Monster March

Momma Post: Sellwood Neighborhood's Monster March was this past Sunday. The Maitland's hosted our UO college friends a parade launching pad and a post event clam chowder feed. The parade officially began at Llewellyn Elementary School and made a 3/4 mile rectangle through the West Moreland commercial district. Before we joined the parade, we ran into our friends Tony, Carrie and their son Colin, who was dressed as a little bear pictured above. Local businesses handed out treats to participating children and dogs (see dog in costume example below). I couldn't tell if the parade was more for the parents or the kids, but fun was definitely had by all. Ruby took in all the Portland charm with quiet amazement.

Nothing new to report on my front (literally). Kaiser had my ultrasound dated "due date" for last Saturday, October 27th. It is now the 30th and no signs or symptoms of pending labor. I feel fine with a moderate to good energy level. Yes, I'm having Braxton Hicks (have been for a few months now), but they're not increasing in number or intensity. I feel like I've had bursts of extreme nesting behavior and the occasional lower back pain, but no real pattern. No weird digestive issues, no loss of mucus plug, just completely bored with being pregnant. In the last 24 hours, I've eaten spicy Thai food. Matt and I went for a 3.5 mile walk around the Eastbank Esplanade this morning, and I'll be attending my prenatal water aerobics class this evening thanks to Ruby's Grandma Joan. Honestly, I feel like I should be at work today, rather than moping around the house, procrastinating on a couple of chores/errands. Talked to my doula Susan today and she encouraged acupuncture. We have a doctor's appointment tomorrow on Halloween, so hopefully we'll have more of a game plan.

Making Way for Babies

Momma Post: Almost two weeks ago, our whole family spent a beautiful Fall morning with our friends Che and Wendi and their sweet Amelie Jean, born October 9th. Amelie's arrival has gotten our household excited about our own pending addition. Ruby was very curious about the baby. Congrats to Che and Wendi!

After the visit, we took Ruby over to Tanner Springs Park to check out the gold fish and Koi that were illegally added to the "natural" habitat of the park. It is actually a pretty amusing controversy. Portland Parks and the German landscape architect who designed the park are greatly concerned about the fish intruders and the accumulation of algae that is occurring with their presence. At the same time, the park users love watching the fish and it has become a popular attraction. Glad I'm not making a decision on that issue.

The last picture is of the belly casting process my doulas Susan and Erica encouraged me to partake in during my 39th week of pregnancy. Matt's accurately states that it leaves little to the imagination. I couldn't agree more, but have to be proud of what my body has accomplished during this pregnancy. I have only one picture of Mom pregnant with me. Dad thinks that that picture was probably the only one mom allowed him to take, as she was grossly embarrassed about her pregnant body. Regardless if my boobs now resemble medium sized cantaloupes, I want my girls to know I was really thrilled to carry them inside of me. Thankfully with this being my second pregnancy, I also know that my body will return to a near normal state eventually. I have yet to figure out what to do with the belly cast. It's currently residing on shelving in my reading nook upstairs.

Our Lil' Punkin

Momma Post: The term "nesting" would best describe my focus the past few weeks. Organizing dressers, cooking vats of soup and stew, stocking up on supplies, finishing Ruby's big girl room, and attempting to balance other aspects of life, like spending quality time with Matt and Ruby. This past Saturday we ventured out early to Sauvie Island. We stopped momentarily at The Corn Maze to enjoy the farm animals before the crowds encouraged us to move on...to the farm we were most impressed with last year, Columbia Farms, a quiet and scenic family establishment. They had mainly pumpkins with a few ghost and moon pumpkin varieties. We were the only ones there, but must have started the trend as several cars pulled up during our pumpkin hunt. Ruby became very protective of our wagon and was preparing to physically ward off any looters.

Last weekend, we had a nice brunch with Anne and Peter. They passed on the bucking bronco or "horsey" to Ruby, which has been a big hit. The horse has been in my family for generations. Grandma can't remember exactly when it was purchased. I have memories of climbing on what I remember being a much larger equine ride. Glad to know Ruby's carrying on the tradition.

Ruby has become very assertive. I've probably told everybody by now that her favorite phrase is "move back" with shoving motions. She's very protective of her personal space and this was something she was apparently taught at school as a tool to warn other kids that they were entering Ruby's striking distance. We first caught her saying it to Jack, who was lurking in the kitchen, hoping for a handout.

Ruby continues to be improving her language skills. She sings portions of "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star", "Row, Row, Row Your Boat", and "ABCs". I was completely taken back at Kaiser for a doctor's appointment last week, when she pointed to the kid's floor mats and said "triangle" to a triangular shaped purple mat. She's very into reading books and prefers holding them herself. She likes to say "picture" and for one to explain what's in the picture. This is a pretty amazing stage. I find that I'm taking a lot of deep breathes to maintain patience, but feel an incredible amount of joy in watching Ruby be curious and find excitement in her world.

Coming Attractions...

Daddy Post: Marty went to the Dr. last week and was able to get some additional images of Ruby's little sister. Everything looks great and we're still about two weeks away. In the pictures you can see her playing with her foot, a side profile, some hair, and some chubby cheeks with full lips (this image is angled like you are looking up her nose from below). Hope everyone is doing well.