Scalini's Eggplant Parmigiana

38w 4d

   When Ben and I went on our honeymoon a few years ago, we stopped in Atlanta first.  While we were there, we ate at Scalini's, an Italian restaurant.  It was really good, but that's not why I mention it now.  They had pictures of babies covering one area of the restaurant.  Apparently they have a magical eggplant parm that will induce labor!  The babies on the wall were all "Eggplant Babies"- babies whose labor came on within 48 hours of mom eating the eggplant. 
  Well, being super close to the end now, Ben and I wanted to give their eggplant a try; however, driving to Atlanta when I could possibly go into labor at any point, didn't seem like a great idea.  We looked up the restaurant, and it turns out, they have the recipe posted!  http://www.scalinis.com/Bambino.htm So last night, Ben and I set out to 'induce' labor with an eggplant! 
  It was actually a rather time consuming recipe, and I'm not a fan of eggplant, but we had fun making it!  Now we're just waiting to see if their magic will work for us!  (I probably should have waited a few more days..)  The recipe was delicious (other than the eggplant part).  If their legend is going to work, I should be in labor by tomorrow night around 9.  My fingers are crossed!!  So far today, I've had tons of contractions, but nothing regular or time-able, so not really anything new.

Making Progress!

36w1d

Catching up- A few weeks ago, Ben and I attended our birthing and breastfeeding classes.  We definitely learned a lot (and saw more than we ever hoped to see...), but I think my favorite part was when they had all the fathers-to-be try on a back pack (worn in the front) with 25 pounds of ‘stuff’ crammed inside.  It was very amusing to see all the reactions to what their wives are loading around (plus some) each day. 

Also, we have been extremely blessed with so many great friends and family members hosting showers for us.  We had one at my work, one with my friends/family, and one more is set for next week from Ben’s work (and a diaper shower from Ben's friends has been mentioned, but I'm not sure on the plans for that yet)!  I am in awe of how generous everyone has been to us!  We really appreciate all of the support!  Ava is one lucky baby to already be surrounded by so many caring people.

Picture with my Great Aunt Lucy, Mom, and Mamaw.

More recently- I had a doctor appointment yesterday, and things went very well!  I had a few typical tests done (which I won’t get results of until next time), and they checked Ava’s position and my cervical changes.  Ava is head down and ready to go! And I am starting to dilate (1cm)!  Yay!  I know it could still be weeks, but at least it now feels like there is light at the end of the tunnel! 

Final thing- completely not on the topic of baby- Ben ran his first half marathon this week!  I am so proud of him!  

After "Santa Hustle" Half Marathon!