38 weeks

Robb did a body cast of my belly a few weeks back. The casting materials came in a kit that was a Christmas gift from my sister. Very neat experience and, with Robb's artistic touch, it turned out beautifully! What a memorabilia!

These pictures were taken close to 38 weeks. Doctors said this morning that I am 1/2 way ephased. We're on our way but no active labor yet.....

Birth Art - Baby Mandala

I don't know if it's finished yet, but...

34 weeks

Pictures courtesy of Tom Seal...

Yoga at 32 weeks

I'm still attempting yoga as often as I can. It's definitely more challenging but seems to help me focus on deep breathing/relaxing, connecting with our growing baby and making more room in my abdomen, which is feeling pretty crowded these days.

The little one is growing 1/2 pound a week at this point and may potentially double in weight between now and the birth! She is as active as ever and keeps me on my toes with her little movements and developing personality.

One more birthing class left in the 12 week series.... It has been very informative and preparatory (but we're ready to have our Sunday nights back!). One of the other couples in our class already gave birth last week! It's so exciting to think that she will be here is a matter of weeks!

Week 32 - Baby Shower!

Kate's sister, Kristin, organized a lovely baby shower that was held on 1/10/09. (The pictures are complimentary of Sandy Robinson.) As we gathered, we played games, shared stories, and enjoyed the company of both old friends and new friends, earth mothers, pet mothers and baby mothers. The gifts given were all extremely thoughtful and will be helpful as we prepare for our baby's arrival. Thanks to everyone who participated in this event, as your support and generosity make this process more fun and love-filled.

Week 31

The baby quilt is finally finished! Machine sewn patches but all the 'quilting' is hand embroidered. Quilters across the land officially have my full respect. Can't wait to see our little one wrapped up in it ~ many, many hours of love & labor poured into this project!
At the last doctors appointment, her heart beat was 150 beats per minute, a sound that resonates in my soul everytime I hear it!
Our nursery is coming along nicely, thanks to our parents who have gifted us generously with furniture and decor. We also have an incredible supply of baby clothes and blankets, thanks to our siblings. Robb assembled the crib and installed the new window shades.
It truly takes a village to prepare for a family.

Week 28-29

Week 28/29: Officially in the last trimester! Lots of growth in the last few weeks . Our doctors appointments are upgrading now from monthly to 2x/month. Baby is still very active in my tummy and seems to respond more to sounds...especially last night while we watched Robb's band, Eyrys, play a gig in Denver.

I still feel very strong and healthy, relying on my gym workouts 3x/week and regular walks and yoga to help me feel energized and limber. 'Exercising' is very modified at this point but I do what I can at a slow, comfortable pace. Note to self: I am definitely shoe shopping this weekend for slip-ons since tying my shoes presents quite a challenge now.

Robb and I toured the birth center at Boulder Community Hospital last week and got pre-registered to simplify the admission process when that time comes. The birth center is very nice, calm and private and will be a fine place to deliver this little peanut. We are planning on doing most of our laboring at home, per our Bradley Method Birthing training, then going to the birth center to complete the journey.

Only health concern: my iron levels are low (as portrayed by blood tests and bloody noses) so I'm on suppliments now and have officially transitioned into a 'Meat-atarian'. I can hear the 'beef' song playing in my head as we speak..it's what's for dinner!