Ultrasounds, healthy baby, about one more week....

The last time we were able to see our baby it was my birthday, we found out it was a boy, and it was wonderful! We shed some tears of joy as we learned we were going to have a healthy baby. As I went in today, two days before my "guess date" I was told that they would check my cervix and see how things looked. I was trying to be okay with it-but the last time I was checked it caused surges and bleeding and unpleasant muscle tension which I did not enjoy. I really didn't want it to set anything into motion. I told my midwife of my concern. Here I was, undressed, sitting on that wonderful table, trying to express my fears and concerns-all the while trying to be brave. He looked at me and asked, "Are you having contractions?" No "Do you want to know if you're dilated?" Not...really-not without contractions "You have a choice, you don't have to have your cervix checked" What-I have a choice? "Its your body, and pregnancy-you're not swelling, bleeding, or have contractions. You're in extreme health, and there have been no problems so far...I don't have to check you." Really? "Why don't we do an ultrasound instead to check your fluids and make sure everything there is okay and right" An ultrasound! YES!!!! I would love to see my baby again! That sounded like the best upgrade/trade ever! So today we saw our baby again, his face, spine, legs and hands. He moved and did a little show for us. It was amazing. Yes there were those tears of joy again. I feel so blessed for a midwife that reminded me that I do have a choice, that this is my pregnancy and I shouldn't give that up. Isn't that how life is...we conform to limits we are told are proper and sound instead of going with our gut, and following instincts that are powerful and true. This was a little silly experience-but the lesson was learned. We truly mold our destiny-grab our own wheel and drive in the direction we feel we need to journey to. Why do we choice to let other people take over so much? Soon I get to hold that baby in my arms! I am growing as much as he is! Wow this earth experience thing is one crazy adventure. I am so excited for what is to come...

Here are some more awesome photos done by the wonderful Amy Welsh~

two and a half weeks LEFT!!!

So how am I feeling? I have to say that if you were to ask me how I was feeling a week or so ago...I would be stating the truth when I told you I was doing wonderfully, happy inside and out. I could not be feeling better. I had no issues to complain of and I was just enjoying the beautiful pregnant body/stage I was in. Then I had two weeks (just ending the second week now) that were so intense, I don't think that I have yet recovered. EVERYTHING came at a head during these two weeks: stake activities, praxis test for level two, conferences, HOA meetings, Hale theatre acting showcases, and orchestra drama/rehearsals just to name a few. "I'm just a girl who can't say no, I'm in a horrible fix!" This was the song that seemed to run though my mind as my own theme music these two weeks. To be honest, it was a lot, but I was helped so much through it all! Nick, other leaders, awesome parents/teachers and the Lord helped me succeed and stay sane. But now I am feeling...less than lovely. My ankles are swelling at night, I got my first stretch marks, baby boy is in my pelvis, he has completely dropped and that gives me leg cramps that hurt worse than...something that hurts so badly it takes your breath away,thanks goodness for my belly belt-I would not make it as a first grade teacher all day without this miracle worker! So I am now counting down. Two and a half more weeks. I just need to get my sub plans in order (easier said then done) and I will be ready with my birthing breathing (yea hypno-birthing) and handsome hubby/dula man to greet this awesome miracle named Nathaniel into our loving family. I am so excited I can't wait...but I will...two and a half more weeks.

So we took some couple shots of the "three" of us. Our dear friend Amy Welsh took these-isn't she amazing!!! We adore them! Enjoy...