June 22 After about five days of being in lots of back pain, and hobbling around, I woke up at about 4 am today with REAL contractions! Obviously, I am not in the hospital yet! Contractions were regular until around 9 am, 10-15 minutes apart, and then spaced out over the morning. So, I called Mom and Dad to keep them posted (they decided not to go to Vancouver!), and they are waiting to hear if any big things develop tonight. Misty was in the 24-hr. relay, so hopefully she got some sleep this afternoon JUST IN CASE! At this point, 4:30 pm, contractions are around every half hour. Who knows, maybe this will be the last journal entry! Maybe not! This could go on for days...I will keep you posted!
June 18 Baby has dropped a lot this week. It's head is definitely causing lots of pressure on my bladder, and unfortunately, putting a painful strain on the right side of my lower back. I'm having difficulty walking, it hurts so much! I am trying to stay positive as I know that this means that things are progressing and I could go into labour soon. Hopefully it will be soon, I don't like feeling like a feeble!
June 11 Had another appointment with Allison today, and everything is fine. Gained a pound or so, nothing unusual. I am not dilating yet, however, Baby's head has dropped a little. Misty, our wonderful labour support professional, and my terrific chiropractor, is coming over tonight for our last session. Basically, we will review breathing techniques, etc. and she gets to check out our tiny house! I feel a lot calmer about the upcoming big event, thanks to Misty's help and Rick's support. I think this will be a very positive experience for all three (four!) of us!
June 6 UVIC Graduation today! Yay, my official convocation from the MPA program! Feels a bit anti-climatic as I've been finished for so long. However, Baby got an early Masters degree, ha ha! It was a roasting 32 degrees, and I nearly died wearing that awful black gown. Figures the grad had to coincide with the hottest day of the year so far! Good thing was that my belly muscles were not nearly as sore as yesterday- incredible pain and I could hardly get in and out of bed. Another adjustment my body is going through, I guess!
June 4 I began my weekly appointments with Allison today, pretty much one month til my due date. Well, I actually lost weight during the last two weeks, which is a change to hear! Anyways, don't know why that happened, probably just fluid levels or sometlhing. Baby is doing fine, my belly measures 35cm now, which is "perfect". My blood test the other week for glucose was really good, so I don't have to worry about that! Yay! I'm getting Braxton Hicks every day, and during the night, so my sleeps have been very disrupted and annoying. I guess that will be the pattern for awhile!
May 24 I started getting Braxton Hicks contractions tonight, so my body is starting to prepare for "D Day". Very uncomfortable, such a tightening around the whole belly! It's especially a pain when Baby decides to stretch at the same time. Thus, I didn't get much sleep during the night. I think this is a sign of days to come!
May 21 Another appointment with Allison- this time, my glucose was "off the charts"!! Uh oh! So I had to go in for a blood test, and waiting for the results. This could mean the end of SUGAR!! AIEE! No more chocolate?? Will I survive the next 6 weeks?? I'll keep you posted...
May 18 Today was Auntie-to-be Nicole's wedding! It was an incredibly beautiful day, and the bride was radiant and knock 'em dead gorgeous! I was the overly emotional preggie "best woman", and was relieved that my dress still fit! Hopefully we will be able to get a picture on the website of that dress at some point! Cherie, I got a ton of compliments on your pedicure! You are awesome! My energy level was pretty good, but that, I'm sure, was mainly due to adrenalin and nerves! I definitely shed a ton of tears, but what can you expect?! What a day, Baby was present at Auntie's wedding, very cool!
May 17 This weekend is crazy-busy with Nicole's wedding activities. I just had to say that Baby was the star of the "girls night", Nicole's last night as a single woman! Danni gave my belly a massage, and Baby responded with earthquake movements and kicks! Way to be the life of the party!
May 11 Mother's Day! Baby gave me a card, which was so sweet and made me cry! (What can I say, I have the best hubby in the world!)
May 10 So, I turned the big 30 today! Woohoo! I'm happy about it, though, as my goals have been met for this decade. Time for motherhood now!
May 7 I saw Allison today and all is well: I am still gaining the appropriate one pound a week, and baby is turned with head down. My belly is looking great apparently and no worries! I'm enjoying the time at home to get organized with baby clothes (thanks for the advice, Vee) and setting up the back room the way I want.
April 30 Today was a mixed bag of emotions: first, I felt Baby hiccuping first thing in the morning! That was cool! Then, it was my last day of work. Glad to be done as my back is not liking life right now, but also very sad to say bye to a wonderful group of people that I have been privileged to work with. Especially Sia, my cubicle farm buddy, and Zachariah, my walking buddy from across the street. I'll miss you two the most! Ah! The gang gave me some cute baby things, which was sweet. I did shed some tears later on when saying the goodbyes, couldn't help it!
April 26 Baby shower! Thanks to "Auntie" Lenny and "Auntie" Pickle for the awesome baby shower at Mom J's place today, it was incredibly fun and also overwhelming to know that our baby is already so loved! Thanks to our two excellent Moms, you two are the best! (For my relatives out there, Mom K will more than likely have another shower when Baby is born for you to come and meet it, so don't freak out!) The coolest thing was the diaper cake: not the edible kind, but made of diapers, receiving blankies, stuffed with bottles, pacifiers, etc! Sia, you are so creative! Anyways, thanks to all who literally showered us with loot, and FOOD!! Mommy-and-Daddy-to-be are very appreciative!
April 23 I see Allison every two weeks now. Today everything is right on track: my weight gain is one pound a week, and baby is looking like it will be "medium size". Yay, all is going smoothly!!
April 19 We bought a jogging stroller and a car seat today! Yeeha! It's nice to get the big items out of the way, so we can focus on the smaller stuff next. It was a good plan to check out what different stores have for baby items- the next shopping trip will most likely include diapers. Now, what kind, cloth or disposable, that is the question!
April 17 We had prenatal class tonight and saw more live birth videos.
Had another close encounter with a dizzy spell- this is the fifth one I've had
now. Usually this happens during the day if I have to stand too long or get too
hot, but tonight it was this particular video about epidurals and it made me feel
kinda nauseous. Good thing I know the signs and had Rick take me outta there for some fresh air. Having trouble sleeping lately, very sore hips and low back pain in the evening and during the night. Good ol' ice packs help but my body is not liking the extra weight straining on it. Sigh!
April 15 I'm noticing that Baby has been moving more on my right side lately- I wonder if that is where the nutrients enter the placenta! Who knows?? Maybe it's hands or feet that just like to tickle me! I've been told that my belly has grown again by coworkers, and no doubt it has! Can't believe my profile when I look in the mirror! Had a great time in Ladner on the weekend throwing a shower for Nicole, and spent quality time with Mom K. Learned that her first labour with Kari took 6 hours and he arrived a month early, so who knows if I inherit that
speediness! It won't be too long before I find out!
April 10 Rick has been sick all week, so Mom J. was my very excited subsitute partner at prenatal class tonight. We had fun learning about breathing techniques for stage 1 of labour- thanks Mom, you are the best! It was nice to hear other women are struggling with back pain as well, I'm definitely not alone.
April 9 Had my monthly appointment with Allison today. So everything is great: I passed the blood test I had last week to check for iron and glucose levels with flying colours! Yay! My weight gain was 6 pounds this time, bringing total weight gain to 24 pounds (approximate as I don't trust those weird scales). My weight gain was described as "erratic" as I gain very different amounts each month. Whatever, baby and momma are healthy so that's all that matters! Baby's heartbeat was 160 bpm, and length of a "perfect" 27 cm. Things are going superbly!
April 6 We had our first shower today, hosted by my MPA friends. It was a combined shower for us, Wendy and Sue, and Joel and Jody, who have had babies in the past couple of months. Well, the twin baby boys stole the show, talk about little darlings! I'm definitely feeling all gushy, mushy and maternal! Very fun time!
April 3 We went to our first prenatal class tonight, with our "baby buddies", Corri and Simon. Well, Simon couldn't make it and it would have been the perfect opportunity for Kari to be Corri's substitute- lots of graphic images! Ha ha! Anyways, the class was pretty good and we saw a live birth video- I wasn't sure how I would feel about seeing that, but I found it fascinating. Rick and I were almost in tears by the end of it, it was so amazing! I'm starting to feel the reality around this pregnancy, and yes, labour will be coming along in a few months! However, I have the best, most supportive hubbie I could ever ask for, and I know that together we will get through the biggest challenge of our lives to date.
March 30 Baby is literally waking me up now at 4:30-5 am with kicking, and then my stomach starts growling like crazy. So this weekend I have begun the interrupted sleep process in a major way! Must have a snack or just can't get back to sleep! Crazy how much food Baby requires now! Finally bought myself an electric heat pad for my back, as back pain is definitely getting worse. Rick has been awesome with the back and foot massages, though, so I am surviving! Oh, we have the Green Machine again, and it's all fixed up. So, next stuff to get organized: baby things! Must add my major complaint about pregnancy as is apparent in today's picture: BAD PREGNANCY HAIR. Fizzies, fly-aways, it's HORRIBLE! I get my hair cut on Friday and can't wait!! Hopefully that will make me feel better!
March 26 My feet are now aching by the afternoon, definitely paying the
price for weight gain. I haven't noticed a huge amount of swelling, but I'm
sure that will be the next step. I was told today that I look "very
pregnant"- hard to deny that, I guess! What does that comment really mean, I
look like a huge cow?? Baby is doing fine, kicking lots. Sia was so thrilled
today that she could feel it kick- apparently she missed out on that
opportunity with her sis. Glad to be of help!
March 23 The Green Machine broke down on us in Black Creek! Oh yes, the
joy of new car ownership has rubbed off in a hurry! Sigh! However, we did
have a nice weekend despite the car problem, visit with Grandma and Jane.
Ended up renting a car to drive back as we didn't think Grandma's '82 Toyota
Tercel would make it! Car will hopefully be fixed by next weekend-
Daddy-to-be was a bit stressed out over the whole ordeal!
March 15 Rick and I bought a station wagon today! We're officially inducted into family life! It's a mean, green, Ford Taurus machine! The interior is so green we decided we will have to hang up shamrocks or something to get into the Irish spirit! Ha ha! One more thing to check off the list before Baby arrives! Yahoo! Funny how we're actually excited about it- never thought I'd be EXCITED over owning a big car!
March 12 I saw Allison today for my monthly check-up and everything was GREAT this time! yay! She said I'm right where I should be with the pregnancy and the baby is the right size, etc, etc. I was relieved about the weight gain, which wasn't much this month. I suppose that's good as it helps balance out last month. I gained approx. 3 pounds- total weight gain: 18 pounds. Baby's length: 24 cm (which apparently is "perfect") Baby's heartbeat: 120 bpm. The heartbeat is slower apparently as Baby is getting bigger. A very happy day for Baby and Mom today!
March 11 I had a very real dream about giving birth to a baby girl last night- it was strange because the only pain I could feel was a terrible burning pain in my hip, which woke me up. Ironically, I was lying on that side, but my hip wasn't hurting at all. Anyways, the baby had dark hair, so wonder if that is a sign...the good part was that during the dream I couldn't remember any of the labour and birthing pain! Whew!
March 2 Well, I think Nicole and I may have decided on a "best woman" dress for me for her big day on May 18. It hasn't been easy as I will be 8 months preggie, and due to being tall, the long dresses end up being too short when I try on the 'full term' pillow. The good thing is that I don't have to wear a useless formal dress and can wear something a bit more flattering. I really like the one I found, surprisingly in Victoria, and Rick gave it his full approval. Hopefully it will help make me look less of a barge!
February 19 I was lying on the couch, watching TV, when I noticed my sweater MOVE!! I yelled at Rick to "get over here honey" and we watched my tummy jump as Baby kicked!!! It was so amazing!!! Baby is definitely getting much bigger and stronger!

I would also like to say thanks to my wonderful friends and family who have given me the best support and advice after my dr.'s appointment last week. I was feeling pretty bad about my "more than average" weight gain, and I have realized that HEY, I am not an "average" woman in height or weight, so why would I follow the "average" parameters for pregnancy weight??! Thanks you guys, you are the best!! I feel much better!
February 15 I AM HALF WAY THRU THE PREGNANCY!! Wow, it is flying by! I got the best advice from Vee: she was told the same thing in her 5th month about weight gain and then physically was not able to gain weight during the rest of her pregnancy. So, hopefully my weight gain will even off in the next month. Rick's opinion is that the baby is just growing so fast right now and that my body is trying to keep up. I think he's right! Plus, I don't want to have a total complex about this. What do doctors know anyways?! Ha ha! So I'm getting my real Valentine's present today: Rick is painting the bedroom! Yay! Bye bye yucky peach colour, hello yellow! I'm so excited!
February 12 Tanya's 4th appointment with Allison. Well, I got the "raised eyebrows" to my weight gain of 9 pounds for the past month. Honestly I have been trying to eat healthy, and OF COURSE I'm gonna have treats! So I have been told to cut back on sugar (goodbye brownies and chocolate) and the good things that I've been craving! The good news is that the baby is perfectly healthy and normal size according to all the ultrasound measurements.
Baby's heartbeat: 160 bpm
Baby's measurement: 20 cm
My total weight gain: 15 pounds
February 6 I started a new job today working at the Ministry of Health Services. I think it was because I had almost no sleep the night before (Rick was snoring worse than usual due to a cold) that I had a near-fainting episode. I'm very thankful that there is a "Quiet Room" around the corner from the office where I can lie down if I feel weird. I guess my body doesn't like it when I don't get enough rest- can't push myself the way I used to be able to! Anyways, I felt fine for the rest of the day, no cause for alarm. I will check it out with Allison next time I see her, just in case! Probably a normal pregnancy thing!
January 29 I have been feeling quite a lot of movement from the baby since Sunday night. Lots of little bumps and kicks are happening, especially right when I eat, and when I'm trying to go to sleep at night. Rick can't feel the kicks yet, but I'm sure it won't be long before baby is big enough to give my stomach a harder 'boot'! Hmmm, baby does seem to get active when I eat chocolate or drink hot chocolate- Isabella is living proof that girls in the womb LOVE chocolate! So maybe Rick is wrong and my girlfriends are right: baby junior may be a girl!! I made my first trip to Thyme Maternity yesterday with Cherie and little Isa, and yeeha, I now have some very unsexy maternity underwear! Oh the joys of a rapidly expanding belly! I don't mind the pants I bought, at least they will FIT unlike most of my clothes!!
January 23 Our first view of our baby! We had the ultrasound this morning, and it was amazing! We could see all 4 chambers of the heart, which made us shed a few tears. Little baby was swimming around, stretching, curling up, turning around, it was SO COOL! As I haven't felt movements yet, it was incredible to see how active the baby is! Baby's heartbeat today was 150 bpm. We saw little hands, feet, arms, legs, the stomach, the spine, etc, etc, and everything that is supposed to be there IS there. The lab tech told us that everything looks normal, which is terrific! We are more excited than ever about our little son/daughter! Rick is convinced that he saw a penis, but I doubt that was possible- obviously one of us is hoping for a son! We will see in about six months...
January 20-25 Feeling really good, probably due to not having to work at the moment! Taking Finni for long walks at Island View beach and getting lots of fresh air- enjoying the time to myself!
January 19 Rick and I started swimming to help me stay "fit" and to have some fun. I'm starting to look a bit "pear-shaped" in my swim suit!!
January 10, 2003- Week #15 Tanya's 3rd appointment with Allison
Heartbeat is 130 bpm, slower as baby is probably resting, who knows?
Tanya's weight gain: 4 pounds in past month (not bad for the amount of Christmas food I scarfed down!!), which Allison described as "perfect".
Total weight gain: 6 pounds
Baby's measurement: 14.5 cm
Feeling really good, food is awesome, just get incredibly tired very quickly and need naps. Baby is growing so fast and is taking all my energy! I'm having many dreams about baking during this week, including a dream about being at Grandma's house on Cedar Ave and eating gourmet cookies!
December 13, 2002 - Week #11
Tanya and Rick hear Baby's heartbeat for the first time!! So exciting!!
Heartbeat is 160 bpm and very loud and strong!
Tanya's weight gain: 2 pounds
Baby's measurement: 7 cm
November 13, 2002- Week #7 My 1st appointment with Dr. Allison Ferg, the nicest, awesomest obstetrician! I have been feeling nauseous but have not experienced any serious morning sickness, just feeling blah and very tired during the day.
November 2, 2002 Tanya and Rick discover that they are pregnant, two days after Tanya defends her 598! The parents-to-be are incredibly happy and excited!!