Anthony, How you managed to survive after that comment is a wonder. If Alan made that comment to me, while I was in labor, I know I would have mustered up every ounce of strength in my being and hurl him across the room!

Aren't labor and delivery stories wonderful?

Amanda...wishing you lots of patience in these last weeks...everyone will probably ask you how you arr feeling..."any labor yet????"

The first baby seems to have it's own schedule, early, late or on-time, what will be, will be.

BTW...every time I see this thread I click it first...just in case we're in LABOR! You have many anxious "aunties and uncles" here.

Best wishes!

Amanda, one good thing about the last weeks of preganancy...I found that I didn't gain any weight and could eat all the hot fudge sundaes I wanted! (Masaki, it doesn't work the same way for you!)

Can't help on the labor stories as mine were both C-sections.

Donna - I have to remember that. :)

Masaki

Thirty-six years ago today, I had my youngest. Happy Birthday, Rich!!!

Olivia, no. LOL! When they induce labor, they drip pitocin through an IV and cause the contractions to start. I've never seen the knitting needle thing you are talking about.

Margo - I was thinking the same thing about needing to start checking this thread first thing each time . . . just in case it is the big day!!!! It's almost here <img border="0" alt="[bounce]" title="" src="graemlins/ubbbounce2.gif" />

Pam,

Wish Rich a happy birthday from your friends at LCT!!

Anthony

Masaki & Amanda
Now that I am home it is time for the birthing to begin. Was so afraid I would miss the arrival, but I know Amanda is ready. That 9th month in a hot humid climate is anything but fun. I speak from experience!

Amanda,

Looking good for 35 weeks of pregnancy. I felt like such a cow at that time!

Masaki-be very, very nice to Amanda during labor. You might think that she won't remember anything, think again! I can't say that next time Anthony would be so lucky to be around. The nurses sensed my growing anger at him & casually pushed him aside and stood between us. It's kinda funny now (not really), but at the time, Anthony was in grave danger!

Good luck to you guys!

Paige

Paige, you crack me up! Masaki would be in a lot of trouble too if he made the same comments.

I'm doing pretty well. Still working full time but I waddle and move slowly. Braxton Hicks contractions are happening more often so we'll see when the little fish makes her appearance. The weather is warming up but, luckily, I'm usually in AC so life is still bearable. :)

Olivia, the hook you were talking about just breaks your water bag which can also help speed labor along.

Thanks for everyone's well wishes!

Pam - happy birthday to Rich! :)

Betty - we've been waiting for you to get back before giving birth. Now that you're back ... ;)

Paige - thanks for the good wishes. Maybe I should just slap duct tape on my mouth now to make sure that I don't inadverdently make comments that I would regret later, LOL!

Masaki

I think it's time for a daily update from Masaki and Amanda. We're all here pacing and waiting for arrival of Little Fish!

No change. Still waiting. :) Nesting has been hitting heavy - more work on the nursery and setting up the labor bags (including the cameras!)

Masaki

Masaki,

Nesting is very good. When Amanda starts going on a maddening tear cleaning the house, you know you've rounded the bend and Little Fish is soon to arrive!

We're all anxiously waiting!!

Please Masaki.
Try not to get into to big of trouble.
I know it is hard but just try. :D

Waiting, waiting, Masaki and Amanda. I keep checking this thread just in case. Amanda, I hope you are feeling well. Masaki, I'm confident you'll say just the right things! :)

We're doing well. Like Masaki said, nesting has hit hard! Little fish's room is pretty much set up except for a few odds and ends. Had my OB appt today and we're 1 cm dilated and she's low so we'll see when she decides to make her entrance!

Jim - I try but my bad side keeps interfering ... :D

Masaki

We are all as anxious as you two - well maybe not quite, but we are sure as excited -- keep well Amanda can't wait to hear the announcement.

This is getting really exciting....waiting for to arrive!

Betty

Today is good. June 15 is a great day to be born. Come on Little Fish, make your appearance today and share a birthday with "Auntie Donna".

Masaki & Amanda, This is so precious! You've got two more here who are wishing you the very best birthing experience!
Michele and Don

Thanks guys! But doesn't seem like it's happening today (at least, not quite yet).

But we're probably getting somewhat close - baby seems to have dropped somewhat and Amanda's reporting it harder to maintain control of her bladder, if you know what I mean. Once again ... tick-tock, tick-tock.

Masaki

Darn, we were hoping little fishette made her debut today - Uncle Alan, Auntie Denise (and Auntie Donna) are disappointed! I guess she didn't want to share her special birthday! And, who can blame her? How about June 16?

My first daughter was born on June 18th 42 years ago. She has always been a real gem. Maybe your baby will be born on that lucky day.

We'll see when she decides to make her appearance but she can come sooner than later! :)

Amanda, are you feeling like you've been pregnant forever? That last month can seem endless.

Gosh I think "we all" feel like we have been carrying this baby
Come on fishey show yourself!

I just love the photos and such great captions! She's FINALLY here! Woopee! :banana:

What great news!!! Can't wait to hear more of the details! Masaki, were you sent to the other side of the room, or did you behave yourself?

:banana: :app: :app:

What a beautiful baby!! Oh she's just gorgeous, gorgeous.

Ditto Olivia. How did it go, and did you sustain any injuries, Masaki, due to bad behavior? :)

Amanda looks amazingly well for what a long night she must have had. Please tell her, until she can check in here, that we are all toasting her marvelous work today and we wish her a speedy recovery.

Congratulations, Amanda and Masaki!
Welcome, Marika, you are our youngest LCT'er!
How exciting!!!!!

She is absolutely gorgeous! Congratulations!!!

Don and Diana

Just saw the wonderful news! Congratulations! She is adorable!

Ronnie

Misaki and Amanda, our friends just came over with their 3 week-old; she had lots of hair, but was quite small. We had forgotten how tiny they are!

Thanks for the pictures. She is just lovely.

Blessings and good wishes for sleep for all of you!

Diana

Oh, Amanda and Masaki, she is so beautiful!! Computer's been down so didn't know until today that baby Marika had made her appearance. Congratulations!! Jean & Clyde

Just logged in for the first time this weekend and WOW..

Congratulations to you both. Paige and I wish you all the best!!

Anthony

Masaki, waiting for more! Are Mommy and baby home yet? This is my vicarious granny experience! Amanda and I shared similar experiences, especially that blue crochet hook that she said was not an "inducement"! Sure worked for both of us!

Babies change so much in a few days when the swelling goes down, so send more pictures, please!~ Also hair sometimes falls out and they go bald for 7-8 months!

Do you plan to bring her on MUSH? You know Joanna and I have offered a night of babysitting. Joanna LOVES babies!

Thanks everyone! We got home last night and we're doing well except that she won't latch on. will make sure that Masaki keeps the blog updated!

Thanks once again! Olivia - still debating about whether to bring her on MUSH or not. Depends on how much she has me wrapped around her finger by then, I suppose. :)

Masaki