One Last Hike

David, Mabel and I went to Indian Peaks Wilderness today for a snowy hike on the Continental Divide. This happens to be a good winter to be pregnant because of the lack of snow. Instead of skiing and more epic back country winter adventures I get to go on mellow walks in the snow with yak tracks and poles so that I don't fall. We didn't need snow shoes because the snow is nicely packed down thanks to the other hikers and the lack of fresh powder.

After trying on most of my clothes this a.m. I discovered a new wardrobe in my house that fits over my belly: David's :)

I pay more attention now to future glimpses of our life because families and older generations seem to pick the same hikes as the pregnant lady. One family made it about 20 yards from the parking lot and the father was trying to explain to his son that a hike consisted of actually walking and not being carried while his daughter decided to lay down in the snow and give up. Another family never made it out of the parking lot while I watched their 4 children roll around in a ditch of ice and dirt while the father asked them to stop more times than I could count. So I enjoyed my bittersweet hike today with David and Mabel and am very thankful for all of the wonderful hikes we have had together in the past.

 An update on Mabel... She is 9 going on 2. I forgot her harness and leash so David made due with a webbing strap we had in the car. She was very happy to be out in the snow, to say the least.

Susie Homemaker

I go back and forth if I have it in me or not to be a stay at home mother.  At times being a stay at home mom sounds nice but it is not in the cards for us, which is fine. I am lucky to have a flexible job that is not 8-5. I will have some weekdays off with our little guy and make up for it working nights and weekends. I need to talk and interact with adults and going to work does make me feel good about myself (most of the time). I go through the occasional time periods where I wish I didn't work with people in general because I get frustrated with "crazy" situations. Then I have a good day in clinic or labor and delivery and see wonderful people who are very grateful and will make wonderful parents and all is right in my world for the time being. 

I do enjoy the occasional domesticated activity from time to time. I will be honest David does as much if not more than I do, especially in the kitchen (he made dinner tonight and did the dishes). However I like cleaning the house when David is at work while listening to music, sometimes cooking, baking, throwing the laundry in the washer and dryer (not folding and putting away) and lately I have picked up sewing. Quiet time in my house is about to end soon, as my friend Jess reminded me today, so I have decided to make the most of my days off by going to a work out class, apparently blogging or sewing. Today I made a baby sling with a little online instruction and my own modifications. I will try it out on my own child and see how it goes. If a success maybe I can find the time to make one for someone else. My first baby sling I made a long time ago did not work out so well. I have been taking sewing classes to improve my self-taught ways so hopefully it will pay off. Here are some pics of my work with the stuffed Moose my Sister and Dan got Charlie.

Pockets Sewn in the tail

 I put snaps in so you can fasten the tail out of the way. 

 Lastly the other fasten goes up around my neck to make due as a "Hooter Hider". So exciting!

Some of my other projects...

Bibs, Diaper Changing Pads and a Quilt

Product testing prototype, Grayson wearing his Bib :)

To summarize my hat goes off to all of the amazing Moms and Dads out there who work or stay at home. I don't think there is a right or wrong and many people don't have the choice either way. My only opinion is if you do have a choice doing what makes you most happy without compromising too much is probably best for everyone. Happy parent = happy kid. My parents both worked full time growing up, I had amazing child care with Cindy Snider (Julie's Mom) and my Grandma. In addition I have wonderful memories with my Parents of everything we use to do together. I hope we can find this balance for Charlie, finding someone who can help us take care of him as well as my sister and I were taken care of. 

Happy Nesting, Amy

28 weeks today!!!

28 weeks is the gestational age everyone at work celebrates. The NICU nurses, OB nurses, Midwives and OBs. The nurses will often have "viability" cupcakes or some sort of celebration food. Technically 24 weeks is viability but outcomes of babies born after 28 weeks are significantly better. So in my professional opinion, it's a good milestone.

I'll post a picture of myself, if you have an opinion, I would advise you to keep it to yourself. If you are pregnant you might as well wear a post it sign on your forehead that says "Go ahead and tell me what you think". Everyone seems to have an opinion, statement, critique about what you look like, say or are doing. For instance I have been denied a caffeinated latte while working night shift b/c I was pregnant and the barista decided for me that caffeine would not be good for my fetus. People have made comments on the amount of food I have eaten. People compare other pregnant women and say how big they are or are not. Some of my co-workers have gotten comments stating how huge they are, who wants to hear that. So I post my pregnancy picture but with a warning.

Charlie Wren Due March 31st 2012

Charlie Wren:
Our little boy is due March 31st. We are very excited to meet him. Just a few days away from the third trimester. We started the blog so we can share pictures of our new addition with our family in Ohio, Maine, California, Oregon and Florida.

A picture of him sucking his thumb at our wonderful 20 week Ultrasound. 

Preparing for Baby:
We are preparing the baby room little by little. I purchased these prints from an artist on etsy and framed them. 

 We received the best book "Baby Bargains" from our friends The Orfe's who are expecting twin girls next month. It has been helpful in deciding what we need and don't need for the baby as well as what parents rate as "the best of..." All of the options are overwhelming.

I just booked a pregnant belly henna session with a local artist, Amy Swagman. I have always wanted henna and this is a great reason, in my opinion. It is suppose to bring good luck to the pregnancy, a safe delivery and a happy baby :) Some people pray, I will have henna on my belly. I am sure there will be more post about this when the time comes and maybe a picture or two.
http://hennadenver.com/

Finally here is a video of our most recent Ultrasound when my parents were visiting. He is yawning, which is what I am currently doing, time for bed.