We had Bean's 3rd birthday party on Sunday, the 11th. Her actual birthday is the 24th, but I didn't want to be due in 2 days, trying to throw a party with a bunch of kids - or else have a newborn around a lot of people. So we did it early, to make sure she didn't miss out. I think it was a success, everyone seemed to have a lot of fun. Dave already posted pictures on her blog. I was totally wiped by the end of it, and Dave did most of the running around and physical portion of it! Thank gods for awesome husbands.

I'm still hanging in there. I had a break from the contractions for a few days, which was nice. Friday and Saturday were really tough - I was an emotional, weepy basketcase for some reason. Thankfully I was better by Sunday so I didn't have a meltdown at my poor kid's birthday party! Last night I had some bigger ones for a few hours, so I didn't get much sleep, and I've had a few doozies today, which makes me wonder just how long it's going to be before Aeryn is here. My guess is somewhere around the 19th-21st, so we'll see how accurate I am. :) I do think she'll be here before my birthday, which is the 22nd. (Both of my girls are beautiful birthday presents!)

One of my neighbor friends (who doesn't read this blog! lol) asked me in front of everyone what I was planning to do for the birth. I had already told her I was doing a home birth, but she made this big deal of it. "OMG, you're having her at HOME! I can't believe you're having her at HOME! I guess I'll just listen for the screaming to know when you're in labor! I'd be so scared to have a home birth" and on and on. I was pretty annoyed, considering she already knew this, AND that my last birth was a peaceful, calm, beautiful experience, and I anticipate nothing less for this one. Grrrr. I don't freak out on someone when they say they're going to have a hospital birth, even though that would scare me to no end. I think hospitals are for sick people, not healthy pregnant women expecting healthy babies. Besides, tons of studies have shown that home births are safer and have better outcomes for moms and babies than hospitals, when attended by a competent midwife. But my final word on the whole hospital vs. home debate is that a woman needs to birth where she feels comfortable and safe and cared for in order to give birth properly. For some women, that's a hospital, and that's fine. For me it is not. End of speech.

Shonna brought over the completed belly cast when she came for the party, and I just love it. I will have to hang it and get a good picture to share.