Progress Report - 4 weeks

I started this post a few weeks ago. And a lot has changes since I started. But I figured I would let you see the progression.

10 days. So much has changed in the last 10 days. I know you are surprised by that little factoid! Mind completely blown! Well mine kinda is, from being tired...

So let's see... What has changed?

• our sleep schedule. Duh. But we are doing well. Night time is obviously the hardest. But we are going to bed earlier to make up for waking up in the middle of the night. Matt gets up and does a diaper check. Then I get up and feed the nugget. Normally my boobs put her back to sleep and I burp her. It's lovely.
• Everything is a family activity. I'm not allowed to drive yet - something about the giant tear I made healing without any sudden movements. So errands and doctor's appointments are done all together. Even Target. Crazy town.

Other stuff? Milestones if you will?

• She is already back up past her birth weight
• She already lost her umbilical cord
• She loves the car
• She sleeps like her mom - all day if she could - and some part of the night
• She loves being held - ALWAYS!!!! (happy face and sad face)

At 10 days we have hit our stride... and then we lost it. We had a really GREAT first week - and then she evolved a little bit - and we don't know what changed. But we are in the "having trouble falling asleep" phase of infancy. And let me tell you - this part is hard. What have I sugar coated yet? Nothing. So the last 3 nights have been rough. She eats, and then wakes back up! It's crazy! And rude. And then we can't rock her back to sleep and she screams at us. AWESOME! We love it (sarcasm).

There are moments of having a newborn that feel like trying to be best friends with your bully. She keeps us up all night (bullying) and then spends all morning cuddled up in your arms looking like an angel.

14 days. Everything is different now. It is amazing how fast things change - although I guess not surprising.

We went in for our two week checkup this morning. She lost weight. It shocked us. She lost 5 oz. Which is a lot when you only weigh 7 pounds. She has been put on formula to help boost her back up and help her gain weight. I am not producing enough milk to sustain her.

This is really hard for me to talk about in person - to family and friends. But somehow it felt wrong to keep it from you. I have shared so many things with you (whoever you are). And somehow I am okay with sharing it, but I don't really want to be comforted because of it. So family & friends - don't take it personally that I didn't tell you on the phone or face to face. I am dealing with it. And I have come to terms with it. But I don't want your sympathy.

So we started giving her 2 oz. of formula after each feeding. And I am taking herbal supplements to help boost my milk. And we are taking her in to see the Dr again in two days to see if she gains any weight.

16 days. She is back to gaining weight and being a much happier baby. It is amazing that since adding the formula in addition to breast milk, she is a much easier baby again. She became fussy right around 12/14 days old and it was because she was hungry. Not surprising - both her parents get VERY FUSSY & ANGRY when they are hungry. Why should she be different? So we are going to keep her on formula in addition to me. And I am talking to a lactation specialist to help support me and get me back up to speed. All good things.

28 days. 4 weeks. CRAZY.
4 weeks ago this morning we went to the hospital because, in the words of the nurse who admitted us: "You might have just peed yourself, it probably wasn't your water breaking." I still don't think she knew what she was talking about. It is 3pm right now. I was pushing at this point. Matt & Arnold (the student who needed to observe - read that as hold my other leg) were being very supportive (literally). Eliana was holding everything up by facing up instead of down. And we still had 90 minutes to go until she arrived. RIDICULOUS.

This morning we went back to the Dr. And we passed our test!!! She has gained 10 oz. (she is supposed to gain between half and a full ounce a day). And is 21.5 inches long - 2 more than when she was born. She is getting bigger and stronger every day.

Milestones in the last 4 weeks?

• She is back up past her birth weight (again) but this time significantly
• She is 2 inches taller
• She sleeps like a champ - last night for 7 HOURS straight!!!
• She lets us know when her diaper is wet
• She was a champ on Saturday when Bones scratched her face in some excitement. She cried for a few minutes and then rolled with it. She was completely fine - DON'T WORRY. 
• She rolled over today at the Dr. (totally a fluke and won't happen again on purpose for months - but DEFINITELY  worth mentioning)
• She was a champ this morning with round 2 of her shots. She opened her mouth to scream and no sound came out. She silently screamed. WIN for Mommy!
• When she wakes up in the morning, she has 2-3 hours of awake and alert and happy time to hang out with anyone who will sit and chat with her
• She is growing out of her newborn clothing and is almost ready for 0-3 month clothing. So much for thinking that we weren't going to need the little stuff. 

are you ready for the hospital???

I wrote this post over a week ago, so please ignore the verb tenses, I meant to post it before we went to the hospital... but now I can give you some feedback on what we actually needed. 

I have been doing a lot of research when it comes to the hospital. Mostly because I have never given birth before... I know SHOCKING information! So here is what we have done to prepare ourselves, just a little bit.

1. I went in and met with a labor nurse. She took me into a labor and delivery room and talked to me for an hour about anything I wanted. She really calmed me down.
2. Took a birthing class. We took the express class because we didn't want to take a long drawn out class with homework and all sorts of other stuff we aren't all that interested in... I know, it might be a problem later on that we didn't spend 2 hours learning how to breath or bathe the baby. But that's why there are Grandparents and nurses.
3. Did a trial run of going to the hospital. hahahaha. Trial run! I started freaking out. So we went to the hospital and found out that I have a lot of Braxton Hicks contractions. We were just practicing. But we know where to park, where to go and check in. All of the above.
4. Installed the carseat.
5. And we packed our hospital bag. Twice. Here is what we are bringing with us. 

• DEB's bag: a robe, socks, pajamas, nursing bra, nursing tops, going home outfit (read sweatpants), slippers. I am not planning on wearing bottoms while I am in the hospital. Don't get excited, it's just that the war zone will be fresh. And I don't want (Matt) to have to wash that catastrophe.
• MATT's bag: 2 changes of clothing, pajamas. We are planning on sending him home to get one night of sleep the night before I come home. My Mom is going to spend that night with me in the hospital. (I wonder if I told her that...).
• OUR bag: phone chargers, Matt's tablet, toiletries (shampoo and stuff), our pillows
• BABY GIRL's bag: two outfits in different sizes, mittens, socks, two blankets (one for sending home to the dogs to get used to her smell).

And that's everything. The hospital will take care of me (yay insurance) with all the patching up clothing I need. And same for our Baby Girl - they will provide her with diapers, onesies, and blankets. And if they get dirty? We throw them in the laundry and ask for a new one. Simple. So why would we make more laundry for Matt?

The only other thing I needed was the boppy pillow. It made feedings and getting comfortable easier. My family brought it for us the first morning in the hospital. Oh and my Kindle - which I never had time to read.

Even with the minimalist list we actually brought, I had more than enough stuff. The only thing I would change? The clothing for Eliana. No onesies and no pants with feet. Onesies because of the umbilical cord - a shirt so nothing is rubbing up against it. And pants without feet because they put a low-jack on the baby while in the hospital that they have to cut off, and its on her ankle like a little criminal. 

Otherwise we were good to go.

And remember that just because you are no longer pregnant, doesn't mean YOUR pants will fit. Think about 5/6 months pregnant in the fit department. 

Ummm my water broke

This was the weirdest feeling ever! Seriously.

I was already awake. Baby Girl had already woken me up with pressure, but it wasn't bad. I just couldn't sleep. So I got up, took care of the dogs, pooped to try to deal with the pressure, made Matt's lunch, and washed the dishes.

Matt woke and asked how I was feeling. I told him about the pressure. Then I told him he was going to work and to get in the shower. This was my first day of bedrest and I was planning on enjoying it by myself!

At 6:05 he got out of the shower.
At 6:10 my water broke. Imagine the sensation of a water balloon (that you weren't 100% conscious of) getting caught on something and rupturing inside of you. That's what it felt like. And then a gush of liquid. I jumped back out of bed (last thing I did quickly for days). And hobbled towards the bathroom. When I told Matt, he was skeptical at best. I was the girl who kept thinking I was in labor when I wasn't. So I showed him my pants... They were soaked.

We called the doctor. We packed the car. Oh shit - let me just tell you - real contractions, the serious kind, oh wow do they hurt. Yup. You will know. Which is awful since with your first kid, you actually don't know anything. Imagine ... well I don't know really how to describe it. Oh yes I do - imagine your insides are trying to be ripped out by an alien that has taken up residency in your body for the last 9 months. And is getting evicted and making a huge scene about it. Then hit yourself with a hammer and you might be halfway there. Back to the story. We called the grandparents-to-be from the car. Then we stopped at 7-11 for coffee. Again Matt was skeptical. And I told him he could.

So we got to the hospital and checked in, again, you know, like we did on Monday. Only this time, they checked me in a lot faster. They kept offering me a wheelchair, but I turned it down - sitting was worse than standing. So checked in and then they checked to see if my water actually broke. It only happens on its own or first in 10% of labors, so they assumed (like Matt) that I was wrong. Test came back negative. ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!! But on the flip side, they did confirm that I was in active labor and I was admitted to the hospital for real. 

I hobbled down the hallway, slowly, having a contraction halfway there. So admitted and attached to the IV. I had to have a full IV of fluid before they would give me an epidural - which I wanted badly and seriously. The pain was seriously uncomfortable. So I was hooked up and then the doctor came in for my epidural. He hooked me and numbed my down. But 45 minutes later - it hurt again and I could feel it. So I called the nurse and asked for more. She checked me and realized that my epidural was no longer turned on - seriously. It was off. No wonder I could feel things. So they called the doc back and he fixed me. And I was good to go. 

At this point, I was comfortable and thought about taking a nap. The next few hours happened slowly and quickly all at the same time. 

Let's talk dilation. At my doctor's appointment on Tuesday, I was only 1 cm dilated. I was the same the week before. We didn't think it would happen all that quickly. Boy were we wrong. Within the first hour, I was at 3. I think around the next hour, I was 5. Repeat this process again and again and by 1pm, I was at 9+. At 2, I was ready to push. 

I felt pressure in my butt. I still had the epidural - so pressure is the only way I can describe what the contractions felt like. And then there is pushing. I did that. Let's fast forward a little bit. 

For the next two hours I pushed. And pushed and pushed. And I was making a lot of progress - except that she wasn't coming out. So I gave the doctor permission to cut me and make more space. He said that I wasn't ready yet - but I'm pretty sure I just said I was. Oh well. He said another 30 minutes and I said no. Within 10 minutes, she was out. I told him I wasn't waiting any longer. I told him.

10 hours after I said my water broke. And on my first day of bed rest. At 4:38pm, weighing 6 lbs 15 oz, and 20.5 inches long, Eliana Beatrice made her entrance into our lives. 

Bed rest

So the baby is due to arrive this weekend. As if you can predict or decide when a baby is actually going to show up. What a brat. JK I love her. 

So we have spent the last two Mondays thinking that it was time. Two Monday's ago, it was surreal. We were just following directions - they said if you are having contractions at regular intervals for more than an hour, call and then go get checked out. I forgot about the more painful than anything you ever experienced part. And they sent us home. 

Yesterday, it was painful. The contractions woke me up. And kept me up. I felt like I was being punished. And punched repeatedly in the vagina. Every few minutes. I didn't like it at all. So I called the Dr. and gave her the information. She told me to go in and get checked out. So we did. I have been 60% effaced for three weeks, but I am not dilating at all. These contractions helped start the process, but I am still only.... WAIT FOR IT!!!!.... 1 cm dilated. Wah wah wah wah. So we walked the hospital for an hour or so and then got sent home again. 

Now let me tell you, the contractions didn't ease up until the afternoon. And it is now tomorrow (from yesterday) and while the contractions are less painful (minor-ly) they are still happening. 

So I stayed home from work yesterday. I actually went in for 2 hours to meet with my sub and pass things off to him officially. But it made everyone nervous. I was told to get in, do my stuff, and get back out. Even though I told them that I was not in active labor. Didn't matter. 

The people at school don't want me back. Not while this baby is still inside me. Not at all. Because I have been having contractions. They are worried she will drop out at any point throughout the day. Which I wish would happen. So I had to bully the Dr. this afternoon. Bed rest or bust! We were practicing today. I have some amazing support here at home! But starting tomorrow, it is official - and I am at home!

The Belly

There are a number of different reactions I get to being pregnant. And they cover the whole spectrum of human emotions.

Let's start with the obvious.

People who gush, but only over the belly!
All these people want to do is touch your belly and rub your belly. And they are not going to ask first. As the mother, you are the vessel creating the baby, and nothing else. It is like touching a Tupperware container. Like really? Who cares about touching Tupperware? No one. These friends don't even talk to you anymore, just your growing belly. They think that baby is going to remember them once the baby is out. Baby Girl won't. She hears your voice sporadically. She won't remember you, because you aren't me or her Daddy. Wah wah.

It is ALMOST okay when these people are your family. But even then, I am still here. And I still count.

People who respect the belly!
Most people fit into this category. You still talk to me. And you talk to me about me: how I am feeling (both baby and me related). And then AFTER talking to me, SOMETIMES you ask if you can touch the belly.

People who are wary of the belly...
My students are the majority of this category. The belly makes them nervous. I mean, it keeps growing out of nowhere. It came out of nowhere and everyday it gets a little bigger and more intrusive into their lives. And it's distracting when she kicks during class - and then I put my hand on the belly where she is hanging out. They can't really see her kick - you have to be paying attention.

People who are OUTRIGHT SKEEVED OUT
Seriously. 1000% grossed out by a baby belly. I mean seriously - I am converting food into a person. INSIDE MY BODY! Normal people convert food into energy, fat, and poop. But me? I am making a person. It is unnatural.

Someone I love very much wrote this "every time you try to let me feel the baby I get uncomfortable and make a joke." She goes on to tell me that she doesn't actually HATE babies, just the process of making a baby is SERIOUSLY GROSS & DISTURBING. I get that. I have another friend who won't come near the belly. Won't touch any part of it. In fact, I bumped into her (on purpose) and she freaked out, like I had just propositioned her for sex. She recoiled in disgust. I have not done it again since, but boy do I want to!!!

Weeks 36, 37, & 38

Pregnancy: This post started at 36 Weeks, 90% cooked. But at 38 Weeks, we are 95% cooked.

Weight Gain: I had gained 38 pounds at 36 weeks. And for real, that was the last time I weighed myself. I am no longer interested at all. 

Measurements: My uterus is measuring right on track each week. Nice! And her head was already down at 36 weeks! At this point we are starting to guestimate her weight - right around 7 pounds last week.

Sleep: Yea no. Last night I didn't at all. Seriously not even exaggerating at all. I even tried adding another pillow - making the total 5. Between my knees, under the belly, behind my back, and two for my head. The bed looks inhabited all the time - there is almost a third person in there... in the bed, not my belly. And now I snore. Great. 

Cravings: I eat a lot of cereal. It is my dessert every night. Otherwise, I am avoiding foods because the heartburn sucks. I have gone through almost 600 TUMS in the last few months.  

Feeling: My back just started hurting full time. My lower back just feels tight. I have tried better sneakers. My back just hurts.

Movement: All the time. 

What's going on inside the belly:  

Last 3 weeks: You do know that all the information I give you here is from my phone right? None of it is exact or about me at all. But she is gaining weight. That's all. Getting plumper and gaining some insulation for when she decides to make her grand entrance. 

What's going on outside the belly:  We have had our last baby shower. And we are seriously getting ready for Baby Girl to show up. So many things got crossed off the list this week!

Sunday into Monday this week was very exciting. We went to birthing class Sunday afternoon. Started having contractions. I tried to sleep them off. We went to the hospital Monday morning. We were sent home 2 hours later. And I was told to rest. The afternoon was blissfully uneventful by comparison. Thank goodness. I have been having slight contractions all week. They are consistent and come at regular intervals (at times) but not strong enough to do anything productive. 

I am trying to make time for myself and do things I love. See people I love. Talk to people I miss. And take care of my ankles and back. I am trying to keep the backache down and the swelling down. But it is so hard. Next week we are talking about bedrest....

The TO DO LIST:
I think it is time to show you our to do list before baby girl gets here. We realize that this list is not complete but I googled some things we need to do. And it keeps getting longer and shorter. So not so bad. And I have been crossing things off the list too. 

• purchase furniture
• pick paint color
• paint baby's room
• reorganize the closet
• assemble furniture
• throw away things we don't need (I actually did this!!!!!!!!!)
• decorate the room
• hang photos
• find a pediatrician 
• find a lactation specialist (there is one at the hospital)
• get a car seat
• install car seat
• get clothing
• get diapers and diapering supplies
• get wipes
• get a diaper bag for me
• get a diaper bag for Matt
• get a stroller
• wash everything
• get a mattress pad for our bed (gross)
• tour the hospital
• sign up for a class (an express class without all the videos)
• sign up for a breastfeeding class (or with the personal consultant)
• FINISH LEAVE PAPERWORK (sick, union, disability)
• pack a hospital bag (for me, Baby, and Matt)
• make a contact list for someone else to send out when Baby Girl arrives
• make plans with the Grandparents, Aunts & Uncles for when Baby Girl arrives
• find a dog-sitter for Misty & Bones who can stay on the fly
• clean out the freezer
• impatiently wait for Baby Girl to arrive

Weeks 34 & 35

Oh lord only 6 5 weeks left!!! So exciting!!!

Pregnancy: 34 Weeks, 85% cooked!!!... 35 weeks, 87% cooked

Weight Gain: I have gained 35 pounds total now.

Measurements: This is my last week without a doctor's appointment. After this week, we go back every week. 

Sleep: Yea no. My hips & legs fall asleep. So I have to wake up and roll over. And my heartburn wakes me up in the middle of the night. Last night I slept with the bottle of TUMS in my bed. That's right, it was in between Matt & I in bed. 

Cravings: I really still want fried food. And sweets. But they make the heartburn so much worse. 

Feeling: These are not my legs. They are swollen. From the knees down they are not familiar at all. 

Movement: All the time. This answer hasn't changed at all. She moves constantly. And she is all over my belly. There are times when she kicks high, and times when she kicks low. She is very active during 3rd period, and again from dinner to bedtime. 

What's going on inside the belly:  

Week 34: She weighs about 4.75 pounds (like a cantaloupe) is about 18 inches long. She is getting plump. That is all she is responsible for in these last few weeks. 

Week 35: She weighs about 5.25 pounds (like a honeydew melon) is more than 18 inches long. 

What's going on outside the belly:  I have worked my last event at school. At this point my only job is to teach my classes and finish my sub plans (they are on the way to being done). 

The TO DO LIST:
I think it is time to show you our to do list before baby girl gets here. We realize that this list is not complete but I googled some things we need to do. And it keeps getting longer and shorter. So not so bad. And I have been crossing things off the list too. 

• purchase furniture
• pick paint color
• paint baby's room
• reorganize the closet
• assemble furniture
• throw away things we don't need (I actually did this!!!!!!!!!)
• decorate the room
• hang photos
• find a pediatrician (we I have been interviewing candidates all week. And I found some good ones!!!)
• find a lactation specialist (there is one at the hospital)
• get a car seat
• install car seat
• get clothing
• get diapers and diapering supplies
• get wipes
• get a diaper bag for me
• get a diaper bag for Matt
• get a stroller
• wash everything
• get a mattress pad for our bed (gross)
• tour the hospital
• sign up for a class (an express class without all the videos)
• sign up for a breastfeeding class (or with the personal consultant)
• FINISH LEAVE PAPERWORK (sick, union, disability)
• pack a hospital bag (for me, Baby, and Matt)
• make a contact list for someone else to send out when Baby Girl arrives
• make plans with the Grandparents, Aunts & Uncles for when Baby Girl arrives
• find a dog-sitter for Misty & Bones who can stay on the fly
• clean out the freezer
• test recipes 
• fill the freezer with ready to go meals - no prep work left.

1. Lentil Soup
2. Pot Roast
3. Chicken & Roasted veggies
4. Chicken Pot Pie

Week 33

Pregnancy: 33 Weeks, 83% cooked!!!

Weight Gain: Finally had some again. And then some. I gained those missing pounds back this week. And I have gained 33 pounds total now.

Measurements: The uterus is measuring 33 cm. And looking round! Shocker! Check out that basketball!

Sleep: Yea no. I wake up a few time during the night for more tums and more water. And to pee. Duh.

Cravings: I had a moment. We were at happy hour and talking about french fries. Then Nicole mentioned putting gravy on them. I had my first "mmmmmmmmmmmm that sounds like HEAVEN" I must be pregnant reaction.

Feeling: My legs hurt. And I need a haircut. Bad. Does that have anything to do with how I feel? And on Wednesday, when the weather was back up to 70, my ankles swelled. A lot. They hurt. And they look like hobbit feet. Even my doctor mentioned that they were big (I hadn't seen them yet - thanks belly!) And the weather change between outside and the sauna of my classroom? There went my hands...

Movement: Funny story. I was teaching on Tuesday and she kicked out on both sides at the same time.   I must have winced a little bit because my students froze and asked if I was in labor. I told them "no, she just kicked me hard." But they were skeptical for the rest of the period. I think they were afraid my water was about to break. I know I have told them that the baby isn't coming until the end of the quarter, but still.... kids are dumb.

What's going on inside the belly:  

Week 33: She weighs about 4 pounds (like a pineapple) is about about 17 inches long. So tall! We are working on hardening that skeleton and getting nice a plump this week.

What's going on outside the belly:  

Lots of swelling. Everywhere. My ankles. My fingers. My thighs feel fat now. My feet fall asleep really fast. No more sitting on them...

The TO DO LIST:
I think it is time to show you our to do list before baby girl gets here. We realize that this list is not complete but I googled some things we need to do. And it keeps getting longer and shorter. So not so bad.

• purchase furniture
• pick paint color
• paint baby's room
• reorganize the closet
• assemble furniture
• throw away things we don't need (I actually did this!!!!!!!!!)
• decorate the room
• hang photos
• find a pediatrician
• find a lactation specialist
• get a car seat
• install car seat
• get clothing
• get diapers and diapering supplies
• get wipes
• get a diaper bag for me
• get a diaper bag for Matt
• get a stroller
• wash everything
• get a mattress pad for our bed (gross)
• tour the hospital
• sign up for a class (an express class without all the videos)
• pack a hospital bag (for me, Baby, and Matt)
• make a contact list for someone else to send out when Baby Girl arrives
• make plans with the Grandparents for when Baby Girl arrives
• find a dog-sitter for Misty & Bones who can stay on the fly
• clean out the freezer
• test recipes 
• fill the freezer with ready to go meals - no prep work left.

1. Lentil Soup
2. Pot Roast
3. Chicken & Roasted veggies
4. Chicken Pot Pie

Baby Moon in Atlantic City

No lie, I thought I had already posted this... Apparently not. I hadn't uploaded any pictures or read it (since I wrote it on my phone). But my bad.

After the baby showers a few weekends ago, Matt thought that we might need a getaway. So we did. We drove up to Atlantic City. And we spent two nights there just enjoying ourselves.

We stayed at a new hotel, The Revel.  We had an Oceanside room. And it was beautiful.  Of course, there was a lot of crazy technology on the room. A remote that controlled everything from the TV to the temperature and lamps. I turned off all the lights from inside the bed. Huzzah.

So let's see here. We walked through the casino. It was also beautiful. The was some gambling. We started why black jack. Matt lost every time I was sitting with him. But when I was playing, I tripled my 30. Not bad, not bad.

We wanted to watch football. The 49ers were playing. And it was football. But the big networks were all out. In the city. Crazy right? So we got some dinner and uploaded the game onto or phones. But they figured it out and then they had to reset all the tvs manually. Crazy right? Can you believe that the Harbaugh brothers are playing each other in the Superbowl? Awesome!

After the game, I passed out. Matt went back down and played some more. But I slept for 10 hours.

Monday was MLK day and inauguration day. Matt went to the gym (shocker) and I monitored the President, I thought he did a great job. We grabbed breakfast and took a walk on the boardwalk. It was beautiful and sunny. But I walk really slowly and it drives Matt nuts, but next time he can be pregnant with a baby pushing on his diaphragm. We walked past Johnny Rockets on the boardwalk. Matt & I started dating 8.5 years ago in spite of that Johnny Rockets. And it happened right after I fractured my elbow on the last trip to AC.

So we headed back and he went looking for poker while I saw the VP and President sworn in again. After lots of reading, watching the ocean, and napping, I went looking for my husband. We each lost or money at craps and won it all back and then some at separate blackjack tables. Then off to dinner. We went to a whiskey place and had amazing food. Duck fat fries, whiskey sour, chicken sandwich, great beer, and a rum punch. Followed by a Jameson milkshake and chocolate cake. It was my birthday dinner! and delicious.

Then we went back up the room to relax for a bit. We had every intention of going back down to the casino. But Matt fell asleep :) Seriously. Not me. I woke him up and asked if he wanted to go back down. I was still awake... But nope. He was still sleeping. 

Tuesday we had to go home. We had to pick up the dogs by noon. So we got up nice and early, but still sleeping in compared to going to work, and we were off. We were home in time to get two happy and CLEAN dogs!!! Totally worth it!

So that was our last hurrah as a twosome. 

Weeks 31 & 32

Pregnancy: 32 Weeks, have come and gone. CRAZY!

Weight Gain: Actually, and this is weird... I didn't gain any weight the first week. I was still at 27 pounds. I was higher at one point during these weeks, but then I had a few great poops. But now I am at 28 pounds. No worries. The Doctor said my weight gain and plateau was fine. And nothing to worry about.

Measurements: The uterus is measuring 31.5 cm. But I am feeling mighty round. Look how big I am compared to 5 weeks ago. Craziness. Serious. Craziness.

Sleep: I remember it. I used to be good at it. Recently, I wake up in the night because my legs are falling asleep. And it doesn't feel good. So I get up and stand up. Then go back to bed.

Cravings: I like to eat. But still nothing weird.

Feeling: My legs hurt. And I need a haircut. Bad. Does that have anything to do with how I feel?

Movement: all the time. She has this one trick she likes a lot. She likes to push her back up against my stomach so my whole uterus feels hard. It is a little bit uncomfortable. She likes to do this a few times a day. The first time, it was seriously painful. But I learned a trick - GRAVITY! If I lay on my back for a few minutes, she settles back into my body.

What's going on inside the belly:  

Week 31: She weighs 3.3 pounds (about 4 naval oranges - only awkward because I ate so many this week). And she is about 16 inches long. Good thing she is folded in half still. But we are moving in for the final growth spurt.

Week 32: She weighs 3.75 pounds (about the size of a jicama - not that I know what that means). And she is 16.7 inches long. Oh and PS - this is when she has toenails, fingernails, and peach fuzz on her head.

What's going on outside the belly:  

We had our first two Baby Showers this week! They were wonderful. My department at work hosted the first one. And my best friend Colleen hosted the second. They were so much fun and I felt so loved.

The TO DO LIST:
I think it is time to show you our to do list before baby girl gets here. We realize that this list is not complete by any stretch of our imaginations, but it's a start.

• purchase furniture
• pick paint color
• paint baby's room
• reorganize the closet
• assemble furniture
• throw away things we don't need (I actually did this!!!!!!!!!)
• decorate the room
• hang photos
• find a pediatrician
• find a lactation specialist
• get clothing (we got a lot at the Baby Showers)
• get diapers and diapering supplies
• wash everything
• get a mattress pad for our bed (gross)
• tour the hospital
• sign up for a class (maybe)
• pack a hospital bag (for me, Baby, and Matt)
• find a dog-sitter for Misty & Bones who can stay on the fly
• clean out the freezer
• test recipes 
• fill the freezer with ready to go meals - no prep work left.

1. Lentil Soup
2. Pot Roast
3. 
   

Baby Shower #2

I have some amazing friends. I knew that. But you didn't, or maybe you did... hmmm. Anyway, I digress.

Colleen and I have been friends for a long time. But when became very close a few years ago. I think it probably started when she and I started going to country concerts together. I don't know if she knows this, but at one of our first concerts I got sick from not eating, drinking, and the insane heat. I think I must have passed out in the shade, because I remember strangers bringing me water.  But again I digress. Now we are lucky enough to work together. I look forward to that part every day.

So Colleen hosted a Baby Shower for me and Baby Girl at her lovely Mom's house. No matter how many times I asked if I could do anything to help out, she shot me down. She made a diaper cake that I am still amazed by. I refuse to take it apart. 

No lie. I was nervous beforehand. I had friends coming from college as well as local and work friends. I was overwhelmed by the number of people who love us. Not the worst thing in the world to be nervous about. But in the end, it was perfect. I was surrounded by people I love and who love Baby Girl & I. 

The whole shower was my idea of heaven. From the games to the food. We played Bingo, trivia, categories, and they all put bets on when Baby Girl will arrive and how big she will be. I hope they bet small and early. I mean, a girl can hope right?!?!?! And let's talk food! Macaroni & cheese, sandwiches, fruit, and butternut squash!!! My Mom made it for us! And unfortunately, there weren't any leftovers. Sad face. And Jen made CUPCAKES!!! I love POPPYCAKES! Dark chocolate with salted caramel buttercream and fudge icing. And champagne cupcakes. How could a girl complain at all?! I loved eating them for the last week!

The best present we got? All the BOOKS! I know you thought we had enough books. But we don't. No such thing! 

Check out the original list of books we had. And here are the new books!!!!

• Pat the Bunny
• Llama Llama Red Pajama
• Sammy Spider (2)
• Where the Wild Things Are (EN)
• Barnyard Dance
• My Little Pony Throws a Party
• Where the Wild Things Are (SP)
• Eric Carle Books (2)
• Good Dog Carl
• I Ruff You
• Belly Laughs (Jenny McCarthy)
• Snow Day for Jingle
• Too Purple
• Dr. Suess books (ABC & Sleep)
• Love You Forever
• Going to Bed Book
• Caterpillar & Butterfly book
• Baby Care Bible
• Cat & Butterfly book
• Good Night Gorilla
• Classic Storybook
• Terp book
• Winnie the Pooh stories
• The Bro Code for Parents
• Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

We also got a lot of other very useful presents. I think we are set on bath time supplies. Almost. And we have a few diapers now. I should do a show and tell on our diapers. We did at the shower. And we got some amazing homemade quilts. They are getting their own post. No worries. But I know that there are two more in the works, so I thought I would wait on that post. 

So THANK YOU!!! To my friends and family! We feel so very loved!

Baby Shower Numero Uno

I have a very clear policy with myself. Don't talk about work on the blog. I never mention them at all. This blog is not about my job. For a few reasons too. First, the blog is about my husband and I, and we don't work together. Second, this blog is not a forum for saying negative things. I feel like everyone goes home and complains about work. But that is not why you are here. And most importantly, talking about work is completely unprofessional. I don't like talking about work in writing ever. Not in email, not in text, and definitely not here.

But today. Those rules are gone! I work with 10 amazing people. 9 women and 1 man. And we have a lot of fun. They surprised me big time and threw my first Baby Shower this past week! We went to one of my favorite breweries, Dogfish Head, for lunch and had a wonderful time!

We played some great games - they each had to make a baby out of clay, a trivia game, and the poopie diaper game.

Okay let's talk trivia. They were asked 11 questions about the Baby, Mattl, & I. And I thought I would share some of the answers with you. Some of these answers are right and most are funny.

1. Nursery theme? Baby animals, books, reading, Disney characters, turtles, quilts, bears
2. Food cravings? Beer, salami, chocolate, peanut butter, pizza, fried food
3. Strange rituals during pregnancy? rubbing the belly, "there's a lot of strange things about Deb," crying, washing hands tons, going to bed
4. Zodiac sign? Aries, Pisces, Aquarius
5. How many times do I pee? 15, 13, 8, 9, 10
6. # of kids we want? 3, 2, 17 (thanks Joe)
7. Where did we meet? at school
8. Favorite pregnancy restaurant? Dogfish, Founding Farmers, Chili's
9. I didn't like this question. SKIP
10. My favorite part of pregnancy? Boobs, gas, food, crying on demand, taking pictures of my tummy, baby kicks
11. My least favorite part of pregnancy?  Sweaty feet, getting dressed, gas, heartburn, morning sickness, feeling fat, not drinking enough beer

I could not work with a better and more caring group of people. They are very supportive and loving. It was also just great to be out of the building with them for food and drinks. And yes, I did have half of a beer. And a large glass of water and a ginger ale.

Happy Birthday to ME!!!

I love birthdays. But I am AWFUL at remembering other people's. Regularly. I forget to call. I called my best friend two days late, because I wrote her birthday on the wrong day in my calendar... and my mom? This year I facebooked her and then forgot to call. I am seriously awful. Especially when my family and so many of my friends are so great about contacting me.

It makes me feel awful.

And then there are my siblings. They are too funny.

Take my brother. He and I have the same sense of humor. And he has the best way of wishing someone a happy birthday without making you feel old and fat. I mean. Yes. I mean. Ummmm. No just kidding. This note sums up our relationship. Love and teasing and love.


And then switch gears. Get a box of tissues. And get ready for this card from my sister.

The 30 Best Things About My Sister

In Honor of Her 30th Birthday

1. My sister refuses to quit.
2. My sister doesn't fight when it isn't worth fighting for.
3. My sister has a smile that lights up her whole face.
4. My sister is loyal.
5. My sister thinks things through.
6. My sister loves deeply with her whole heart.
7. My sister hates letting people down.
8. My sister laughs often.
9. My sister is funny.
10. My sister lets you be different.
11. My sister respects others.
12. My sister lets go of the past.
13. My sister teaches me.
14. My sister worries about other people.
15. My sister lets others make mistakes.
16. My sister gives great advice.
17. My sister teases without insult.
18. My sister tries.
19. My sister protects others.
20. My sister enjoys other people's happiness.
21. My sister cooks.
22. My sister understands the power of a cupcake.
23. My sister calls because she hasn't called lately.
24. My sister allows others to work things out on their own.
25. My sister is always there for you if you need her.
26. My sister makes you laugh so hard you cry.
27. My sister fixes problems.
28. My sister offers solutions.
29. My sister goes out of her way to take care of you if you're sick.
30. My sister goes for it.

BONUS PUNCHES:

• My sister converts food into human
• My sister built forts
• My sister gives great hugs
• My sister warns you to leave when she farts
• My sister does her best.
• My sister blogs.
• My sister lets you babble about things she doesn't care about, because you do.
• My sister is honest.
• My sister has a great bitchface.
• My sister doesn't judge often and when she does, it's funny.
• My sister includes.
• My sister trusts you to get your shit done.

Mostly, I'm blessed to have you as my sister.  You're the only birth sister I'll ever have, and damn, did I get lucky.  Hopefully, I can be half the sister to you that you are to me.  Happy thirtieth birthday to my amazing, inspiring sister.

Okay - it's me again. I cried when I read that email from her. I mean, how could I not. Sarah & I have a relationship marked by roller coasters. We love and hate and love and love and hate and love again. I screamed at her two nights ago because I had to update the OS on my computer (which is still a very old OS by today's standards) and therefore I lost my programs and can't download new ones because my OS is still too old. She took my screaming in stride, and then told me I was scaring her, but came up with a solution for me nonetheless. 

While my brother and I coast through life experiencing whatever is in front of us, and enjoying most of it; my sister is a completely different person. She is beyond thoughtful and insightful. Especially when you don't want her to be. 

And back to the topic at hand... how am I ever going to live up to this email? My brother? I can call his ass at midnight and wish him a Happy Birthday. In fact, I was surprised he didn't do that this year. But grateful. Very grateful. But my sister? How will I ever be able to live up to her standards?

So I make a resolution. For my 30th birthday, the only present I want, is one that I have to give. I want to make the people with who I surround myself to know and feel cherished in the way that I actually cherish them. I want you to know that I love you. And that even though I haven't called recently, or emailed, or sent you a card in who-knows-how-long, I love you very much. 

I guess this isn't really a birthday post at all is it?

Here is the traditional stuff someone might write...

I did have a wonderful birthday on Monday. I spoke to my Grandparents the night before, always a treat! And made our first plans for this summer with Baby Girl. On my actual birthday? I received cards from two of my wonderful friends at work, as well as flowers and baby unrelated items. Shout outs for cupcake related gifts!!! After school, my Chanukah present for Matt came - a cleaning service. It was awesome! And my husband both made my favorite sandwich (meatball sub) and then cleaned up! I got a card that mentions farts. And roses. And sappy cards. And gift cards. And 3 beautiful pairs of earrings. A box filled with randoms. And a back-rub. I spent time putting things away in the nursery.

I didn't expect to freak out about turning 30. It's just a number. And it's not a very big number at that. I mean, imagine 75. That's a really big number. And this is the first birthday that I did not make a HUGE deal out of. I didn't do a countdown at all. Not because I was dreading it. But because I haven't really had the opportunity to think exclusively about myself in about 7 months. Everyone says having a child changes your life. But it also changes your perspective. It's weird and refreshing. 

So Happy Birthday to me. May my life be filled with family and friends. And love. And may I have make lots of opportunities to share that love with the people that I cherish. Which will be really easy this weekend! Expect a post on that next week! Yay showers!!! 

Thoughts in the Freezer

We are in the process of getting ready for Baby Girl. Duh! Current project on my mind (stomach) is cleaning out the freezer. We have lots of staples in there, but they still need to be cooked into something. And lots of times, that is not what we want at all. We want to take something out and cook it and move on. And when she gets here? We won't have real time to cook anything. At least me and my boobs won't.

So I found this cookbook from Southern Living. And I bought it. The reason? Because let's be honest, I don't need more cookbooks. The reason? It tells you how and when to freeze it as part of the recipe! Idiot proof!

So the plan? Spend the next few weeks testing recipes and making sure that we like the food before I freeze it. 

So far we have tried three recipes. All need to be modified for our tastes. But they are great starting points. I will share our recipes in the next few weeks.

So get hungry!

A Literary Genius

All of the people who have seen the nursery in person have commented on the fact that Baby Girl has a lot of books. Now, to be fair, she really doesn't. You should see my parents' house. They have a ton of books. Stashed all over the house! But I guess for someone who isn't here yet, she does have two full baskets of books.

My sister suggested that I make a master list of books, so we don't get too many duplicates. In fact, we already have 1 set of duplicates... and I think I bought the second one. Strange. The first was from my childhood.

Here is our current list of books:

Books in English

• My First Chanukah
• Biscuit's Hanukkah
• Goodnight Moon
• Green Eggs & Ham
• The Giving Tree
• Pinkalicious
• Oh, the Thinks you can think (2)
• The Story of Ferdinand
• The Baby Unicorn
• The Day Jimmy's Boa Ate the Wash
• Horton Hears a Who
• Llama Llama home with Mama
• Betty Bunny loves Chocolate Cake
• The Three Little Javelinas 
• I can Name 50 Trees Today
• The Lorax
• McElligot's Pool
• An Aussie Night Before Christmas
• Ten Little Fingers & Ten Little Toes
• Gallop!
• If You Give a Moose a Muffin
• If You Give a Mouse a Cookie
• If You Give a Pig a Pancake
• If You Give a Pig a Party
• If You Take a Mouse to School
• Wynken, Blynken, & Nod
• Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
• Corduroy
• My Treasury of Stories & Rhymes

Books in Spanish

• Muu, muu dice una vaca
• Moncho y la Mancha
• Donde viven los monstruos (Where the Wild Things Are)
• Katy no tiene bolsa (Curious George)
• Jorge el Curioso encuentra trabajo (Curious George Finds a Job)
• Buenas Noches a Todos (The Going to Bed Book)
• Don Caballito de Mar (Mister Seahorse)
• ¿Donde esta Spot? (Where is Spot?)

Bilingual Books - text in both languages

• I want my banana - Quiero mi Platano
• I'm Too Big - Soy demasiado grande
• The Sleeping Beauty - La Bella Durmiente
• Cinderella - Cinicienta
• Jack & the Beanstalk - Juan y los frijoles magicos
• The Little Mermaid - La Sirenita
• Goldilocks - Ricitos de Oro y los Tres Osos
• Little Red Riding Hood - Caperucita Roja
• The Very Hungry Caterpillar - La Oruga Muy Hambrienta
• Ten Little Fingers - Tengo Diez Deditos

Currently, they all reside mixed together in two wicker baskets on the floor in between the rocker and the crib. I can easily grab them from the basket to read to the dogs or myself. There is also a bookshelf behind the rocker, not so accessible from the rocker. Once we are closer to the end of the pregnancy and the beginning of babyhood, I will separate them by age appropriateness (and what I want to read to her). And from there, books will rotate from the bookshelf to the baskets.

So there you have it. A literary genius in the making. Can't even read, and she has almost more books than she kicks in an hour.