Where is Weezie?

Hi Everyone.

Well today is the Official Due Date, but as of yet Weezie has not appeared!

Kristin has had a few contractions this past week, and is holding up great. Her belly frequently makes all sorts of weird shapes, hard to tell if lil Weezie is trying to get comfortable or trying to get out.

Kristin's folks arrived yesterday to help out, it is great having them around to support our venture into the unknown.

Out next appointment in on the 10th.

We have our bags packed and in the car, we are all set go and getting excited. Lots of Love to All.

Weezie is 38 Weeks and 2 days - 95.7% Baked!

We are officially down to the wire. Only 12 days left til we reach lil' Weezie's November 7th due date. Our www.bebepool.com/kawowen closes in 2 days so get your votes in if you haven't already!

The 37 week check up last Monday went well, we met with another OB practitioner at NMPG and he, like the others we've met with, was great. At that stage I was a surprising 1 1/2 cm dilated, the baby's head was at 0 station and engaged meaning I could go into official labor at any moment, could be hours, days, weeks no one knows. After the appointment I treated myself to a Bliss 'Mama to Be' massage and bikini wax, nice but probably not the best idea after the appointment. Once we got home that's evening I was having some intense pelvic and groin pain where at one stage I couldn't move my legs, poor Rich had to come over to my side of the bed each time I needed to roll over to help move. Thankfully, that pain went away by morning and I know it's just my body prepping itself for the big "D" Day. I've been having some occasional cramping lately and get really winded quickly these days but nothing too intense. I've been able to get some frequent rest and am just taking it easy getting as much done as possible before the lil' one gets here- from shopping, errands and cleaning to hanging out with friends and getting some pampering (mani/pedi, massage, haircut). Rich has been a great help with everything.

Coincidentally, we've been spending a lot of time with friends with young kids lately. This past weekend we had our friend's Jen and Randall's little Weston's 1st birthday party which was chock-full of kids of all ages; last weekend we visited with our friend's LP and Sonia who just had a baby girl, Samira- a prelude into what we can expect of our lives and how it will change in just a few short days. We also caught up with our friends Jon and Kate and their twin girls on the same weekend.

Our next appointment is on Friday where we hope to get more exciting news about the progression of the pregnancy. Here's to hoping I continue to progress smoothly, Weezie is still ready to go and we get to hold her in our arms sooner rather than later. I know this time will fly by!

10-10-10 and a Watermelon

Happy 10-10-10 everyone!  It's our nephew Archer's 1st birthday in Australia, what a cool date to celebrate! Happy Birthday, lil' man. Wish we could be there to celebrate with you! It's amazing how quickly time flies as we remember like it was just yesterday receiving the news of his arrival. The days continue to pass so fast for us too and I can't believe we've already reached week 36 (9 months) and only have 28 days to go before our EDD. Only one week til we reach full term mark :). Tomorrow is our 36 week check up, I know the pregnancy continues to progress as normal but wish we could be given a firm date as to when to expect to go into labor. Suppose it's fine to be kept on our toes, keeps things interesting. Weezie is the approximate size of a watermelon (yum! one of my only cravings throughout the pregnancy). She is hiccuping heaps which I love (pretty much like clock work every night at around 9:30pm and again every other day at around 4pm). She also continues to roll around lots. I haven't had any chronic symptoms thus far, only one night of sore ribs, the occasional achy back, and a bit of pressure recently. I've continued to be able to sleep really well and don't think I've experienced any Braxton Hicks contractions yet.

Rich and I are proud, recent graduates of two classes - Baby Basics and Infant CPR. The CPR class was definitely worthwhile and recommended. I've been very impressed with Rich's active participation in all of the classes so far and the pointed questions he asks. If we were to be graded on class participation he'd definitely be top of the class. Next up is Wednesday night's breastfeeding class. Not sure if he'll be as comfortable with actively participating in this one! I'll keep you posted.

We've been making a point of doing a few things to prepare for the baby each week as well as getting out and enjoying each other and spending time with friends at least a few times a week. This week's baby prep involves finishing packing the overnight bag and heading to the Children's Hospital to get our car seat installation inspected as well as the breastfeeding class. Last week we met with our pediatrician, Dr. Levine, we are really comfortable with her and her staff and she came highly recommended.

Rich unfortunately dislocated his patella (knee cap) on Friday night and we've been a bit house bound, owing to living on the third floor walk up. We are hoping to get him in to see a specialist tomorrow (although I think he'll be competing for appointments with all of the Chicago marathon runners from today). We're confident that he will fully recover soon! Thanks so much to our friends who have come by to visit and especially to our friend Dave White who came over on Saturday morning with much appreciated and needed supplies to help w. recovery.

Before I sign off, just a quick reminder to get your baby pool stats in ASAP. Thanks to all of you that have participated already! Pool will close in the next few weeks. I love checking to see what everyone's thoughts are on Weezie's stats, it's my latest obsession. I think it may be because, frankly, I like stats and friendly competition, but above all with each entry I enjoy envisioning and revisiting the possibilities of what our lil' one may be like and when she may arrive. Again, the site is www.bebepool.com/kawowen. Winner will be the envy of their peers and also receive naming rights to the special stuffed koala I made for Weezie. xoxo

40 Days and a Baby Class Haze

Hi everyone, Kristin and Baby Weezie are going great, 34 weeks and counting. It is getting close, each time I go to my iGoogle home page I am reminded via a countdown app, today it says 40 days to go. Time has really flown by so far.

Last night we did a Baby Basics class were were learnt to swaddle, change and feed a baby, it was informative and a little daunting. Last week we did the Great Expectations class where we were put through our passes with all the labor and pre/postnatal stuff, this class was more intense, I was sure not to ask any really dumb questions.

We encourage everyone to go to www.bebepool.com/kawowen, Kristin has created a bit of a guessing game there, where you can predict Baby Weezie's measurements, date/time of birth, eye and hair color. The prize will be the envy of your peers.

Oh and in case anyone missed it the in utero nickname vote recently closed, the result was Weezie 17 Maisie 14. It was close but Weezie prevailed.

On a sad note, Kristin's Grandfather passed away late last week. Michael Blake was 94 years old. He served his country in WWII. We all called him 'Popi', he was such a good man, ever devoted to his wife (Nani), who passed away 2 months ago. We will always remember Popi and his songs, which we will be sure to sing to our Baby.

13 Flights and Counting

Richard and I with CN Tower. Richard is wearing
a new Canadian pullover with a Beaver on it.

Our nice, relaxing "Babymoon" weekend went by quickly but was a welcome respite for us all. It's always fun to explore a new city and only a cruisy hour flight away from Chicago, Toronto was the perfect locale to head to. We didn't plan much and took it fairly easy as I've been losng a lot of steam quicker than usual owing to the pregnancy, of course. We did get to see and do a bit, regardless, including checking out the famous St. Lawerence Market, just down the block from our hotel. We purchased some great local cheeses, marinated veggies and meat pies to have later that day at our hotel, which was more like a full service apartment with kitchenette, in the heart of downtown. The market was similar to the Vic. Market in Melbourne. I miss these sorts of places and only wish we had something similar here in Chicago. We did a bit of shopping along Yonge Street followed by some much needed and appreciated 'Mama-to-Be' spa treatments that Rich arranged for me - heavenly!

On Sunday we headed to the CN Tower, I believe this is still considered the world's tallest tower, for an early lunch at their 360 rotating restaurant. I definately recommend booking at the restaurant as opposed to waiting in line for the few hours to get to the top of the Tower like many, many others did. For $10 more than the regular admission to the Tower top you get a nice meal in a very relaxed setting and truly get to take in the sites of the city without feeling rushed or claustrophobic. We also got to take in the Toronto airshow while having our lunch (doesn't even compare with the Chicago Air Show). Toronto had some similarities to both Melbourne and Chicago, from some of the old Victorian buildings, markets and coffees in Melbourne to being a large city on one of the Great Lakes like Chicago (albeit I don't think Toronto takes full advantage of their proximity to the lake nearly as well as Chitown). 

On the quick hop home I had realized that Weezie has been on 13 flights in utereo including a few trips to Texas and NJ, NY, Florida, DC, and this last trip to Toronto; she's also been on a few road trips to WI, GA, SC, DC. Quite the lil' traveler already! If only we could accrue frequent flyer miles for her as I know through the years, she'll be traveling with us a lot more and the miles would come in handy for our trips back to Oz.

Date night tonight as Rich and I head on a dinner cruise on the lake downtown. Taking advantage of the last 7 remaining weekends as a couple sans baby. Tomorrow we'll be consumed by all things baby as we will be taking an all day "Great Expectations" class at the hospital. We'll be sure to send a follow up as to what we learned.

Oh yeah, this week's Drs. appointment went well. Met a new, great Dr. in the group, Weezie's heartbeat is beating strong at 160 bpm, she's head down but still moving lots and all looking great so far. Results of my 3 hour glucose test were all fine too.

Babymoon and Rookie Moves

Small selection of Weezie's closet

Tomorrow Rich and I leave for our weekend babymoon trip to Toronto, Canada. We love to travel, especially internationally, but I'm really thankful that the flight tomorrow is only about an hour as I've realized during last trip to Dallas that an hour is about the max I can manage these days without getting claustrophobic or uncomfortable on planes or the like. We are looking forward to this trip and I am realizing it is most likely the last flight we will take sans Weezie! We don't have many plans for Toronto except Rich booked me some "Mommy to Be" spa treatments at the hotel we are staying at - The Cosmopolitan Hotel and Spa- on Saturday afternoon. Can't wait! Will be sure to update the blog after the trip.

Only 9 weeks and 3 days until my due date! We are continuing to stay busy and had a great time with my family for our Godson and nephew - Jacob Liam's baptism in Texas a few weeks ago. My mom just left after a week-long visit. Her timing was perfect as I had to take the three-hour glucose test at the Drs. office while she was here as well as appear in traffic court to dispute a ticket and get my license back after making a right hand turn at a red light, an infringement that occurred while Rich's parents were in the car during their visit (note: first ticket I received since I was 16). Thankfully, the glucose test came out fine and I was able to get the traffic court case dismissed. Thanks to mom for her support and company during both experiences.

My friend Katie also hosted a great baby shower for me last weekend with my Chicago-based girlfriends. It was so nice to catch up w. everyone  and am grateful for all of the generous gifts received as well as the effort put into the day to make it such a fun time!

The baby's room is pretty much ready to go we have the crib put together, bedding in place, closet already full of gorgeous lil girl clothes and I've finished up the artwork for the walls (a few modge podges and chalkboards on special frames that I made). Pics to follow. I also recently realized that I have a new addiction of buying baby clothes. There are so many cute things out there for such great, reduced prices, I've pretty much wiped out all of the Baby Gap stores around the Chicago area and refuse to pay full price after seeing the crazy markups. The walk in closet and dresser drawers are already nearly full. She already has a few pairs of skinny jeans, her winter whites including a snowsuit, her first pair of Uggs, Paper and Denim Jean Dress, custom t-shirts and onsies that I've made, Bonds Wondersuits from Oz, a collection of Ralph Lauren winter and spring outfits and a gorgeous vintage wool dress from Ireland that mom kept from when I was a baby-just to name a few.  I just hope the clothes fit her at some stage and that I have the seasons right, esp. since most have already been washed and can't be returned. Rookie move, maybe.

Better get going Weezie is going nuts moving around lots, it's gotten to a cool point where I can see her moving and she shakes my belly, and I have to get ready to meet a friend for lunch.

Home Stretch Approaches

We've reached the home stretch as I approach the third trimester. Only about 90 days to go. I still can't believe just how quickly this pregnancy has gone to date and I am still feeling really great.

Marg and Don left this week to continue with their travels in Europe; Rich spoke to them yesterday and they are having an amazing time in Prague. We had such a nice visit with them over the past month. It's back to a bit of normalcy for us now. Our road trip was lots of fun and just flew by so quickly. Weezie's already seen and done so much and hasn't even been born yet -- from a carriage ride through Charleston's historic streets, walking tours through the Savannah squares in the sweltering heat and enjoying amazing Southern meals to visiting the White House (and even resting on White House furniture in the Green Room) as well as tours of our nation's monuments and museums - it was a great respite, with lots and lots of walking and we are so glad to have enjoyed it all with our parents (and Kevin in Charleston). Weezie was moving a lot, giving everyone kicks, so I think she enjoyed her time too.

We arrived home to boxes of gifts that were delivered to the house, including the crib, stroller system, mobile and pack and play. We are so grateful and thankful for everyone's generosity. We already have everything we received put together and the nursery is coming together nicely. In typical Rich fashion, while unpacking from the trip he took off the tags on all of the baby clothing we received and bought special baby detergent and has already washed all of her clothes.

We now look forward to our next trip to Dallas for lil' Jake's baptism next weekend. We are both very excited to be his Godparents and look forward to some more family time. Dallas trip will be followed up later this month by a visit by my mom, a shower here in Chicago (thanks Katie B!) and a last minute babymoon to Toronto which Rich has arranged. The fun times continue!

PS- It looks like the poll is tied to date. Out of habit I've continued to refer to our lil girl as Weezie but  happy for others to refer to her as Maisie or Weezie Wee, Weezie May, Maisie Wee, etc.. for the time being.