Baby heartbeat

Here is a short video clip from our Midwife appointment today, the baby is fine and healthy, just a little late.  We are doing well and looking forward to an exciting few days to come.

Birthing necklace

Finished the necklace it looks great (just like Alex). Thanks again everyone! The baby doesn't have any reason not to come now.

Hey guys, We just got back from a brief visit with our midwife. She confirms that Alex is indeed in early labor, it's called latent labor or prodromal labor, which basically means really mild labor. Alex is 1 cm dilated , negative station and 60-75 percent effaced. Baby is in a good position (finally- LOA in the house!) she gave Alex some pills to help her get a good nights sleep tonight. Hoping to have a little baby in the next few days.

Not yet, but soon

The little baby hasn't come yet, but we are getting closer.  We went to a wedding last night and Alex was having LOTS of contractions at the reception.  They aren't very powerful contractions and there isn't any regularity yet, but they are starting to come more quickly. I'm excited.

The wedding was great, a nice venue, fireworks at the reception, my favorite part was when they used all the children attending the wedding as flower girls children.

Here's a few pictures I never got around to posting until now.

Alex putting together her birthing necklace, we received beads from all over the world and from many different parts of our lives, the necklace is going to be just beautiful when it is finished.  Thank you so much.

Charlottesville urban legend has it that eating these lemon drop cupcakes from Cappellinos induces labor within a few days.  The girls were unfortunately 0 for 4.  Poor Amy on the end couldn't eat a cupcake yet as she has a few more weeks until she is full-term.

Thanks to our friend Jessica for this Vanuatu inspired onesie.

We send our love and keep us in your prayers as the little baby is coming soon (we hope).

LCSW in the house!

Alex and I just returned from Lynchburg where Alex took and PASSED her boards.  Alex is now a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.  Go Alex!!

Baby Shower

 Alex and I headed to Northern Virginia last weekend for a small baby shower with her family.  The baby shower was on Mother's Day and it felt very much like Mother's Day.

Alex and her girl cousins.

Alex's cake read "It's a Baby!"  Very Funny.

Alex

This is the first video either of us has ever tried to upload.  American internet is AMAZING!

Any time now

Alex at 37 1/2 weeks.  

The baby could come at anytime now.  Alex is hoping the baby will wait until after she takes her boards to become a licensed social worker on May 16.  This picture was taken at our midwife's office on Monday.  Alex's parents came to meet the midwife, see the birthing center and see our house.  Alex is still only 1 centimeter dilated so the midwife reckons Alex has at least another week before the baby comes. 

Surprise Baby Shower

Charlottesville has been very kind to us.  We have been able to integrate (still using Peace Corps terminology) and we are glad to be here.  Alex's Charlottesville friends got together to throw her a surprise baby shower last Saturday.  They went for pedicures followed by tea and a showering of gifts at Jamie's house.  It's really sweet to feel a part of community after being away for a few years.  And really awesome!!

Jamie and Alex is getting pedicures.  Jamie's due date is three days after Alex's due date.

Look at those feet!

Spades

Last weekend, Alex had a chance to get together with her old college buddies one last time before the baby.  Some quality time to reminisce and play cards til the early hours.

One friend is a doctor and the other a doula, our baby managed to hide quite well from both of them.