Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Turkey Day! I hope everyone gobbles til they wobble!

Eric and I are enjoying a nice relaxing day with each other. We are hanging with the dogs, and going to the movies to see Four Christmases. It's nice to not have to travel, and instead just chill out with each other. We are going shopping in the morning to get our new TV, and we're both quite excited!

Shim had his 32 week checkup yesterday, and all looks great. I'll actually be 33 weeks tomorrow. I've gained 15 pounds total, so it looks like I have a chance of making the 25 lb goal. (I really didn't want to go over 25-30). His measurements and FHT were right on target, and I go back in 3 weeks for my group beta strep (GBS) test. Then its EVERY WEEK! I cannot believe I am that close. It's really kinda silly to go so often, especially since I'll refuse internal exams except at 35 and 40 weeks. They don't give much useful information, and they dramatically increase the risk of introducing bacteria and infection. Of course, I'll consent if there is something not right....but otherwise no exams for me. I'd rather not know I'm two cm dilated at 36 weeks......it means nothing and simply makes everyone around you nut-so thinking you'll go into labor soon.

If anyone finds it interesting that a woman can actually make her own choices when it comes to their own pregnancy health, feel free to read "A Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth". It's a very research based book that I love, being in the research based healthcare field. Women need to do research on their health and choices, and not just take everything some healthcare provider says as the law. And not just women!!! Everyone should. Nothing wrong with a little education when it comes to our own bodies and health. I get so frustrated at work when pt's come in, not even sure of what exactly their surgery is. ARE YOU KIDDING? If someone was cutting me open, you'd better believe I'd have done my research. Okay, enough of that soapbox.....not even sure how I got on that one!

One more thing; it turns out Florence (the SC town I'm from) has a fabulous toy store! Lots of natural and wooden toys, and their plastic stuff is BPA/PVC/phthlates free. I'm so excited! It's not a problem for me to find that stuff in Charlotte, but now my mom can finally shop for Shim somewhere other than online. I'm so happy to see that even small southern cities are jumping on the bandwagon to provide safe options for our children.

Now, go eat some Turkey!!!

I love....

I could eat pancakes for every meal right now. I love them. They are my very favorite thing in the world. With butter and syrup. I've now had them for breakfast three days in a row, and I have no intention of stopping. Pancakes are the best.

I also am hooked on a new magazine...."Mothering". It only comes out every other month, and that makes me sad. I wish it came out every other week. It's a "natural family living" magazine...quite granola.

So there you have it...I love pancakes and my new favorite magazine.

Shim nursery photos

The den, AKA disaster Zone, as we got stuff ready to put together.

Shim's pretty crib, with handmade bedding.
Curtain, rocking chair
His stroller and car seat
His swing....it'll swing in both directions.

Weekend showers and Shim's nursery

This past weekend I had two showers in Florence. The first was at my parents church, given by some of the women there. The second was at my cousin Ashlee's, hosted by my aunts, cousins, SIL, and friend Chasity. I unfortunately don't have many pics b/c they are all on Bridget's camera. Eric and I are so lucky to have so many wonderful and supportive people in our lives, that are helping us get ready for Baby Kirsch.

We are mostly ready- there are only a few more select things we need to get to be completely ready. They are all small things though, that we could grab at the last minute if needed. I am so excited to meet him and see what he looks like. We came up with two more potential names today.....this is going to be such a hard decision. We now have three we really like a lot. And no....I'm not sharing. You'll just have to wait and be surprised!

Sunday afternoon my parents came to Charlotte and spent the night, on their way to the mountains for a quick vacation. It worked out perfect, because they were able to bring the rest of our gifts we couldn't fit in the jeep. We went to BRU and picked up the crib. My Mom was determined to see the bedding all put together, and bought the mattress I told her not to. I have a coupon that is valid starting November 30th, so wanted to wait until then. She is out of control; in a humorous grandmotherly way.

Eric and my dad put together the crib, bassinet, swing, and stroller. I could not believe it was all done in one night! It's all so cute, now I just can't wait to have my little man here to put him in it all. Here are some photos of the pandemonium.

What a weekend!

Well, we knew ahead of time that it was going to be quite the weekend, but WOW! We had such a wonderful time, and were very busy. We drove down to Florence Friday afternoon, and got there around 5:30. We got ready and went on the to the Florence Country Club with Davy and Bridget at 7. Let the party begin! Well, except for Bridget and myself. The party was for my grandparents 6oth wedding anniversary, and my parents were one of the couples hosting. It was a night of seeing people I hadn't seen in forever, introducing my adorable hubbie, and just hanging out with family.
Some of the pictures are quite hilarious, and they can all be seen at my mac gallery.
See gallery.mac.com/winternichole
No www
The most interesting part of the night was driving home my parents, grandparents, great aunt, and little cousin....all in my parents van. That is an experience that I won't soon forget. We'll just say that I was one of the few that hadn't become very close and personal with the bartenders. A sneak peak of some of the pictures is below.

Anniversary Party Photos

My granddad and cousing Claire dancing, while everyone else does the Electric Slide.

My Mom was having a fabulous evening :-)

Seriously....the train.....at a 60th wedding anniversary party? In my family, you'd better believe it. It's not a party until the dancing starts!
Me and my preggo SIL Bridget.....holding on to the babies!
My sweet hubbie kept rubbing my belly to tell Shim Hi.
My wonderful grandparents who have a thing or two to teach about a lasting marriage.
The entire clan
My dad's face is partially covered, but this is our belly contest. I won!
My grandparents dancing.....awww....

31 weeks :-)

I am 31 weeks today! Yesterday I had my 30ish week appt, and all was well. I gained two pounds in two weeks, which is perplexing since I'm on a tremendously high caloric intake right now. I eat EVERYTHING IN SIGHT! Shim must be having a growth spurt. He supposedly is between 4-4 1/2pounds by now, in theory. His FHT were between 130-140's. He has his head snuggled down in my pelvis, and that makes me happy as a lark. I really didn't want a breech baby, since that takes pretty much all choice away. I've got a lot to get done today before heading to Florence, but just wanted to update really quickly. Have a great weekend!

Our weekend in Buffalo

We had a short but wonderful weekend in Buffalo. Friday night we got in about 6:30pm, and went to dinner with Eric's parents, brothers and sisters. I got to meet my gorgeous nephew Gavin! He is so adorable, and a really good baby. He hardly fusses at all, and it's usually just because he's hungry. I really hope Shim is such a good baby too!

Saturday was the baby shower, and it was an awesome time. We got so many nice things for Shim, and I've been working on getting his nursery all ready for him. Everyone decorated onesies with fabric pens, and I can't wait to put him in them. We had a little get together Saturday night at the Kirsch's, and I got some wings and pizza. The only thing I was missing was the beer. We had brunch at Lindsay's Sunday morning, and left for the airport after the Bills game. It was so much fun to see everyone, since it won't be until after Shim is here that we make it back. It sucks that Eric's family is so far away, but it makes the trips back home all the more special. I've included alot of pics below.

This coming weekend is my grandparents 60th wedding anniversary party, plus two baby showers in Florence. We'll be gone Friday to Sunday again, but this is our last trip. If we make it to Florence for Thanksgiving and Christmas, it'll just be for the day. Look for lots more photos after next weekend.

Buffalo shower

All of his cute clothes! My MIL and Aunt Karen (they are sisters) bought the same outfit while living states away...so funny.

My SIL Lindsay is also cloth diapering, and even sews them! She made me three fitted diapers in bigger sizes, plus two pair of baby legs, and a wetbag with a drawstring. I'm so excited!
A baby book I've already started filling out, plus a scrapbook kit, and a frame to match his nursery.
Organic burp cloths, froggy towel and washcloths, stuffed animal loveys, and a duck that changes color if the bathwater is too hot. The big tan thing in the middle is called a snuggle me, and it fits in the carseat, with slots for the straps to come through. It's made out of lambs wool, and is so snuggly warm.
Our first set of bottles, by Born Free. They are BPA and PVC free. We also got the microwave sterilizer:-) Dianna's mom is a retired teacher from a school for the deaf. She got us the Baby Signs Kit--how appropriate. Now Shim can learn sign language with his cousing Gavin. I didn't even know Dianna was teaching Gavin, and now I'm really excited they'll both be learning baby signs.

The baby Einstein exersaucer; Shim is going to love playing in it.

At the shower with my SIL's Lindsay and Dianna (plus baby Gavin), and cousin Rachel. Rachel has helped all three of us at wedding and baby showers to open stuff and stay organized.
North meets the south!
Gail and Sandy working on their onesies. They are two of my MIL's best friends.
Isn't the cake cute?

Off to Buffalo

Eric and I are heading out of Charlotte tomorrow for a quick weekend trip to Buffalo. We'll get back late Sunday night, so we can both go to work on Monday. It will be a jam packed weekend, but lots of fun. We are going to dinner with all the family tomorrow night, and we finally get to meet our nephew Gavin! I am so excited, and can't wait to take lots of photos of him. On Saturday, my MIL, SIL's, and aunts there are throwing me a baby shower. It's our first one, and I'm so excited. It's so much fun to see all the little tiny clothes that Shim will be wearing in 10 short weeks. I can't believe how fast time is flying. Sat night is more family time, and this time with good ol' Buffalo pizza and wings. I'm salivating already....
Sunday morning is brunch at his sister Lindsay's, and we fly out about 5pm Sunday night. So much to do in so little time. Unfortunately, with a baby on the way--coming back to work is essential. We're trying to save a lot so my maternity leave doesn't put too big a financial stress on our accounts.

I hope to get some pics from the shower up next Monday when I'm back, but we'll see. I have been known to procrastinate!

No more political commercials!

I am so happy the nasty commercials are over! Here in NC, the ones between Elizabeth Dole and Kay Hagan were ruthless and hateful. I'm glad it's all over and finished. I obviously am happy with the results, now I just hope people will come together and support Obama. At least give him a chance to either prove himself, or fail....then hate him if you want to. But I am so sick of hearing people say that they just can't support him, because they are scared of him. What are you scared of? I've started asking people that when I hear them say they are scared. No one has had a good answer yet. Someone at work said they are scared of his wife b/c they think she's an angry black woman. And that has what exactly to do with Obama leading our country? Enough political talk.

Shim is well, he moves ALL the time now. Crazy little man in there. I wonder what on earth he's doing. Taebo again? My next checkup is on next Thursday, with Sage again. I'd like to have a couple more appointments with Jan as well, b/c it's been a while since I've seen her. I've been considering giving a couple of the OB's a chance. Particularly the lady I've seen before (when the midwives were all booked), and the OB that delivered my friend Kim. It would be nice to feel comfortable with a couple of them, in case I end up with them.

Our diapers are all washed, fluffed, and ready to go. I promise to take some pictures soon so you all can see!

It's election time!

Those who know me well already know that I'm traditionally quite liberal. In all actuality, I'm socially liberal and more fiscally conservative. Honestly, the Libertarian party is probably the one most aligned with my thoughts and beliefs. No matter my beliefs, I'm so excited about this presidential election. It truly is a moment in history with a black man and a woman on the ballot. It's about friggin time that there are candidates out there that are inspiring people to vote. I cannot wait to see what the numbers turn out to be, as far as the percentage of Americans voting. Obviously, it's going to be the biggest percentage ever. Early voting (as well as absentee voting) has been hugely popular here in Charlotte. Lines have gotten over 3 hours long. I can only imagine what the lines will be like on Tuesday.

I'm sure that it's no shock that I'll be voting for Obama and Biden. My shirt kinda gives it away. (Thanks Katie!) Their social policies mirror my own beliefs, ranging from Roe vs Wade to gay marriage. I've been more of a fiscal conservative, especially since Eric and I already get killed with taxes. I'm often torn in this area. I think that the policies of Bush, and the last 8 years in Washington, certainly haven't helped our economy. Let's give the other side a chance. Might as well, because the economy doesn't have signs of improving anytime soon.

I think that the economy is honestly so bad right now, that there isn't a person alive who can truly turn it around in the next 4 years. That's one reason I've decided to vote based on more social issues. Obama and Biden will probably be more CRNA friendly as well! That makes me happy!

I just found out today that Obama's last stop before election day will be right here in Charlotte, at 5:30pm tomorrow evening. I work 10-6:30, but REALLY want to call in sick so I can go. How monumental it would be to go to a rally the night before such a historic election! Especially if Obama ends up winning. Enough about my political ramblings.....I just wanted to say how excited I am that Obama will be in Charlotte tomorrow!

Yippee Skippee!

I am so excited!!! It's been a very busy three days since I found out, but my sister in law Bridget IS HAVING A GIRL!!! I finally get to buy some pink. Between Gavin and Shim, it's been nothing but blue for quite a while now. I found a onesie I have to get: it's pink and says "Nobody puts baby in the corner". So adorable! I feel bad for my SIL Lindsay, because she is due two weeks before Bridget, and still doesn't know what her little one is. A crappy and mean ultrasound tech combined with a shy baby didn't bode well. She has another one in two weeks, so I'm crossing all crossables that we'll find out then!

So, Bridget and my brother went for a regular checkup on Thursday, and were supposed to schedule their big anatomy scan then. Well, they scheduled it alright, but also asked to see if there was ANY way they'd also do one that same day. The out of pocket cost was really cheap compared to most OB's offices, and the US tech worked them in. SO many things fell into place, it was just perfect. The tech said she'd been doing this a long time, and was 90-95% sure it was a girl. The big anatomy scan in two weeks will tell for sure.

I have done MAJOR organization in the nursery tonight. The cloth diaper stash is almost ready; I have my bins and baskets all divided for prefolds, covers, and all in ones. I cannot wait to get my changing pad and start making my cleaning solution. I have to decide on a recipe first though. If some or all of what I'm talking about seems foreign, don't worry. I promise to do a nice long blog on cloth diapers sometime soon. No one I know uses them or is familiar with them, except my SIL Lindsay. She is cloth diapering as well, and even making alot of her own. My mom got a new sewing machine, and gave Lindsay her old serger. Bridget and I certainly wouldn't have used it, so I'm glad she gave it to someone who will actually appreciate it.

Shim is well, and moving all the time. He kicked really hard this morning before we got out of bed, and Eric was like "Whoa!". You'd think it would hurt, but it doesn't . I love feeling him move around in there, but I do wonder what he's up to. Cartwheels apparently. I have a ton of Braxton Hicks (AKA toning contractions) these days. I hope it's not an indication that Shim will make an early appearance. At least if he comes now, he'll be just fine. A little NICU stay, but nothing too crazy. It feels really good to be 29 weeks. Well, I'm off for a bedtime snack, and some sleep!