Emerson - Three Months

Emerson napping at Grandma's


Self portrait of me and my boy.


Emerson with Grandpa H. in Ottawa

Sorry it has been so long since I have posted. There is so much to write about! Where should I begin....the birth story? My sleep deprived state? My gorgeous son? Perhaps this is why I have avoided blogging...

Let's keep it simple. I'm just going to write a few of the highlights of the birth...

1. Jan is phenomenal. Not only is he a very capable and confident dad, he is also a fabulous birthing coach. I am so lucky to have such a wonderful husband. He was calm, comforting and reassuring through the whole birthing process. He was nurturing, kind, and showed great strength.

2. The nurses were extraordinary. One in particular, Nancy, coached me through every single contraction. I wanted to marry her!

3. The same day Emerson was born my beloved grandfather died. While it was very difficult I also considered it very beautiful because we had the gift of a new life. When one life ends another begins as the circle of life continues. I love you grandpa!

More later......

More Em!

Meet Emerson!

One whole year....

38 weeks!

The pictures really have nothing to do with the post but I thought you might be interested in just how big I am getting!


Friday was my last day of work and it was easier to let go than I would have thought. Work for me is my life. I love my students, colleagues and school and I feel challenged and pushed to be better every day I walk through the doors. Yet, I was ready to let that part go for the time being. It was a very lovely day but at first I was a bit anxious. The teacher that is taking over my position came by and sat with me all day so that I was able to advise her about my classes. During this process, I realized that I have learned so much over the last two years!

My students were amazing, I received a lot of gifts, cards, kind words and hugs. Even a parent came by to thank me for the influence I have had over her daughter. Many times I wanted to cry but I just didn't. In my last block, the youth worker that helps out in my Communications class had a cake and all of the students signed a card. I'm certain she set it all up of course, but I was really happy with the comments from my students. I held back the tears for most of the day but when I was giving the speech about how proud I was of their accomplishments I did get a little bleary eyed. After Friday I though back to Marita's blog about happiness. I know I love working but also know I am going to love my little bundle more than anything I can imagine at this moment!

With love from grandpa and grandma

Side view of the little boat rocker.



The back of the boat.




Such craftsmanship!

Grandpa Mahan recently made Peanut this gorgeous cradle! If you know anything about Jan's family it should be that they love sailing and anything to do with boats! I love how this is not only beautifully hand crafted but its design makes it all the more special. Grandma had a mattress made for it and also filled it with stuffies!

Thank you Grandpa and Grandpa!

Belly Shots

36 Weeks



37 Weeks

Predictions!

36 weeks tomorrow......I thought I would make a few predictions and ask you to share yours.


My Predictions
Gender: Girl
Weight: 7 lbs 7 ounces
DOB: April 21st
Length: 20 inches
Hair: Blonde (but very little)

Jan's Predictions
Gender: Girl
Weight: 9lbs 2 ounces
DOB: April 27th
Length: 18 inches
Hair: Full head of black hair

A Reprieve from Belly Talk

As a way to occupy myself for the next half an hour (who needs to finish marking...!) and enjoy the last bit of sunshine from the comfort of my bed, I will gladly answer the meme questions from Marita.

I really don't know that many other bloggers but will tag the following two: (Two out of five is a failing grade but what can I do?)

Karena - Change is a Wonderful Thing.
Heather - Life in the Fast Lane

I must answer the following questions:

What were you doing ten years ago?

Hmmmm Spring time 1998. Funny I was just thinking about this. I could find out where I was exactly because I actually kept a travel journal but that would involve me moving off the bed so....no.

Raratonga, Cook Islands...yes, for sure I was in Raratonga. I flew home on April 1st so I remember distinctly. Marita and I spent three months travelling around New Zealand and Australia and ended our journey in the Cook Islands. It was a gorgeous little island and a nice way to wrap up the trip. I had some major turmoil going on at home so had mixed feelings about going back. The trip was probably one of the greatest adventures of my life and certainly changed me forever. Before I had such a small window on the world and after this experience I moved away from Williams Lake and had bigger and better dreams for myself. Right back at you M for your positive influence!

What were you doing one year ago?

I was planning my wedding! Funny, now I'm planning for the birth of our first child! Freaky!

Five snacks you enjoy:
1. Cereal (The sugary type for a snack - Froot Loops, Captain Crunch etc.)
2. Plain chips and french onion dip
3. Chocolate (the cheap and unhealthy kind -think Aero bar or Mini eggs)
4. Pastry (pie, strudel...)
5. Cake with milk. (Mixed together of course!)

Five things you would do if you were a millionaire:

I need to clarify....a millionaire means more than a million right? Ok. Let's go with that. I'm dreaming big here people!!

1. Buy a house with a yard in Steveston.
2. Buy a gorgeous townhouse/house in Whistler
3. Help others pay off their mortgages and surprise them with fun gifts. (By the way, I bought you a car to celebrate the first day of spring...etc,etc.)
4. Take peanut (when old enough) on an amazing trip and volunteer to build schools for the underprivileged.
5. Fly family down for a visit, fly here and there with our families and have more outdoor adventures!

Five bad habits:
1. Leaving cupboard doors open ("looks like we got robbed again" - Jan's favourite comment)
2. Worrying about everything and then feeling out of sorts when I have nothing to worry about!
3. Being blunt and not always thinking before speaking
4. Swearing
5. Quick temper which often leads to #4


Five things you like doing:
1. Playing on the mountain with Jan (Down hill mountain biking and snowboarding)
2. Long boarding or riding my cruiser along the Vancouver and Steveston waterfronts with Jan and Jersey
3.Getting together with friends and playing board games or outdoor lawn games or anything that allows me to be fiercely competitive!
4. Cuddling Jan and Jersey together (soon they'll be a new family member to snuggle!)
5. Challenging myself whether it be at school or learning a new skill of any sort.

Five things you would never wear again:
1. A perm. (Horrid)
2. Overalls.
3. Tapered jeans
4. A tummy bearing shirt. Short shirt? I can't remember the proper term right now. (It was the late 80s!)
5. Neon

Five favorite toys:
1. My bikes
2. My skateboards
3. My mac products (ibook, ipod)
4. My snowboard
5. My digital camera

Phew! Wow. Glad I finished before I lost the sun....