Oh What a Night!

So, I finally started nesting...and there was no claiming that it was "forced". Fortunately, Jon was nesting, too! We got so much accomplished last night.

Last night Jon picked up a carpet cleaner with the apulstery attachment. All the carpets are now clean and so are the couches and dining room chairs. While he was doing that, I finished the following items:

• dusting mantle
• dusting bookshelf (and everything on it)
• cleaning baseboards
• cleaning chair rail
• organizing/dusting entertainment center

While the carpets and couches and couch pilllows/cushions were drying, we did laundry. When we got home we:

• cleaned door frames
• put couches back together
• put laundry away (apparently a seperate task at our place-because sometimes it doesn't get done)
• dishes
• finished kitchen (again-including mopping)
• cleaned bathroom
• finished the last touches in the bedroom (yes-it is done!)

At that point, my contractions were going crazy. Jon freaked out. At 11:30 pm he decided that he needed to run to Smith's to get a stopwatch so that he could time them. I tried telling him no, but it was like telling a little boy in a toy store to not touch anything. When he got back, we were able to get a more accurate timing. They lasted between 30 seconds and a minute, but they never did get to where they were evenly spaced. They were anywhere from 2-15 minutes apart. We got so excited. We felt ready and we wanted to go...

Obviously, since I am posting, nothing more happened.

Oh well, we are getting closer! Check out those 5 lonely links...

I'm a little worried about what I am going to do tonight to keep myself busy. Maybe I'll clean the car...

Oh, the other thing that I want to mention that I think is SO CUTE is my mother. She calls every morning and every evening, and several times throughout the day. She says she just wants to see how I am doing and make sure that I am OK. Last night I left my phone at work. When I called her from Jon's cell to let her know that I had forgotten my phone (about 8:45 pm), she was still at work. She was getting everything ready for the next day...just in case I ended up going into labor. She has been doing this for about a week now...

This morning she called Jon's cell to see how I was doing. He was already on his way to work, and they talked for 5-10 minutes. When she called my work this morning, she already knew all of last nights details.

No matter how many times I tell her that I will call her as soon as we leave to go to the hospital, she still calls to make sure I'm OK and she hasn't missed anything. I think it's cute.

"All my bags are packed, I'm ready to go..."

No, I'm not leaving on a jet plane... but my bags finally are packed.

I still claim its not my fault that I'm a procrastinator. I totally blame it on genetics (I'm not going to name names-but I think we all know who I'm referring to-she also happens to be the most amazing mother in the entire world!).

Last Thursday (17th) I started having crazy contractions. They were 5-10 minutes apart. IT FREAKED ME OUT! All I could think was, "please wait, little one, I'm not ready!". That is when I made it my goal to get ready-and fast.

Now, I probably did things in a silly order...but I've kind of had to do things as I feel like I actually want to do them (which is why cleaning is at the bottom of the list).

First step, something for the baby to sleep in. Friday night mom and Taryn came out. They brought 'the cradle'. I'm so excited to use the cradle for little Taelyn. It was the cradle my mom used for me (and each sibling after). We still need to pick up the crib from Kirstine, but at least we have something for the first little bit.

Second step, organizing all of the baby stuff we have been given. Tuesday I wasn't feeling well, so I took a sick day. Instead of resting, I decided I needed to prep. Jon was worried about me, so he stayed home also. We got a ton accomplished. We didn't have a dresser for the baby, so we went and bought 4 of those nifty clear plastic drawers (ideal for the small 1 bedroom apartment we are still in). We also washed all of the baby clothes. We were then able to organize all of the baby items in the drawers. I had hoped that I could go through things and organize while Jon reorganized the bedroom to make room for the drawers and the cradle...but he was having so much fun going through clothes with me, that I couldn't make him do the boring part while I did the fun stuff!

Third step, pack for the hospital. When my contractions started last Thursday, this was the one that freaked me out the most...yet, I still put it off... We had started packing on Monday, but finally finished it up last night. We made copies of my relaxation CD's, as well as the scripts that we have from our birthing class. That way we can pack them, and still use the copies before she comes. Fourth step, cleaning... This is by far my least favorite subject. I've been doing some forced nesting. I completely cleaned the kitchen (out of necessity-not some crazy, unexplainable urge to do so). Every surface shines. I also scrubbed the tub, but the rest of the bathroom still needs done. The bedroom needs done so that we can move all of the baby stuff out of the living room. The hardest part of the bedroom was going through the 3 boxes that we hadn't unpacked from our last move (ya, I know, its been 1 1/2 years...its that darn genetic procrastination again!). Jon started this process on Saturday. We went through all of the boxes, dividing most of it up between the garbage pile and the DI pile.

So much to do and so little energy! I'm still working full-time at the county. By the time I get home, I really don't feel like I have the energy that I need to finish up. I guess I'll just keep plugging at it a little at a time. Luckily, our apartment is so small. It may get dirty quickly, but it also cleans up almost as quickly...almost.

Fifth step, drop off spare key. Travis and Melissa asked if they could help with anything. We really didn't have anything. They asked if they could have a spare key so that if we got to the hospital and needed anything, they could pick it up and run it down. This is Step 5 for a reason. I wouldn't willingly give anyone a key to my apartment in the chaotic state it is in at this moment!

So, steps 1-3 are complete. Steps 4 still needs a little help...then-and only then-can we move on to step 5. Almost there. And its a darn good thing because the chain is diminishing. 11 days left.

In theory, of course. All in theory.

Morning Sickness

So it is official. My unwanted visitor isn't planning on leaving until the bitter end.

I hadn't been sick for over a week, and I was thrilled! Then I got sick on Wednesday. Coincidence. I was done. Last time in my pregnancy. Again on Thursday. Crud. Maybe now I was done. Well, after this morning-AGAIN-I've just come to accept it.

I've decided I'm genetically doomed and that's just the way it is. Grandma was sick the whole time with my mom, and Mom was sick the whole time with me. The question is who's trend will I follow. Grandma was sick the whole time with all of hers. Mom was only sick the whole time with me... Love ya Grandma, but I really hope I follow Mom's lead on this one.

My Awesome Job

I have worked for [a government agency with name removed for safety purposes] for nearly 2 years. The best thing about my job is the people I work with. Don't get me wrong, I'm fascinated by stormwater and drainage, but I love my co-workers and our camaraderie. Today they threw me a baby shower. Because I have had several people comment on how I'm still not on the blog, I'll document the shower with photos...

We ordered lunch from Cafe Rio.

After we finished eating, we played games.

Then we opened gifts.

I had never heard of a Bumbo-but they are supposed to be amazing.

They help the baby sit as soon as they can hold their own head up.

I think it is a great idea-especially because we're in a 1 bedroom apt.

It can be used as a highchair if you buy the tray to go with it.

(That is the "Bumbo")

(That is the tray)

They also got me a baby outfit,

a cross-stitched ornament with Taelyn's name on it,

a 'pack-n-play' (with carrying case),

sheets for the pack-n-play,

a baby wrap (also never seen-but looks handy),

2 baby toys,

and various hygiene items:

'butt paste', thermometer, fingernail clippers,

2 pacifiers and a clip, a bottle, swabs, and a few other items.

Jenni even pieced and quilted a baby blanket.

GOOD TIMES!

Oh, and there is a good picture of the belly...

(No Dad, that isn't my cup...I'm holding it...for Jenni...)

Hypnobirthing

THANK GOODNESS FOR HYPNOBIRTHING!! That is all I can say.

I know, most of you are picturing someone on a stage clucking like a chicken and thinking, "she can't be serious...can she?" Trust me. I've gotten all of those reactions. I'm to the point where I don't bring it up in conversation because I feel like I have to justify my reasons for choosing this birthing method. At first I was skeptical, too. I only decided to read the book because my sister-in-law, Kathy, recommended it. The more I read, the more intrigued I was. I agreed with everything the book said. Basically, it is based on teaching relaxation techniques. I could explain more, but then I would just be defending myself again.

Anyway, the reason I am so grateful for hypnobirthing is because of the peace I have received from it. When we first found out we were expecting, we ran down to the library to get books on pregnancy. THERE ARE A TON! As I scanned through them, they were easily narrowed down. Basically we put away all the ones that suggested to dad that life was going to be miserable after the baby was born or suggested that mom is awful if she goes back to work after having the baby. Then I started reading. The more I read, the more terrified of childbirth I became. Who would willingly sign up for such an awful event?! Not having an epidural scared me because of all the horror stories...having an epidural scared me because of the other horror stories. Jon finally took the books away and I took the approach of ignoring the situation.

That was when Kathy recommended hypnobirthing. As stated before, I was skeptical. I mentioned it to a friend in my ward, and she said her daughter had just combined hypnobirthing with water birth and had her baby at home. Now I'm not that gung-ho...but her daughter was so excited at my interest, that she lent me the book. I nearly completed the book before deciding to register for the class. I was very impressed with what it had to say. Not only that, but I could read and find myself longing for the delivery instead of fearing and dreading it.

We just finished our 4th class last night, which only leaves us 2 weeks. It is probably a good thing considering I could have the baby as soon as 3 weeks (if she comes on the earliest due date). I have learned so much and feel so much better prepared for Taelyn's coming. Additionally, the relaxation techniques have helped me in my everyday life, too!

I'll let you know, following the delivery, if it is as wonderful as I anticipate. Then I can give you my real thoughts on this 'crazy' concept of hypnobirthing.

Colton and Shay

ADDED APRIL 7, 2008: I have had many people ask why I have pictures of Colton and Shay on my blog. FYI, it is because I am bragging and showing off my amazingly awesome, mad photography skills! (I thought I did a GREAT job!)

I decided it would be good to put a picture of pregnant me on this blog. When I got the camera out, I was reminded of all the photos that were still saved on the card. I fancy myself a photographer, and my little brother and his wife were good enough to humor me and asked me to take their engagement photos. Kid you not, we took 400+ pictures. I deleted most of them last night, but these are my favorites.


Where was Jon in all of this? Well, he reluctantly served as my assistant. See the swan in the last picture...it is only there because Jon agreed to chase it around the pond until it ended up in the right spot! He also helped with lighting. The weather was awful that day. It had rained earlier. When it finally cleared up, the sun was at a terrible angle for pictures. Jon held up a towel to keep the light off of their faces. What can I say, I'd be lost without him.

As for that picture of pregnant me... I made sure I dressed nice today and put extra time into my hair and did my makeup. Still not a pretty site. I'll try again and see if I can get a picture that I'm not too embarrassed to post on the blog. For now, you'll just have to use your imagination. Picture short with a huge belly! At least my hair is nice...

Getting Started

Its finally April. Our little one may be born this month...and she might not. The name that we have currently chosen for her is Taelyn Elsa Woodland. (Tae was my Grandma Dye's middle name, and Elsa was Jon's mom's first name.) We have actually had the name picked out since we got married (am I weird if I admit that?). It is possible, however unlikely, that when she arrives and we may decide she doesn't look like a Taelyn Elsa...so we are reserving the right to change our minds. I doubt that will happen.

I have been given 3 due dates: May 5, April 27, and April 26 (given in that order). We decided to count down to the May 5th date...that way we are less likely to be disappointed if she chooses to arrive a little later than the ultrasounds suggested.

At 100 days (Saturday, January 26th), Jon and I made a paper chain. You know, the kind you made when you were a child and counting down to your birthday, Christmas, or the end of the school year...

To finish it off, we decided to hang the chain from the ceiling fan in our living room.

We haven't been diligent enough to remove a link each day, but it goes by so much faster when you remove 4-6 links at a time. Because of my slight OCD, when we got to 50 days, I changed how many links hung between each fan blade. The lop-sided nature of it was driving me CRAZY! Today we are at 34 days. I'm amazed when I compare the original chain to what we have left. We are so close!

On that note, I have a list of goals that I would like to accomplish before she is born. One of them was to get our blog set up. YES! Something that I can check off of my list. If you know me, you know that I thrive on making lists--it makes me feel like I've accomplished something. Yes, I am one of those people who writes things down just so I can check them off. On occasion I've even written something down that I finished earlier that day so that I can evaluate my productivity--at least that is what I tell myself...