Why Thank You for Reading

As you have very well noticed, I haven't posted in a long ass time.

I mean, yes, I have a new baby that takes up a lot of energy but during the times I am not entertaining the wee babe, I am doing other things and not posting. Clearly. While I was still busy thinking of good posts, I never got around to finishing or starting any of them. So, I think I need to take a little break from this whole internets thing. And, I felt it fair to let you know.

Some of the reasons for my absence will be:

10. Working. I go back to work full time October 9. While I will miss Jr with all my heart, I will also miss doing whatever I effing want (as much as possible) during the daytime.

9. Doing Laundry.

8. Participating in some sort of exercise.

7. If Buk is not visiting Grammie and Grumpy, I am vacuuming.

6. Amazon Priming. 'Nuf said.

5. Sippin' a White Russian. I can drink again.

4. Having an adult conversation. Mr Pepperworth and I have to talk to each other at least once in a day without a child interrupting.

3. Loving the animals through gritted teeth because their little annoyances have been multiples by 549. The poor animals. Stanley and Simon have mostly been banished to the outdoors because of a pee problem. I know, I know, that isn't new, but I can't put up with that shit any longer. I NEVER EVER thought I would say that, of course. And, poor Buk, he is a pitiful dog that can't walk on a leash properly which I also don't have time for. If you are a dog and want to go for a walk, learn how to be a behaved dog. I tried, I really did!

2. Then of course, there is this..

1. But more importantly, this..

If I don't come back before the new year, just know I am doing well and I am healthy. During the time I am gone, I hope to pick all the neglected vegetables in the garden and process them. I want to make dinner most nights while still playing with the baby before bed (which will be hard, bedtime is 7:30p right now. Not my choice. It is his). Then there will be the holidays which will be so fun. Jr will be learning so many things during this next few months! Hopefully it makes you feel better to know that while I am not recording my life happenings here, I am writing in Jr's baby book and keeping track of all the fun things somewhere.

Have a good autumn and I will see you again, dear friend, at some point in the future!

Yoga for the Mother Breastfeeding

Some people would call me lucky but not getting to exercise for a month is rough for me. In the first 4 weeks after giving birth, I was only able to walk around the house and lift a growing baby. I have walked 1/2 mile several times in the past couple of weeks and I started doing some easy yoga, but that's about it.

This recovery is long and that is the one thing I feel like people didn't warn me about.

I want to talk about the yoga part of my excerising because that is the best thing I started doing again. The neck, back, and shoulder tightness from nursing in odd positions is uncomfortable and yoga started helping those areas. I know nursing isn't supposed to be uncomfortable but when your wee baby likes to snuggle in your arm crook at night, it is super hard to resist. (Although, I can tell you that tonight we will not be doing that as often. I am so sore!)

My yoga routine hits my neck, back, shoulders, and legs. My hamstrings are so tight too from not doing anything. It is easy and I always feel a bit better after doing it.

The routine includes:

Cat/Cow - 15 sets
Arm/Leg Reach - 10 times
Downward Dog - 8 breaths
Thread the Needle - 6 breaths each side
Downward Dog - 8 breaths
Spinal Twist - 6 breaths each side
Cow Face - 6 breaths each arm
Wide Leg Forward Bend - 8 breaths
Eagle - 6 breaths each side
Tree - 8 breaths each side
Locust - 5 breaths, three times
Diaphragm Breathing - 10 to 20 breaths
Legs Up Wall - until I feel ready to be done

This really doesn't take me very long, maybe 15 minutes to 20 minutes. The only tricky part is fitting it in during nap time.

Jr and I are going to start "Mommy and Baby" yoga next month at a local yoga studio so hopefully that goes well!

Life Nowadays

Okay, I'm not gonna lie, life with a newborn is rough. I know many mothers that would say it is an amazing time and they want their baby to stay small forever.  Maybe it is this 3 week long cold I am fighting, but I am just finally starting to feel good about motherhood. I mean, I have always loved my baby with all my heart but damn, those first weeks of feedings and hormones are difficult. I was super lucky too and had the support of family and had other people doing all my chores, in fact, I wasn't alone with Jr for a whole day until this week really. I am glad to say though that it is going very well!

Jr is one month old today and is a precious baby boy still! He likes tummy time, bath time, peekaboo, and the Itsy, Bitsy, Spider. He doesn't so much like bedtime but after screaming for awhile, he goes down pretty well and sleeps for good chunks of time. So, while I am tired, I can't say I am not getting sleep.

As for my one month check up, I am still slowly recovering from birth. Today I took Jr and Buk to the dog park and walked just over 1/2 mile. It felt pretty good but I am feeling like my muscles are starting to deteriorate. I want to get out there and moving but I know that my body is still healing so I am taking it easy, I really am! Not doing anything for a month is a major thing for me! Actually, the healing time is probably the one thing that I feel like I didn't know about but that is a topic for another post.

I am off of work until October and I am so happy I have that amount of time. I can't imagine going back any sooner, for my own sake and for the sake of my behbeh. We both need some time to figure things out.

I am really enjoying being a mom and I have been to a couple of different meeting groups with Jr that have been pretty fun.  And, while in the first couple of weeks I was counting down the days until he could take a bottle because having my tatas hang out all the time took some getting used to, but now I am enjoying everything and have stopped worrying about it all and embraced the job wholeheartedly. 

So, cheers to all the new moms figuring this shit out! It will get better, just like everyone keeps repeating.

Jr. Pepperworth

We did it. We had a baby. And boy is he cute!

Jr (not his real name, for the record) was born July 15 at 8:46p. After a ridiculously long labor (contractions for 41 hours, active labor for 27 hours), we had a healthy baby boy. I would say HAPPY and healthy but he just screamed bloody murder while nursing because he felt like it. Dad just went to change his diaper though so that may have been the problem. Let's hope so, or it is going to be a long morning.

While he may have just had an outburst, Jr is usually a very calm baby. He doesn't cry too often and when he does, it is usually because he wants to nurse or we are sticking a snot sucker up his nose. The kid has a snotty nose (just like his mama).

He is currently 12 days old and was back up to his birth weight after 8 days. We expect him to bulk up here soon. Those baby rolls will probably appear on his legs shortly. We will have him strong and ready to weed in no time!

Right now, he likes to cluster feed in the morning. I usually don't get out of my breastfeeding chair until 11:30a. But, then he sleeps from about 2p-6p with a feeding in there somewhere. Right now, it is when I get some stuff done. Luckily, he sleeps during the night waking to feed. So, when we get in bed at 8p, we actually get enough sleep to semi-function. It is quite nice. I am sure it will change eventually - hopefully for the better - but for now, I will take it!

He likes his vibration chair that a friend gave us, which is so nice to use when we need some free arms. And, he is getting good at all kinds of nursing positions including: laying down, side laying, laid back, etc. The laying down one really saves me at night so we can both kind of just sleep through the feedings.

 All right, that is all I can give you for now. Somebody needs my breast (it is the baby, just to clarify). More baby things to come eventually. I gotta get my wits about me again.

What to Expecting When You're Expecting (and are days past your due date)

As I bounce on my gymnastics ball, I feel like reflecting on my day yesterday.

Yesterday was two days past my due date. I know that is nothing. But, advice - don't say that to a pregnant (shit, I have been spelling that word wrong in my pregnancy journal...I know how to spell pregnancy, sigh) woman unless you want to piss her off slightly.

The unfortunate thing about yesterday is that I woke up really thinking that Baby would be coming. Like, soon. I had had an awful night of sleep with contractions so I was sure if I went back to sleep, everything would get a kick start when I got up. Not so much.

Therefore, I went throughout my day pretty bummed. And, when you are pregnant and bummed, it is pretty hard to get out of that funk when you are by yourself all day with your dog that also seems bummed because you didn't take him to the dog park.

When Mr Peps got home though, I felt much better after he gave me a kiss and asked how Baby was doing. I finally had someone to talk to and follow around. After realizing that I was getting pretty bored being by myself (which is quite unusual for me), I decided that today was going to be a day where I got up, got out of the house and saw some people. So, I did and I am feeling much better. Although, Baby hasn't been moving much but I am trying to just think he is getting ready or I'm trying just not to think about it at all.

For those of you that may need some inspiration to be happy and not crabby, here is a list of things you can do while to wait for your little bastard to make his/her appearance:

1. Clean your pantry. You know there are things in there from years ago. I found a buttload of taco seasoning.

2. Finish your baby shower thank yous. Actually, go ahead and do this one first.

3. Have a dance party with yourself. Beyonce and Britney seem to get the job done.

4. Plan a walk with a friend. It doesn't have to be long but get on a trail, go to the waterfront, anything.

5. Go buy some chips. Maybe a couple bags.

6. Clean the dishes in the sink that your husband said he was going to wash two nights ago.

7. Weed something. Or if you don't have any - you lucky poopface - ask a friend if they want something weeded in his/her garden. Wear sunscreen.

8. Wash your car. Dear lord, wash your car! And, while your at it, figure out how the infant car seat works.

9. Go for another walk.

10. Plan lunch with another friend for tomorrow.

Take 'em or leave 'em but try not to think about your unborn child too much. The fact that he/she is still in your uterus may be a downer. I know you want to meet him/her and yes, people will tell you he/she will come when he/she is ready. But really, you already know he/she is ready, it's just that he/she already likes to annoy you. So, best not to think about it and just keep busy.

Good luck! I will say, "It won't last forever!" And seriously, make yourself a "to-do" list everyday, it has really been a life saver for me.

Orange Tabby

I am feeling compelled to write about Simon today. It may be because he just was crying outside my bedroom window for the last 20 minutes or that I don't have a real human baby to write about yet so I have to choose one of my other "children". Either way, we all know that my little corner of the internet has regularly posted about the cats in the past. So, it shouldn't be a surprise.

Three years ago this past weekend, Simon came into the family. I found him one day on a run in the bushes on the side of a road near our house. How could I not take the orange tabby kitten with the bloody nose straight home with me?! I did half heartedly try to see if his owners lived around the area. But, really, I knew that I wanted to keep him. Luckily, no one claimed him and he became ours.

After Sam died, we were very glad Simon was around to help fill the Sam void. Simon sometimes is quite like Sam in his personality and kitty behavior. Simon is still the sweetest cat who is super duper soft. He especially wants love in the morning and will race into the bedroom when the door opens and hop onto the bed in hopes that someone is still be in there to pet him. The other morning he was being so cuddly that I let him sit in my lap and reach up to knead my neck area. That turned out to be a horrible idea. I am allergic to cats (yes, it is true) and so I had welts on my neck the rest of the day. It was worth it though. Because, that is what you do when you are the crazy cat lady.

When Baby arrives, I feel like Simon will be the one who snuggles up to Baby and me while breastfeeding. Well, if he isn't skeptical of Baby. Simon has really turned into a scaredy cat lately so he may be skiddish of the crying lump but he will soon realize that there is prime cuddle time to be had when Baby is feeding.

I am so glad that Simon found Buky and I on that morning run. I think he is very glad he found us too!

Final Week, Day, Hours?!

Weeks: 19, 21, 26, 30, 37, 39

July 3 was supposed to be my last day of work but....I didn't quite make it. And, it wasn't because I had a baby. It was because I just couldn't drag my ass to work anymore. My hormones played a major role too. My mind and body want to relax and work on getting ready for this baby. I decided not to argue with it and just take the time off. So, after peace-ing out at work today I took the dog to the dog park (and walked about 1.75 miles), read my book in the pool, did some breast stroke swimming, and now I am bouncing on my gymnastics ball. These are all in attempt to help Baby drop (it like it's hot) a bit, which has actually worked a little.

Tomorrow I plan to pick cherries, go for an appointment, go for a walk (maybe do some stairs), swim in the pool and then pick up my handsome husband from work to go for dinner at a fancy restaurant. I almost feel bad for how relaxed I am going to feel while my husband is at work. But, then again, I am the one carrying his child. So, it's cool.

With my time off now, we will see when Baby makes his appearance. While contractions have been more often and a wee bit stronger, I still feel he isn't quite ready. He and I have talked about not being too much longer though. If he wants more mommy-time, he is going to have to make it in a week or so.

All in all, I have to say that I enjoyed my pregnancy. It mostly got me out of doing things during this time of year that aren't my favorite things to do so I can't complain. I have been able to be active throughout the nine months, so that kept me pretty happy. I have been keeping a pregnancy journal too that I will enjoy reading later, especially during another pregnancy.

So, Baby, we are ready for you. Your Mommy and Daddy already love you so much and we want to know what you look like already!

Plus, Mommy would like a nice cold drink since it is 80 degrees.

Pregnancy Update

Sunday will mark my 37th week of pregnancy. While this past week I told multiple family members that no, I really don't need it to be over soon. I kinda do want it to be over soon.

I want to sleep on my back. I want to have him here and healthy because these last few days I have just been worrying that he is sitting funny and will be misshapen. I want to have a baby to hold and look at. I don't want to work anymore.

Can you tell I am writing this after a decent day's work where I have been yawning most of the day?

But really, my pregnancy has not been a hard one. I really can't think of anything that went differently than I really had wanted or expected. I am still able to move around and be active and really, for me, if I couldn't do that THEN I would be miserable but I am still good.

I do have to say though that it is really these last few weeks that seem the hardest so far. I feel lazy and unhealthy. After not having many food cravings (besides the first couple of months when I could actually burn them away), I now want ice cream, chips, and french fries. I mean, of course, I always really want those things but it seems like I have not been making the best food choices. If I can be honest, I am ready for my belly to stop growing. It really doesn't seem that big to me, I mean there is a full grown baby in there but then when I see the pictures of myself, I realize that yes, I guess I do look like a real live baby is in there almost ready to come out. So, my goal is to focus on feeding him the nutritious things these last few weeks. There is no need for Doritos or ice cream everyday, even if it is only 6 chips or 1/4 cup of the creamy goodness. Feed the kid protein and vitamins. That is my daily mantra.

On another note, we still don't have the Baby's room 100% complete. There are still some Ikea things to put together and some random things to put away. While it will be the best looking room in the house, we really won't be spending too much time in there because Baby is co-sleeping with us for awhile. I would like to get it done though soon so I can sit in there and look at it since it will be pretty nice.  That will be the project these next few weeks.

June 9 Equals Pool Day

That's right, on June 9th we put up our awesome "swimming" pool. I think that is a record date. I can't really confirm that though because I don't think I have kept track of the set up times but I am almost positive this year is the earliest. Oh yes, and I set 80% of it up by myself, thankyouverymuch. It required a lot of squatting and back muscles which actually felt pretty good.

Our weather has been mostly sunny here and semi-warm, which means time to pool party here in the good ole Northwest. Anything over 80 degrees is quite suitable for pool time!

The Mr and I get giddy when the pool is set up because we picture our evenings floating in the pool with a drank (post pregnancy, of course) and it is always just so nice. One day our plan is to get a bigger 4 whole foot pool and build a deck around it perhaps.

Now, I hope the weather doesn't turn to shit. Hopefully it will stay around the 70s most of the week and the pool will be warm enough to get in by the end of the month! I really would like to go in it once while pregnant. I keep hearing how nice it is to float around with a large belly but I haven't experienced it yet.

The goal for 2013 is to not let the water turn green before August 15. Having non-puke green water until mid-September would be AWESOME but if we go on vacation, it is pretty hard to regulate and it turns to green liquid with water bugs by the time we return. Since I'll be home though for the summer, I plan to stay on top of it.

In conclusion, let the summer begin. And, yes, I understand that it is June 9th in Ferndale, WA which means I am totally overdoing it but goddammit, I am being optimistic this year. It is time for a good summer!

Update: Mr Pepperworth just put a shit ton of chlorine in the pool since we won't be going in for awhile. The pool instantly turned green. Sonofabitch! Looks like we will have a green water pool this summer. Luckily, it is only light green. Not puke-green.

It Isn't All Fun and Games

I know you were waiting for me to complain about my pregnancy.

I have to admit, I have had it pretty easy. Not much to report really. I still pretty much do everything I used to do just a bit slower and maybe not quite as much. I mean, my weeding attention span still only lasts about one hour before I hate my life. But, nowadays, I don't get quite get as much weeded in that hour.

However, today was a doozy for me. I was extremely tired when I woke up and for what reason, I do not really know. I guess only 6 hours of sleep isn't enough for a pregnant woman but I did not anticipate it would be that big of a deal. It was. I couldn't go to sleep last night because the baby was moving around and couldn't get comfortable. It made me not tired, at all and instead I wanted to move around. After walking around a bit, I finally decided I had to go to sleep. Well, I was in a funk all day.

Luckily, yoga somewhat brought me out of the cloud I was in but I can tell you that I will be going to bed quite soon and it is 8:30pm.

It may be the shitty weather that has me not feeling so morning friendly too but whatever it is, I hope it goes away soon. I always feel better when I can wake up and get some stuff done.

In other news, I had three baby showers this past weekend and they were all great. We got some important baby things and Baby is super happy with all his gifts. He said he can't wait to be diapered and swaddled. I can't wait to try all his new diapers on him too! We will have a fashion show as soon as he arrives.

Early Morning Hikes

A couple of weekends ago some friends asked Mr and I if we wanted to do a hike. I have been wanting to get out and do one so I let them know we were definitely up to it but it couldn't be more than 4 miles and it had to be early in the morning. So, we found a 4 miles hike and met at 8am. The weather was so great and the hike very nice. The doughnuts and coffee afterward didn't hurt much either.

I felt so great after doing the hike/walk that I decided I wanted to keep it up. Usually I don't do much on the weekends, besides chores, so getting out and being active felt really good. This past weekend, I took Buk and we went on a short 2.5 mile hike. We had a great time listening to the birds and running (yes, I ran maybe one mile...downhill mostly) along the trails. The weather again was perfect. I even really enjoyed just going with the dog. Not that I don't enjoy going with people but going by myself let me do what I want and stop or run when I felt like it.

Hopefully I can keep doing it if the weather continues to be good on the weekends. I also went on hikes that we have never been on before so it is nice to explore areas that we thought we knew.

For those that are curious, we went to Stimpson Nature Reserve and I went to Chuckanut Falls with Buk. Both easy hikes.

My Meal Plan

This post is mostly just for me to remember what I am planning to do. A "to-do list" of sorts.

After Baby arrives, I am planning on not doing too much in the first few weeks. I would like to just worry about breast feeding and cuddling Baby. I also want to take it easy so my recovery is smooth. That probably means lots of naps and quick little walks. Therefore, I don't imagine myself cooking or cleaning much. (Oh, the joys of motherhood!) I am hoping either the Mr will cook or that I will have frozen enough meals to last awhile. (I also have some chores that I have already gave to other people, including, but not limited to, taking the dog to the dog park. I know family will cook for me too.)

Anywho, I have a list of food I want to freeze. So far, I have made exactly one of those. I think one of these weekends will be me cooking and freezing. That actually sounds pretty fun to me anyway. I do plan on eating foods that Whole Food Nutrition talks about in their blog in order to "nourish the new mom".

I also plan on registering at mealtrain.com so if people ask about bringing something to eat, I can give them the information on the website. I know some other women who did that and it worked pretty well for them when people wanted to bring food.

Can you tell food is important to me? Me likey.

Here is where my to-do list comes in because I need to make and freeze:

- Nettle Soup (done)
- Potato Gnocchi
- Chicken Soup
- Lentil and Rice Casserole
- Halibut and Potato Chowder
- Corn Veggie Enchiladas
- Some Version of Veggie GF Shepard Pie 
- Apple Cinnamon Teff Pancake batter
- Blackberry Crumble (a lady need some damn desserts!)
- Apple Crisp

I need to stock up on:
- Raspberry Tea
- Raw Nuts
- Almond Butter
- Fish

Can you tell I'm a planner? Yessir!

Third Trimester Update

I am currently at 31 weeks. I am now able to say that I am 7 months along. Holla! The time has gone by quite fast, which I know every woman says, but I think I realize now that it isn't a bad thing. It is nice to know you get to meet your baby soon!

I am still feeling quite well and exercising regularly. I still do my weights three times a week and walk/jog 2-3 times a week. I know I said I stopped running, which I kind of did since it is more jogging now, but I purchased a maternity belt (that is super cool) and my back pain is very minimal now. I wear the belt when I exercise, go on hikes, or walk/jog. I should have worn it last weekend when I was working in the garden from 8:30a-4p but I didn't really think about it, plus it would have ruined the tan I was working on with my bikini. I was looking real fine.

The weather has been so excellent here the past week or so that it is nice to get outside and be active. I think that if it was winter, I wouldn't be so apt to do my exercises so regularly. A warm bed is always better than the gym and I don't know if my pregnant will power would allow me to get my ass out of bed on cold mornings. So, I am thankful for that!
 

This picture is a bit scandalous but it is too funny not to share

I am, however, getting large. Like, Baby is getting large. Which is a good thing, I know. Multiple people have told me I look like I am going to pop. This may be true (according to that awesome picture) but when a woman has two more months to go, it isn't the sweetest thing she likes to hear. I don't know what my face looks like when those people say something to me and I don't know how fast my smile fades but hopefully they feel a bit awkward after having said it.

Another question I get asked, obviously, all the time is "what is his name". The answer is, we have not chosen one. We are fond of a couple but we won't actually choose one until after he is born. Gotta make sure he fits the name. What if he ends up just looking like a Bob or Gerald? Or, what if in the ultrasounds it was really a baby girl putting her finger between her legs to look like a penis just to fool her parents. That would be something a Pepperworth may do.

Well, it's off to my midwife appointment on a sunny Friday. TGIF (without the Hanging with Mr Cooper part - shout out to the 1990s)!

Nettle Hummus

I picked my last nettle harvest this past weekend. I plan on making some soup to eat and some to freeze for post-baby times. Nettle soup will definitely be good for a breastfeeding mom and her wee babe.

During this nettle season I made pesto, soup, quiche, and hummus. Everything I have made is so delicious. I haven't had one recipe failure. My hummus was especially good and I am still working on it. It is such an easy recipe that I would love to share it with you. In fact, you should get some nettles for yourself. Go into the woods somewhere and find some nettles. Just picked off the tender tops (with some gloves and long clothing, mind you) but make sure the plants aren't more than a foot or so tall, otherwise, the plant will have developed some sort of something that is indigestible.

Anywho, here is the recipe.

Nettle Hummus
makes 3 cups

INGREDIENTS
2 c cooked chickpeas (I soaked 1 1/2c dried chickpeas and cooked those up since I prefer dried beans)
2 1/2c fresh nettles
3 cloves garlic
1/2c olive oil
Juice of one lemon
3/4t salt
Pepper to taste

METHOD
1. First let's deal with those nettles. Get a pot of boiling water going and stick in the nettles for about 2 minutes. Then, dump them in an ice bath and leave out to drain on a towel for a few minutes.
2. Put your cooked chickpeas in a food processor with the garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Process until smoothish.
3. Roughly chop up the nettles and throw into the processor.
4. Start processiong all the ingredients and while it is going, add the olive oil.
5. Process until smooth adding more oil and salt, if needed.

Enjoy this wonderful spring hummus with crackers, veggies, or anything that could use a good spread!

Shit List

I have never said this in my life but my animals are all on my shit list. This week I didn't even care when Stanley was left outside at night because he refused to come home after his curfew.

I think the animal babies are getting a taste of the my post-baby medicine (aka mean, cranky momma). I feel bad but if they can't pull their shit together Mommy is going to have some major issues with them.

Buk: This week lovely Buk didn't really get to go to the dog park because I had a busy week and it was pretty rainy most mornings. Buk decided to take it out on me by chewing up my slipper and then some other random things he found. The day he chewed up my slipper I played ball with him for 15 minutes and then took him for a 20 minutes walk. So much for trying to give him exercise. He was very ungrateful. Damn bastard.

Stanley: Now, I feel badly about Stan's situation. This is gross but Stanley has tape worms right now because he probably killed something with them. However, Stanley has been untreated because the pet store was out of medicine. I ordered some online but it hasn't arrived yet. Therefore, Stanley isn't allowed in the bedroom and snuggling isn't quite as sweet. But still, he should have eaten a damn mouse with tape worm.

Simon: Oh Simon, you are so cute but goddamnit, stop fucking pissing around the house. As of this report, Simon peed somewhere in the living room and I haven't discovered the location yet. I put him outside every single day but sometimes when it is rainy he just sleeps all day in the cat house and then when it is time to come inside, it is time for him to get out all his energy. He and Stanley chase each other around and get all excited. And, for some reason, this is when Simon likes to show how awesome he is by pissing on something. He is really getting on my damn nerves.

I love my babies. I really do. But they need to pull it together. Otherwise, their lives are going to be pretty miserable soon because I will have no patience for their faults! I can't believe I am saying that.

Bradley Method Birthing

Mr Pepperworth and I decided to take the Bradley Method birthing class for our first little one. We chose it for a couple of reasons: a) it is a natural birthing method b) it compliments our desire to have a birth center birth c) it emphasizes and teaches the Mr about coaching the mother through labor.

We really like the method and how it is giving Mr Peps some tools for the birthing room and me some exercises that will, hopefully, help prepare my body for the marathon that is labor. Currently my plan is to give into my labor and let Mr Peps coach me through it (he will also have the help of my cousin, who is our doula).

The method addresses nutrition, all the stages of labor, what Mr Peps can do to help me through the different stages, and most importantly, it addressed the need for a nice cold glass of orange juice just after labor. Seriously. The Bradley people love OJ. But, I gotta agree with them. That damn glass of orange juice will probably be fucking delicious, but I am already partial to the stuff.

Anywho, the only hang up we have had about the class is that week 4 was all about debunking medicine and hospital births. I mean, the reason we came to the class was because we believe that natural birth is well, natural, and we would really like for that to happen (although we are creating a birth plan for if that isn't able to happen). We didn't need our teacher (who is awkward conversationally) to tell us why we should avoid epidurals and what not. Granted, Mr Peps "believes in science" and likes to have facts backed up so when ms. bradley teacher starts spewing out some pretty random facts, he starts rolling his eye and I start thinking, oh shit, oh shit.

But, other than that, it is going pretty well. We just don't need all the hippy dippy stuff that isn't tested. Don't get me wrong, we believe that natural birth will be good for us and we are glad we are taking the class! Sometimes, I just wish the class was a bit cheaper and that some of the things the teacher said was backed up by some research (some of it is mind you, but also some of it isn't).

I would definitely recommend the class to other people, especially those who want the partner to be very involved. Knowing all the information they have given me and having all the exercise tools makes me feel excited about birth, whereas before, I was pretty damn nervous.

And now for a dog/husband picture...

Three Months Countdown

Well, I finally did it. I made the decision to stop running this last week.

Two weekends ago, when I was 25 weeks pregnant, I went running/jogging a couple of times during the week and on the weekend I ran one mile and walked one mile. It always feels so good to get out in the sun and go for a little jog. But, alas, my body has failed me and after each run I am tired and my body aches. My back and knees are what hurt the most, even though I try and tuck my tailbone in to support my back.

So, I am giving in. It isn't really worth it to run and be sore for the rest of the day and then the night too because it makes my hips hurt. It sucks though, honestly. Walking will be fine but, dammit, running is faster. It's okay though, I just have to make the time to go walking now. I shall start today and see how long it takes to walk a couple of miles. I will also see how my body feels afterward.

On another note, I am in my third trimester! Three more months. They will probably be the hardest but as long as Mr Peps doesn't complain about my complaining, we should be fine. Plus we have baby showers, the end of our birth class, and a real live baby to look forward to! It is all going to be exciting and right now what we talk about most is having a baby sleeping next to us that we can cuddle in the middle of the night, if we want. (Yes, he is going to sleep with us for a bit to make breastfeeding and what not easier.)

We are on the final stretch people.

Did You Know?

This is a "did you know" of some random thoughts/trivia facts:

1. I bought a lot of flower seeds/tubers this weekend. I can't wait to get them all started and going!

2. Cloth diapering is a complicated system these days with so many options! It is hard to understand all the different diaper methods. Although, after watching these videos, things are a bit clearer.

3. Kids say funny things when they realize you are pregnant. Some good ones include, "Is that a baby (pointing to your stomach)?" "Are you making a baby in there (again, pointing at your stomach)?" "Are you pregnant? I thought you looked big." Oh, the joys of working with kids everyday.

4. Hippopatomus milk is pink.

5. Being 26 weeks pregnant makes you feel huge (because you can't squeeze into your pre-pregnancy pants anymore and after a workout your body hurts all over!) but then when you see a picture you realize that you really aren't that big.

6. The Ruzzle app is the best! It is Boggle for the ithing system.

7. I haven't beaten my younger sister at Ruzzle yet and I have played her at least 20 times.

8. I can't pass the chip aisle without purchasing new chips. I have 5 bags of different chips open right now because while I keep buying them, I don't eat them faster. My favorite at the moment are Dill Pickle Lays.

9. When you ask people what a baby dear is called, most will answer "doe" quickly. The answer is "fawn". Try it.

10. I have a cute husband.

Spring is coming!

I know in parts of the country, there is snow on the ground and snow falling from the sky. We actually had that on the second day of spring this year but it didn't stick around. In fact, by 3pm it was sunny and semi-warm. That is the good ole NW weather for you.

While it has been pretty chilly here, it is starting to get warmer and I didn't realize how happy I am about that. I am ready to wear a T-shirt and catch up on my vitamin D (mostly because I am tired of taking 4 vitamin D supplements a day!).

This past weekend, some we took some friends on a shortish (8 mile) bike ride to Birch Bay State Park. It was a very nice ride and the perfect distance for me right now. The sun was shining, you could see all the mountains and islands, and the temperature was grand. Afterward, we laid in our lawn for about 20 minutes and enjoyed a popcorn and fermented green bean snack. We usually don't do things like that on the weekend because we are always so chore oriented but it was definitely a nice break from things!

I have also started working in the yard. I harvested some nettles and made some nettle soup that was SO easy to make. The bright green color and light flavor just feels good for my body. Next weekend, after the next harvest, I plan on making pesto to eat with my 23 spaghetti squash sitting in the garage that have been waiting to be eaten since November.

Fun Fact: did you know finding maternity gardening-type pants is impossible?! Not that I really want to buy a pair for this year but still, it would be nice not to have to wear the same sweatpants overandoverandover. I guess I should just go to Goodwill and find something.

Plus, the daffodils are blooming and the trees are just starting to bud.

Now, if only I could go running and enjoy the weather (which I plan on doing after work today) then my regular spring enjoyment will be complete.

I do love spring and I forget that every winter when I am ready to hibernate and not see another weed for ever and ever! Amen!

Gunnahavababy Eetsaboy

Anybody remember that awesome Geico commercial where the guy calls his parents and says, "Bob Wehadababyeetsaboy"? That is the best commercial.

I think I forgot to tell you that we are going to have a baby BOY! I may have already spilled the beans without even realizing it but if not, there it is.

Mr Pepperworth and I both thought it was going to be a girl. We just had feelings. But, in the back of my mind, I knew I was usually always wrong about these things. Given a 50/50 chance, I am wrong 75% of the time. I'm pretty sure it's possible. Really.

Anywho, we are both really excited and when we were talking about our feelings when we found out it was a boy we realized we both had different reactions. The Mr realized he did want a boy. While I was also happy about the news, I realized that at some point, I do want a girl. However, after a few weeks of knowing it is a boy, I really don't have the same feeling but deep down, I remember that I do want a girl. But again, it is one of those things that doesn't really matter.

I am very glad we found out though. I think if I went the whole pregnancy thinking it was a girl and then HE is born, I would have had the same, "oh shucks" feeling at some point.(Just to reiterate, I am in no way sad it is a boy. I just had my mind set it was a girl.)

The name will remain a secret though. We have a couple of names right now that we are pretty fond of. I think we have a middle name already too.

3.5 more months or so!

Ty and I under the age of 2. Who knows what our kid will look like?!