Tired of Waiting

So, Brian and I went to Mt. Snow for the MTB National Race last weekend, and apparently, he took quite a few pictures of me in my pregnant state. I have yet to see them, and frankly, I am tired of waiting for them. So, here are two not so professional or well lit photos of me at 37 weeks (my favorite is the spooky headless photo).

I also finally dug up some photos I took of the nursery right after the baby shower. Here they are:

I have been 'nesting' a bit, so the nursery is far more tidy now than it was then. We finally have a little rug and all the clothes have been washed and put away. I finally got all of the diaper supplies I think I need (we are using cloth diapers, and probably g-diapers for travel), but I am in a bit of a neurotic state about this because I am still not convinced I have enough of everything. Guess I will find out soon enough.

We now have all the supplies for our homebirth, and Brian has been briefed on where everything lives. I will make sure to brief my mother as well. I am really excited about this whole thing, but I admit that I am nervous about my high stress little dog. He's developed a new form of Nemo-speech, and is barking in a very peculiar way. I hope he's as in love with the monkey as he is with me. I don't know what I will do if he's not!

Finally, I am indeed tired of waiting to have the baby. I never thought I would feel this way, but I do! I don't feel like I can really complain, because I am not as big as a lot of women, and I have had a very wonderful pregnancy. BUT - it's hot, and my back is really suffering for carrying all this weight. AND, I just want to ride my bike! (To top it off, my old training partner flaunted her Crested Butte trip recently with amazing photos of my favorite rides. How rude. We'd be there right now if I weren't preggo!)

Last comment of the day: I was sincerly disappointed in my fellow cyclists recently. The TDF is the biggest bike race in the world, and its been ripped apart by doping scandals. I hate that this wonderful sport has to be tainted by doping the way all of the other big sports have been too. It's not as pure as I once naively thought. Makes me glad I don't race.

Getting Anxious!

I recently had the opportunity to meet my friend's newborn son, Lochlan. He was a long time coming, and Miss Melissa was quite anxious to meet him, as he was a bit overdue according to most calculations. He is just the most precious thing in the world - he even has red hair like his Momma. I just love babies...

Lochlan: planned homebirths make happy babies...

Meeting Lochlan sent me into a little tailspin this week, as I started to get nervous that I am not ready for our birth! I spent quite a bit of time late last week ordering most of the stuff I will need for the birth, and now I am picking the diaper supplies off the list slowly. The last on the list are the new clothes I will need in order to nurse my little guy. I think I have a little resistance building on that one, even though I fully intend to nurse.

My dogs seem especially needy these days. Nemo has developed a new form of speech beyond his typical muted bark, which seems incredibly dramatic and desperate. Lady needs more of my attention as well, which is out of character for her. Maybe they can sense that the time is coming soon?

Preview to this weekend - BDP on top of the podium! (Brialee First Place)

Chimp Daddy and I are headed to Mt. Snow, Vermont this weekend for the Mountain Bike Nationals Race. Should be a good time. Vermont is going to be uncharacteristically cool this weekend, which should add a different edge to this race. Can't wait to watch. Hopefully we'll get some good pics of the race (and maybe of me, too), so look for another update soon!

Baby Shower: Barrel of Monkeys!

My baby shower went off without a hitch yesterday at noon. My girly-friend Jen (a.k.a. Virg) out did herself yet again with a beautifully thought out spread. The tables were beautiful, with awesome Monkey Bread favors, monkey napkins, awesome flower arrangements, and great food. My mother decorated the neighborhood with balloons, my loving husband finished some last minute yard clean up, and Virg's polish husband negotiated tight corners and got all the gifts out into the yard (whew!!!). Here are some pics of the shower that my mom took, I expect to be getting some photos that Jen took shortly (as I plan to shamelessly promote her Event Planning busy-ness).

Enjoy!

Papa Monkey taking photos before he bailed for a bike ride. Too much estrogen for him...

AZ Chick and Virgilbullit pre-party. I am not supposed to be around, but I snuck back after yoga...

Final table prep before the guests arrive.

...and just in case you hadn't figured out that the theme here is Monkey's, here's your last clue: most inventive gift went to Marty and Vera for 'Monkey on a Bike.'