35 weeks: class, doula, shower, and nursery!

Baby probably weighs about 5 lbs now and she's estimated to be about 7.5 lbs at birth. We'll see! According to fitpregnancy.com she's about the size of a small roasting chicken. That's a weird image. She's not able to do somersaults anymore but definitely moves around. I imagine she's in there spinning on her head bgirl style. She responds to noises and sensations, too. When the doctor puts the doppler up to my belly to hear her heartbeat, she starts moving in response to the swish-swish-swish noise. The doctor said it probably sounds like a truck going by to her. When I let the water hit my belly in the shower, it never fails that she starts moving. I don't know if it's good, bad or neutral for her.


We went to our first of five weekly Preparation for Childbirth classes last Wednesday. There were eight couples in the class divided between three tables. In a surprising coincidence, everyone at our table happened to have the same due date. We spent the two hours doing an icebreaker activity splitting the dads and moms and brainstorming the joys and challenges of pregnancy from both perspectives. Then we reviewed the stages of labor, and ended the evening watching a video of a few women's births. Positive calm ones, not terrifying screaming ones. We both enjoyed it a lot and are looking forward to the rest of the series.

Then on Friday we met with a doula. I'm hoping to get through this birth without medication or a c-section and having a birth doula has shown to increase the likelihood of both goals. A doula is a "trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after birth" (DONA International). I'm hoping she can help me labor at home longer, coach Evan and I on getting through contractions, encourage us, and help us be less fearful during the birth process. And, be familiar with the natural childbirth method we're studying  and plan to follow: Hypnobirthing. The doula we met with had a very calm and confident demeanor. I can see being comfortable and reassured with her in the room. I'd like to interview one or two more before making a decision this week. 

On Saturday my dear friends Erica and Terri threw a baby shower for baby and me! They did an amazing job and were so thoughtful. The food was delicious, the decorations were adorable and used the nursery colors, and they set up a onesie decorating activity and I got to take home all the onesies for baby. What a special treat. There were 10 of us including my mother-in-law who drove up from Salem and brought my favorite flowers from her garden - peonies. Erica served double duty as photographer too, I'll post photos later.

And finally, using some supplies from the shower, I finished the nursery! And I love it. Other than washing everything and packing the hospital bag, we're ready for the big day. Hopefully we have at least a couple more weeks to get those last tasks done. Here's a collage of photos of the nursery:

It may be hard to see the flash cards on the top book ledge - it says ELOISE! Just yesterday we finalized the first name. Now onto the middle name...