Birth Announcement

For those of you who don't know, I'm a do-it-yourselfer.  As such, I created my own birth announcements (design, picture, printing, etc...).  I figured I'd post a copy on my blog because photographs mailed as postcards can get a little beat up, and this way you can see what it is supposed to look like.  :)

Announcing Eva Boshernitzan!

She's here!

I have to say that we have been remarkably lucky throughout the short life of our little girl.  My pregnancy was probably as easy as they come, and my labor was just as simple.  We scheduled an induction for 7am on November 23rd, started it at 9am, and I held her in my arms for the first time at 4:20pm!  I have to say, epidurals are AMAZING!

The past 9 days have been fraught with lack of sleep, lots of breastfeeding traumas, and worry - but looking at our little baby makes it all worthwhile.  My family came in to help take care of the baby, clean, and celebrate my birthday, and the Boshernitzans have stopped by many times to bring groceries and check on the newest member of the tribe.  The Lustgartens and the Feinsteins also brought food to make our transition to parenthood easier.

Most importantly, we were able to have a large family style Thanksgiving at which I didn't have to cook or clean a thing!  Still working on uploading those photos...

Then, it was my 29th birthday, and I think it might have been the best one yet!

Thank you to everyone who has supported us throughout this process.  Your love and well wishes have made everything so much easier!  We can't wait to share Eva's many triumphs with you.  :)

Speaking of which, the doctor even commented that she is unusually strong - already lifting her head, making eye contact, and reaching for objects.  Of course, she could probably sit there like a bump on a log and we'd still think she's perfect, but we know she'll be amazing in everything she does.  Afterall, she has great genes!

Last Bump!

I was planning on taking my last baby bump picture right before we left for the hospital, but Yaniv pointed out (rather insightfully) that I may not feel like taking a picture at that point.  I mean, labor...  Seriously.

This represents what I *hope* to be my last baby bump picture for this pregnancy: 40 weeks, 2 days.  I can't say I look a lot larger than 3 weeks ago, but I certainly FEEL a lot larger!

Like I said before, induction is scheduled for Tuesday, so no more than 3 days left!  Want to know how that makes me feel??

News! Sort of...

I've been doing my best to keep busy.  I made dark chocolate oatmeal peanut butter no-bake cookies this week, but have no pictures to show of them as I scarfed them down rather quickly.  Apparently being full term means I will eat anything with sugar.  Tonight I made chocolate chip pecan cookies with whole wheat flour.  They are quite tasty, although I messed up the recipe as usual: melted the butter, couldn't "whip" anything, and refused to use a mixer because it's too much cleanup.  But like I said, they taste pretty good...

I also forced Yaniv to complete an art project with me last week: our own rendition of my rocking chair from when I was a baby.  Guess who did which:

My Aunt Beth sent me the sweetest gift - a handmade quilt!  I can't tell you how much I appreciate handmade items because they show SO much love.  I can't wait to use it with our little girl.

Finally, the news: if I don't pop before Tuesday, we've got a date set for induction.  Originally he scheduled me for Wednesday, but I hear about people getting bumped from labor & delivery a lot, and Thursday is Thanksgiving, so I wanted to be sure I had TWO days before the holiday.  So... we'll have our little lady by the 23rd!  Can't wait to send pictures!  Keep checking your email for updates!

No News Is...

They say that no news is good news.  Except that in my case no news means my giant belly is becoming increasingly uncomfortable.  Times 10.  Everyday.

Yaniv is being a trooper and taking care of me much like he did during the first trimester - cooking dinner, bringing me water so I don't dehydrate, etc...

I wish I had more to update about.  Really I do, but I think until the baby comes no news will have to remain good news.

37 Weeks is Full Term!

We've made wonderful progress the past few weeks.  We finally finished our baby education classes, we might have a name for the baby, and we've reached full term.  That means if I go into labor, there's no stopping it.  I have no real expectation of going into labor soon, but I wouldn't mind if the baby came a week early.

As you can see, I've grown significantly in the last 3 weeks.  My grandmother recently said, "It is so hard  waiting and carrying a baby these last few days..  I guess God makes us women so miserable so we are thankful when labor starts."  Wise woman.

Last Outings

Saturday evening Yaniv and I went to dinner at Ruggles Grill (YUM) with friends for what may have been the last time in a long while.  I mean... 3.5 weeks left...  Anyways, I wanted to share pictures because - wow - we all look really good!  What beautiful married couples!

The next day we met Emily and Oren at the Kosher Chili Cookoff.  I didn't get heartburn, but chili on a 90 degree day is a tad painful.  My favorite part was when one of the guys at the Chabadnik chili stand tried to get Yaniv to tie tefillin right there at their tent.

I'm hoping we'll get a few more outings in before the baby arrives, but if not our weekend was wonderful enough to suffice.