Maddi's First Play Date

Today, Maddi and I slept in till 9.30 this morning. We both had our breakfast, I got a chance to change out of my pjs when Maddi had a bit of a nap after a feeding. I managed to tidy up the house a little and then it was time for our first play date!

I first met Elina about two years ago, when I first started going back to school, in Accounting class. We took the next class as well and have kept in touch after, through Facebook. Coincidentally, we got pregnant around the same time. And today, Elina and baby Jacob dropped by with some cookies for a play date. It's really more of a mama date. It's nice to have friends with babies around the same age. Thanks for coming over today! Next time, when I am done with my voluntary house arrest, a walk would be nice!

After Elina and baby J left, I had my lunch then it was time for our nap. I napped till about 4, but Maddi didn't wake up till about 5.30. So I took the opportunity to have my ginger sponge bath. She really only got up to feed, then when I put her in the Moby, she continued to sleep until 7.30pm. In that time, I got busy. Tidied up the house a bit, washed dishes, put dishes away, made more of my herbal tea that I've been drinking, made dinner and had dinner. The only thing I didn't get to is laundry. I have to say it was a pretty productive day!

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!

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. =(

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!

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!

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 =(

Saying Goodbye Is Hard To Do

Today's post deserved two photos. This is my desk just before I boxed up all my personal effects. =(

Although we've moved offices throughout my time in the company, I've had the same desk for most of that time and had worked on making my corner of the world where I spent 40 hours a week (and more, I'm sure) as cozy as I can. I do love my space and it's been home to me for a long time. I am pretty particular with things and yes, I can tell when somebody's been at my desk while I'm on vacation. It wasn't easy cleaning this desk up and seeing it empty when I left the office tonight.

I will miss this place and the characters I worked with - Harvey, the most interesting of them all! I kid you not, he is the human version of Brian from Family Guy! Gil, the coffee expert who occasionally blurts out curse words in German or some other European language when he gets frustrated (actually, he confessed that sometimes, they're not real words... just gibberish). Bob, he's basically been my work husband since Stephen and Amy left. There are others in the department, and I will miss you all!

It was also great for our bankers from across the border to come up for a visit and take us out for lunch. Alan, it was so awesome to see you and thanks for accommodating me and scheduling your visit on such short notice so that I can come along for lunch on my last day.

Gil stayed until I was done so I can give him my computer and office keys. He helped me take my boxes of personal stuff to my car and as I hugged him goodbye in the parking lot, his last words to me were, "you're right in the few seconds where you step into that portal as you end one chapter of your life right into a new one." It's so true!

With those words in my head, I drove away and bawled as I crossed the Lions' Gate bridge in the usual traffic that it comes with. I didn't want to look like a mental case to the drivers of the other cars beside me; also, Sean and I went to the BC Lions game tonight and I didn't want to be a mess when I got home, considering we had to hurry to get to the game... so that helped to keep the floodgates from letting everything out.

Below is the email I sent out to the company to bid everyone farewell:

Dear Peak family,

Donna knows I’m not a morning person AT ALL. For years, I have had a hard time getting up in the mornings to get to work; but today, I was up before 5.30am and got into the office by 7.30am - last day jitters?!

It has been a wild ride of tremendous growth and fond memories for me in my time here of almost 8 years. I don’t know what life would look like if I never came across this company and the wonderful people in it, past and present. Everything happens for a reason, and I believe I’m a better person and life is better today because of my journey with Peak. I have made many good friends throughout this journey, and although I will miss working with you all… I hope to keep in touch. Harvey, I will miss you most! =)

The thought of leaving this place has been a source of great struggle for me the past couple of months, and now it’s here. It’s hard to let go when you have “control issues” - haha. It was heartbreaking to piece out my tasks to different people in the department, when I’ve put so much pride and effort in my work and it’s been my “baby”. Also, for a long time, this has been the life I know and today feels sort of like “leaving the nest.” But now, the time has come when I have to make room in my life for a real baby and embrace the adventures of a new chapter in my life journey - exciting, but also… YIKES!

I have kept a blog since February 1^st this year, where I take pictures daily and put up a post each day with a picture of the day and a little blurb. It would be a good way to keep up-to-date with me and my world… http://www.365daysofalchemy.blogspot.com. Once Maddi arrives, I’ll most likely start another 365 days blog of her and will provide a link to it on my current blog.

Best wishes to all of you, namaste.

With all my love,

Jenn

Last Kick At The Can

One of the last times I cross this bridge to get home from work... for a while, sigh.

Tonight, I stayed late at work to get some things done as I don't have that much time left before I go on maternity leave next week. Gil called it my "last kick at the can."

I've been raking in free meals this week - Donna took me out for lunch yesterday, Bob today... and Richard stayed a bit later tonight and got dinner for both of us. Thanks, guys! Oh and tomorrow, our bankers from across the border are coming up and taking us out for lunch, too!

Well, it was a productive day getting almost everything sorted out. I think I'll have enough time tomorrow to pass everything off.

Vintage Finds

A dollar fifty for a pack of 3 vintage designed glass magnets at Michaels... I couldn't resist! I bought 3 packs and these are ones that have messages on them.

Wise words I must say. This is my last week at work. Starting next week, until baby comes... is for me to take time for myself - relax, rest, nest. When Maddi comes, I'm sure the transition will give me lots of opportunities to look at myself closely and reflect. Lastly, the time during my maternity leave is an awesome chance for me to unlock some of my dreams and explore my purpose and passion.

I was in an Alice In Wonderland kind of mood when editing this photo...

Hubby's Culinary Specialty

Hubby has been great throughout my pregnancy - picking up the slack at home when I couldn't do as much. I usually do the cooking at home, but I haven't cooked regularly for months now... I just don't have the energy or the interest. Luckily, it was Summer time and hubby BBQ'd a lot.

Today, I felt especially tired. It was Sean's day off and it was sooo awesome to come home to this, his specialty (pasta sauce), cooking on the stove top. Lately, I find myself losing even more interest in food. I would eat it if it was in front of me, but it's a challenge to make myself a meal. I find myself being so grateful when someone else prepares my food... even if it's just picking food up from a restaurant.

In keeping with finding the good and wonderful in every moment and being grateful... today, I'm grateful for my hubby for making me dinner and for everything else he does for me - from tying my shoe laces to giving me a slight push when I have to walk up a hill.