Win a PRIZE =)

Happy Spring Break!

Want to win a prize? I was inspired by my friend, Jen, who made very specific predictions on Baby Chan that I thought I will make it into a game. Be sure to put your name and your prediction on the comment page and include the following info:

• Born before or after my due date (April 3)?
• Boy or Girl?
• How many pounds?
• How long? (in inches)

Have fun guessing! The closest winner will get a prize!!

3, 2, 1...

Baby Chan is now considered full term at 37 weeks! He/she is getting quite cramped in the limited space that he/she has. Baby should weigh about 6 pounds, and is probably close to 20 inches. Last week, my obgyn told me that baby's head is down and all systems are ready for blast off (well, I made up the blast off part!). I finished packing my hospital bag and I am now on mat leave and enjoying every minute of it!

I went to a breastfeeding class last weekend and was able to learn a lot about the history of breastfeeding. Who knew that so many women was sworn off from breastfeeding back in the 70s because they were told that formula is better and a lot more convenient? Formula companies also did a superb job in marketing (made me think about how influential marketing and logos can be...anyone read "No Logo"?). I enjoyed learning the history and the practical ways of breastfeeding as I think that the breast is definitely the best (hahaha). Not only is it economical, it is also rich in fat and high in protein and antibodies. It is truly amazing how God made women!

Reflecting upon my pregnancy, here are some of the pros and cons...

PROS:

• Being on mat leave rocks! (especially for one full year)
• The indescribable feeling that there's something growing within me
• People are generally a lot nicer to you and are willing to help you out
• Extra attention from Vince
• Eating more food! (well, I did try my best not to overeat as I only needed an extra 300 calories per day but it was nice to indulge in DQ ice cream once in a while)
• Preparing the nursery and getting things organized for baby's arrival
• Hardly any nausea throughout my whole pregnancy
• No swelling of the feet or hands (I'm keeping my fingers crossed)
  
• Researching for baby stuff so that we don't end up getting unnecessary things
• Generous friends who have lent us so much of their baby stuff (like Eudora and Woon Ai)
• Taking life at a slower pace and enjoying the practice of yoga
  

CONS:

• Going to the bathroom almost every hour is not fun at all
• Bad acne skin during first trimester
  
• Third trimester especially the end of it as I feel so BIG that I can topple over anytime
• Mood swings (just ask Vince)
• Klutziness and not being able to pick things up as quickly as before
• Baby's kicking in the ribs that it feels bruised
• Braxton Hicks contractions
• Heartburn
• Shortness of breath and fatigue
• Some stabbing back pains
  
• Not being able to have a full eight hours of sleep
• Not sleeping on my tummy or on my back!
• The labour part? A mom reminded me that it is truly an amazing experience and that eventhough it's painful, I will remember it fondly.
  

Canstruction

As part of our date, Vince and I went to Canstruction at the Canada Place. =)
http://canstructionvancouver.com/past.html

It was really cool to see how amazingly creative people are as they made sculptures out of cans! My favourite is the "As CANadian as it can gets" by Team Richmond (above pic).











If you have time you can look through my imagestation album:
http://www.imagestation.com/album/pictures.html?id=2094576473

A Sundae Celebration

Last Sunday, March 4, Lucia and Sharen threw me a baby shower with a "Sundae Celebration" theme where guests had to each bring a creative topping. It was definitely a shower to remember as we all had yummy sundae treats with soooo many toppings to choose from, and played some interesting yet fun games. It was also really nice to see all my girl friends from my various parts of life under one roof. Baby Chan is sure spoiled as he/she received many, many gifts! Thank you to all the lovely ladies that came to the baby shower...

And many thanks to Lucia and Sharen =)

Here are some links to the shower pics...

izzy and lucia's pics http://www.imagestation.com/album/pictures.html?id=2094825890

eudora's pics http://www.dotphoto.com/Flashtool/GuestViewShow.asp?SID=144630

gizzy's pics http://www.flickr.com/photos/gizzypooh/sets/72157594570293465/

Habitat for Humanity

Just heard on the news that there will be grand opening tomorrow, Sat. March 3 for the Vancouver location of ReStore! The ReStore accepts donations of new and used building materials and sells them to the public at bargain prices. Profits pay operating costs and help build local Habitat for Humanity homes. It's a great way to help an awesome organization, save some $, and reduce waste!

Happy shopping!

Here's the link:

http://vancouverhabitat.bc.ca/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=66&Itemid=112

The Vancouver ReStore is located at 69 West 69th Avenue, Vancouver, BC