So Much News...

We have been so busy lately, we have neglected our blog. We are 32 weeks along now, and the countdown is on. On the other hand, being pregnant is starting to be a way of life. Here is a brief update with all of the important stuff (we'll spare you the small details that fill our day, but don't need rehashing).

A New Hospital, A New Midwife- As we hoped, we have been very pleased with our new midwife and hospital choice. It's a bit far, now that I am doing weekly visits, but really it's just 25 miles away. Well worth it to me. We are very excited and curious about this labor.

Gina and Kristina- Our dear Texas family came to see us. First of all, I am the proudest Godmother! I have the smartest and best lookin little angel of a 2 year old Godson. Asher and Mason were both born on the same day. I think if you ever have a chance to meet someone who shares their birthday you will immediately become their best friend for life. It must be a very blessed day of the year. Both boys- lookers and thinkers!

Gina and Kristina's newest baby is so lovely and alert, it was a joy to have her in our home, test driving a few of Myles' new things. When I would hold Ellie on my big belly, Myles was not pleased to share space. He would kick and push her. Like her mothers, Ellie is no pushover and she would push on back. It was hilarious to watch and feel. Already they have started what will be a life-long familiarity.

Outside of not really sleeping for a few days (great practice) it was a perfect visit with people we love.

Party- So Coleen, Bea and Dick (who worked in the background) threw Mason, Myles and I a very cool shower. It was amazing to see my mom and dad's friends-some I have not seen in 20+ years. Relatives and neighbors joined in the celebrations. We played very fun games, ate well, and enjoyed each others' company. People were very generous and helped us out as we take on the mass accumulation of stuff for baby.





Mason and the other men tried to go to a wine and fine food event, but due to confusion in scheduling, they had to leave before the food was served. They had a great time anyway, and showed up in time to help us clean up. What fun!

A Party for our Homies- Melissa has kindly put together a party for us much closer to home. It's for our friends with us in town. Melissa is promising food and drink (some of which I can't sample) but I know it will be such a blast. It's been a long while since we had a party, and we can't wait to see people we know and love.

Back at Work- Well, it is very good to be back at work. I came back at the beginning of August and my classroom has been consistently 90-100 degrees from 8 am on. That is very exhausting for me and the kids. But it is great to see them. I am frantically trying to get a whole year's worth of organizing done, so when I leave the sub will have a sense of what to do. It's a lot of planning, but it feels good to be looking forward to my maternity leave and being home with my husband and son.

End of Summer

It is hard to believe that August is here. I am both sad to see my month-long hiatus from reality come to a close, but also very excited to see the start of a new school year. First of all, I love the fall. It has always been my favorite time of year. Although it is still firmly summer (95+ most days), being back at work is exciting. Granted I am putting in 3-5 hour days and coming home and napping immediately thereafter. Maybe when I am putting in full days the luster of the new year will wane, but for now I look forward to seeing the kids.

Mason and I hired a doula this week. It was a decision we waffled on for the length of the pregnancy, but now are truly thrilled we made the choice. We found someone who was a good fit for both of us. We are now faced with the likelihood of changing midwifery practices due to unexpected turnover at the old one. I think we have found a great place elsewhere. It's about the same distance for us. No final decision has been made, but I think that is where we are heading. The last trimester might seem a little late for changing our practitioner, but I actually feel more calm and grounded in what I want. I think Mason is the same way. Fears that I held before have almost entirely melted into sheer excitement. I feel that we are preparing for a great ceremony, a celebration and a reunion. It is a good feeling.