Inspiration

I was very much inspired on Sunday when I watched "The Big Give" reality show. For those of you that didn't see it, one of the contestants went to a hospital in the poorest section of Denver. The women there didn't have money to buy anything for their babies. Many took their babies home in towels and walked home because they didn't have enough money for the bus. As you can imagine, it broke my heart, as a soon to be mom.

That got me thinking about what I might be able to do to help others in a similar situation. I feel so blessed that my baby will have all the essentials and maybe more.

I researched some hospitals in the area, and found that the Children's Medical Center would be a great place to donate. I let those in charge of my baby showers know that I would be glad to accept donations of clothing and toys found on the wish list here in lieu of a shower gift (or in addition to -- it doesn't matter) : http://www.childrens.com/How_to_help/toys_infants_toddlers.cfm

I can't wait to make a delivery to the Children's Medical Center! It will bring so much joy to me and my little man!

Things I'm Looking Forward To Doing After the Baby Comes

Now, don't get my wrong. I'm still enjoying the pregnancy and have relatively few issues with it, but there are a few things that I miss being able to do since I've been pregnant. I decided to make a list, not to gripe, but rather to heighten the anticipation of things to come.

• Eating sushi -- I think my first meal will involve a big, fat Rainbow Roll!
• Sliding on the tile floor in my socks -- a la Tom Cruise in Risky Business (but I prefer to keep my pants on)
  
• A hot, sweaty, vinyasa yoga class
• A deep tissue (hurts so good) massage
  

As you can see, the list is pretty short. And for three items on the list, I have wonderful alternatives. While I miss getting deep massages to work out all the kinks in my shoulders, I may never have gone for a Watsu massage at the Crossings in Austin (Greg and I went there with his mom). It was a wonderful experience!! I highly recommend it to pregnant and non-pregnant individuals. It's a massage while you are being supported in a body temperature pool of water. The therapist uses shiatsu massage methods and you become so relaxed. You feel like a baby in the womb.

I'm also enjoying my pre-natal yoga and slower yoga classes so much. I am so grateful to be able to attend the classes and meet other pregnant ladies, like me.

There's always vegetable sushi too that keeps my sushi cravings in check.

But, there is no alternative for sock skating/sliding....Oh well! Small price to pay.

Maternity Photos!

I can't believe we're already into the last trimester! The time has flown by!

On Sunday, Greg and I went and had some maternity photos taken. It was our 5th wedding anniversary, so we thought this would be a great way to remember that special day. We had a lot of fun during the session! You can watch the slideshow here (if the slideshow doesn't load correctly, you might have to hit "Reload/Refresh" on your browser):

http://www.photoreflect.com/scripts/prsm.dll?adisp?a=489363&t=1&b=26