THE SHOHEN'S: November 2010

Lisa and Bruce, or grandmom and grandpop, came down for a few days for Thanksgiving. While they were down, we were able to complete Ashley's bedroom. Matt and I have been working on it for quite sometime, we were just waiting on the finishing touches.

I was really happy because as I wrote in an earlier blog, I had wished I could be talented enough to make her bedding myself, or have some kind of homemade keepsake from me...well I got my wish. I was able to help make her curtains, I recovered her rocker/glider, and I had made an art project out of the letters of her name that we had gotten for a shower gift. A lot of time, work, and love was put into her room from start to finish. Here are pics from our project...the finished product will be up shortly after I get everything straightened up!

In other news, we have finished our baby classes. I had a lot of fun with Matt at the birthing class. It was just a fun/bonding moment for us. I was saying that it's too bad you're in so much pain during the real thing, otherwise it would be a fun experience for husbands and wives...lol...even with the pain, I know it will be such a sacred and special time for the two of us!

P.s...the baby countdown says 36 days left (or less)!!

Today we are 34 weeks, 6 or less to go! The baby countdown says only 42 days left...crazy! I figured I'd write to update on how things have been going.

Well, turns out I do have gestational diabetes. It's pretty ironic, here I am an LPC specializing in Eating Disorders. I practice what I preach about eating mindfully and intuitively, having no such thing as good foods or bad foods, and eating a variety of foods. And now here I am having to be on a food plan and monitor what I eat and my sugars. Goes against everything I practice and preach! Haha...Darn you genetics! In the beginning it was really tough, especially since I do usually enjoy something sweet after dinner some nights. But now I've gotten used to it and it's become part of my lifestyle. And I know that it'll all be worth it. Plus, it certainly gives me even more empathy for our diabetic clients who have this permanently.

Aside from that transition, things have been pretty busy lately! I think I am definitely in the "nesting" phase of pregnancy, trying to get everything ready and prepared just in case Ashley comes early. One of our friends had her baby 6 1/2 weeks early, so that's been in the back of my mind. But rationally I know that if she were to come today, we have everything we need to start, and everything else would fall into place as life always does.

We have also been busy with lots of baby classes--we took the OB tour, the Preparing for Baby class, the Breastfeeding class, and we have one more tomorrow and Tues night to prepare for birthing/Lamaze. They have been helpful. Since I have been babysitting since the age of 11 or 12, and having worked at a daycare with infants and children, it is comforting to see how much I already do know, but there is still lots to learn. I have enjoyed them and they do bring you more ease going into things.

I've also had weekly doctor appointments now. Despite the gestational diabetes, everything looks "great". The baby's vitals look good, my weight and belly measurements are exactly on track, blood pressure good, and since I've been monitoring my sugars they are great too. One bonus of the gestational diabetes is that they may induce me a week early! They usually like to do that. We won't know until about the week before, they have to see how everything is progressing, but if it looks good she may be here closer to Christmas.

I have also been busy at work. I have been training two women, so it's been crazy! One is taking my place while I am on maternity leave, then she will stay on an extra day when I return so that I can work very part time hours for a while (I hope to work only a day or two at most). She is already an LPC (licensed professional counselor), but she was more of a general/broad counselor. So I have been training her and another person on the specific eating disorder piece. I didn't realize that there was SO much information/things they need to know. I just do it each day, it's part of what I do and I don't stop and think about all that goes into it, so it has helped me step back and see all the work and information that goes into my job. I'm also trying to tie up loose ends at work and have everything in order with doctors, referrals, and paperwork before I leave.

Then we've also been pretty busy with other things....over the past couple of months we've had lots of company, trips, trying to hang out with friends, baby showers, and now we've got the holidays coming up. I figured I'd start Christmas shopping early while I can still walk around since next month will be pushing it.

Needless to say, there's been a lot to juggle. I have decided to cut back an extra day at work after Thanksgiving so that I can balance a little better. Need to practice what I preach about self care, and I have been feeling like I need this lately. That way I can take care of things I need to, while also resting and enjoying this time in my life. I am looking forward to it.

We are also getting very excited to meet Ashley. I can't wait to see who's been moving around and kicking me! I love it all though! It's weird to look at her clothes and not know what the baby who will be filling them will look like or be like. Can't wait to see. I just feel so blessed to be able to experience all this.