week 36

it's been awhile since my last update. that's because there hasn't been too much going on over here. at least not things that make for interesting reading.

we've been going to child birth classes. i've heard many people say that that's a good idea, and others seem to think that child birth is the most natural thing in the world and no one should need a class for it. i like to be as knowledgable as possible when my world is about to change. so i say why not? i have learned some things and it has helped me to feel more prepared.

we have now had 2 baby showers, and have had many packages arrived in the mail that were total surprises. we are so incredibly lucky to have the friends that we do. and we both thank you all for your love and support. i feel a lot like a child a christmas when a package arrives.

last weekend we buckled down and bought most of the things that were on our list of essentials that hadn't been purchased yet (car seat being the most critical) but also dresser, diapers, etc. those things will officially arrive this week. this has drastically reduced my anxiety. i still don't really know how to be a mom, but at least i will have tools that will help me.

each weekend, i've been trying to make a few freezer meals that we can wipe out in the first few weeks after. this has been making the weekends be a bit fuller than normal (purchasing things, throwing 3 extra meals together, etc) but i think it will help pay off in the end. currently we have lasagna roll-ups, italian moose stew, cilantro lime chicken, chili, and black bean & lentil stew.

i'm still not as uncomfortable as i expected to be. i don't sleep as well as i usually do, and the evenings/nights i sometimes get some hip pain. but the very worst i would call it would be mild discomfort. pregnancy comfort level is probably a luck of the draw type deal, for which i have been incredibly lucky. i do the that maintaining a usual exercise routine helps as well. i haven't been running or doing anything really hardcore, but walking during all lunch breaks and doing prenatal exercise videos 4-5 days a week.

i have been fairly surprised at how talkative and nice complete strangers are to you when you are pregnant. people who would never talk to me make random conversations regarding wee baby seamus. asking how far along, gender, etc. and making really sweet comments towards me. (you don't look that far along! be careful out there dear, it's icy! congratulations, honey! - were all said to me be three different people this weekend at REI). fortunately, i haven't had any strangers want to touch my belly, because i wouldn't take too kindly to that.

nice post will hopefully be more crafty .... are you ready? i'm making burp cloths! crazy, right?