It's a Boy!

I'm late to this blog with the announcement, but to those who haven't been informed- we're having another baby boy! We're very excited and feel happy that Jasper will have a sibling of the same sex close to his age (to eventually share a room with!). Ireland is already such a darling big "sissy" and we know she'll be just as great with the new babe as well. Eventually, however, she has specifically requested a sister from her daddy and I. We'll see how that works out. ;-)


I'm nearly 20 weeks pregnant now and things are going well. The weight gain is coming along alright, although I'm not sure many women will ever really be happy with gaining weight. My weight gain with Jazz was spot on for me at the time and it seems that I should hit that same target pretty close, only I expect to leave a good 5 or more lbs behind with this baby. I have learned that my body does it's own thing in this department during pregnancy and that I just have to sit back and release the need to control. The wee one is kicking up a storm lately and Daddy has already begun feeling his squirms. I've sensed the hiccups a few times as well. I have been having some slight issues with nerve pains in my back, but I am adapting as best as I can. Not a whole lot that can be done with that problem.


Spring has arrived! I love this warmer weather. I am not a Winter kind of girl. As a matter of fact, I really do have a passionate dislike for the cold. The garden is coming along, the grass is trying to take over (and Robby is keeping it in check!), the insects are swarming, pretty flowers are blooming, and everyone has a little skip in their step. Funny how weather affects one's mood so much. This family of 4 (and 1/2) is greatly looking forward to our upcoming vacation to Florida in just 5 weeks. The condo is booked, the van is rented, Robby has reserved the appropriate days off at work, and the money is tucked safely away until May 13th arrives. I can't wait to get to the beach! Jasper and Ireland are especially going to be thrilled with our destination and I am psyched to see the looks on their little faces when we get there.


I recently attended the incredible birth of a client that could not have went more smoothly. She labored at home for two days before heading into the hospital. When she got there, she was checked for dilation and was found to be at 9 centimeters! About 50 or so minutes after arriving, her third baby- second son- was born free of medications and/or unnecessary medical interventions. It was her first natural childbirth and she was a true pro! Talking with her afterward, I don't know that I have ever met a woman that is so high with joy over her birth experience. It makes my "job" feel so enriching and confirms that I am right where I'm supposed to be. I really do love it. And speaking of doulahood, school is good and I just finished my first birth evaluation last night. Reflecting over that recent birth so in depth was more enjoyable than I expected; I can actually see where I've grown since the last birth I attended a year ago. It really is such a learning process. I also finished paying off my school balance last night and can now actually do my work away from the computer! I can't wait to finally get my books in the mail and not depend on an internet connection to complete my studies. Over all, everything is looking up in this area.


It's going to be a busy Easter weekend. I'm going to make the kids their own "Resurrection Eggs", do the coolest craft EVER with them (Jesus Ascending to Heaven), dye and decorate eggs, have the ol' basket grand finale, and go on an egg hunt. Fun!