30 Thank You's & A Countdown

I somehow feel strangely connected to all you old hens - more so, than before. Maybe it's because I crossed that threshold a few weeks ago and entered into the realm of the 30's ~ or maybe it's all the chap stick, toiletries and socks I currently own (is that what happens during your 30's? do you begin to hoard random items to be certain you never run out?) :) Thank you all for your thoughtful gifts! It was so much fun getting them!

We didn't do anything too spectacular for my birthday. My mom hosted a lovely dinner up at their swimming pool, which was fun. Barbecue and ice cream cake! I'm not sure who's idea the barbeque was - lol. As a "recovering" vegetarian, I'm not convinced it would have been my first pick, but it sure was good!

I must admit that I was a little worried about the whole affair, because my thoughtful mother had invited my in-laws the morning before all that silly stuff happened in my previous post. I was certain that the whole affair would be just awkward. But it turned out quite nice. There was no major drama to speak of.

Loki has become quite the little walker, which is VERY exciting. He's definitely getting better at it, but still often looks like "Franken-baby" with his hands out in front of him to balance. He's also starting to chat up a storm. Usually, he says things that we've said to him before, but occasionally he'll surprise us. Yesterday, he said, "Bye" to me - which really isn't that big of a deal I suppose, but it about broke my heart. I think it had less to do with the actual saying of the word, "Bye" and more to do with his realization and acceptance of our separation. Which is really just silly since I leave him all the time (at his grandparents, with his dad and now at daycare). And of course, I want him to be independent. But maybe there's a part of me that's just not OK with it! And/or maybe I'm 9 months pregnant and slightly over emotional!

Speaking of being pregnant, the countdown has begun. In fact, I'm up typing this post at 5 AM on Saturday because a few contractions woke me up. But don't worry - I'm not going into labor - YET!

We had our in home visit last Friday with my midwife. That was alot of fun. I was 3 cm dialated then and about 60% effaced. I had another appointment yesterday and I have apparently progressed, but they wouldn't check how much further for fear of accidentally inducing labor.

I think my midwife over booked herself for August. She has four of us about ready to pop. Two are Mennonite women in Virginia. Both of which I think began labor yesterday! Luckily they only live about a mile apart - but they're about an hour and a half away from here. The other woman is local here like me and was due on the 12th but not showing any signs yet of labor. But she'll surely go any day now.

Elora (which is now what we're thinking we may call her) is really down in there, though. I mean REALLY down in there. Without being too graphic, it literally feels like she's about to just slide right out - and wouldn't that make for a nice smooth labor. If only...

Well, I think I might see if I can snuggle back in bad - it's just too early to be awake!