needlework

i went to the acupuncturist today. (according to several other woman, and my midwives, this can be a very effective way of jumpstarting labor.*)

the doctor was very sweet, has several children of her own, and wasn't too "portland", although there was lots of "energy" talk. she inserted about a half-dozen needles about the width of a strand of horse's mane into my lower back. then we waited. after about a half-hour, she removed the needles and sent us on our way with instructions to spend the afternoon napping in case tonight is the night.

we are to expect dull cramping in my lower back sometime tonight, that gradually extends around like a belt until everything is tight. then the cramping will begin to come and go, eventually becoming "wave-like" and turning into regular contractions by tomorrow morning. however, if Baby really isn't ready we may have to return for a 2nd session on wednesday.

here's hoping!


*one woman had to walk her bike home from the appointment b/c labor started so quickly. another slept through the night, then awoke in the morning to her water breaking... two hours later she was holding her baby in her arms.

we keep just missing each other, but one day we'll meet...

You Are Austin:

youYou Are Austin

A little bit country, a little bit rock and roll. You're totally weird and very proud of it. Artistic and freaky, you still seem to fit in... in your own strange way. Famous Austin residents: Lance Armstrong, Sandra Bullock, Andy Roddick

What American City Are You?

tuesday

my friend says i'm going to have the baby today. this assertion is based solely on the fact that she and i, and her own son were all born on tuesdays. i'm not putting money on this one.

although... i DID eat a breakfast of hot chocolate and chocolate chips. and i don't even LIKE chocolate. and i spent yesterday walking around the apartment with a bottle of windex, cleaning dust and fingerprints from everything that a human could possibly have touched, ever. if only i could reach the ceiling fan blades... sigh.

the baby is already so low that it's painful to wear even maternity pants. which leaves me one option: skirts with 3/4 leggings... in 35 degree weather. i've been knee-high-boot shopping, but, alas, it's a bit late.

we are obsessed with the baby's accessories, and can't wait to get his opinion on them. now our conversations go something like this:

D: well, we can still go hang out at the library once the baby is here.
me, voice increasing in pitch as sentence progresses: yes, and he can WEAR HIS CHICKEN HAT!!!!!

and

me: well, we will have to take his car seat to hawaii with us.
D (yes, his voice also increases in pitch when baby things are mentioned): cuz it has a LITTLE AIRPLANE ON IT!!!!

our baby now has 9 hats. yes, nine. and they are all ADORABLE. he also has shoes with little peace signs on them. it just doesn't get any cuter than that.

SO cute...

Boden USA

also, SO pricey.

ready, set, GO!

x mop all floors in house
x make extra loaves of bread and freeze
x make about 20 kinds of soup and freeze
x get birthing tub and set up in dining room without landlords knowing it
x wash and organize all baby stuff
x rearrange furniture
x cut out all pieces to quilt i'm making
x purchase every possible type of food or drink i might desire during labor
x get metal diaper pail
x read 100s of pages of birthing books
x undecorate christmas tree
x attend all baby showers

o write to friend who has been in the cloister for 7 months
o paint my bike
o make a braided hemp "keeper" for my water bottle top so i don't lose it anymore
o mail my sister the $10 i owe her

hmm, i think all the important things are out of the way, so C'MON BABY!