What Does Cause Labor...

Jimmy.

We intended to go to Carrabba's for Valentine's, but (as I expected) the wait was over an hour. I was a nine-month pregnant woman, and that wait was not going to work for me. We thought about where we could go and settled on sushi. We'd been to a great little place once before, but we never went back because a different place was always running good deals.

We got there, and while they weren't dead, there were still open tables. We had a delicious spread consisting of (now take notes for when you're ready to pop):

-Edamame
- Asparagus Rolls
- Oshinko Rolls
- Tofu Rolls w/Miso Sauce
- Sweet Potato Tempura & Avocado Rolls (Amazing)
- Avocado Rolls w/Miso Sauce

As you can see, they're very vegan-friendly.

Here's the final touch: At the end of the night, Jimmy, the owner, came around with roses for all the ladies. He gave me my rose, touched my belly, and labor started within hours.

Jimmy's Sushi
5731 Seminole Blvd.

Thank you, Jimmy!

The Magic Labor Rose (Which has about an inch of new growth since we've come home).

The birth story will be up soon I hope. It's a long one!

Things That Don't Start Labor

- Laughing

- Bouncing/Rocking on a Birthing Ball

- Apples to Apples

- Red Raspberry Leaf Tea

- Making Plans

- Spicy Curry

- Someone Pointing at You and Saying, "Labor!"

- Pineapple

- Eating So Much Food There Isn't Room for Baby

- Taking a Walk

- Dancing in the Shower

- Scrubbing Your Floors (Along with Everything Else in the House)

At least in my experience...

In the Zone

So at 37 weeks, I'm officially allowed to have Jonah at Breath of Life, not that I think he has any intention of showing up early.

I think we're pretty ready. The nursery is mostly done, just need curtains and a rug, but he won't be in there much at first anyway. We have most of the supplies we'll need, and everything we should need immediately. We just have to figure out what food to bring to the birth center. I need good energy foods that I'll actually want to eat, and something nutritious and delicious for afterward. It's a tough one because most people have had their babies in the hospital where they weren't allowed food. The birth center can only be so much help because they aren't used to making recommendations for vegans. Still any suggestions are welcome!

I Love Yard Sales!

I think that as we wait for Jonah to arrive, yard sale Saturday has become the highlight of my week.

Cute Little Bath Robe

A Boppy Too!

Snack Holders

Tiny Baby Shoes!

Adorable Rocking Giraffe for the Nursery!

I almost didn't get the giraffe. I actually went back for it, but it was only $5!

I found some great deals on Craigslist and at my FAVORITE baby store StellieBellies.

Jonah Can Bathe in the Whale :P - Craigslist $8

A $35 Lamp for Under $5 (After my $10 Off Punch Card)

I'm a little worried now. I don't know what else I need anymore except more clothes!

We got some cute onesies from Courtney. Well, mostly they're for Mitch to enjoy.

And I made these for a derby friend's new baby girl.

Getting Things Settled

This has been the week of finalizing things. It's kind of crazy to think I could have the baby in a week, or it could take another six (please not another six!). We've taken our childbirth class through Blue Moon Birth. I had another midwife appointment where we got a bunch of paperwork to fill out.

We also toured the pediatrician's office. We decided to go with Ellis Pediatrics. They're less than a mile from our house, and they're comfortable working with someone delivering at a birth center instead of a hospital. We called two offices before them, and they immediately turned us away because we're not having a hospital birth. Oh well. The doctors and office staff seem nice.

I went yard saling the past two weekends and picked up some great deals. A cart cover for $3, My Brest Friend for $2, Bumbo chair for $5, breathable bumper for $.75, and lots of cute clothes. Still hoping to find a good bath, maybe a Boppy, diaper bag, etc.

Some Yard Sale Finds

Cute Towels

We have another meeting with our doula next week and another midwife appointment. I'm starting to pack my bag.

The Bag

I bought a couple sports bras, but I still need to get a couple more things.

Are there things I'm not going to think of that you want to share??

Boppy vs. My Brest Friend

We're trying to decide on a breastfeeding pillow. I kind of just figured I would go with the Boppy because it looks simpler and more comfortable. Mitch seems to think the Brest Friend is a better choice though. It looks bulky to me, but I don't know. Looking online, it seems like the Brest Friend gets better reviews. The Boppy is winning on my Facebook though. What are your thoughts?

Boppy?

Vs.

My Brest Friend?

Happy New Year!

Well, we're in week 35. Thankfully, Christmas does not seem to have added too much to the bump.

Week 34 - Post Christmas

Week 35 - Happy New Year!

I can't say that I'm making lots of resolutions, but I would say I have goals for 2012:

- Start a garden

- Maintain a 4.0

- Finish my knitting projects

Like the blankie

- Get into awesome derby shape and kick ass on the track

- Volunteer more

- Compost

- Be the best mom ever