3rd Trimester

Last week began our third trimester and now there are only 10 weeks left until my due date! We are so excited to welcome our little girl and are nearly ready for her arrival. We begin childbirthing classes in two weeks and will have 4 weeks of a weekly class with one breastfeeding class. We are also studying Hypnobirthing which is relaxation and imagery techniques that together Michael and I will work to eliminate any pain through focused meditation and relaxing music. The author of the book and program is a believer and says, "God has given women the ability to birth children and created their bodies to take care of this process. If we will only allow Him to work through us and separate our mind and fears from the experience then He will take over and bring us peace and comfort in childbirth." Michael has been so affirming throughout the pregnancy and the gift God has given us of each other and the ability to know each other's needs will make for a positive and memorable birth experience.

Today Michael is hanging some new blinds in the house and we're working on little projects so when she arrives everything is ready. It sure is great motivation to get any last minute things complete. Below are some pictures of me and Michael too in the seventh month.

The belly at 29 weeks. She is really moving around a lot and I feel more kicks up near my ribcage now which is a newer development.My bellybutton is about ready to pop out! I guess it means she's "done" when it pops! At least that is what a friend jokingly said...Thank goodness for Burt's Bees Mama Bee Belly Butter and Mustela Belly Cream, no stretch marks!!! Yes it may be vain, but this former Miss Oklahoma-nor any other woman for that matter wants stretch marks! Michael modeling his 34th birthday presents! He has found a new sport of fly fishing that he loves and so I got him waders, boots and a vest. There are beautiful areas to fly fish here...Valley Forge being one of them which is just 30 minutes from the house. I enjoy going along for the beautiful scenery and peaceful quiet of the streams. Hopefully Little Baby Schriks will enjoy the outdoors as much as we do!