Maddi's First Halloween

Look what we found in the pumpkin patch! She's adorable, I think we'll keep her! =)

Last week, we took Maddi to a photographer friend of mine for a newborn shoot in her studio. One of the shots was of Maddi in a pumpkin. It was sooo cute, we just had to try it ourselves!

Sean had our place somewhat decorated, although he didn't go all out like he usually does. He wrote "Maddi's 1st Halloween" on the pumpkin and placed it on the mantle. The way it's set up, I thought "This would make the perfect photo of the day!"

Hold My Hand

This photo was taken tonight just as Maddi fell asleep and I had put her in the bassinet beside my bed. I can't help but look at her in amazement, adoring her every feature.

Look at that tiny hand... it will never be that small again. It's a one way street, she'll just keep growing and there's no stopping time or reversing it. For that reason, I think it is important to cherish each and every moment, and not to take any of it for granted. That is also why I'm going to be starting a 365 day blog on Life with Maddi.

My precious one, you can hold my hand... mama loves you and will be here for you always.

A Visit From Great Grandma

Today, Maddi got a visit from Great Grandma, Grandma, Grantie Kathy and Auntie Julie. She also received her first Birks present from Great Grandma - a heirloom piece silver cup with her name engraved on it.

Sleepy Model

I met Ashleigh at a photography workshop last Summer. We hit it off and I love that she's in the Lower Mainland. I love her style... and I wanted Maddi's newborn shoot done by her.

The session took about four hours, and we had to keep Maddi sleeping. It wasn't a problem, since that is what she does best. I just had to feed her a couple of times during the session and she slept the rest of the time!

It was awesome to watch her work... and I can't wait to see the photos from Maddi's shoot!

Rosebud Lips

Auntie Julie came to visit today for an hour, although Maddi was asleep the whole time. This is Maddi in Auntie Julie's arms, showing off her rosebud lips.

This is pretty much all she does - eat, sleep, dirty her diaper. She doesn't really fuss at all, unless she's hungry, has gas or needs her diaper changed. She is such an easy baby, definitely lucky to have her!

Daddy And Me Time

This morning, Maddi woke up at 8.45am after having slept through the night - again! We are sooo lucky! Sure hope she keeps this up!

She's always hungry when she first wakes up, so I feed her then this has started to become her routine with daddy - she goes on top of Sean's chest after she's been fed and snoozes a little more with daddy.

Skin-to-skin takes Maddi to her happy place. Quite frankly, it takes both Sean and I to our happy places, too!

I had a hard time leaving work just over a month ago... now, I have to say that I am quite happy to be home with my baby girl =). I think Sean will have a hard time going back to work in a week and a half.

A Visit From Alicia

Today, we got a postpartum visit from Alicia. She came to check and make sure mommy and baby are doing well after birthing.

Alicia, Maddi and I both don't have the words to express just how much we appreciate your support throughout the birthing, and helping make it such a great experience. We hope to keep in touch, please come and visit again some time.

Bath Torture

We stayed overnight at the hospital last night. I would've been good to go home a couple of hours after the delivery, but the doctor suggested we stay the night so that Maddi and I can get monitored on how we're doing, get support for anything we may need and Maddi's tests are to be done the next day.

It was good, the nurses were awesome at BC Women's hospital - friendly, helpful, supportive, and great resources for a new mom.

Maddi got her tests done, and even got a session with the hospital photographer. Just before we left the hospital, we attended a discharge class - info on what we can expect for mommy and baby in the first little while, how to breastfeed, how to bathe the baby, etc.

After the class, the nurse came and confirmed that the results of her tests were good, helped us strap her into her car seat and off we went.

We met my sister at our house. She is taking care of me while she's in town for the first half of my one month traditional Chinese postpartum care. My parents will be taking over the second half when they arrive in a week. She came with food... the best thing for parents of a newborn!

After lunch, we gave Maddi her very first bath. She hates being cold! So this bath was a bit of a torture for her. She is still cute even with the crying... she has this cute wheeze at the end when she cries.

My Journey Begins Today

Active labour started soon after I was sent home from the hospital, and I believe the Tens machine had a part to play in bringing it on.

By 2am, the pressure waves were so intense I couldn't sleep. Without Alicia coaching me and reminding me of the Hypnobabies tools I have at my disposal, it was challenging for me to cope with them after two days of labour. However, I knew I needed Alicia the next day more than any other time, so I wanted her to take the night to rest and tried my best at focusing on what we've learned in our classes. Listening to the tracks non-stop as I tried to sleep distracted me from the intensity of the pressure waves and brought some peace and focus.

By 6am, I absolutely needed Alicia. I called her and she came within 15 minutes. It was such a relief to know she was there. Sean tried his best to assist and support me, but Alicia was such a comfort to have around with the wealth of knowledge she has and the invaluable gift she has to support in all the right ways, anticipating all my needs before I even have to open my mouth and ask. She was there for me physically and emotionally, I felt as though I have made a good friend over two days.

By about 8am, I got the urge to push. Alicia called Dr. Wenner and we rushed to the hospital. Good thing the car was mostly packed from our trip to the hospital the night before because we certainly did not have a lot of time this morning. It took me two days to get to active labour and when I finally got the urge to push, I now have to try my best to hold her in. Feather breathing... all the way to the birthing room.

When we got to the hospital at 9am, I was fully dilated and plus 2. I was rushed to the birthing room and met Dr. Wenner there. After minutes of pushing with my Pushing Baby Out track playing on my iPhone right beside me, Maddi was born at 10.12am, weighing 6lbs 9oz, and 50in long.

Dr. Wenner was super impressed with how the birth went; she said, "I've never seen a birth like yours!" Without any drugs, and especially without any tears, plus the fact that I pretty much hopped out of the birthing bed within minutes after... she couldn't believe it and became really curious about Hypnobabies, asking us all about it.

Special thanks to team Maddi:

Sukhi Muker - chiropractic care which I believe gave me the most perfect pregnancy

Crystal Di Domizio - prenatal coach, for showing us birthing the Hypnobabies way

Sonia Tan - acupuncture for strengthening my body for birthing and natural induction when I was "overdue"

Dr. Wenner - our family doctor

Alicia Hoppenrath - our amazing doula, who was there for us more than I can put into words

Welcome to the world, sweetpea.

A Labour Boost

I didn't know labour could last days?!

After a few hours of sleep, I woke Alicia up at around 3am to help me through some pressure waves (contractions) that were becoming more intense. I could move and sleep through a lot of the ones I was getting yesterday; but today, I pretty much have to stop and lean over something when they come. So I thought, "This is definitely the day!"

Although getting more intense, the pressure waves I was getting were still irregular in frequency. By early afternoon, Alicia thought it would be a good idea to go for a walk to get things going. With my coconut juice and some nuts for snacking on hand, Sean, Alicia and I got ready and went for a stroll along the seawall. The walk definitely got things going again. On the walk, my pressure waves were every five minutes! However, as soon as we got home, they tapered off again. We went for a shorter walk across the street later in the afternoon to pick up some sushi and udon for dinner, then we called Dr. Wenner to give her an update.

Dr. Wenner asked me to meet her at the hospital, so she can check on me and have confidence to let me keep labouring at home. I took a last minute shower while Sean and Alicia packed the car with our hospital stuff, in case we had to stay.

We make it to the hospital at around 9pm. I was only 3cm dilated, and was sent home to continue labouring at home. We got home around midnight. By this time, my back was really sore. Alicia went home to rest for the night and left me with her Tens machine to help me cope with the soreness on my back. I put them on; they were wonderful in between the pressure waves, but I believe they were intensifying the pressure waves... and I did not like them at all during one.

And The Birthing Begins

Last night, I started getting more of the cramps. This morning, they were definitely more intense than I had ever felt - I knew this was it. I told Sean when he left for work at 5.30 this morning that this is the day!

I slept a little more, then I got in touch with our doula Alicia, and our doctor Dr. Wenner to let them know of what's happening. Dr. Wenner thought I'd have the baby by the end of the day and suggested that I ask Sean to come home and experience this day with me, so he did.

We spent the day walking around running last minute errands. End of the day came and still no baby... but my pressure waves (contractions) were getting more intense. So, we ask Alicia to come over at around 10pm.

My pressure waves were still roughly ten minutes apart, somewhat irregular and weren't too instense. So, we decided to go to bed and get some rest.

Dorky Spectacles

This morning, I woke up at 3.30 - AGAIN! Sean was off so I stayed in bed with him and managed to drift in and out of sleep until 9am, when he decided to get out of bed. I got out of bed, too and made pancakes for breakfast.

I had my acupuncture session today, and Sonia did some work to naturally induce labour. Between Sukhi and Sonia, I'm sure baby will come if she's ready.

We got another visit from Hen, Gib and Baby G today. We had ramen for lunch and walked around Yaletown, checking out some baby & kids stores. In this picture, Sean is goofing around in one of them... he looks like a dork, sort of reminds me of Bubbles from Trailer Park Boys.

An Afternoon Tea Affair

Today, I woke up at 4.30 in the morning. I decided to get out of bed and join Sean for a bowl of cereal. When he left for work, I went back to bed. Luckily, I was able to fall back asleep and didn't wake up until 9.30!

I didn't really have much planned today, although somehow the day seemed to just fly by. I had a chiropractic appointment at noon, stopped by my work to drop off a doctor's note, then headed home for a little while before I met up with some girlfriends for an afternoon tea date at the Vancouver Fairmont Hotel. I walked there as I'm trying to make sure I walk for an hour each day.

The picture is of Anne's vegetarian set and my preggy-friendly set of afternoon tea delights! Tea always takes me to my happy place... and I'm glad I got to squeeze this in before Maddi comes.

Halloween Is In The Air

In an effort to help things along with coaxing Maddi to come out, I decided to go for a walk tonight. I met up with Anne halfway from our houses and went along Granville Street when we saw this store.

I can't believe Halloween is almost here. It is Sean's favourite holiday. Unfortunately, this year we won't be hosting a party.

Halloween has always been an event that is stressful and exciting at the same time for me. I'm usually stressed until I figure out a cool costume to wear, then I get really excited.

I think my favourite Halloween costume of all time was when I dressed up as Juno a few years back. It was such a good costume, I got congratulations on Facebook for being pregnant. Then months, maybe even a year later, I had one of the tellers at the bank I used to frequent ask how my baby was doing!

It would've been funny to be Juno again this year, with a real belly. Although it actually won't be so funny, because it would mean that I'd be two weeks past my "due date."

This year, I WILL have a baby come Halloween!

A Visit From Baby G

I had a busy morning. I went to my doctor's appointment, and being one day "overdue," she pulled out the I word. She told me that basically, we'll wait till I'm 41 weeks, then I'll be put on fetal monitoring. Once I'm 10 days overdue, she'll schedule an induction. I didn't want to expend the thought and energy thinking about it, so I didn't say anything. But basically, now I'm on the clock to do whatever I can to get Maddi out before I am pressured into an induction. Although of course, baby's and my safety are the bottomline here. If it is medically needed, I am more than willing to go for it. After the doctor's appointment, I had a chiropractic appointment. Then while on the North Shore, I had a spontaneous lunch/coffee date with my friend Cathy. Then soon after I got home, I got a visit from my sister, Gib, baby G, Gib's parents and sister. They came bearing gifts! Maddi has scored another mountain of loot. What a lucky girl!

Meet Garrett, my four and a half month old nephew. He sorta looks like me when I was a baby! Can't get over how round his head is! And also can't believe that he's so big already! Seeing him sort of reminds me that even if the first little while with Maddi might be hard, I really should cherish every moment... because they truly grow up way too fast.

Honda update - I got another inquiry on it. I told her I have an accepted offer on it, but that she is welcome to come have a look at it and if she likes it, I would love to take a back up offer in case the first deal somehow doesn't go through. She came, she saw, she loved my Honda! She offered me the asking price, and asked if I would be willing to call the other buyer to tell them I have a higher offer. I hesitated because I already said yes to the first person, but I decided to call him anyways. I gave him the opportunity to come up to the asking price, but he declined. Which was great, because for some reason, I preferred to sell it to this young lady. She gave me a deposit and we signed an agreement for it... now we're just waiting for my new ride to arrive.

Autumn Colours

Today is my "due date." It is also when my sister arrives from Manila with my new nephew - can't wait to meet him!

Had a lazy morning, then went for a walk to the grocery with Sean. Walking a lot is one of the things that's supposed to help get things going. On our way home, I noticed how the trees across the street from our place are now all red. So pretty. It is Fall... and I love the colours of this season, especially when it is sunny like today.

This afternoon, I already got a phone call inquiring about my Honda. The guy came and took a look at it and I got a pretty good offer. However, I wanted to see what other offers I can get so I told him I'd get back to him. Tonight, I got another inquiry, but they hesitated to make an offer without seeing the service record, which I won't have until tomorrow. I decided to take the first offer, and arranged for them to drop off a deposit to hold the car since I still need it until I get my new ride.

Overall, a good start... having two interested parties and an accepted offer, just a day after my ad was posted. I am a little sad about parting with my first car. =(

Fancy Feast

Another busy day! It's good to keep busy.

Started the day with a bang trim at Is Salon - was sad to find out that Jeffrey no longer works there =( He's gone to somewhere better though, so I'm happy for him.

At noon, Sean and I met at the Yaletown Marina with Tamara for our maternity shoot. It's good that our shoot with Angela was at a beach/park scenery and now we'll get something different with the urban environment. Tamara's already put a couple of pictures up tonight, I can't wait to see the rest of them! Thanks for doing this for us, Tam!

After the shoot, we took my Honda Civic to our sales guy that I bought my new car from in the North Shore Automall. He offered to clean it up a bit for us, take some pictures of it, help us price it and post an ad for it on Craigslist. This was great, because I discovered that I could get a lot more than what I thought I could get for it.

After the automall, we chilled at home for a bit before heading out to Chez Addy & Frank's. They recently got this kitchen appliance that made pretty much our whole meal - from the bread we had for appetizer, the pumpkin soup, the beet salad, to the ice cream for we had for dessert. Such an awesome meal, and everything was so beautifully plated too! I was a very spoiled guest... sooo full! We ended the night with a game of Apples to Apples. Adeline and Frank, thanks for having us over and being such incredible hosts!

Pumpkin Pie

I started the day with a chiropractic appointment at noon, then stopped by Motherhood at Park Royal Village, picked up lunch, then I was off for another visit to the North Shore Automall - I am getting a new car! It's on order and won't be here for another week or so... it's not really all finalized until it gets here. Hopefully though, it gets here before Maddi comes. It would be nice to take her home from the hospital in the new ride =)

After the automall, I stopped by Angela and Cliff's to pick up "a bite" of pumpkin pie that Angela promised to leave for me. This must be my year for homemade pumpkin pies! I have been eating pumpkin pies for years now, but this is the first year I've ever had homemade ones - first by Ravi, then by Nat, and now by Cliff.

This was the "bite" of pumpkin pie Cliff and Angela gave me - thanks, you guys! Enjoying a piece right now... and since I have almost half the pie, I have 3 more slices for the next few days! =)

Apple Crisp

The weather has changed recently. It can get pretty chilly out, Starbucks has been serving pumpkin spice lattes, Thanksgiving dinners, Sean's brought up the couple of boxes of our Halloween decor from the storage and we got a pan of yummy apple crisp from Sean's mom. It's FALL!!!

On this Fall day, I woke up at 3.30am for some reason. Usually, whenever I do wake up in the middle of the night, it's usually just because I needed to go to the bathroom and I am usually able to fall back asleep right after. However, this time I somehow couldn't fall back asleep. I stayed in bed anyways until 7.30am, when I decided to finally get out of bed.

I started the day with some breakfast and put in some productive hours organizing my office. I had an acupuncture appointment in the afternoon, then put in more hours organizing the office. All that paid off and I am now done unpacking my office stuff and the transfer to the den is complete!

Spaghetti Squash

Today wasn't necessarily busy, but somehow we were out for most of the day. Sean had the day off, so we spent the day together, which was nice. We slept in, then started the day with pancakes.

He dropped me off at my chiropractic appointment in West Vancouver, then we stopped by my office for a quick visit to drop something off. We then had a visit at the North Shore Automall and test drove some vehicles. I think I might be getting a new ride! Eeeee!

On our way home, we stopped to pick Anne up. She made us dinner - and we even have leftovers!!! I've heard of spaghetti squash, but I've actually never tried it. So tasty! I am looking forward to having some of the leftovers for lunch tomorrow. Thanks, Anne!!!

p.s. If I do get a new car, I would be selling my 1997 Honda Civic. Msg. me if you or anyone you know would be interested!

My Nest

For most of my pregnancy, I've had no trouble sleeping on my side. However, in the last few weeks... although I start off sleeping on my side, I somehow find myself on my back in the middle of the night. When I told my doctor about it, this is what she suggested to do - build myself a nest when I sleep. Two pillows wedged against my back to keep me from rolling onto my back, a pillow to tuck between my legs and another one to hug.

This has been my nest for the last couple of months... and poor Sean's space is getting encroached upon.

Thirty Nine Weeks And A Day

Today, I'm at 39 weeks and one day of my pregnancy journey.

Other than being more tired than usual and a bit of soreness on my back when I sleep... all is well.

I've been off work for the last week and have spent my time running around doing last minute errands.


Now, the only thing I need to get done in order to feel ready for her arrival is organizing my office in our den. I just have a couple of boxes that need to be sorted through. Last Saturday and today, I finally managed to spend a good chunk of time doing just that. Just a few more hours at it and it should be done... then I'll just be waiting for Maddi to come.

Although I have a feeling that she is the one waiting. I think she's already ready... and just waiting for me to be ready. I'm guessing that as soon as I am, she'll be making her grand entrance.

Two Turkeys

Our maternity shoot for this morning got postponed to next week, so I slept in after a late night at Thanksgiving dinner #1. Had a lazy afternoon just posting photos on Facebook and my blog. I wouldn't want to be behind, so trying to keep up to date. I know I won't have as much time when Maddi comes. I didn't eat much all day as I was trying to save room for tonight's Thanksgiving dinner #2.

It was awesome to spend Thanksgiving with friends, old and new. Look at this long table!

As always, there's an abundance of food when Nat has anything to do with it. We didn't just have a turkey, we had TWO turkeys!... and a ham, stuffing, veggies, corn, potatoes, and FOUR pies! Nat made a pumpkin pie with the traditional crust, a pumpkin pie with graham cracker crust, pumpkin cheesecake and apple pie!

I was trying not to make the same mistake as the night before and not eat as much. I was good for dinner, but I had to try all the pies! Lucky that Maddi hides how big my food baby is... maternity pants are perfect for turkey dinners!

Suckalicky!

Since Maddi can come any time, we didn't make plans to host Thanksgiving dinner. We ended up getting invited to two dinners - one today, and another tomorrow. We were also invited to a turkey chili Football Sunday afternoon, which we unfortunately had to pass on - sorry Sonia & Jeff! Lately, whenever I do too much... it feels as if I could go into labour. I am not quite ready for Maddi to come yet, so I'm trying to take it easy. Also, I've been pretty tired.

Today was a pretty productive day, though. I organized a big chunk of my filing cabinet, just a couple more hours work on it and I should be able to move on to organizing another part of my office. We also had a housekeeper come and clean the whole place, so that is one more thing I can cross off my to-do list.

At night, we drove out to Thompson & Dana's house in Port Moody for our first Thanksgiving dinner of the weekend. It was awesome to catch up with some friends we haven't seen for a while and enjoy such an abundance of insanely good food.

Thanks for hosting such an awesome turkey dinner, Suckalicky!

The Helm

Today seemed to be a busy day although I didn't really accomplish much. I went to my chiropractic appointment, picked stuff up at Staples that I needed to organize my office with, then hung out with Anne.

Anne & I were watching The Opener on tv and The Helm, a Vancouver farm-to-fork concept restaurant was being featured. Since it was getting late (and dark) and I still don't have a photo for the day, we decided to take a walk and check out the restaurant. There was hardly anybody in there and it's a Friday night... I wonder how they stay in business?

Serendipity

Today, I got a visit from Sue and baby Ethan for a few hours. After they left, I walked to Urban Fare to pick something up. On my way there, I felt compelled to walk into saf & benjamin, the new-ish baby store that opened up. Sommer, the wonderful woman that owns it happens to be tending the store. I don't even remember how the conversation started, but somehow we got talking about me wanting to start my photography business while I'm on maternity leave. She didn't cheap out on the support, encouragement and resource/advice for me to go for it... and even welcomed me to stop in anytime to say hello or if I had any questions.

Yesterday, I met with Ashleigh Wells, today I have this encounter with Sommer. I am super impressed with how these women are so generous and how willing they are to encourage and help another woman who is venturing to start her own business. They're not the only ones, either and it's not just women. I've been very blessed to meet a few good people that have blown me away with just how willing they are to help.

After the slew of replays on the media of Steve Job's speeches, plus this serendipitous connection today... I was compelled to do something. So, I went online and submitted a name approval request. When I get the approval in a few days, I'll register the business and get a GST/HST number. I realize I don't need to register until I'm making $30K a year, but registering just makes it more real in my head. It makes everything more professional, more legitimate and therefore requires more commitment on my part - no more one foot out. As my brother said, I need to go all out and give it my best shot.

I'm excited, and I'm so proud of myself for acting while inspired to be courageous and follow my heart... when it's so easy to simply wish and hope.

Visiting The Alma Mater

Today, I drove out to SFU to meet Ashleigh, a photographer friend that I met at Image Explorations last Summer. Since I was up there, I paid a visit to old colleagues at the student society. Nancy & Lawrence, it was really great to see you and catch up a little, but it's a shame that you had been locked out since July 10! I sure hope resolution is around the corner, I can't imagine it to be a good thing not having income for such a long time!

The photo is of the main campus' Convocation Mall, all dressed for convocation ceremonies happening tomorrow and Friday. This place definitely brought back memories for me... I can't believe it's been 10 years since I last was up there on a daily basis.

On the topic of graduations (and hopefully inspirational as opposed to boring speeches), it is a sad day today as the news report that a legend, a visionary, a trailblazer, an inspiration had lost his battle with pancreatic cancer and passed away. RIP Steve Jobs. Thank you for living such an inspirational life and for your words of wisdom.

Below are my favourite quotes by him, all were bits from his Stanford commencement speech in 2005:

“You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something — your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life.”

“Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it. And, like any great relationship, it just gets better and better as the years roll on. So keep looking until you find it. Don’t settle.”

“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma — which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.”

“Remembering that I’ll be dead soon is the most important tool I’ve ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything — all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure — these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.”

A Quiet Moment

Today, hubby had the day off of work and we spent most of it running around getting errands done. We got his truck detailed so it's all clean for Maddi, took my car in to Honda for a minor repair, went to West Coast Kids to pick up some remaining items we needed for Maddi, went to Costco for some groceries, then we had about 40 minutes to spare before Sean's truck was ready for pick up. So, we stopped by the side of the road and just enjoyed this view of Mitchell Island as we listened to a Hypnobabies track together.

As spontaneous and simple as it was, it felt like a date =)

I was exhausted by the time we got home... so made dinner, and had a pretty early night.

Revisiting The Artist's Way

I wondered about how today would be for me since it'll be the first day when I would not be driving to work when I normally would be. But it turned out to be ok. I had a busy morning, with a doctor's appointment and a chiropractic appointment to go to. When I got home, I made myself some lunch... was on the computer for a bit, cleaned up a bit in the kitchen, then somehow felt so tired. Sean's mom came by to drop off a loaf of banana bread - YUM! After she left, I ended up napping from 4pm till 6pm, when Sean got home from work.

I had wanted to be a lot more productive, but I guess I needed the rest.

Tonight, I pulled out the Artist's Way workbook. A few weeks back, I thought of restarting it while I am home waiting for Maddi's arrival. I started on this project early this year, but with my schedule of working full time and going to school... I couldn't keep it up. I figured in the next little while, I'll be home, getting things ready for Maddi, then just waiting for her to come... then after she arrives, although I may be busy... it'll be a different kind of busy. Plus, I won't be leaving the house for a month, so it might be a good time to pick this back up.

RIP In Fishy Heaven, Bubba

Just as I was hoping to be less emotional, I started my day with the intention to clean Bubba's bowl and then feed him when I discovered him floating on his side, dead. I've had him for 2 years and a couple of months... didn't realize how attached I got. Or maybe, it's the pregnancy hormones again - it seems to be getting the blame a lot these days.

I recently reconnected with my friend Amie on Facebook after losing touch for a little while. She came to go for tea with me, so I left Bubba in a small container of water. It was great catching up with Amie, can't believe it's been four years since I last saw her.

When I got back from tea with Amie, I figured I need to do something about Bubba. I thought about flushing him down the toilet... but then thought that I'd rather bury him in my mini rose bush, and perhaps he'd make good fertilizer. So that's where he is, with the pebbles from his bowl scattered on the dirt covering him.

When I first discovered Bubba dead, I thought, "What good timing... Like I needed another thing to throw me right back into being emotional!" But on the other hand, I also thought, "It is pretty good timing, it's sort of like a sign... one life ends and another begins - it's the cycle of life. I needed to make more room in my life for Maddi."

I'm 38 weeks pregnant today. Starting tomorrow, I begin taking care of business at home to prepare for Maddi's arrival.

RIP in fishy heaven, Bubba... you will be missed =(

Burger Cake

Slept in and spent most of the day in my pj's. Putted around the house a bit, updated my blog, then it's pretty much time to leave for Nat & J's for a BBQ.

We decided to have a BBQ this weekend since we over estimated on food, AGAIN, for Nat's shower last weekend. It just so happens to be Lev's birthday tomorrow and Nadia's birthday on Monday... so it worked out perfectly.

Nadia & Rob left early since they had to get Stella home for her bedtime, but the rest of us stayed to play bingo, hang out and enjoy this fabulous cake. I've never had lettuce in my cake before, but I guess there's always a first for everything.