3cm and counting

I went to the doctor yesterday and she informed me that I am 3cm dilated! She thinks this baby could come sooner rather than later. I am feeling very excited about the arrival. It's weird to go about your daily business thinking something could happen at any time. Damon and I have a few more things to take care of this weekend, so we could certainly use a couple more days. But the hospital bag is now packed, the car seat installed, and it's my last day of work today. Things are happening down below--movements and little pains, so something has definitely changed....we'll keep you updated, if anyone is still even reading this blog these days.

down to business

Okay, I have 20 days left until my due date, and according to Dr. Fang, this baby looks like it could come early. Our "to-do" lists are slowly getting checked off, so I'm feeling much better about that. Except I've been horribly sick for the last 12 days, and this cold has finally turned into a sinus infection. Let me tell you, 37 weeks pregnant with a sinus infection is no fun (just ask anyone who has called and I've taken the opportunity to complain to). I started taking antibiotics, so hopefully I'm on the road to recovery. I've had this week off, and I have only left the house on a few occasions. Luckily, I have the best friends in the world and Allie and Belinda have been coming by to feed, entertain, and listen to me complain. They even cleaned the kitchen. Next week is my last week of work, so I'd better be feeling better by then. I want to end on a good note, not a cranky one.

So, I guess I've started dilating, which is common. The baby has dropped a bit, making me have to pee even more. We took our child birthing class last weekend and we have two more classes next week. Damon has been so nice to me, especially while I've been sick, and we've spent the evenings on our new couch watching rented episodes of "The Wire". We are somewhat obsessed with this show now, and I am having weird baby-cop dreams because of it.

As you can see from the pictures, the baby's room is coming along quite nicely. Belinda and Luisa came over last weekend and took care of business and the only thing we are waiting on is the dresser/changing table to arrive. The room is adorable the the pictures that Belinda painted are beautiful. I feel so so lucky to be surrounded by wonderful friends and am thrilled that they are going to be helping us raise this child. Soon. In less than three weeks. Yikes!

sister jezebel

Here is a picture of Sister Jezebel performing the baby's blessing. I meant to include this in the last post.

Pretty sweet, eh?

happenings

Ugh! There has been a lot going on during the last several weeks since I've updated this blog. Too much, really to get into it all, so I'll just highlight the important facts. Our "pre-baby party" happened on January 19th and it was a fabulous event. Belinda planned the entire thing and the LGBT center was decorated beautifully and was full of all of the wonderful people we adore. Laura and Lesley made it out from NYC, both of our moms were present, Angela and her family made it down, along with all of our dearest SF friends. I couldn't have asked for a more wonderful celebration. Allie even had the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence bless our unborn baby, and it was truly a San Francisco event unlike no other. The after-shower party at The Mint ended the evening in karaoke splendor. Many thanks to everyone for making this a very special day for us.

The day after the shower, we prepared to leave for Susanville to attend my grandmother's funeral. This winter has indeed been a time of loss in many ways, and I grandma was one of the most important people in my life. She played a huge role in raising my sister and me, and she will sorely be missed. After a long battle with Parkinson's and cancer, she passed away on January 11th. I am glad that she is no longer suffering and I take pleasure in picturing Jackson sitting on grandma's lap somewhere in my mind.

Pregnancy continues to progress smoothly, although life is getting much more difficult. I think I experienced Braxton Hicks contractions for the first time last night (all I know is that I was in pain, and a knowledgeable mother told me that must have been what it was). Sleeping is tough, as is walking and getting dressed. It's hard to believe we only have 5 more weeks to go. I had a dream over the weekend that we were having a girl. Not sure what that means...

Last week, I had a minor freak out after seeing the film The Business of Being Born It is a documentary about hospital vs. home births and it made me feel like we are making a huge mistake with going to a hospital (especially one with a high c-section rate, like CPMC). Most of my fears have subsided and it made Damon and I realize we are really going to have to advocate for what we want during this birth. I haven't thought too much about the actual act of delivery yet, but I'm looking forward to taking our birthing class next weekend. I don't feel too freaked out about things (yet) and I really want to continue to have faith in myself that I can do this.

Okay, that is all I can get out for now. I need to eat or sleep. Here's to a new regime change in Washington. Hope y'all voted!