-1 day

When we started the blog we had calculated May 25th as our due date, the midwives later calculated the 24th. Not that any of this matters because as you can see, we are approaching the end of the 26th and still no baby. As you can imagine, we are pretty close to losing our minds and yet I couldn't get an appointment with the midwife until Thursday afternoon.

In the meantime, we are trying to keep sane by getting some last minute stuff. We shopped today for a swing and again were overwhelmed. The one we liked was only available as a clearance item that was obviously previously returned. We'll research the other choices available and go from there.

The last thing I want to do is rush her into coming before she is ready, but knowing how limited my time is hurts more as time passes. We'll see what happens if anything tonight and tomorrow.

Wrapping It Up

So technically today is Nia's due date, and I think that ship has sailed and unless something happens tomorrow isn't looking so likely either so now it's anyone's guess. I'm sure you can imagine how much we want to meet her and now it's like Christmas has come and gone and we're still not allowed to open the presents.

I have been archiving this blog since once Nia is born we are moving to a new blog since this was just to chronicle our journey through pregnancy. During the process I have been reading the posts and looking at the pictures and can't believe how quickly 9 months have flown by. I can still remember Melissa and I having the discussion about wanting to start a family. I remember how guilty I felt because of my daughter living so far away that having another child would make her feel like I was replacing her which could never happen.

I think about how our lives are going to change forever. I think about how truly in awe I am of Melissa and how she has handled everything during all of this. I think about all the things we decided on concerning things like discipline, food, guidance, and more and how allot of it will go out the window because each child is different and you really can't predict the personality of your kid in utero. I think about never ending up on the Maury Show. I think about a little Melissa running away from us when we try and comb her hair after we wash it. I think about all the people in our lives that are no longer with us that will never get to meet Nia, some of which Gillian was fortunate to spend time with. I think about the shoes she has, and shoes she'll get. I think about what her laugh will sound like and if she'll be ticklish like her mom, or not like I am. I think about Nia spending time with her big sister Gillian. I think about how her grandmothers will spoil her like no ones business. Most of all, I think about how fortunate I am to be going down this road with such an amazing partner.

Bring on the dirty diapers and sleepless nights!!!

Meeting our Doula

So we decided a little late in the game to have a doula with us at the birth 1) to help Eric out with the physical aspects of assisting with the birth and 2) to have someone with us in the event I wind up having to go to the hospital as the midwives don't. We met with a woman this morning with whom we couldn't be more comfortable and we definitely look forward to having her there with us. I will also confess that I didn't truly have a full understanding of what a doula contributes to the birth experience before this meeting, particularly the support one might get from a family member with the knowledge and objectivity of a professional who won't be too swept up in our emotional state (especially knowing us). I really feel like we would have missed out had we not pursued this.


So we're at 39+4 and so far no real changes that I've noticed. That's fine as I've been wrapping up a couple of things at work this week but should be done by tomorrow. I'm just concerned about having less time with Nia before intern orientation starts June 16th if she arrives after our EDD. Hopefully she'll be ready soon enough. I also look forward to feeling my fingers again. Stay tuned. -M

The Room

For now we're staying in our place and since Nia is going to be in a Co-Sleeper next to the bed all her stuff is in our room.

Nia Is So Getting A Time Out

I know you're saying to yourself "Self, what could an unborn little girl do to already deserve a time out?" She could keep her mom and dad waiting. Well technically, Nia isn't late yet until after the 24th but we just had a checkup today and Melissa's not dilated at all. Not that doesn't mean anything but she's probably not coming early which we had hoped for. Nia is fully baked and we are anxious to meet her but she'll come when she's good and ready.

Other then the pregnancy induced carpel tunnel, some hand itching and arm pain everything is going quite well. I guess we'll just have to be a little more patient. -E

Some pics from the last visit where we took our Mom's:

Mellow Yellow

Some picture I took of Melissa during one of the few remaining spontaneous couple dinners...

Down To Single Digits

I know it's just a number but it's really both exciting and makes us anxious. We know the chances of Nia coming in 9 days is slim to none. Also knowing Nia could come tonight or in 2 weeks from now really has us on edge. We want to meet her so much but we know she'll come when she's ready.

to Nia...

Before anything else I wanted to thank you. Even though we still have a little more to go before you arrive, I can say I've enjoyed carrying you these past nine months. Some moms have a lot of troubles during their pregnancies, but I feel like I've been lucky to be able to share this time with you without too many issues like the bad morning sickness or bad swelling, etc. Right now, typing this is a little difficult, but I wanted to you to know how much Mommy appreciates how good you've been to her. I really can't wait to see you. Daddy and I are going to do everything we can to make sure your arrival is not too scary and that you're as comfy as can be right away. I plan to have a nice first meal all ready for you too.

Things are pretty much set for you. You'll be sleeping right next to me and Daddy for a while, so we'll be right there when you want us. There will be lots of people who will want to meet you, but we'll make sure that we give you time to adjust and hang with us first and that you won't be too overwhelmed.

Our time together has made me think about so many things. Mostly, I think about all the things I want to teach you and how much I'm sure I'll learn from you.

For a long time, I didn't know whether I wanted be anyone's Mommy. But now I know that there is nothing better because I get to be yours. Meeting your Daddy and loving him so much made it feel right for us to bring you into the world. It made what I thought was complicated so simple. Daddy and I love you very much. See you soon.

Love Mommy

Melissa Week 38

Um, any day now Nia, any day...

Ode To Nia

Gillian and I have our song, "There Goes My Life" by Kenny Chesney. Even though we're not huge fans of the genre, it's a Country song but it is truly beautiful. I remember singing it with Gillian at my brothers wedding:



Since we're having another girl I felt like even though Nia isn't born yet we needed a song as well, and once again turned to Country (I don;t see T-pain or Justin Timberlake writing a song about daughters). I chose "My Little Girl" from Tim McGraw. I defy you to not be in tears after listening to this song even if you don't like Country music.



Here's the lyrics:

Tim McGraw, My Little Girl Lyrics

Verse 1:
Gotta hold on easy as I let you go.
Gonna tell you how much I love you,
though you think you already know.
I remember I thought you looked like an angel wrapped in pink so soft and warm.
You've had me wrapped around your finger since the day you were born.

Chorus:
Your beautiful baby from the outside in.
Chase your dreams but always know the road that'll lead you home again.
Go on, take on this whole world.
But to me you know you'll always be, my little girl.

Verse 2:
When you were in trouble that crooked little smile could melt my heart of stone.
Now look at you, I've turned around and you've almost grown.
Sometimes you're asleep I whisper "I Love You!" in the moonlight at your door.
As I walk away, I hear you say, "Daddy Love You More!".

(Repeat Chorus)

Verse 3:
Someday, some boy will come and ask me for your hand.
But I won't say "yes" to him unless I know, he's the half
that makes you whole, he has a poet's soul, and the heart of a man's man.
I know he'll say that he's in love.
But between you and me. He won't be good enough!

(Repeat Chorus)

13 DAYS!!!

Cast Ye Out

Melissa and I experimented and made a belly cast of her so we could have a memento of our pregnancy, I mean besides Nia of course. At first I was grossed out by the feeling of the plaster cast and was about to throw the towel in but soon after I got into it and we had a blast making it. Not sure how were going to decorate it. We may give it to one of of our artist friends or wait for Nia and Gillian to do it together. We definitely want her birth date, name and weight on it...

Sweet Melissa...

She looks ready for summer, and ready to have a baby!

Ready, Set, Whew...

We are for all intensive purposes mentally, physically, and spiritually ready for Nia. Our place is clean, she has space for all her stuff, and we are finishing making space for our stuff now that we have rearranged everything. Here is a picture of her newly built armoire:

BEFORE:


AFTER:
With some of her stuff in it:


Special thanks to Momo for painting the baskets pink...