TOUR MY BRAIN!

I don't want to get TOO scientific with you at this hour. Alas, I've discovered the cause of "the night before you have a c-section" insomnia!  It's a big breakthrough and I'm in just the right mood to share it!

First, there are things like THIS:

And then, there are more "legitimate" other concerns like this (picture them listed in circular form, with each one replaying non-stop in my mind):

What if none of the names we picked out suit her?  

They better be EXTRA careful with that scalpel. She's POSTERIOR, PEOPLE!  Can you warn her to close her eyes when you make your move?

Oh please let our sweet baby girl be healthy.

Someone is going to stick a needle in my spine today.  Will I ever feel my legs again?

It's 4 a.m. and I'm already starving.  Fasting is not my forte.  

Did I mention I want her to be HEALTHY?  Also, I want them to wrap her up quickly so she doesn't get too cold.  Being cold is the worst. 

Charles Darwin was born today.  This likely means science will be her favourite subject.

Should I pack the Snuggie?

I wish my Daddy was here.  

I could go on.....but the jitters are starting to take over my typing abilities :)

Signing off for the FINAL TIME as a Mom-To-Be.  Next time I write, I'll be OFFICIAL!
XOXO

Happy DUE DATE Baby P!

Well.....she must be on Egyptian time because this little one didn't make her move today (yet....haha).  We had a doctor's appointment this evening and it seems as though her twirl space is too tiny and a c-section is necessary to welcome her into the world safely. 

Our daughter's ETA has been established much more clearly now (could this get any better for Phil?!), as the surgery is scheduled to begin Tuesday morning at 11:30!  Yes, that means in LESS THAN 48 HOURS, the Parkinson's will be an official Family of THREE.  OH MY GOODNESS.  We get to meet our daughter on February 12th. 

The pre-op bloodwork was completed tonight, as was the suite-booking and cautionary paperwork.  It was a four hour ordeal at the hospital, but we finally got home and into some comfies.

And then I cried.

Sobbed.

Like a baby.

For a good 20 minutes in bed. 

Why?  I HAVEN'T A CLUE!!!  All I know is that before this evening, I assumed any baby anxieties were related to the unanswered "when" and "how".  Now these two things have answers and I'm still left with worries.  I panic about her health, the c-section, the future......ah, my mind races and the anxieties generate non-stop.  Thankfully, the tears seemed somewhat therapeutic and I'm slowly getting more excited and less frightened. Inshallah the trend continues. 

Until Tuesday, I will try to enjoy as much rest and relaxation as possible.  I'm not sure I'll have any luck in the sleep department but I will do my darnedest to catch a few hours of shuteye.  I will make sure Phillip does the same!

Ahhhh - WE ARE HAVING A BABY!  On Tuesday!!!!  That is, unless Baby P throws us a curve ball and comes before then!!! Haha. 

My "BABY SHOWER in a SUITCASE"!

Mom P is here SAFE and SOUND.  She arrived Wednesday night with a suitcase full of PINK - complete with a custom-made tutu.  Yep, you read that right.  A CUSTOM MADE TUTU!

Baby P was spoiled with gifts from Thunder Bay, Wheatley, Leamington, Midhurst, and London.  She received gifts from Aunties and Uncles and Cousins and Grandparents and Great Grandparents and Friends of All the Aforementioned.  It was unexpected and unbelievable - a surprise, imported, late-night baby shower!!!  THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!  We feel so overwhelmed with LOVE from our family and friends in Canada. 

This February, more than any February before, LOVE is ALL AROUND US!  Baby P is one lucky gal.  And we are two extra lucky people.

Sending lots of love to all of you back home.  We can't wait to announce her arrival, whenever that may be!

XOXO

39 WEEKS!!!!!!!

WHOA NELLY!  How did we get to this point?!

Alas, here we are!  Things are SWELL.  I have been getting some sharp pelvic pains for the past week that subside when I walk around.  I wonder when they will become the REAL DEAL.

Time will tell!  Are the rest of you as excited as we are?!!!!!!!!!

Not Quite Ready to "SPICE UP" our LIFE!

Side note:  Yesterday I told Phil about the different ways that women believe they can naturally induce labour. 

While serving up beef tacos for dinner.....

Lindsay:  (looking curiously at the meat)  Hun, did you put in any spicy seasoning?

Phil:  Yes but I just didn't put in a lot because I don't want the baby to come tonight.

Lindsay:  Huh?

Phil:  You told me spicy foods can make the baby come early.  So I went easy on it.

Lindsay:  HUNNIE!!!!!!!  I think those are MYTHS!!!!!!! 

38 WEEKS!!!!!!!

Here I am at 6:15 a.m. - not the HAPPIEST CAMPER to say the least.  On the way into school my marking bin (and its contents!) became victim to the wind and, consequently, rush hour traffic.  Luckily, papers are far more resilient when it comes to being hit by a car and Phillip made a superhero move to recover all that was important.  PHEWFFF!!!!  (Thanks LOVIE!)

Our doctor's appointment this afternoon went GREAT.  We only waited for about 20 minutes (HOORAY!) and it seems the trick is to look "super pregnant" in order to be accelerated through the line-up.  I may just host my own "tight and bright" party at the next appointment.  That should catch their attention!  HA!

Apparently Baby P isn't quite ready yet.  This little bun is still a cookin' and I'm happy to keep her inside for just a bit longer!  She now weighs about 6.3 pounds, although somehow I managed to lose one kilo.  I think it was the cold bug that did it to me! 

Two more weeks until her due date!  I wonder which day she will decide to join us!!!!

HEY YOU IN THERE!

Let's make a deal........

You tell me what the plan is and I'll get us some sleep.  Okay?

P.S.  Your Daddy is out playing basketball and we are sitting at home resembling one ;)

P.P.S.  11 months until this wonderful thing called "CHRISTMAS"!  You're gonna LOVE IT! 

Baby P Update!

Phil and I just got home from the hospital.  We felt like we were back home in Canada - waiting for over 3 hours to see the doctor.  If it weren't for the "you look different" glares, I might have even gone off to find a Timmy's!!!

Anyways, somehow Baby P's due date was LOST IN TRANSLATION because it hasn't been the 16th of February for months.  Apparently, it has been the 10th of February since we made the clinic switch.  Not sure how this little piece of information was wrongly relayed, but it's exciting to know that our little one is expected to join us 6 days earlier than we thought!!!

We return to the doctor next Monday when she will do a full exam to decide if we can wait a couple more weeks or if I should be induced due to the diabetes.  CRAZY.  The possibility of her arriving next week is..........CRAZY.  Right?!!!!  Ahhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!  Alas, maybe she'll be so snug and content and the doctor will allow her to stay inside for a wee bit more :) 

37 weeks today!!! 

We can't wait to meet you, little one!
XOXO

GOOD POINT!

While getting ready for bed....

Lindsay:  Have a good sleep love!  (teasing)  I will be sure to wake you up every hour when I go to the bathroom!

Phil:  You already do that!  

Lindsay:  Not true!  Haven't you noticed that some nights I go the bathroom and you sleep right through it?

Phil:  How would I notice that if I'm sleeping?! 

This led to a very excellent bedtime giggle :)

ENJOYING.

The blog's been rather quiet the last couple of weeks.  I know.  It's just that I am busy..................................ENJOYING.  It sounds weird.  The holidays are over and we're back to work and tutoring and coaching and whatnot.  This week we have parent-teacher conferences Wednesday night and Thursday all day.  I'm not sleeping great, rather tired and a wee bit achy all over.  But STILL, I find myself sitting here and typing away with a smile.

Yesterday we had our 36 week appointment with the doctor.  All is going well with Baby P.  She is healthy and growing - weighing 6 pounds now!  I can't wait to meet her, but at the same time I am savouring these final few weeks of pregnancy.

I've really enjoyed being pregnant.  The whole idea of growing a little person inside of me (part ME, part PHIL) is simply amazing.  Even SCIENCE, my academic BFF, has left room for me to feel like something MAGICAL has been happening.  Watching my belly grow and feeling our daughter move - it's been INCREDIBLE.  UNBELIEVABLE.  I'm not even sure I believe that science has a role in this at all.  It seems too FANTASY-LIKE for any practical involvement ;)  Clearly, pixie dust and many-a-wands are the more likely sources to thank!

I am also savouring the final few weeks of "PHIL & LINDSAY".  Soon enough, we will be "PHIL & LINDSAY & BABY P", which is also FABULOUS but also new with a side of scary.  Becoming parents is a BIG DEAL!  I suppose you learn as you go and I am just thankful that the person I get to do it with is a great man.  Phillip is another "pixie dust and wand" creation - he must be.  I don't know what I would do without him by my side.  (PHILLIP - I LOVE YOU!)    

So that's the WHAT'S UP on this side of the globe.  Right now I am enjoying afternoons of Good Morning America.  Having a tea.  Taking long showers.  Cuddling with my hubby.  And dreaming about the day that our daughter decides to join us!  

It's so close.  9 months???  Pfffft.  IMPOSSIBLE!

I told ya it was MAGIC.

THREE P'S in a POD!

In VERY EXCITING NEWS, yesterday Emily came over to play "official photographer" in our 36 week photo shoot.  We'd been wanting to do this belly bump session for quite some time now, but the winter holidays and other commitments led to some scheduling conflicts.   We were also convinced that our pictures had to be done outside and our current living situation doesn't really promote public displays of affection!  With the fear of Baby P announcing her arrival far too early, Emily suggested an indoor location instead - OUR APARTMENT.  Although skeptical at first, the photos turned out BEAUTIFUL and our darling photog made magic happen within four small walls.

Here are some pictures from our special picture-taking event!  A big thank you to our dear GEMILY for capturing such sweetness in every click.  We will adore these moments for years to come. XOXO

Hungry and Tired - 100% of the Time!

THIS is 35 WEEKS!!!!! (Said in an "American Idol / Ryan Seacrest" manner).

Back to school we go!!!!

IF YOU WERE HERE FOR (DECAF) TEA.

*  Driving in Kuwait.  Remember I told you that it was my turn to "practice" driving last Friday morning?  Well - I did.  For over two hours.  And during this time, I only encountered TWO drivers reversing on the highway - in our lane.  ONLY TWO.  Not bad, right?!

*  On Christmas Day I had a spontaneous freak-out (these have become common) about Baby P's name.  We really thought we had secured the perfect one.  But then something came over me and we're on the hunt once again.  Either way, y'all will be kept out of the loop until she's born!  SOMETHING must be left to a surprise :)  

*  Saturday afternoon I went for lunch at a colleague's house.  Phil was supposed to join me as well, but he got stuck waiting around the house for a delivery.  Steve subbed in for him and the two of us enjoyed a delicious Iranian feast!  The family who hosted us is of the Baha'i faith and it was really sweet of them to read a beautiful prayer about pregnancy after our meal.  I also met another new mama at the event who has an eight month old son.  Phil and I hope to have dinner her and her husband at the end of this month!   

*  Back to deliveries.  They are the worst.  I won't re-hash the frustrations that we faced, but LET ME TELL YOU - I couldn't be happier that not a SINGLE thing more must be delivered to this flat. 

*  On Sunday we went for our 34 week appointment.  Everything is going as planned and Baby P decided NOT to play camera shy!  We got to see her sweet little face without an elbow, hand, or finger in the way.  She weighs 4.6 pounds right now, which the doctor says is "a few days small" but nothing to be worried about it.  We return to the doctor in two weeks!  Woweee - time is FLYING!

*  We've watched THREE movies in the last few days - Big Miracle, The Trouble with the Curve, and 10 Years!  GO US!  Perhaps we will get to a few more before the holidays are over.....

*  Car shopping has been an on-going activity for us this break.  Phil has gone out with different people to look at renting and buying both new and used cars.  After many back and forth's, we've decided to purchase a NEW CAR!!!  It will be our first "big" purchase together (ever!) which makes it extra exciting!!!  We should be cruising around in our new vehicle by next Tuesday or Wednesday.  I will save any more details until I can get a good picture! :)

*  The nesting continues at the Parkinson residence.  The guest room and nursery are ALMOST finished and we have rearranged the living room to be more cozy and functional.  I love it.  With each job we get done, the better I feel.  My hubby has been working non-stop to make sure we are 100% ready for Baby P's arrival.  He's the GREATEST!  

*  Emily and Shannon are back early from their trip!!!  This means EXTRA, UNEXPECTED quality time before school starts up again.  HOORAY!

*  I have had many people ask me how I am feeling lately.  I have to admit - the last few days (or week...) has been a bit tougher than before.  The lack of sleep continues and the throbbing back/ribcage-area pain is picking up like something fierce!  This morning I was up at 4 a.m. - first because I was achy.  Then because my nose decided to bleed.  And then because my stomach was growling!  Phil woke up to rub my back (told ya he was the greatest!), but I left the room eventually so that he could actually get some quality rest.  I hope he can sleep for as long as possible today!!!

Now I shall leave you with something hilarious.  To thank Phil for all of his sweetness, I decided to be a little sweet myself and bake both chocolate chip muffins and banana loaf.  I even doubled the recipe so I could freeze some treats for busy times ahead (thanks for the tips, pregnancy books!).  Well, let's just say that pregnancy brain/over-tiredness kicked in and instead of getting 24 delicious chocolate chip muffins, I ended up with 24 HOCKEY PUCKS.  I forgot to add the baking powder.  BAH!  This led to an embarrassing sob session in my cute, pastel-coloured, cupcake apron.  I have since re-grouped and have my fingers crossed for a banana loaf that we can actually EAT.  AY AY AY!

Three more days of vacation until school resumes!  We have a long to-do list for today but one of them is washing all of Baby P's tiny clothes.  I can't wait to see Phil's genuine excitement while he sorts, washes, and hangs them all to dry!!!  It will be PRICELESS.   

The Nesting Instinct.

Oh it's real.  And it's hit me like nobody's biz-nazzzz.

I think one example will suffice.  Yesterday - on my own accord - I began to disassemble the Christmas tree, pack away the Christmas napkins, take down all Christmas and birthday cards, return my Build-a-Bear to her annual clothes, and re-hang our everyday pictures in place of Christmas decorations.  (Should I have asked you to sit down for this?)

This behaviour is completely uncharacteristic of me.  I dread taking down anything labelled "WINTER HOLIDAYS".  I'm the type that would leave the themed-decor up year-round if it were socially acceptable.  In fact, last year I believe we almost made it to Valentine's Day before Phil insisted that the time had come and I had a little cry about it.       

I know it's a 180, but I think I'm feeling okay.  I mean, my sanity is still intact.  At least it is in my unbiased opinion of myself...... 

The point is this:  I want to clean.  I want to purge.  I want to tidy.  I want to organize.  (Key word is "WANT", ladies and gents!) 

And you know who is very pleased about this sudden strike of "nesting"?  PHILLIP.  If I wasn't before, I am certainly the GIRL OF HIS DREAMS now!!!!

Off I go. 

To clean. 

To purge. 

To tidy. 

To organize. 

Practice Makes PERFECT!

It's Christmas Eve morning.  I'm practicing the art of "swaddling" with my sparkly snow leopard, Zoe.  Both of us dressed up for the occasion.  Me - in my fancy reindeer antlers that jingle.  And her - in her flashy red Santa suit.

I wonder what Phil will say when he wakes up...........

HAPPY CHRISTMAS EVE, EVERYONE!!!!
XOXO

DECORATING: Frustrating AND Fun!

At our former school in Egypt, there was a charity art event held annually called "Art for Action".  Students in kindergarten through grade 8 would create pieces of artwork for the event that would be auctioned off to benefit local charities.  During our second year at the school, I happened upon the quilt below:

The quilt spoke to me INSTANTLY and I told Phil we HAD TO HAVE IT.  I'm not really sure what came over me, but I remember feeling particularly attached to it.  Phil could see how badly I wanted it and waited around the auction table all afternoon to make sure we had the highest bid.  When he told me it was ours, a light went off in my head and I knew the theme of our future nursery had been decided - "AROUND THE WORLD"!!!   

I think the quilt tugged extra hard on my heartstrings for a few reasons:

1)  It's one GIANT arts & crafts project.  AWESOME!
2)  Our darling Emily is the WONDERFUL person who started "Art for Action".   
3)  The quilt was a collaborative effort made by a junior kindergarten class.  I feel it represents teamwork, creativity, a love for learning, and childhood innocence - all in ONE!  
4)  There are faces of children from many different parts of the globe.  We have always said that we want our baby to be a "global citizen" :)

Two years later, finally being pregnant and under pressure to decorate a nursery, this quilt is posing two challenges:

1)  People do NOT believe in brightly coloured baby rooms (the quilt's border is bright red!).  In fact, many people gawk at the thought of anything other than pale shades of pink, blue, yellow, or beige!
2)  Finding bedding for the crib that is one solid colour - free from designs - is incredibly difficult.   We just got home from a day long search!!!  The options we saw today will not match the quilt that I love so much.  Babies R Us, Mothercare, Mama's and Papa's, and Baroque really wanted us to go for a traditional baby theme with traditional baby colours...... 

Alas, after re-examining the quilt when we got home, I think that Pottery Barn Kids might have a suitable option for the bedding.  Tomorrow we will return to the mall with the hopes of securing something that matches!

In other news, we picked up Shannon's vehicle last night and today we were cruising around for the first time with Phil in the driver's seat!  Having a car sure does make getting errands done easier.  We even explored some new stores that helped us to pick a colour scheme for the guest bedroom.  The sales we found were TOP NOTCH, too!  I have taken some "before" pictures and I can't wait to show you the "after" ones.  At least one of the two "to do" rooms is moving along :)

Okee dokee.  Yoga begins in 30 minutes.  I better fuel up!!!!
 

Christmas CONTINUES!

Very soon after last night's post, there was a knock at the door. It was our neighbours from floor 6, stopping by to deliver a Christmas gift for the Parkinson family! Surprises are my favourite and THIS SURPRISE was a real special one. Inside the nicely wrapped bag was a "Baby's First Christmas" stocking for Baby P (which I'm pretty sure should be used by Santa this year!) as well as a princess tiara ornament for the tree. Can you believe our fortune?

Well, it gets better.  This morning Emily asked us to stop by her room to pick up a Christmas gift.  All the way from Wawa, Mrs. Abbott sent us wee moccasins for Baby P (among other little goodies)!!!!!  Naturally, I started to cry because the moccasins are so little and charming.  I can't believe feet actually fit into footwear that size!  HUMAN FEET!!!!  Ahhh!  We're having a BABY!!!!

Despite the lower back and leg pain (HELLO TRIMESTER #3!), today was a SUPER DUPER DAY!  I was out all evening earning some extra MOU-LA for the family, but I am home now and quite happy to be resting on the couch - catching up with y'all.  Phil is telling stories about "The Birthday Fairy" and Baby P seems to like the tales quite a lot.  It sounds as though we may awake to a sunrise treasure hunt!!! 

Here's a SHOUT-OUT to my sister, TAYLOR, and our niece, JOYCIE GIRL!  HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you both.  May the year ahead bring you much happiness and adventure!  XOXO

HELLO MONTH #8!!!!!

Wowee! Baby P's expected to arrive two months from today! 

I am sitting on the couch right now - watching as my stomach shows ripples of movement that make me laugh out loud.  She must be doing her own version of a happy dance.  I was explaining these little bursts of excitement to her earlier today.

We love you, DARLING GIRL!  Soon enough you'll be able to witness your Daddy's "happy dance".  He spent four years mastering the art of "movement studies".  In other words, you're in for a real spectacle! 

XOXO

A SERIOUS MISCONCEPTION.

Sometimes I feel like there are triplets in there.

How is it possible that I feel her here, there, and EVERYWHERE - all at the same time?!!!

What an athlete I'm growing!

I love you, BABY P!
XOXO

New Doctor, Round #2!

Yesterday we had our second appointment with the new OB/GYN at the hospital.  Let me tell you - knowing "the system" is much less frustrating than not knowing "the system".  This time, we went half an hour early to check-in and then enjoyed the luxury of the lobby until they called our mobile to inform us that the doctor was ready to see us (about 1 hour and 45 minutes later).

In the lobby, there was a beautiful lady playing some interesting instrument on a coffee table.  There was also really delicious lentil soup at the cafe.  And there was also a free, full-functioning wifi connection!  This experience was much better than sitting in a crowded room with other pregnant ladies that are tired, irritable, impatient, and staring at you.

The music, coupled with the nearby fountain, was so soothing and peaceful.

Phil enjoying a lemon juice with mint at the cafe!

As for the appointment itself, it went SUPER!  Phil took a video of the ultrasound this time and we got to see Baby P open and close her eyes!  The doctor said that her feet were way up by my heart which might explain the abnormal rhythm that comes and goes throughout the day.  She also said that everything is where it should be and all is going according to plan.

The next appointment is in three weeks - on December 30th!