Showered

The countdown is still happening here and at 38 weeks and a handful of days, it is getting closer with each day. Other than that pesky hospital bag I need to pack, everything is all ready for our little Olive. The nursery is set and ready to go, the clothes are washed, blankets folded and the car seat installed. All we need is the baby.

Most of the adorable baby gear and clothes came from the wonderful baby shower a few weekends back. The shower was held Valentine's Day weekend and had a heart / olive theme. It was so much fun and so nice to share the day surrounded by women who already love our little Olive.

My work family also held a surprise shower for me and the Olive this past Friday. It was another showing of support for which I was so grateful.

Plus both events had cake and this pregnant woman loves cake!

I've said from the beginning that this child will be very loved and that has been so evident. Friends and family have been extremely kind and generous as we've prepared to welcome our little one. It's something I've been telling the Olive a lot lately as I've been trying to convince the little guy or girl to come out. I let the Olive know that there are a lot of people who are so excited to see him and welcome him to our world.

Let's hope she's listening...

The Proverbial Straw

I am officially full term in this pregnancy...at 37 weeks and a couple of days, the Olive would be good to go if he or she made an appearance. It would, of course, be better for him if he stayed put for at least one or two more weeks, but knowing he would be considered full-term has me very excited...and counting the days until we actually meet.

In spite of the litany of pregnancy woes - mainly back pain, being super tired, feeling HUGE and occasional heartburn, I was doing okay and was still quite happy being pregnant until last week. Last week marked the beginning of the swelling where I can no longer identify my ankles as separate from my puffy feet or legs. I also look like an unwed mother most of the time since my rings no longer fit my pudgy hands. Again, although not pleasant, I could totally deal with the swelling until the carpal tunnel started. Due to the swelling, I can no longer feel my hands for a good portion of each morning. I wake up at night with an uncomfortable pins and needles feeling burning through my hands and up my arms. Seriously, pregnancy induced carpal tunnel syndrome was not something I was expecting and I'm not at all fond of it. It is really the symptom that has me being over being pregnant and ready to move on to being a mother.

Different

I've mentioned before how important yoga practice is to me in general and how it has been a source of comfort throughout this pregnancy. It's been a growing experience for me, to accept what this changed body can do and work with that rather than forcing movement that just isn't possible right now. I've had to breathe my way through poses that in the past would have come much more easily, but having to work within my new realm of body and mind has been more beneficial than just arriving easily in poses. I certainly look forward to getting "my" body back and moving more easily, but this time of moving for two and sharing my body has been enlightening.

This picture was taken about two years ago after a morning of hiking near Las Vegas. I remember pushing effortlessly into full wheel and having little problem holding the pose (on a rock, none the less) while the picture was taken. While my form isn't exactly correct, I've always found it to be a gorgeous pose.

Now, I wouldn't even attempt wheel (not only could I not do it, but it wouldn't be safe), but do find that reverse table is a passable substitute. The form here is not ideal in the least, but then I'm 36 weeks pregnant and not going for ideal. I just want to maintain some strength and flexibility as I prepare for labor, birth and motherhood. Nothing comes without effort these days, but the very act of making the effort is part of the practice and part of accepting where I am and where I am going.

Spring

Each year, I tend to jump the gun on the spring season. I was reminded of this when for some reason I received a magazine from the American Horticultural Society at work the other day. It featured veg gardening tips and I immediately got excited until my boss reminded me to wait until at least two weeks after I want to to actually start planting. I know that is the best thing to do, I just get so anxious to get out there and start the garden.

This morning as I was gazing out the window, trying to balance a 9 month pregnant belly in tree pose and focusing on the real trees for inspiration, I noticed buds on our Tulip Poplar. Then I remembered that the spring equinox is only four weeks away...it's March 20, the same day as Olive's expected due date. And suddenly I am even more excited for spring this year.

A Space for the Olive

While I've been concentrating on providing a safe and warm home for the Olive in utero, Chris has been working on the space for once the little guy or girl makes an appearance. He ripped out carpet, laid cork floors and painted the walls of the nursery. He also put together the furniture. Then I stepped in for the decorating portion of the Olive's room. The nursery is now pretty much finished, so here are some pictures. I just love the room. The light reflecting on the walls is just amazing and the vibe is serene. There will be plenty to stimulate baby, but it is also a calming, reflective space. I often find myself just wandering into the room and gazing at all the baby gear. I've noticed Chris and Prada doing the same thing. It's a welcoming room and we are so excited to share it with the Olive (at least Chris and I are, not sure what Prada thinks of the whole business).

The Olive is lucky enough to have not one, but two pieces, of original artwork in his space. The one above was done by my Mom and I simply adore the little birdie and the swirly tree. The piece of art below is by my cousin Tara. She gave it to us for our wedding...it's titled Leap of Faith and if marriage is a leap of faith, then having a baby certainly is, too. The monkey is beautifully done and I'm glad we have found the a good home in the Olive's room. I hope both of these pieces of art inspire our little Olive to be creative and whimsical as she grows up.

This little owl we found at a local Clintonville shop. His name is Ernie and he's handmade out of a recycled sweater. For now, Ernie, is keeping the crib warm.

Below is the view of the room from the door. The hanging quilt features animal faces. It's so cute! I can't wait to teach the names of the animals to our little Olive. This shot also shows a little bit the great light in the room. At certain times of the day, the sun coming in through the curtains onto the yellow walls is just gorgeous.

And finally the feeding corner. I'm sure the glider will get lots of use. This picture also shows the scope of the room...it's cozy, just perfect for a little person who doesn't need a lot of space anyway.

We're That Kind of Family...

...where we encourage gambling and betting in a variety of forms. Feel free to join in as we countdown to The Olive's arrival: http://www.expectnet.com/logingame.php?game_n ame=Olive-Ripening.

Latest Creation

I've been baking a lot this pregnancy. So much so that I think my neighbors might be tired of delivered treats to their doors. When Chris commented on the baking this morning as I was creating yet another recipe, I said it's because I can't drink. It made sense to me.

Anyway, this morning I had one overripe banana I wanted to use in something so I came up with this which seemed healthier and quicker to me than traditional banana bread. It is loosely based on this original recipe. If you try this, let me know what you think. As always with my recipes, add more or less of what like and remember all my measurements are approximate. As long as you end up with a batter (and not a dough), you should be good.

Fruit Whole Wheat Muffins
1 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
3 1/2 teaspoons wheat germ
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Sprinkle of powdered ginger
3 - 5 teaspoons vegetable oil (start with three and add slowly to moisten the batter)
2 eggs
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup hot water
3 teaspoons sugar
1 individual serving of no sugar added apple sauce (if using from an actual jar, I would guess this about 1/4 cup)
1 mashed very ripe banana (could / should increase this for more banana flavor)
1/2 cup (or large handful) of whatever frozen fruit you have - I used cherries

Mix together all the ingredients, adding the banana and frozen fruit last. Portion into muffin pans. Bake at 325 for about 18 minutes.

*Note these are not overly sweet muffins, but do taste wholesome and delicious.