The waiting continues...

We are now -2 days of the due date. Any time little Avolyn wants to come would just be fine with us. Friday we went to the doctor and my blood pressure was a little high. The doctor wanted me to just take it easy this past weekend. Even though I had a million and one things going in my head, for the most part I was able to keep pretty relaxed. We went back today and my blood pressure was the best it has ever been. I have hardly progressed in thinning and I am just 1 cm dilated still. We are going back to the doctor on Thursday where I will have another ultrasound and then need to make some decisions. Hopefully she will come before then so I wont have to be induced. At 36 weeks we had an ultrasound and she was measuring 7.5 lbs so now the doctors say that she is probably around 9.5 lbs. We are all very excited and will hopefully be able to post something soon after we know what is going on, and of course pictures of our little piggy when she finally decides to grace us with her presence. Until then enjoy these pictures of our little family.

Penn-syl-van-ia here we come!

A few weeks ago Mike, me and our friend Adam were able to get away and visit Billy and Amy that have just recently moved to Edinboro, Pennsylvania. Amy received a scholarship to continue her studies in ceramics. Our long weekend included yummy food, the boys building a fire pit, enjoying the fire pit, guitar playing, a trip to Lake Erie and enjoying each others company. Enjoy the pictures from the weekend. We miss them like crazy!!

3-2-1-Baby Showers!!!

We have been spoiled. In the past few months we have had 3 baby showers for Avolyn Rose. It is a very humbling experience and we appreciate everyone participating. We have for the most part everything ready for her arrival. Here are some pictures capturing the events.

Our first shower was at the Reed Family Reunion...

Then we had a shower that was hosted by Aunt Sherry, Aunt Theresa and cousin Brooke at Grandpa Eli's. We had lots of fun and fellowship. Brooke was in charge of games and did a fantastic job.

Mom horribly guessing how round I am....Kayleigh and I. She wants to take our baby after she is born. I told her we could share. She can do all the diaper duty!!

Mandi, me and Meghan(great friends from college)....Olivia, Jessica and I (great friends from Bloomington)

Brooke and I.....Peggy (Mike's mom) and Abigail (My mom)

We then had a baby shower at my work. These ladies have been so supportive and much like sisters or family during this changing time for Mike and I. We are so lucky to be surrounded by wonderful people.

Mindful Mama

Ani Difranco Interview with Mindful Mama Magazine from Mindful Mama Magazine on Vimeo.

Ani Difranco is one of my most favorite artist. Her music, thoughts, experiences, words and just plain awesomeness inspire me as a human as a woman and most recently as a soon to be mother. (If you have never heard her music and interested, let me know and I will send some your way asap) I found this clip awhile ago and wish to share it. This has made me think about what it means to me to be a mindful mama and I have some thoughts in process. I would love to hear what other mamas think about what it means to be a mindful mama...and I promise when I have come to something concrete I will share as well.

31 Week Ramblings...

I am now in my 31^st week of pregnancy. Everyday I learn something new about myself, Mike or Avolyn. She continues to move around more and more, which is something that I have become very fond of. She seems to move the most at night when I am trying to settle down and sleep. My back is starting to ache and my ankles are starting to look very hot. I am just waiting for the call to be a model for shoes or toenail polish…I will keep you updated on this.

We have started our birthing classes and they are going well. Some is just common sense information, but I have learned a lot and even more important the classes have encouraged Mike and me to communicate more about our expectations and wishes during labor. We have discussed the different stages of labor, making a birthing plan, birthing at Bloomington Hospital, labor pains, exercise and nutrition and breathing techniques.

Mike has gotten the crib built and Avolyns’ room is coming together slowly. Our long list of things to do before Avolyn is here has been getting crossed off and that is one of my favorite things to do.
I had a doctor’s appointment yesterday which went well. I have been a little concerned about her size because I am not feeling her at all up in my ribs. I was reassured that at least I am growing when the doctor measured me and I had grown 5 cm. I do have a uterine fibroid, which I have been told makes measuring sometimes inaccurate. So that means we will be able to see our little Avolyn Rose next Monday and make sure through the ultrasound the fibroid is not getting out of control. My blood pressure was a little high and the doctor did bring it up. It has slowly been rising, so it is something I have to pay more attention to. I didn’t tell her that just a few hours before I had Chinese food. Guess I won’t be doing that anymore before my appointment. I had one of my friends at work check my blood pressure today and it was much better.

We have been busy with many weddings and fun weekends since the last post. We have had one Baby Shower and another one this weekend. We are so honored to have great friends and family that support us. Until next time…