It's been awhile - long post ahead :)

So a few things went on this past week and a half...I'll break it up into the sections:

1.  NATURAL BIRTH PRENATAL COURSE

We took a course last Sunday for 8 hours regarding natural childbirth and what to expect etc.... it was a super long day but very informative.  We got a package with all the information she went through and it's a good reference just before I go in to deliver.

She went through things like the benefits of going natural and the benifits of a medicated birth or cesarean in order to give what's best for your baby.  She also touched on breastfeeding and what to expect after the birth when we are home with baby.

In a couple weeks, we start the prenatal courses at the Health Unit.  Those are only 2 hours every Wednesday night.  I'm curious to see what the difference between the courses will be.  :)

2.  VEGAS

We went to Las Vegas last week for 5 days, Monday to Friday.  We stayed at the Hard Rock hotel and I think I did pretty good considering how tired I was by the end of the night.  We weren't staying out late, but we did do a lot during the daytime.  It was nice that we could do what we want or relax and not worry about doing anything at all!  We did do a lot of walking, and I found my sciatica was starting up a little bit.... it wasn't painful most days, but it was irritating at points.

I had a really nice spa day there and Ryan had a massage.  We were both really relaxed that day and that was the day of my birthday so it was a nice way to celebrate.

As much fun as we had, it was nice to also come home to our furkids and families. Vacation is nice, and we needed to get away for sure.  It seems to make us more appreciative of all we have at home though :)

3.  MATERNITY PHOTOSHOOT

Yesterday I had a 7 hour photoshoot - the main focus was my belly of course :)  I did a class for Ted Kloske.  He did a workshop on Maternity Photography and asked me to be their model.  In exchange I get a ton of photos that I am going to cherish for the rest of my life !!  If you want to see the pictures you can go on my facebook profile page.  I am tagged in a bunch of them.  It will be a little while before I get the actual prints, so for now you can see them on there.  Once I get them I will post here on the blog.

4.  SHOPPING PROBLEM

I think I have a baby shopping problem.  I am trying to stop internet shopping, and going on all those wonderful sites a lot less.  I have gotten most of my items in that I have ordered however and I am very pleased with all of my purchases :)

5.  SHOWER

The baby shower is underway and all cards have been sent out.  Even though I didn't make my invitations or thank you's, I found other ways to be creative, so it's been keeping me busy.  I have to admit though, it's kinda nice that I don't have to do all those cards!!!  There is so much more that needs to be done (like our house to get in tip top shape!), so I'm focusing more on that.

Well that's all I really have to say, thanks for reading - hopefully it wasn't too boring!

Some Updates and forks in the road...

So to start off with the good.....

I have decided on my shower favour gifts.  Originally we were going to do the Bath & Body Works soaps, and although they are going to be used by everyone, I found it was not quite as personal to give.  So what I've decided on (no I'm not telling you!) is something that Ryan & I use and believe in and would love to spread the word about these magical little things :)  (I bet you can't wait to see!!)

I have a prenatal appointment today, and I will be getting a referral for my glucose screening test.  I am not looking forward to it, not because of worry, but because I have to sit at the lab for a couple hours (or maybe one hour) and drink some orange syrupy stuff....... but it's just another milestone in the pregnancy and that is what I'm looking forward to!

Ryan & I are taking a prenatal class on natural childbirth with a Doula named Rhea Eady on Sunday.  You can look her up here.  I am looking forward to this class, even more so now, due to the reason I'm posting below.

Onto the (kinda but not really) bad...

So our Doula decided to withdrawal from us because there is a chance I'd deliver at Christmas.  I understand considering she has a little one at home.  She offered to help us find another Doula, however we are confident that we can do it on our own.  I have a lot of knowledge going in hoping for a natural, non-invasive birth and Ryan I know, will be there to support me 100%.  This is why I am really looking forward to this class.... and I'll be sure to update on it Sunday night, along with my glucose test experience :)

Not much going on....

So there isn't too much going on.  I'm in my 26th week, just brimming the third trimester :)  I'm starting to feel quite tired now, almost like the first trimester, except I still have spurts of energy here and there.  I have been getting what I think is Braxton Hicks contractions as well - how they are described is what I'm feeling -- not painful, just discomforting.

I've decided to learn how to crochet baby hats.  There are a few owl pattens on Etsy and they are expensive....(I would still buy them however!) but I thought I could learn to crochet them and the baby cocoons and then I would be able to coordinate them the way I want to for the newborn photo's that I want to do with him.  The patterns are on Etsy for cheap and I can make different sizes in case Baby D has a bigger head than a standard newborn.  :)

Other than that, nothing else is going on.  Just finishing renovations and looking forward to our Vegas trip!!!