(from November 24, 2010)

Dearest Coconut,

We hit an important milestone this week: we are officially 2/3 of the way to your arrival. Your dad and I could not be more excited. We are busy getting your room ready. These scraps of paper are from the labels on your book baskets. We already enjoy reading to you, but we look forward to the day you’ll be able to see the pictures…

Your dad just celebrated his 28th birthday by planning a scavenger hunt at IKEA. Almost 30 of our friends came–so much fun! Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. Your dad is with his brothers (your uncles) and his parents (your grand-parents). I’m

When I came across an amazing list of questions in a Hypnobirthing book, I decided that I needed to look at them on a daily basis for a while. That’s when I got the idea to combine the questions with images of babies. One strategy I have for helping myself go into the birthing experience with confidence is to focus on the end product: a lovely baby boy! I want to focus on remembering that all of the sensations my body experiences during the birthing process are related to helping our baby enter into the world. I will try really hard to focus on the idea that the intensity

Matt and I are trying to accomplish as much as possible before the Christmas holiday. When we get back in January, I’ll be 34 weeks pregnant (out of 40). Since many babies are known to arrive up to two weeks early, it makes sense for us to be prepared as early as possible. Also, I’m nervous about taking childbirth classes twice a week for two hours a night for three weeks. Eek!

Since our evenings are already so packed, we try to get as much done as possible on the weekends (and still relax and have fun!). This weekend, I made a new slipcover for the ottoman in the baby’s