Spotlight on.. SAYWARD!

Oh yay, that's me!!

what are you craving today?
Citrus! Pineapple for breakfast, kumquats for snacks, minneolas before dinner . . . and a lemon cupcake. I haven't had many cravings through this pregnancy, but lately I just can't get enough citrus!

how are you feeling today?
Great! I'm 38 weeks tomorrow and I'm just so excited to meet my boy.

if somebody gave you 1000 dollars to spend on yourself what would you buy?
My dog needs oral surgery and my car is making a grinding boise, so unfortunately I'd probably be very very practical. BUT, in magical dream world?? I'd take a pre-baby romantic weekend at the coast with my husband.

what is your guilty pleasure at the moment?
Sweets. Oh lordy this pregnancy has been very saccharine . . . yeeps

Mmmm your post made me hungry! I can't get enough citrus & sweets myself.

Let's see...

What are your hopes for baby's birth?

Do you have a name picked for that little boy?

What are you most looking forward to about having a newborn?

What are you most looking forward to (non-baby-related) about no longer being pregnant?

Wow you're 38 weeks!! Tick tock!

@ MrsReady2bMama

Haha, yeah I tend to talk about food a *lot* these days. I think I move through the world leaving hungry people in my wake!

What are your hopes for baby's birth?
This has been such a roller coaster. I started my pregnancy with clear plans for a midwife-attended [hospital] water birth, all natural, no meds, etc etc and all that crunchy stuff. But I've had a number of complications, had to switch to an OB at 28 weeks, was told I would need to be induced at 38 weeks (today!) and have been at risk for an emergency c-section ever since. It's been an emotional struggle trying to come to grips with all the possibilities and letting go of my imagined birth . . . BUT, now that I've made it to term I'm BACK with my amazingly awesome midwife, with support for natural labor (no medical induction) and I'm even back in line for a water birth! Sheesh, what a ride. But it's good - it's allowed me to be much more open-minded. So I have my *hopes* for my birth, and I also have a level of preparedness for any other outcome.

Do you have a name picked for that little boy?
Oh yes. His name is Waits Rebhal (after Tom Waits). No middle name.

What are you most looking forward to about having a newborn?
Everything! But most immediately, I just want to know what he looks like! I know he has hair - what color is it? Was this picture accurate? Could his lips possibly be that amazingly perfect in real life? I just can't wait to study that gorgeous face. *sigh*

What are you most looking forward to (non-baby-related) about no longer being pregnant?

WALKING! I had a bloody show and some preterm labor at 28 weeks, and a minor placental abruption at 31.5 weeks. So I've been on bed rest for like, 2 and a half months! GAH! I used to walk my dogs, nice long walks, every day. I cannot WAIT to get back out there with my little boy slung across my chest, and it's perfect timing with all the blooming of early spring. It's gonna be soooo glorious.

Wow you're 38 weeks!! Tick tock!

I know!

@ wendy1163

what do you dig most about portland?
I don't have the time or space to write about my favorite Portland attributes. I am completely enamored with this city! A short list: it is basically a progressive playground, a collective experiment in forward-thinking living and social consciousness. It's got amazing outdoor spaces as well as awesome 'rain culture' (groovy creative things to do indoors). Everyone here is either young or acts it, in the best way. Everyone is creative and artistic and they're not just *talking* about their dreams, they're DOING them. Also, it's maybe the most vegan-friendly city in the world. =)

how long have you been vegan? what made that decision for you?
The short of it is that when I quit smoking I ate like crap for a long time, to get me through it. When I emerged out the other side I decided to do a 'vegan cleanse' for a week (in retrospect, "haha!"). After that week was over I was in a quandry, because my excuse for never taking an ethical position on food was that it 'would be too hard'. After that week I realized that it was not only easy, but sort of delightful. So I couldn't, in good conscience, go back. That was the beginning of my journey. (if anyone is interested in the whole story, I wrote it out here)

what would be the opening track on the soundtrack of your life?
That is a tough question! Actually I can't even begin to answer it. Sorry!

I always love your belly shots, by the way. any big newborn photo shot ideas?

Aw, thank you. No big plans, but we're sort of 'fly-by-the-seat' people anyway, so I'm sure we'll come up with something fun.

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My friend *just* moved to Portland and she posts all the cool stuff she's finding on facebook daily... and I'm just sitting here *soooooo* jealous. I'd love to move out there, but I'm not thinking Dh will ever want to move that far from family. It looks like such a cool city, though!

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Hi Cocoanib!
Sorry you've got the heartburn. It comes and goes with me but when it comes . . . yeesh. I feel your pain!

What do you most look forward to about your birth? Especially now that you're back on track for waterbirth?
You now it's really interesting, but it would be so much easier for me to talk about my *fears* of birth or something. I think I've spent so much time preparing for the trauma and pain and potential chaos of it, that I've completely forgotten that it should also be enjoyable. Thanks so much for the reminder.

I'm looking forward to seeing myself be strong. I'm looking forward to reaching down deeper than I've ever had to, and doing it. I want that high that comes with seeing your baby for the first time, completely unmedicated. Also, i can't wait to see witness my husband partnering me - I know he will be so strong and so present and so supportive. It's going to make us even stronger. =)

What do you think will be a challenge for you mentally and physically while birthing?
Resisting drugs, since I'll be in a hospital and they'll be available. I think my biggest fear is that I'll cave. Other than that, I really have trouble imagining what labor's going to be like, so it's hard for me to guess.

Am I the only one who feels like I just CAN'T fathom what labor will be like?

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It is an amazing city. I was jealous for 5 years before I finally made it out here.

Quote:
Thank you! I was starting to think I was crazy, people never really understand when I say that. I just know it's going to be like nothing I've ever experienced . . . but I can't wrap my brain around what it might actually be like. Hmm.

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Aww, thank you! I really think a good attitude can take you far . . . at least I hope so!

I actually don't get cable so I haven't watched a single bit of Olympics this time around! =( I'm more of a summer sports girl anyway though. But if I had to choose a winter sport to play, it would definitely be skiing! Downhill speed or moguls. I had so much fun on those as a kid.