you can take this bed and shove it

...out of my way cuz I ain't laying on it no more.

I've been given the official word by my specialist that I am no longer on medical ordered bed rest. Funny, I still can't seem to get off the couch. My back is tweaked, my pelvis unstable and the contractions ramp up after I've sat up for awhile. Although I'm still not allowed to partake in the housework I so miss, I'm allowed to leave the apartment even drive if needed just as long as I rest whenever overwhelmed with discomfort. Given my present state of deconditionning, that's about every half hour so I guess I won't get far. Good thing too as I might not have the energy to make it back.

Jack and I have spend such quality time together throughout this process. Here is one of his favourites we discovered together.

inspiration

There are so many things in this world that inspire. Thought I'd share mine this week. Enjoy.

Dance
Music

how pregnant

This shoot took everything out of me but I am so glad we still had time to have it done. A wonderful memory captured.











Images courtesy of Mary Jane Howland

32 weeks, the final countdown

At 32 weeks, my doctor has announced they will not try to stop this baby from arriving should labour commence. This makes me immensely happy as the drugs used to stall labour are very invasive and not without inherent risks to both me and baby.

I have only 2 more weeks of bed rest left. When I reach 34, I’m not only allowed to get up, but can drive, walk, visit friends, and slowly resume activity. Having said this, it's also not likely to last as even now I feel the increased pressure of baby when up for too long!

In February, a number of you placed a bet for when baby will arrive. Let’s recap.!

34 weeks, 5 days, 5 lbs 2 oz., girl;
(not a bad estimate given how things have been going)

33 weeks, 5 lbs 3 oz, girl;.
(I would be very happy with a 33-weeker)

39 weeks, 7 lbs 3 oz;
(doctors would say this is very optimistic)

36 weeks, 2 days, 5lbs 2oz, boy;
(by the time I get up, it might take this long to get things going)

40 weeks, 5lbs 7oz, boy;
(no way I’m letting it go this long, sorry!)

32 weeks, 4lbs 13oz, girl;
(unless something happens today…)

From our experience so far, we are guessing right on 34 weeks, and approx. 5 lbs. It is surreal to be in a postition where I could completely influence this outcome if I chose to. Don't worry, that's not part of my plan. Of course that will change immediately should I reach 36 weeks!

convocation

Chris' official graduation from law school was today. Has it really been 3 years? We are all so very proud of him. Unfortunately, Jack has been up a ridiculous amount at night this week, which has taken a toll on all of us given our small quarters. Subsequently, none of us attended his convocation and decided to rest (Chris studied) instead.
Chris will be concentrating his efforts the next remaining 7 weeks attending the Professional Legal Training Course (PLTC), the prep program for writing the Bar exam at the end of July. (And I guess we'll have a baby in there somewhere too, just to mix things up.) This fall we'll definitely have a party to celebrate the completion of all things stressful and we'll focus our attention to Chris' call ceremony later on in the year when he is called to the Bar following his articles at Cardinal Law, a great Victoria firm who has brought him on for the year.

We often ponder the insanity of the last three years and anticipate the ease of those to come. Moments later we usually laugh at ourselves as we're probably completely delusional at how difficult family life can be with 2 children and 2 full time jobs. We are, in fact, ready for our next challenging chapter and the adventures that come our way.

in an absolut world

Classic.

ring of fire

I have decided that coping with bed rest is much like acid reflux. When the going gets bad, the surrounding negative feelings burn and burn some more. Days I suppress those feelings, I'm able to swallow it down to control the burning in my throat. Funny how it still rots my stomach...

Had a lovely cuddle with my son last night. He kept waking so Chris and Jack swapped beds (he sure looked funny in that crib) and Jack crashed with me. Amidst his tossing and turning, he rolled towards me, reached up with his hand, stroked my face, patted my head, mumbled "Mama" through his soother and drifted off. Soon I will have two that will treat me that way. Makes it all worth it.

Oh yes, and happy 31 weeks to me.