasn't stopped moving this week. My aunt told me it would feel like sleeping with a bowling ball on you and it sure does now. Actually not just when I'm sleeping either. And you can tell my face is getting a little chubbier too (or b/c I just woke up from a nap and I'm puffy and yes my hair's a mess).

So I start my new job on Thursday! 20 hours a week...I'll train before the baby comes during the day through April and then go back to work part time evenings/weekends after a month to 6 weeks. I'll work this job Thursdays, Fridays, and Tuesdays for now. I also plan on continuing until the end of April with babysitting Gavin Mondays and Tuesdays, as well as continuing to substitute for the daycare and pick up babysitting hours whenever until the baby comes.

I had my prenatal massage that Barry got me for christmas last week!!! It was 80 minutes of massage bliss and I got to use a pillow that my belly fit into! It was awesome. I have another one I can use anytime. I think I'll save it for after the baby is born and my body needs some relaxing and I need 80 minutes to myself!

Judah's Birthday (#22) is on Wednesday!

Also my doctor's appointment is that morning. I plan on discussing my birth plan and different options with her then...I want the least intervention possible and I know that it is up to the doctor and me to agree on the options. Dr. Hornung has told me that she wants me to have a natural childbirth and whatever I want...I think she'll be on the same page in terms of what I want as long as everything goes smoothly. After taking four of our childbirth classes and watching 'The Business of Being Born' I'm actually excited to give birth. I think the whole process will be amazing! I'm not scared of the pain and I know my body is capable of doing it's job. I was so scared in the second trimester but as it gets closer I'm less and less worried. Barry is also getting so excited and feeling empowered about being able to do all kinds of things to help me and be a part of the whole thing. I think that education and knowledge has been a big help in preparing both of us and increasing our confidence! I highly recommend classes and/or researching all different options despite what you already believe about childbirth. In the very least, you'll be more confident that you want what you think you want and you'll know why.

We are going to Estes tomorrow for a friend's baby shower...their baby boy is due two weeks after ours. I went gift shopping today at Once Upon A Child...they remodeled the entire store...it looks awesome! I love baby shopping! I actually found a couple things for Adrian: 3 kimono snap t-shirts to wear until his umbilical cord falls off so he doesn't have to wear tight onesies for $2.50, and 2 sleep nightgowns for easier nighttime access to the diaper for $2.50. Not a bad deal at all and warranted purchases since I didn't register for either!

Here's a picture of my cousin, Julie, and I on Easter Sunday! She's 14 weeks and I'm 33.

More Pictures...33 Weeks

He's getting so big that his movements aren't as big but they sure are getting stronger!!! I guess his bones are also hardening so I can feel that as he digs into my hips and sides...hehe...he's showing off how strong he is.

Oh...good news...our childbirth class this monday is moved back to monday from tuesday...they had changed it which was dissapointing b/c Barry has dart night on Tuesday. I was going to go all by myself..but now I don't have too!!! :) Yay! OH...one of the couples had their baby 4 weeks early! A little girl, Starlett...isn't that a cute name?

Weekend Finally...

Wow...I got back so late on Wednesday and I feel like I've been working nonstop since then. Last night Barry and I both fell asleep at 5:30pm and slept straight through till morning! (Well I got up half a dozen times to pee...but that's as good as it gets anymore.) I feel like I could do that all over again tonight too. Had some bizarre dreams ...woke up crying from one because I saw our dead friends' mom (she lost 2 sons) in the dream and she made me cry she was so sad. Then another, all my family and Barry's family and our friends from out east were at this crazy party in a warehouse. Everyone was drinking and playing games and it was kind of like a concert or rave. I woke up mad at Barry and demanding he buy me a new car since he ruined my beloved Subaru...hahaha. (Maybe I shouldn't sleep so much).

So as long as my background check goes through...I've got a new job!! Case Aide position in the Larimer Dept. of Human Services...Child Protection. YAY!! Part time 20 evening/weekend hours per week, with part time benefits. I can take 4-6 weeks off with the baby, and train beforehand through April!!!! (Stressful but good).

Lopsided Baby: Adrian has always liked to hang out on the right side...sometimes more so than others.

Belly Cast: We'll get to sand it down and paint it! Dee, the woman who cast my belly said that 32 weeks is the perfect time to do it. Ronnie just called and said she is sending it soon...she found two more shirts for me too!!! I'm so spoiled!

Back Home

It was so good to see my (and Barry's) family and my friends, Jeff and Alana! Ronnie, Barry's sister, spoiled me with a belly casting!!! at the spa in her shop (Destination Maternity which has Motherhood Maternity, Mimi's Maternity, A Pea In the Pod). She also got me some cute t-shirts and Barry a new Yankee's hat. I went through my grandmother's hand painted oriental dish collection and picked out a dark blue dragon tea set!!! also a 20's chandelier green ornate fruit? bowl. Very cool! I shipped them to myself. I also picked out some rings and pins and a necklace from her collection that I remember her wearing. I'll have these things forever and to pass on some day to my kids. I'm so glad my brother came with me. My family was glad to see him again. Oh...we got to go into the city...went to John's Pizza in midtown manhatten...near my uncle's job: Sam Ash. Walked to the Rockefeller Center and saw the ice skaters and passed Time Square. Next time we'll have to take him everywhere else.

Safe and soundly we made it back home. Landed on time despite a turbulent ride back to CO. At least the flight wasn't full and I got to lay down across 3 seats and try to sleep. Judah drove us back to Loveland and then I drove home to Ft.Collins. I didn't get home till 3p and probably not to sleep till 3:30. I had work today from 9-1:30, went shopping, cleaned my moldy fridge, cleaned the kitchen, swept the house, started laundry, and now I'm babysitting Maddie! I think I'll go to bed early! Especially since I've got work at 7am tomorrow at the daycare. Craziness.

YAY!!!! My Deborah is coming out to CO from May 1st-14th!!!! Adrian better come within that time frame...hehe. Barry's excited too...even though I think it would be fun to have everyone in the birthing room and all...I think we're just going to have Deborah...really I think that all I need is Barry and for someone to support him BUT I think that too many people might not be helpful...and I want him to feel in charge of helping me and not feel that someone else can do what he needs to do....So we're thinking just Deborah and him in the room for now.

NJ

Judah and I are in NJ now!!! Our flight was delayed 1/2 hr but went fast and smoothly! Did you know Frontier offers DirectTV for $5 and movies for $8? I think that's cool but i didn't get anything on the way here...slept instead and read my magazine.
Friday we got in...Saturday we hung out at my Aunt Sharon's with Eric and Justin, our cousins. She took me shopping and to visit with my grandfather...then we headed to my Aunt Ann's and cousin Lauren's. Spent the night and hung out. Today we are going back to my Aunt Sharon's and having a big family dinner...all the inlaws are coming too!!! Hopefully my friends will call and I'll get to see them before I leave.
I can't believe I'm here...I miss it and especially all my family. It's kind of rainy and gloomy today but the weather was awesome yesterday.

32 Weeks Today! Start of 8th Month!

I had the interview yesterday morning at 9am before work. I think it went well!! They are still interviewing into next week but will call next week and let me know if they have more questions or if they have made a decision!! I dropped all the names I knew and I'm pretty confident that I will at least be considered among the others.

I am packing today...finally...I usually start packing a week in advance. I've been so worn out and busy though that I haven't. I guess I won't forget anything but I'm always worried that I will. I never do though. Still don't know about the ride situation....Julie might take us there and Judah's friend might pick us up. I don't know if I can handle an hour ride in a car where people smoke and use the ashtray though. Especially after traveling on an airplane and it being midnight by the time we get in. It might make me sick. The other option is driving and parking...only $5 a night so not too expensive. However...do I want to drive at midnight?

I have a training for work tonight. It's called Connecting the Dots: Teacher Training regarding Sensory Integration In the Classroom!! I love class! I miss school sometimes. Yes..I know..I'm a dork.

What do you think of the baby room art I made? Babies focus on black and white contrast so I was thinking of hanging this above the changing table or crib (once we move and Adrian has a room). Also thinking of doing two more canvases in black on white and white on black to make a checkerboard hanging.

So...a federal court ruling on Autism and Vaccinations has made it seem like the gov't has finally owned up (at least in this case) to a possible link b/n the poisons in the vaccines and an effect on health. I know they've taken the mercury out of vaccines in 2001 (except the flu vaccine btw) but there is still other poisonous metals like aluminum in them. I have yet to fully research the matter but why inject poisons and diseases into your child? So far it doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me...especially when there is widespread suspicion of the safety of the vaccines. BTW...I wasn't vaccinated until 6th grade and I even dealt with German measles. I was never sick even when I was around everyone who was. I ate healthy and played outside everyday. I went to bed early and got enough sleep and never ate junk food. I was exposed to germs and dirt wasn't yucky...animals were meant to be pet, even the farm kind...I get sick less than anyone I know and I've never taken antibiotics. The 6 years that I smoked cigarettes were my most unhealthy years ever...I could feel my body fighting me and I got sick every winter...I developed allergies...and felt tired all the time. I think that if you eat healthy and exercise everyday...your body will protect you. However if you weaken your body then it is harder to fight off diseases and infections....and you get tossed into a pattern of needing the medical system to help you do what your body was intended to do naturally. My body has never failed me. I know there are exceptions...and I know that everyone is different...and I know that everyone has an opinion but this is mine...

So Ronnie might come out in May!!! My dad and Deborah may or may not come out in mid-July. We'll be moved by June so if anyone wants to stay we'll have a spare room...we're taking reservations...hehehe....Also we're thinking of going to Maui at Christmastime this year!

Adrian Update: So the wiggling and rolling hasn't stopped yet...however, he is running out of space to wiggle and roll and my poor stomach is sore from his workout! He woke me up the last couple nights, his movement was so intense. As we speak he's pushing out on my belly...I think he's rebelling against the cramped quarters. Oh...and the cramping (Braxton-Hicks practice contractions) have become a routine and more intense feeling. Around dinner time my stomach gets tight like a hard ball. It doesn't so much hurt as feel extremely uncomfortable and tiring.

Barry taught me how to play Cribbage! He won last night but I was close.

I have to go make the baby shower invitation list now! My cousin Christie wants it before she goes to Italy!!! I know some people can't come but I want you to know if you lived here...I'd want you to come!

Childbirth Classes

Barry and I started our Childbirth (through Foothills Childbirth Education Association) classes last night. We missed the 1st class b/c we signed up too late and we're missing the 3rd since I'll be in Jersey, but Becky will make it up with us on a Saturday. Also a couple of the classes are on a Tue which means I'll have to go alone on one of them since B has dart league and it just so happens that it's position night! It lasted from 7-9...which after being out of school for a year now shows me how out of shape I am for sitting still for 2 hours. Of course having to pee every 15 minutes doesn't help either...although I wasn't the only one. Funny Adrian decided class time while the teacher discussed signs of labor, labor and it's stages and phases, breathing which we got to practice, and massage (YES! we got to practice this one too), would be the perfect time to wiggle, jiggle, jump, and roll! Maybe the other babies so near in proximity were exciting and communicating! Actually...that would be creepy....All in all it was long but good refresher of info (yes...I've had this before considering my degree is directly related to children and development over the lifespan) ...AND bonus: Barry didn't fall asleep!

Still working on my to-do list today! I got a call back for an interview for the Case Aide P/T position in Larimer County Human Services that I applied for.

31 Weeks Picture