Goetz Family Update

May is turning out to be much hotter than I had anticipated. Since last Tuesday it's been hot and humid every day, kids are already swimming in the lake! I had expected that the end of June and the beginning of July might be a little unbearable for me, but it's only May and my ankles and feet are so swollen they've become cankles. Ew. Luckily I officially started my Matenity leave at 5:00 pm on May 19th so I can relax in the shade and have a nap whenever I get sleepy. I've been cooking up a storm lately so I can freeze meals and take some of the burden off of us in the kitchen once the baby arrives. The freezer is packed, there's *almost* not enough room for my ice cream!

The baby is doing great according to my O.B. He says it's still upright (hence why I look so big) and it's heart beat is strong. They say babies start to slow down in movement as they start to run out of room but not this kid, it's as active as ever. We're watching my tummy and playing the "was that a foot or an elbow?" game. I've been cleared for travelling from my doctor so I'm going to be heading up to Ottawa on June 5th for the week. Hopefully Jason will be alright all by his lonesome.

Speaking of Jason, he recently wrote a test and had an interview for a new position at work and we found out the other day he got the job! I'm so proud of him, you should of seen how thick the 3 binders of material he had to study were! The new job doesn't start until December which leaves Jason with time in the summer to take a month of paternity leave so we can travel around and everyone can meet the baby. It also means that I can stay home and take care of the baby as long as I like which is a dream come true for us.

So that's the happenings in Kincardine right now. Time for some ice cream!

Amanda

8 months...and the stretch marks are popping up everywhere!

I can't possibly get any bigger can I? I mean, this is getting ridiculous. I'm going to deliver a 4 year old at this rate. I still feel pretty good, sleeping is getting a little harder but not impossible. I thought I had escaped the dreaded curse of the stretch marks since I didn't have a single one until last week, but they're not too bad. 8 weeks to go...

Our 1st Anniversay at Phil & PJ's Reception

1. Here we are, 1 year later and happier than ever! 2. The bride and groom, Phil and Paula-Jane, giving their speech. 3. The bride and groom having a great time listening to all the speeches.

We celebrated our 1st Anniversary by celebrating the marriage of our dear friends Phil and PJ. Jason and I spent the night in a historic hotel and had a great time at the reception. Jason even worked up the nerve to give a speech...after a couple glasses of red wine! We hadn't seen some of the guests, including the bride and groom, since the wedding in Mexico in January so it was quite a shock for them to see me almost 8 months pregnant. It was a fun night and I learned a valuable lesson, women as far along as me in their pregnancies shouldn't wear heels! Ouch!

A Daddy Moment

Today I managed to capture the daily ritual Jason and the baby share. Everyday, most days more than once, Jason will lift my shirt and talk to the baby through my belly button. He always says "Hello baby, this is your daddy speaking, I love you!" Some days he goes on a bit telling the baby how excited we are for it's arrival and everything he plans to do with the baby. Other days he leaves it at "I love you" and then just rests his head on my belly and listens for a reaction from the baby. He always ends their little moments with some kisses and then he rubs my stomach. It's my favourite part of the day.

Grandma Hewens' Baby Shower

Me and Abigail, I'm getting some practice!


The top of the adorable cake my Aunt Sue made


It was soooo good! mmmmmmmm....cake


The birthday girls, Erin and my Grandma.


Here I am protesting for the 23rd time that "No, I am NOT having twins, I'm just HUGE!"


My godson Riley accessorising his outfit


Debbie, Pam and Mia deep in discussion over what I assume is when the cake will be served!


My Aunt Nancy and April playing the cottonball game and Michelle wiping away tears of boredom in the background, just kidding!


My Aunt Brenda made this quilt for the baby.


Here's April helping me with the gifts, she wanted to see if the baby on the bag looked like me.


Opening cute baby clothes


The Winnie the Pooh activity mat from Keira and Tish, the baby will have lots of fun on this


More baby clothes, you can never have enough!


Soft and snuggly baby blanket, good to have for the snowbelt!


It's a Onesie!


A toast to everyone for coming to see us and for all the beautiful gifts. Jason and I are blessed to have such warm and loving family and friends.


I came home and washed everything and put it all away, I'm impressed with myself!


Baby's well stocked dresser


It's looking more like a baby's room now

Although it was another short visit, Jason and I always love getting a chance to see everyone. We wanted to thank my mom & dad, April and Julie for all their hard work in throwing us this party and everyone else for coming and all the generous and much appreciated presents. The next time you see us you'll get to meet the baby!