Eva! Eva! Eva!

C'mon lil sunshine, show your beautiful face!  We can't wait to meet Eva.  I had some acupuncture today by the lovely Katya and hope that it helps bring labor on sooner.   I also am still getting over this cold, probably the worst one I've had in years.  I'm usually only sick for 2 days tops.  This has lasted over a week now.  Its only really bad at night & in the morning.  I'm taking it real easy lately, just reading mostly, and eating well, walking, taking vitamins & elderberry syrup. I hope to feel better for labor, but think I'll manage through just fine.  Alot of the hypnobirthing we're doing is based on your breathing, so I hope to be able to eventually breathe through my nose again!  My mom's flight was cancelled today, so she'll be in tomorrow night.  We're hoping Eva will be here soon so Grandma K will have more time to bond with her new granddaughter.  So c'mon Eva, we all want to meet you!

Mama's ready, c'mon lil Eva La Roo!

She's taking her time, but that's ok.  She still has time.  Its not till around June 2nd that we need to start trying something else to get her to come on out.  Our midwives had advised this probably would happen, as most 1st time mom's babies come later than their estimated due date, and its perfectly natural.  I think Eva is waiting for me to be completely ready & feeling better, as I've been fighting off this cold.  She's very conscious of others I can feel.  She will be a very loving & caring person I just know :)
Our midwives suggested Andy & I make "due date dates" around her estimated due date, so that we have other things to look forward to, or to keep us occupied instead of worrying or anything if she doesn't arrive exactly on time.  So we've been taking advantage of our alone time & eating out at restaurants.  Last night, we ate at Bay Leaf Vegetarian restaurant, which is now one of our top 3 favorite restaurants in Portland.  Our soup type meals were served in this sizzling kettles, and sooooo amazingly yummy.  The food was so healthy & nourishing, exactly what we needed.
Then I finished my birth collage, I'll be posting a photo of it soon.  We edited my Ipod birth playlists too, so we have our music picked out for labor.  So finally, I'm ready.  Do you hear me Lil Eva? Your mama's ready for you! and so is the rest of your family, we can't wait to see you!!

Still no Eva! but a Gemini she is!

We are awaiting our little goddess still.  She teased us this morning around 4am with some braxton surges.  It was really hard to breathe, which scared me more than the cramping hardness that you feel.  They lasted less than 5 min, and went away when I laid down.   We feel she's coming soon though, and she appears to have dropped even lower.  I've been feeling alot of love & support from everyone, I can feel your positive vibes from all over the country!  Thank you all! I appreciate all your kind words & support.  Its definitely helping me get through the surges.  As well as all the unconditional love from Andy & my 2 kitties.  They were all by my side this morning & all through the night, purring & sleeping right under my head & next to me.  I wish I could have got a picture of them all :)
Now for today, we're going to try to finish up some last minute things, but going to the park & practicing breathing is top priority.  We'll keep you posted!

Still no Evie!! 4 more hours & she'll be a Gemini!

Alright so 4 more hours till she's officially a Gemini!  Even so though, she'll have alot of Taurus in her.  She's still taking her time, wondering if tonight will be the night though.  I didn't sleep much last night, the anticipation is getting to me! I was telling Andrew I feel like I've been waiting in line for a roller coaster that may fall off the tracks, and it'll be painful but I'm already up at the top of the line, and there's no turning back.  Plus its getting uncomfortable waiting in the line...the only thing is that giving birth to Eva will be completely worth it! And the experience of a lifetime!
Another great thing that happened for us, is our amazing friend Vaughn took our prenatal photos today for free!!  He shot over 350 of them!  We chose the best ones, and we'll even have some really cool green screen shots of us floating in space, in Egypt, and in a rainforest.  Can't wait to see them! It was a sunny day & so the outdoor shot turned out as well.  We'll be sure to post them on here once he gets them to us!

Still no Evie!! 4 more hours & she'll be a Gemini!

Alright so 4 more hours till she's officially a Gemini!  Even so though, she'll have alot of Taurus in her.  She's still taking her time, wondering if tonight will be the night though.  I didn't sleep much last night, the anticipation is getting to me! I was telling Andrew I feel like I've been waiting in line for a roller coaster that may fall off the tracks, and it'll be painful but I'm already up at the top of the line, and there's no turning back.  Plus its getting uncomfortable waiting in the line...the only thing is that giving birth to Eva will be completely worth it! And the experience of a lifetime!
Another great thing that happened for us, is our amazing friend Vaughn took our prenatal photos today for free!!  He shot over 350 of them!  We chose the best ones, and we'll even have some really cool green screen shots of us floating in space, in Egypt, and in a rainforest.  Can't wait to see them! It was a sunny day & so the outdoor shot turned out as well.  We'll be sure to post them on here once he gets them to us!

Today is the Estimated Due Date....but she's taking her time!

Eva has decided to wait for her arrival so far.  We're still checking things off our to do list, so its not that bad that she's taking her time.  We had a prenatal appointment today & everything is good.  Eva's heartbeat is going strong and we're so excited to hold her in our arms & kiss her face off!  :)

We know that she'll come when she's good & ready, and probably when she knows I'm good & ready.  We'll keep you all posted.  Roxy, Jesse D, and Scott are going to be calling people when we go into labor, so people can light their candles & send good vibes.  If for some reason our 3 friends are unable to make the calls, our Doula Nichol said she could make the calls.  We've also signed up for a Meal Registry we were told about that lets your friends come over & meet your new baby as well as bringing some food for the Mama & cub in recovery mode & the Papa & Gma who's taking care of them.  From May 25th till June 8th will be Gma Kathy's time to be with Eva, so we'll have people over after the 8th that want to visit.  By no means does anyone have to bring food with them to meet Eva after the 8th.  

Right now I'm finishing my labor photo collage that I'll be hanging on the wall at the birth center for during labor.  It'll have pictures of family & friends who have loved & supported us over the years, as well as pictures of our new family.  Andy's painting me a little painting with a focal point on it for one of the visualization techniques.  I also have a bag of yummy food to be taking in case I'm hungry & for post natal time.  I'm taking our aromatherapy oils as well as candles.  I've also made several different playlists for our Ipod that will be playing.  We've hung Eva a banner & intention rings from the ceiling below the baby cards we've got from the shower & the since the pregnancy.  We started our 1st family home video as well to document some of the time before Eva joined this world.  Andy's also almost finished with her mural painting for the bedroom :)  

Now for tomorrow, we've got a few last minute things, like getting our prenatal professional looking photos done by our friend Vaughn.  I'm making brownies & cookies for the birth team too! 

Its the Eve Of Eve!

We're almost there! Tomorrow is Eva's due date! We're so excited.  I'm still feeling good and as if I'm not really having a baby yet, like I felt in the 2nd trimester.  I'm thankful for that, at least I'm not in pain like a lot of mama's usually are around this time.  Eva & my body has treated me well these past 9 months, I will be forever grateful to her :)  We are still getting ready for her arrival, practicing our Hypnobirthing techniques, doing yoga, making food, cleaning & getting our home ready.  I still have a stack of books that I'm reading & hope to finish. So we won't mind terribly if she decides to be late.  But if she has all this Taurus in her stars like her birth chart we did tonight says she will, if she's born in the next 3 days, she's probably be on time tomorrow!  Alright time to get some rest, and try to fight off Andy's cold that's he's passing on to me...

4 days to go possibly!!

We're getting really excited for lil Eva to join us in this world.  We are still getting ready, it seems never ending all the things parents can do to make your home comfortable & an artistic environment for a little one.  We're trying to use lots of colors to decorate, and Andrew's painting for Eva is coming along amazingly.

We're also practicing our Hypnobirthing, getting ready for the big day.  Its pretty astounding how it works.  Our Doula used Hypnobirthing for her 3 pregnancies, so she can help us during our labor, which we'll appreciate immensely.  Parents can also use the techniques in Hypnobirthing for help raising your children.  When things get stressful, or a bit crazy, you can use the deep relaxation tips to help calm you, thus making you able to cope with things better, which will help you be a better parent!
What's Hypnobirthing you may ask? http://www.hypnobirthing.com/FAQs.htm#what 
But what's hypnosis?  http://www.hypnobabies.com/mylink.php?id=3804


We'll keep you posted as things progress!  If we end up going into labor earlier, we're making a phone tree to let everyone know when to light their candles that I made when labor starts so you can keep us in your thoughts that day (or days if goes that way).  The flickering lights lit for us will be an added source of strength & comfort.  If you were unable to come to the baby shower, you can still light a candle in our honor & send us your good thoughts.  I'll also be wearing the birth bead necklace that I made from the beads that friends gave me at the shower.  It will be a constant reminder of the blessings and support from my friends.  Thanks to you all who are still wearing the yarn bracelets from the shower as well, those symbolize the inter-connection and solidarity shared with me, and to remind you to send me your support during labor.  I'm not sure if I'll have time to post on here when I'm in labor, so you may want to email me asap if you want to be added to the phone tree to know when we go into labor.  


"It is not only that we want to bring about an easy labor, without the risk of injury to the mother or the child; we must go further.  We must understand that childbirth is fundamentally a spiritual, as well as a physical, achievement...it must be understood that the birth of a child is the ultimate perfection of human love..."-Dr. Grantly Dick-Read, Childbirth Without Fear, 1953

Only One Week To Go!! Nest building in full swing now!

Wow, only one week remains possibly!  We're getting ready and have been building our little nest for Eva Roo. I've been really wanting to decorate, cook & bake, and make as much memorabilia as possible lately.  Yesterday, I made us a Greek dinner, with homemade Tzatziki sauce for the falafel.  I was inspired after my Mama's Day dinner date Andy took me on at the famous Nicolas Restaurant last Sunday.  I've made so many new dishes during this pregnancy, I feel I should have made a foodie blog and took pictures of all the meals, but of course, there was not enough time!  My other favorites have been the gluten free vegan pizza, the veggie lentil soup and the oatmeal peanut butter chocolate chip cookies.  I'm excited to keep up on experimenting with new foods even after the pregnancy, to keep our taste buds happy & enthused.
I feel like my inner green vegan Martha Stewart is coming out.  I'm also feeling the creative urges from the divine feminine energies surging through my body.  I just wish my realistic 'list setting' mind could let my creative mind take the leads and come out to play.   Andy doesn't really understand why I feel I "need" to do all these things on my list, but he's been great helping me accomplish the tasks.  Sometimes "the list" is stressful to think about, but my Doula, Nichol, gave me some great advice the other day when she came over for our 2nd prenatal with her.  She recommended I only choose 6 of the things off my list that are the highest priority, and focus on finishing those.  Then if and when I check those off the list, I can take 6 more off the longer list to try to finish.  It makes the list way more manageable for me, and not so overwhelming.  Finally, feeling better about getting everything done, just in the knick of time right!  Andy has started Eva's painting for above her co-sleeper in our bedroom and the sun is shining so he's painting outside, so I think I'll join him now & read some of the Birthing From Within book that I've really been enjoying.  Have a great day!

Happy Mama's Day!

 I have the best mom in the whole world.  She loves me so much & always thinks of me & is there for me.  She has the most fun personality of anyone you'll meet.  She can always make me laugh.  My mom is always thinking of other people before herself, she is the most self-less person I know.  I am thankful to have been blessed with such an amazing mother, and have learned so much about being a good person from her.  I will continue & teach our little girl these same characteristics and she will shine!  Motherhood is going to come natural I feel since I had a good role model and she even did it all by herself!  My mom is also one of the most strongest women I know.  I don't know how she did it!  Truly amazing she is.

I am grateful to have such a dedicated partner to help raise our little girl, making my job as a mother much easier.  I want to thank Mom Rossi for raising such a caring man as well.  She did a wonderful job teaching him compassion for all and to see the good in everything.  Her optimism, wonder & amazement of all things great & small will continue to be passed down to our little girl as well.  Eva is fortunate to have such amazing Grandmothers' to take after & look up to.  Thanks Moms!!! We love you!!!  And Eva this mama loves you so much and is excited to meet you in about 11 days!!

About 12 days to go!

Eva has been kicking about & I think she may have run out of room in her temporary home!  She's been doing a wave like motion the past few days, but she's still head down, ready to go.  Our Midwife says she's in a perfect position for birthing.  I'm alright with her taking her time arriving here, since we still have so many things we'd like to do to prepare, so I'll gladly take the extra days if she decides to be late.  I'm getting a whee bit tired of the swollen feet & stinging numb hands that wake me up at 2:30am, but other than that, its been pretty easy.  My energy level has been steady, and I've been able to still participate with the Radical Cheerleaders.  Last night, we had our benefit for the Blue Mountain Biodiversity Project and Northwest Ecosystem Survey Team.  Raised $160 for each group after the venue was paid.  Fun filled night of great music, dancing, cheers, yummy vegan food and amazing compassionate forest defenders.  We bought a bottle of yummy homemade organic wine to celebrate Eva's birthday.    Felix, my friends 4 year old, an aspiring radical cheerleader for animal rights, cheered with us for our messages cheer, and she came up with her own message that same day when I was babysitting her! So precious she is.  There's video footage of this mini vegan radical cheerleader that I'll try to post later on.  Now I'm going to take a nap, so Eva & I can go hear her daddy sing at his last show tonight till his birthday show in July!

About 17 days to go!!

Today was wonderful.  I received a free hour long session Watsu Treatment, which is one of the neatest feelings I've ever felt.  Watsu is a form of aquatic bodywork offered in a pool heated to near body temperature.  Its like getting a massage underwater.  The best part is that it was free for this mama!  I won a raffle at the Earth Day Festival a couple weekends ago!
I felt like a baby duckling & the mama duck was moving me around & holding me.  The pool was so nice & warm.  There was peaceful relaxing music & dim lighting.  Robin has great energy as well, so it was an all around good experience.  I'm pretty sure Eva was enjoying it as well.  Robin said she could feel her move around a little during the session.
Here's Robin, the bodywork therpists' link if you are want to check it out:
http://www.bodhitherapy.com/watsu_aquatic_therapy.php


Afterwards Andy & I went out for yummy vegan thai food.   Then walked around in the warm sunshine we had today.   For dinner, we made our favorite Vegan Gluten Free Pizza from scratch, with Daiya cheese....yum.....Great day for this mama!

19 days to go!!

We've entered the teens!  WOW! The homestretch is upon us now.    
     

Happy May Day! Don't forget the Anarchists whose lives were cruelly cut short by the US government in 1886, in the struggle for the 8hr work day, for which this holiday commemorates.

And Happy Beltane, the midpoint between spring equinox & summer solstice! They say this is time for fertility too, Evie may arrive early...stay tuned...