Nope, she’s not born yet. She’s not even close according to the doctor today. I had to go in for a non-stress test today, now that she’s two days past d-date. He said it didn’t look like anything was happening, but he told me that with second babies, its pretty common for the body to get into gear real quick so he said to still expect her any day. For those of you who don’t know, Noa was 2 weeks late and I had to be induced because I wasn’t going into labor. I am getting the feeling that that may happen this time as well, though I would be very grateful to not have to be on pitocin again. I am thankful that for now, even though they think she’s close to 4 kg, my doctors are content to let me wait it out. They haven’t really told me at what point they would want to induce. They are very pleased with how healthy we both are and are very encouraging.
Its funny because last time I was overdue, every day really felt like the end of the world. I remember crying a lot and despairing that there might not even be a baby growing in my belly. God has been very gracious this time to give me much more peace about an overdue baby. When I look back, I see God’s good timing in when Noa was born and I am excited to see when he will bring little Martha. In the meantime, he has given me a precious little Noa-girl who I can’t seem to get enough of these days (I think I’m having pre-separation anxiety, knowing I’ll be away from her when Martha’s born). Now I am almost completely free of my regular commitments since last week (except for one English class), so I have so much sweet time with her at home and it really has been a blessing. She’s learning and growing so much every day – with new words, phrases, abilities – that each moment is a treasure. If God gives me another 2 or 3 weeks waiting for Martha, I would be very thankful for those extra moments of just me and Noa. After all, it won’t be just the two of us all day long ever again (sniff sniff).
Granted, its hard to sleep and the discomforts of pregnancy grow exponentially with each passing day (I know why God made gestation to be 9 months, and not more). And, I had sorta had my mind set on a February birthday (Martha’s would be the first in my family). Also, Eric doesn’t like the feeling of having life on hold and every plan we make be tentative because we’re not sure if we’ll have a newborn tomorrow or not. So there are great pluses to her being born soon. Who knows, really? I’m just thankful that God does and that he has each of our best mapped out in his perfect plan. That is something that I really can’t cry about, can I?
~Head Accessories! (you’ll notice several in these photos)
~Using a fork and spoon completely on her own (She won’t even let me scoop up her food for her… She misses a lot of food, even though every meal takes twice as long… I’m expecting her weight gain to taper off a little bit now with this combined with walking 
~Making her funny face in order to make people laugh.
~Walking all over – especially to greet people at the door, do little errands for Mommy (like throwing things in the trash), or just walking in circles around our kitchen table singing to herself.
~Giving a “Baaa” (bath) to her babies… in any kind of container she can find. Recently, we received a baby bathtub for Martha so that has actually been her container of choice… for herself and the babies.
~And she still LOVES reading her books, whether on her own or having someone read to her. This is my favorite recent picture:
We grew up singing these words as our family would drive to Nagano to our lake-side cabin for family vacations. Although Nojiri is usually a summer vacation spot, we enjoy going up to ski and snowboard and enjoy the beautiful snow that we don’t see much of here in Chiba. It was so great to bring our many new family members there for the first time. We went for 3 days. The first day almost everyone hit the slopes while a few of us with the small kids got the cabins set up. The second day, we had some major capture the flag/snowball fight/world war III with almost everyone, and then went to the “Onsen” natural hot springs turned into beautiful and relaxing public baths (although there are co-ed ones of these, I have never been, nor will I ever go). We spent the evening playing games, eating, and having family worship as everyone dropped off to sleep. Our third and last day, almost everyone hit the slopes again, while the rest of us kept the kiddos and closed up the cabins. When the slopes closed, we were there waiting to load everyone up and head home to Chiba. It wasn’t long enough to be in such a special, memory-packed place, but it was a blessing and treasured time nonetheless. Enjoy the photos of my beautiful family in God’s beautiful creation.
Continue reading about Family Vacation, part 3: "We’re Going to Nojiri Lake"
Martha has been doing a great job of staying down. I haven’t felt her head for several days now, so I think we are in the clear. After my last experience with Noa being breech and trying several things and postions that people suggested, and after seeing some friends have breech babies and trying the same and even more things, I was not about to try all that crazy stuff again this time. However, SO MANY Japanese people suggested to us that the reason she was breech was that I was cold on the inside and needed to take more ofuros (baths) to warm my body up. Sounded crazy to me… BUT that has actually been the thing that I’ve done or not done before ultrasounds when she’s been breech or not breech. So, starting last week, when it worked for like the 3rd time, Eric made the household edict that I had to take a bath every morning (oh the suffering he puts me through ). Its really been great for me physically as I have had a lot less aches and pains, and half the time I actually believe it is what is keeping this girl head down. So, if you want one more thing to try or to suggest to someone with a breech baby, a hot bath is not a bad suggestion…
One week and counting til D-DAY. I’m hoping for/expecting a good 2 or 3 weeks til she actually arrives…after my great experience with Noa coming 2 weeks late, I like them well-baked 
Continue reading about my little secret about breech babies:
After the worst diaper explosion I’ve ever seen: staying warm by the heater with a blanket and book while mom takes out the trash and cleans up the mess.
Playing dress up: she found each of these items while we were organizing clothes and winter stuff and either got it on herself or came to me for help… she has quite some taste already, don’t you think?
Sarah Pfeil, my teammember and friend, is also expecting. Calvin Jonathan Pfeil is due exactly a month after Martha and will be joining sisters Olivia (almost 4) and Annabella (2 and a half). I will have to give you a proper introduction to these good friends soon, but for now I wanted to share some pictures of our joint baby shower.
The ladies on our team took the time last night to celebrate these two little ones with yummy food, sweet fellowhip, adorable baby gifts, and prayer for their lives and families. Sarah and I were both so blessed by such a thoughtful and precious time. 
Lisa Stewart was sweet to host the shower in her home and Robert, her husband and resident chef and baker for the team, made this beautiful cake. It was not only beautiful, but delicious too!
And here is probably the best baby shower card I have ever received… and a good exaple to you of the wonderful world of “Japanese-English”
