Annual autumn trip to the berry picking farm:

Beginning of the cloth diaper stockpile:

(So adorable!)

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies:

We’ve entered into the 8th month of pregnancy and although I’m still remarkably healthy, I’m finally realizing that I am pregnant.  Physically, that is.  My body feels crowded–much like riding in a crowded, hot subway car with elbows and little space to breathe.   I’m slower than ever before.  Simple things like rolling over in bed have become events.  Strangers feel oddly obligated to comment on my condition.  Possibly because my belly button is large and pointy and difficult to hide.  Today I went to a lovely yoga class at this charming local studio.  Even though I’m surrounded by pregnant women at work, I found comfort in being around the other round-bellied women.  Who found it equally awkward to negotiate body movement and balance.  To truly spend time with my pregnant-self and our still-incredibly-active baby.

Who now has a name.

in the summer it’s surprisingly easy to forget about snow on the mountains.  and the way it makes you pause in wonder.  and then fall arrives with high-altitude snow and the early morning drive west-ward becomes, not surprisingly, spiritual.

Small joys lately:

Dinner out with my sweet husband

Baby Care Class with my sweet husband

REI browsing

Peanut butter reeces cup ice cream with wheat thins

A quiet Saturday morning in the sun to fold baby clothes

A long hike in mountains with my sweet husband

Naps

The first (decaf) pumpkin spice latte of the season

Homemade pizza

An orchid plant from my sweet husband

Our baby with hiccups

I made the executive decision to forego childbirthing classes. To Josh’s strong approval. As a labor and delivery nurse (and certified doula!) I’m not sure the long evenings spent learning the basics would be time well-spent. I worry a little about Josh and his level of preparation. Although he’s heard countless stories, can name most of the common labor medications, and, if put to the test, I believe he could safely deliver a baby. I’ve given him decision-by-decision play-by-plays of each and every delivery I’ve personally done (solo!) and, to both of our amusement, retold for him the often-embarassing deliveries performed by our clueless first year residents. So he’s heard it all.

The one where there was a twin we didn’t know about. The one where the umbilical cord came out before the baby. The one where the mom refused to wear clothes. The one where the dad passed out. The one where the mom had two uteruses. The one when the baby died.  Josh often begins his days by hearing animated stories of bizarre nights on the labor unit.

I’m not sure if any of this counts as childbirth preparation. I’m not sure there is such a thing as childbirth preparation. No labor I’ve attended has ever been like the countless I’ve attended previously. Which is scary. And so comforting. That our delivery will be ours no matter how prepared we may or may not be.

I have found a few books to be helpful in preparing Josh for the softer side of childbirth. We recommend Birthing From Within. Birth Day as well as The Birth Partner.

Josh will, however, be attending a baby care class. During which I will relish in delight as he plays with baby-dolls, trying to master The Diaper Change. Taking A Temperature. Burping. Things of this nature. These past 8 months gestating parenthood have left me with such anticipation of seeing Josh as a father.

A near-perfect day.

Pedicure

Rainbows

Peach iced tea

Sunset at the lake

Hallie’s floppy lips