37 weeks

Is it just me, or has this pregnancy totally flown by?  I guess homeschooling a kindergartner and chasing after a toddler will do that - make time whiz by.

Gabriela was born five days after her due date and Easton was actually born on his. I can't help but wonder if this baby will come early. 

I have been taking my evening primrose oil and this Christopher's Birth Prep herb supplement to get things going. I am also drinking pregnancy tea and eating lots of dates. Apparently a recent study shows that consuming dates at the end of pregnancy can help with reducing the need for induction, reducing the length of the first stage of labor, and increased cervical dilation. I figured it can't hurt to try since dates are delicious, healthy, and I already had a huge tub of them. 

Baby has been head down for weeks now, so it's safe to say that she will  remain in that position. I have noticed more frequent Braxton Hicks contractions, lots more. It's uncomfortable, but I try to remember that my body is warming up, exercising and getting ready for the big day. 

The big due date is April 19th - the day before Easter. I am kind of rooting for Baby Girl to make her grand entrance on April 14th.  You know, 4.14.14.  That would be a cool date of birth.  It's also big cousin Christianne's birthday, as well as Grandpa's.

Only time will tell.  Tomorrow I am officially 37 weeks pregnant and clear for birth.

I really think Easton knows it's coming soon.  He is starting to have more tantrums, is easily upset, and insists on sleeping and napping with his arms wrapped completely around me, almost as if putting me in a head lock, with his face right next to mine.  Easton also kisses my belly, tells everyone his baby sister is in there, and shows us how he will gently hold the baby.

I am taking time to enjoy the extra cuddling and hoping that our transition to a family of five goes nice and smoothly. 

Gabriela's Autobiography

Today, while reading a book we learned what an autobiography was. Gabriela dictated hers to me.  Here you go: 

I was born in Washington D.C. and once, my mom took off my dress and threw it on a candle in the bathroom, and the candle was lit! On Halloween, my Mommy took me to the American Red Cross where she worked. I was dressed up like a ladybug.  When I was a little baby, Nana and Papa and Uncle David and Auntie Cynthia and Uncle Ian, Auntie Adie, and Claire and Natalie all came to visit me.

Since we were so far away from the rest of our family, we decided to move to California. I grew up strong and healthy. When I was two years old, we moved into a small green house in Alameda.  My dad bought me a new bed. It was a toddler sized bed, not a cradle or a crib. But, I never did sleep in it.

Then, when I was three, I learned how to ride a Skuut bike. My baby brother was born in 2011.  I went to preschool.  Preschool is school for three year olds!

On July 20th, I had my birthday and turned four years old.  I had a fairy birthday party. Chaney chased us.  I went to Disneyland. I went on so much rides, it was so much fun! I loved Pirates of the Caribbean and Splash Mountain. 

I had a rainbow party when I turned five. I moved to a new house in El Sobrante. We found out that I am having a baby sister. I started kindergarten and I like it. And, of course, I am homeschooled.  I like homeschool because I get to spend all day with my family.

When I grow up, I want to be an artist. I think I will move to Washington D.C. and work at the American Red Cross.  I would like to have some kids. If I don't, I will be like Frida. Frida is a lady who had no children and she was devastated when she learned that she would have no children.

I think when I grow up, I will care about other people.  Even if they are mean to me, I will still do nice things for them.

When I grow up, I am going to be a famous lady and do very famous things. I might be famous for teaching some people not to do war.

My tender hearted girl

Tonight, as I tucked Gabriela into bed, I laid a pink crocheted blanket on her that my mom made for her. On top, I laid out the blankie she especially requested -the white crocheted blanket that MY Nana made. It is Gabriela's blanket, but my Nana made and gifted me this baby blanket years before I was ever pregnant with Gabriela. She died three years before Gabriela was born. Even though Gabriela knows, I remind her of who made each blanket and that she is covered with love. 

Tonight, she burst into tears and said it makes her so sad every time I say, "my Nana" because it reminds her that she is dead and that, even though she never met her, she just knows that she loves her. 

What a precious little sweetheart. I reminded her that  my nana handmade that blanket with love for her, even though they had never met before, and how special it is and how lucky she is to share a name with my nana , and how I just know that she would have loved Gabriela to pieces.  

Easton's 2nd Birthday Party

Easton turned two in November! We had a sweet little gathering for our two year old at our new house.  I decided we would have a fall menu - soups and breads. Lane made a giant pot of chile con carne and I made a giant pot of minestrone soup. We had some homemade pumpkin cornbread muffins and homemade rosemary parmesan artisan bread.  It was delish.

And here is our birthday boy testing out his new soccer set, with a basketball, of course.

We were glad that cousin Andrew was able to make it to the festivities. 

Easton was so happy to see Uncle Nate arrive to the party.  He immediately ran into his arms and gave big hugs and kisses

Can't leave Auntie Liss out!

We couldn't have asked for a better day.  Originally I was going to set up some fun craft tables inside, but the weather was so beautiful, no one wanted to be indoors.  So we had our play dough and paper covered drawing tables outside.  The main attraction for the older kids was chicken chasing, I think.

Easton gets some Auntie love.

Here he is, getting his birthday crown just right.

Easton was serious about blowing out those candles.  He nearly splattered hot wax all over my face!

Look at this awesome Grover painting our friend Adam made for Easton!  We love it so much.  Handmade personalized gifts are the best!

Easton loved his watch from Nana and Papa.  He had been wanting to wear Gabriela's watch all the time.  Since the band is an elastic adjustable band, it fits his tiny wrist.  He always says the time is 8 o'clock, no matter when you ask. 

We are so grateful that some of our friends and many of our family were able to join us in celebrating our big boy.