*Navalgazing* Reflections at 39(+2) Weeks Pregnant

(Potenially) less than a week to go! 

My goodness.  That is both exciting and slightly terrifying! 

I am very much looking forward to meeting this little one and holding her in my arms soon.  The "unknowns" of delivery are the part that I am finding slightly terrifying.  I am really trying to stay calm and hope for the best, but I am worried about pain both during and after.  I am sure it will all work out, and perhaps it's best not to know exactly what will happen beforehand, but I am so Type A that not knowing is difficult. 

Everything is pretty much ready to go.  Our bags are packed and waiting in the co-sleeper.  The carseat is in the car.  (Though it will have to be replaced as the missing stickers make it illegal even though it is perfectly safe.)  I picked up the antibiotics I will need during labour. 

I have a midwife appointment this afternoon and am following it up with a visit to the accupuncturist.  We'll see if that gets the ball rolling at all.  I have another appointment for accupuncture on Wednesday and will also book one for Saturday, if nothing has happened by then. 

The baby is really starting to feel big.  She still moves around a lot, especially in the evenings, but I can tell she's running out of space in there.  I'm pretty uncomfortable and am finding it increasingly difficult to get around, plus I tire a lot more easily than I ever have.  I guess that's to be expected.  I'm also pretty puffy, especially if I've been up and about a lot that day.  Sleeping is difficult, though I'm quite tired most nights.  I'm glad to have such a relaxed schedule right now, though I keep finding things to add to the "To Do" list.  I'm trying to take the attitude of what gets done, gets done, but I hope that most of things on the list do get done before I go into labour.  (Dusting our bedroom, washing The Bean's diapers, another big grocery shop, a few last minute gifts to pick up...) 

Of course, chances are I'll still be hanging out here on the 29th saying the same things.  Right? 

Here's the belly photo from yesterday (39+1):

     

My Family! Giveaway

Quite some time ago, Cheril from My Family! contacted me again about hosting another giveaway.  (You can read about the first giveaway here.) 

This time My Family! and author Monique Costa are offering one lucky reader the opportunity of receiving a copy of Monique's book When Leonard Lost His Spots: A Trans Parent Tail.

This book tells the story of when a beautiful lioness discovers she was born into the body of a male leopard.  Her family is shocked, the transition begins, and an amazing story unfolds.

Narrated by a young cub, "When Leonard Lost His Spots" is a sensitively crafted story that exemplifies how open communication can pave the way to acceptance in an ever-changing world.

Here's a brief Q&A with Monique Costa, author of When Leonard Lost His Spots: A Trans Parent Tail.

Being a heterosexual woman, how are you connected to the LGBT community?
Leonard is my connection! From the moment I wrote the manuscript, I was connected.  I have met such wonderful people because of this book. It continues to open doors for me both professionally and personally. 

Tell about Leonard and Leona, what inspired you to write this story?

Leonard is a loving father, who has known for a long time that he was born into the wrong body. With great courage, he announces to his family that he is going to move forward with his transition into Leona, a beautiful lioness. He stays true to himself, yet he never loses sight of his commitment as a father to his young cub.

My inspiration for this book was the lack of material out there for children of LGBT families…especially children with a transgender parent. I wanted to write a story that would make a difference to a specific audience. I am the mother of two young boys, so I’ve seen, first hand, how great books can leave a lasting impression.

What makes this tale unique among others?

The story line is just that…unique. There are books about transgender men, women and even children, but mine is the first fictional story to be written from the child’s point of view. Plus, it is for a very young audience. It rhymes and the illustrations are magnificent. 

What do you hope children and parents take away from this story?

Leonard is a universal inspiration for parents. The message in my book is that open communication is key. Children don’t get to choose their situations, yet they need to cope and to adapt. During his transition, Leonard talks to his son. He doesn’t ignore him or his feelings.

He is willing to talk openly about the changes, their feelings and their situation.  I truly believe that if children know that they are loved, they will survive change.

How receptive and supportive have your family and friends been about you writing a children's book for the LGBT community?

Extremely! I am so blessed. My friends and family could not have been more supportive…especially my husband. (He’s always ready for the next creative venture from me.) Everyone thinks it’s fantastic that I wrote the story. They recognized and applauded my need to reach out.

As parents, we all want what’s best for our children. My motto has always been to live your life being happy- whatever that means to you. My friends agree. I don’t really think of LGBT as a separate community. I think we’re all in this crazy world together!

What are your hopes for Leonard and Leona? Do you see this character coming to life in other mediums?

I have very high hopes for Leonard and Leona because they are so loveable and so unique! I am currently working on bringing them to life in a children’s theater. I’d love to see a stuffed animal. The possibilities are endless!

Will there be more books from you in the future?

Yes, definitely.

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

I love to cook and entertain friends and family. I grew up in an Italian/ American house where everything revolved around food. It’s that way in my house today. I love to try new things and my husband and two sons are eager judges!

How can readers and their parents keep up with you on the web?

I have joined forces with my publishers, so readers can check us out at myfamilyproducts.net for the latest books, toys, dvds, etc.

Where can your book be purchased?

You can purchase my book on the website: myfamilyproducts.net, or it can be ordered anywhere books are sold in the United States. 

How to enter? 

Leave a comment on this blog post with the title of your favourite children's book that depicts non-traditional families or gender roles.  One comment per person please. The winner will be chosen randomly. You'll also have to leave or send me your email address so that I can contact you if you win, and the winner will have to be willing to share their name, address and phone number with Cheril so she can get the book to you. That's it! (Value of print is $14.99 USD.) Ends December 17th, 2012.  Open to those with a U.S. shipping address only. You can see photos from the book signing here.
And a video of an author reading here.

Wordless Wednesday: Deck The Halls

  

 

 

 

*Navalgazing* Reflections at 38(+1) Weeks Pregnant

Getting there! 

I'm happy to say that it's starting to feel like the end is in sight.  I'm eager to meet our little girl and, as I've said before, ready to not be pregnant anymore, though I'm sure there are aspects of it I will miss.

This week was slightly better than the past few.  My rib wasn't giving me as much pain.  I think the baby may have dropped a bit, as I've been feeling slightly less heartburn.  I even got a few stretches where I was able to sleep 3 hours at a time vs. the 1.5-2 I was averaging before.

The midwife did her home visit on Tuesday and all went well.  She prescribed an alternative antibiotic for me to use during labour because of the GBS.  I tried taking it to the local pharmacy to have filled, but it looks like I may have to go to a hospital pharmacy.  She also did a urine test because of my UTI suspicion, but so far I haven't received any results from her.  In the mean time, I've been drinking lots of water and cranberry juice, hoping that it clears up quickly.  I'm not sure that it is. 

We got a bunch of our baby gear back from my sister yesterday, and are starting to set things up in preparation for Sprout's arrival.  We had loaned her our infant carseat and she returned it without the Canadian compliance sticker, which poses what we consider to be a pretty big issue, especially with all the border-crossing we do.  She doesn't know what happened to it so now we're left trying to contact the manufacturer to see if they can reissue a sticker to us.  I really hope they can.  I hate to have to buy a new carseat just because the sticker came off.  (Who knows how, those things are IMPOSSIBLE to remove.)  Otherwise everything seems pretty good. 

The Bean is napping right now, and if I want to get my nap in I should get going!  I have another appointment tomorrow, but I suspect everything will still be status quo. 

Here's the belly shot for this week (taken yesterday).  Jen and I were looking back through the photos and there is such a HUGE difference from Week 5 that it's almost impossible to believe that they're both me.  I wonder if I'll ever look like Week 5 me again...

Advent

Last year I posted some advent ideas, and also what we ended up doing.  You can see the post here. 

 

This year we wanted to do something special for advent again, but neither Jen nor I were keen to wrapping two dozen Christmas/winter books.  Fortunately I had the foresight to purchase this Eric Carle advent calendar last year.  Behind each number is a small paper ornament to decorate the tree with.  Perfect! 



 

We were also given an advent calendar with little drawers, and I found some printable jokes online.  The Bean is a little young to understand jokes this year, but I think they'd be great for slightly older kids.  You could print and cut out the jokes and put one in each drawer of the calendar, or, as one of the sights suggests, you could put them in your child's lunch box.  Cute idea, don't cha think?

{this moment} still our baby

A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

Inspired by SouleMama.

GBS Positive

Our midwife is coming over for a home visit today.  I called her yesterday because of my concern that I might have a UTI.  She was glad I called and said that she'd bring over a test kit to double check.  She also told me that I tested GBS positive.  At first I wasn't overly concerned as I know it's not terribly uncommon and is reasonably treatable.  (My sister had tested GBS positive too and there didn't seem to have any complications as a result of it.) 

Then I started Googling.  I'm allergic to penicillin and wanted to find out what alternative anitbiotics are typically given.  What I found out was that having a UTI increases the risk to the baby. 

I know of all the things that could potentially go wrong, this is minor, but I still can't help but worry that I'm going to make our baby sick. 

THis is NOT the kind of update I want to get three-weeks from our due date, but I suppose there's not much that can be done.

:/

"Wish List"

As I mentioned in my last toy post, The Bean's play has become a lot more imaginative/creative over the course of the past year and I can only assume that trend will continue.  This year we are trying to focus a lot of our gift-buying and wish-listing on toys that encourage this.  I feel that these types of toys tend to grow with the child. They can be used in a wider variety of situations and offer a variety of possibilities for play.

The "big" gift from us this year will be a train/block table.  He already has a tupperware of duplo, so we probably won't add to that, but a few new engines or some tracks might make it under the tree. 

Since he's very into vehicles right now, he'll also be getting a ramp/garage thing for his Matchbox cars and Wheelies.

In addition to that, there will be quite a few musical (percussion) instruments.  The Bean LOVES music, and almost every kid I know loves banging on blocks with a mallet, so we picked out a variety.  A harmonica might have snuck it's way in there too.  We'll see how long that lasts before Mama and Mommy have to hide it away. 

In line with the muscial theme, there will be a pack of movement scarves.  The Bean's little cousin will be getting some of these too.  They're great for dancing with, but also peek-a-boo, dress up and creating landscapes for pretend play with figures. 
 
My sister was also saying how much her little guy enjoys textures, so some textured bean bags will make it under the tree for The Bean as well as his cousin. 

Some early games as well as two-piece puzzles are on the list, though it may be a while before The Bean shows an interest in these.  That's okay, with the majority of the gift-giving (Christmas and birthday) happening all around the same time, it's nice to have some things tucked away in the closet for a few months down the road. 

We're hoping that The Bean's art supplies will also get beefed up a little bit.  Some rolling pins for play dough.  Finger paints and water colours.  Maybe some stamps with a washable ink pad. 

There will also be a few puppets, some animal figures, and potentially some dress-up clothes for pretend play. 

Oh, and I almost forgot, a kid's digital camera.  It seems pretty fun and hopefully will keep his focus off of grabbing ours. ;)

If money and space were not considerations, I'd be inclined to put a nice wooden barn or dollhouse on his Christmas list, but I think we'll hold back on those ones until Sprout is bigger and we're able to unload some of the baby toys.  We did put a curvy board (from Etsy) on his wishlist, but it's a pretty big-ticket item, so I don't know whether he'll get it or not.   

...and, of course, some new books.

What will be under the tree for your little one(s) this year?

Also, for those that celebrate Christmas, does Santa bring ALL the gifts?  If not, how do you decide what comes from you and what comes from him?

*Navalgazing* Reflections at 37 Weeks Pregnant

37 weeks! 

I have officially reached "full term".  (Though I think my FIL was quite confused this morning when I said that, and must have thought they had made a mistake with the due date if I was full term now.  Fortunately my MIL was able to explain.) 

Okay, so I am really feeling ready to have this baby.  Not that we're prepared at all.  Most of the baby gear is still at my sister's waiting to make it's way back to us.  But really, what do we need?  The carseat for sure, and the co-sleeper would be good to have, but someone could surely pick that stuff up if I were to go into labour, say, right now. 

Also, I think we're in agreement on a first choice of name and a few back-ups, so we really are ready! ;) 

Another visit to the chiro helped sort out some back issues earlier this week.  Unfortunately, last night the rib started hurting again, so I'm thinking there will be another visit before Sprout makes her appearance.  My hips haven't been bothering me much, but I wouldn't object to having them adjusted as well.  

Then there's my arm.  It's been at least a week, maybe slightly longer, that I've been experiencing numbness/tingling in my right middle and ring fingers.  I was crocheting when I first noticed it and thought I must be holding the hook in a funny way, but it's been off and on (mostly on, in varrying degrees) since then.  After checking things out on Google, I believe it's probably carpal tunnel syndrome, which I read can happen because the water you retain can increase pressure on the nerves.  Nice, right?  As if being swollen weren't annoying enough.  And yes, I've been feeling rather puffy these days.  My feet moreso than my hands, but at least I can feel my toes, even if they do look rather sausage-like. 

Sleep is becoming increasingly difficult.  I seem to be up about every two hours to go to the washroom and/or adjust my position.  I know it's probably not true, but I feel like I'll be better rested AFTER the baby is born. 

Oh, and I think I may have UTI.  But then again, maybe it's just that I have a bladder the size of a peanut. 

I am telling myself that I just need to hang in there for another few weeks, but if I go late I think I may cry.

This week I will start the teas and oils and other labour-inducers.  Not that I expect them to make a big difference, but at least I'll feel like I'm doing something. 

Come on baby girl... Mama is getting impatient! 

Photo from 37 (+1) weeks:

Oh yeah, just one more thing: I must be looking like I'm ready because I at least a half dozen strangers this week asked me when I was due. 

{this moment} growing up

A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

Inspired by SouleMama.