Baby is starting to seem more and more real. Starting from our appointment last night we’ll be seeing the midwife every two weeks now. That’s crazy! How did I get so far along?! Where have the past few months gone? Hah! More on the appointment later.
Anyways, I’ve been scarce lately. Scott and I have done two Pink Kit sessions which I haven’t written about and I’ve done a lot more reading and observation, starting to explore my own mind for the birth.
But last week I really buckled down and finished the site redesign, so all pages on the website should have the new look and feel now. It took a good amount of time but I got it done and I’m so relieved.
Then I focused on getting our “school year” schedule made out. I’ve written about setting a schedule before and I actually do live my own advice! I think it’s vital for most moms who are working at home, and moms who are managing a growing family or home schooling. I’m doing all three of those things, though this year I’ll cut some of my work time because my oldest is in first grade and I need to devote a big chunk of time to helping her get off to a good start in reading, writing, and math. The next few of my years will be like that as I’m helping beginning readers and mathematicians get going 
Figuring out a schedule can be quite a lot of work initially and I took my time doing it, considering what needed to be fit into the day for each of us. I also considered chores and how much the children are doing to help around the house. I think it’s important for children to have chores, though I still need to do a lot of supervision. And Brennan, our 3 year old, needs help with his. But I feel it’s important for them to contribute to their home.
I’ve also gotten all my lesson plans through the end of the year written out, including quite a few things for my mom to do with the children after the baby is born. That leaves me time to rest and bond with baby and keeps the older kids busy 
I still need to think of some activities for them to do immediately after the baby is born, in the first few days, which I have scheduled to be a school break for us.
So that’s what has been occupying most of my time during the past week. I’ve also completely re-organized our files, and like I said above I’ve done a lot of reading and begun to really consider the baby’s birth and process some of my own fears, thoughts, worries, and anticipation (yes, even me, the girl who runs a website on birth, has some fear and worry at the back of her mind). It’s a process I feel is important. I like to address any fears I have before a birth and work through them as much as possible. Then I can go into birth feeling at peace and ready for the work it will bring.
On that note, our midwife appointment last night was a good one. I got to ask a lot of questions and again, really start looking toward the birth. Baby sounded good and I am measuring perfectly. I’ve gained just about 30lbs at this point so I’m thinking I’ll probably get to around 40lbs added by the end of pregnancy. I’ve always gained about a pound a week in the third trimester. I feel great. Tired, but physically feel great, am loving nesting, and my big baby belly Life is good.
Expect those Pink Kit updates soon!
