Eviction Notice Served

Dear Stella,

I don't blame you for getting all warm and comfy in "House o' Mama". You have everything you need - food, water, air, warmth, love, shelter - all your basic necessities. I get it, its a pretty sweet setup. At one point in my early existence, I didn't see a reason to leave either as I was 2 weeks late myself. However, you will not get a chance to be late. In fact, you will not get a chance to be on time. Matt and I, along with my doctor, have decided that you can either come out on your own in the next few days or we will be evicting you on Wednesday.

Why you ask? Well, you're getting big and considering the size of your Daddy and the size of your Aunt & Uncles (at birth and currently), it is very likely that you could work your way up to a hefty weight. One day, you will understand that no woman in the world is interested in birthing a big baby. Also, your Mother is completely done with being pregnant (again, something you'll understand later - much later - in life). There is also the convenience of it, which I admit is selfish and unnecessary however, there is something to be said for being able to plan Grandparent visits* and other various life events.

At my last doctors appointment, he 'squished' you so that he could feel where you were and make sure you were still in the correct position. I take it you didn't appreciate it much as you gave him one heck of a kick back (and this wasn't the first time you showed him your disapproval). He chuckled a bit and said "Well, she's solid.", which your Daddy and I have decided is doctor-speak for huge. With that one statement, I became completely comfortable with this decision.

So, little missy, on Wednesday September 30, I will enter the hospital at 7am, and be hooked to an IV containing a drug that will get this whole experience kick started. We will see you later that day and begin the process of getting to know each other and settling in. That is, of course, if I can pry you out of your Father's arms. We're both excited to meet you but he's wearing that silly grin he gets when something makes him really really happy. (You'll get to know this grin very well)

*Your Grandparents will all be here and I'm pretty sure we will have to protect you from your Grandmothers who both have full intentions of kissing and squeezing the skin right off your little body. I apologize to you in advance - they could not love you more if they tried and you will learn to appreciate it.

Pregnancy Brain

I would normally keep my stupid (aka: pregnant) moments to myself and just continually pick on my dear husband, but that just wouldn't be fair would it? Plus, this one, I have to admit is funny. So here you go, behold my pregnant stupid moment.

Matt and I were watching Jeopardy the other night as we always do when eating dinner. This answer came up: "This Red Hot Chili Pepper bears the name of the capital of French Guiana".
My immediate thought was "Well, what are the names of some different types of peppers?" This is a reasonable thought considering the answer that was given, correct? I mean it made sense to me at least.

What didn't make any sense whatsoever was the question that my brain came back with: Who is Flea? **

FLEA!

That is the question I came up with - Who. is. Flea.? This was the only response that my pregnant brain could spew. Instead of saying Cayenne or Poblano or Jalepeno or Green or any other pepper, my brain says FLEA!

**(For those of you who have no idea who or what I mean by "Flea", I will explain. There is a popular rock band called The Red Hot Chili Peppers. The bassist for this band is called "Flea".)


Go ahead. Point and laugh. I can take it. However in my defense, I knew it wasn't correct I just couldn't get my brain to switch gears because I am very very pregnant.

Sigh.

36 Weeks

Yep. You guessed it. It's me again in my housework clothes. This weekend was the finishing of the kitchen. (Stay tuned for pictures) OOOooooo, would you just look at that belly!!! HOLY BABY!

This picture is known as "Done-lop" as in "My belly done-lopped over my belt"- only it forgot to actually lop. I spend a large amount of time pulling the front of my shirt down. I just can't justify buying new maternity shirts for the last 3 weeks. It's just silly.

I also spend quite a bit of time telling her to get out already. I would just LOVE to see my feet again - or better yet, be able to tie my shoes without hurting myself. Oh, and not that I mean to brag but with three weeks left, I've managed to avoid the whole stretch mark thing. Keep your fingers crossed that this remains the case for a few more weeks.

Thoughts On Pregnancy, 4

1. Yep, lasts forever

2. As an Engineer and a woman, I feel the female anatomy has been poorly designed in relation to pregnancy. I feel it would greatly benefit mankind to re-design the placement of or the materials of construction of the bladder.

3. Really tired of feeling like I really really have to pee, only not really - it's just that poor design thing I mentioned in #2.

4. As exciting and sweet as it is to feel her move around, I can do without the heavyweight boxing match she's having with whatever on my right side has angered her so badly.

5. Is it normal to be bruised from the inside?

6. Those achey parts are multiplying

7. Childbirth classes are very informative however, there are just some things where "ignorance is bliss" applies 100%

8. Those women who just looooove being pregnant need psychiatric care

9. As much as I know I am not and never will be ready for a newborn - I'm ready for this whole pregnancy thing to be over now

10. Did I mention it lasts forever?

From the Mouths of Husbands, Part VI

Scene: Master bedroom where I am changing out of my work clothes; Matt walks in.

Matt: (giggling) Your belly is getting so big.
Me: I know, she's really growing
Matt: It's almost time for another belly picture.
Me: I was thinking we'd do that again when I'm at 36 weeks. I'm only 34.
Matt: But... the camera lens is only so big
Me: (stare)
Matt: I can only zoom out so far
Me: (stare)
Matt: I can only back up so far
Me: (stare)
Matt: (walking out of the room, still giggling) Aahhhh, I crack me up.

If he wasn't so damn cute, he'd be in trouble.
Also, he may be right.

From the Mouths of Husbands, Part V

These days, I resemble a beach ball with legs and arms. I feel a lot like it too. After work, this beach ball plops on the couch with no intention of moving ever again. Ever. Said beach ball is wearing me out.

Many of these "plop on the couch" nights, when it's time for bed, Matt has to help me up to at least the sitting position. Even if I had the energy, I can barely maneuver to the sitting position from a supine position.

So, last night, I tried to sit up on my own and Matt laughed at me. What was so funny?

He said, "You look like an over turned turtle with arms and legs flailing in the air".

He may be right but he was in so much trouble and I yelled at him right after I finished giggling.
Silly silly boy. Hmph.

32 and Counting Plus Stuff

32 week belly picture:

To me, this picture looks very similar to the last belly picture I posted. Only this time, I'm in my house working (aka: deck sealing, shutter painting and grass cutting) clothes. The doctor has assured me that my belly has grown right on track and will continue to grow. You may not be able to tell in this picture but, boy oh boy, I feel it and the poor earphones I use to place on my belly at night to introduce her to various types of music and lullabies are on the verge of raising the white flag of surrender.

She's a wiggle worm, there isn't much kicking these days as there is fidgeting. I frequently call her "Squirmy McSquirmison" because it really feels like something is squirming under my skin. And let me tell you about attitude. She's got plenty and makes no bones about what she does or doesn't like.

Matt and I have signed up for classes at the hospial. Birthing class, breastfeeding, baby making (oh wait - I think we may have mastered this one), and of course, the all important facility tour. The tour, to me, is the most important. Matt, for all his fantastic qualities and the many reasons I married him, is directionally challenged. I can just see him getting lost for a half hour or so when I've just sent him down the hall.

I still haven't cried "Uncle" at work yet but last week was much easier than the previous few weeks. I'm hanging in there and my bosses have given me the "just say the word and we'll do whatever you need" talk so that is encouraging. My swelling days are few and not that bad; my breathing is hit or miss. I've also found out that my maternity leave will be covered under Short Term Disability so I will receive 2/3 of my pay while we are resting and healing. BONUS! That makes the old wallet breathe a little easier.

Speaking of maternity leave, shortly after she makes her arrival, Matt and I will be packing up the car and heading home. I'm not looking forward to the drive however I am looking forward to going home for several weeks to spend time with family, friends and warm weather. The primary reason we are going home is to trade in my leased car and pick up a new one. I've decided to get a newer version of the car I currently lease (Chrysler 300). We are going to take our time getting there , stopping along the way to visit friends in North Carolina and spend a few days in Savannah, Georgia - if for no other reason than to give us a chance to rest just in case. I have no idea how this will go with a newborn. We may be crazy for even trying this or it may work out fine. I guess we're going to find out.

Realization

I just looked at Matt and said "Eight more weeks."

Then I heard what I said.
Then I realized what it meant.

...stunned blinking...

Then I yelled, "HOLY CRAP EIGHT! EIGHT!" and peed a little.

Now, excuse me while I go catch my breath and find my heart.
It's on the floor, somewhere, along with my chin.

Stella's Room

When we realized we were pregnant, we knew immediately which room was going to be for the baby. I also immediately knew that I didn't want a true baby nursery, I didn't want to spend a ton of money (college is expensive, you know) and I definitely didn't want a boy/girl only room. I wanted a kids room that is easy/cheap to change when she starts getting mouthy about what she does or doesn't want.

SO! This is what we did:

==Neutral creamy paint that was used in the majority of the house

==Grandma L bought the crib which converts to a toddler bed, day bed then a full size bed

==The dresser came from Target for a $100

==Grandma P made the quilt hanging above the crib (her masterpiece, the woman has mad skills)

==Lamp came from Ikea (LOVE IKEA)

==A friends Mom made the quilt above the dresser

==The toy chest was mine as a child

==The puppy picture was a cross-stitch made by us

==Everything else was laying around the house

==The kitties on the wall were stencils we found at a craft store and for minimal money/effort, we gave the room a touch of girlness

Crying Uncle

Remember the post where I said "I never know what part of my body is going to ache"? Now remember the post where I mentioned my flat feet?

Yeh - I know what part of me is going to ache consistently now. Maybe ache is not the correct word - extreme pain may be a better description. I've had a toothache that didn't hurt as bad as my feet hurt at the end of the day.

I've been hell-bent during this pregnancy to remain as active as I physically can. I think it is very important to my health - physical, mental and emotional. This is especially true at work. I don't like to be stuck at my desk. (Borrrrr-ing) I don't like to feel like I can't do my job, or that anyone needs to pick up tasks that I can't or haven't done. Sure, there are co-workers that can easily step in and help but we all have very full plates and do our best to just keep up. I don't wish to lay any extra work on anyone until I absolutely have to. I prefer to be "business as usual" for as long as I possibly can.

The past few weeks at work have been brutal. This past week in particular. Its been non-stop which I would normally welcome as it makes for a quick work week however this past week felt a lot like forever. I typically work 10-12 hour days of which usually half of 2 or 3 days are spent on my feet. Except this past week where I can say most of every day has found me standing or running from one spot to the next.

Friday was the worst! By the time I made it back to my desk to tidy up, shoot off a few emails and make a few phone calls, I knew my feet were going to be a problem. The thought of walking from my desk to my car made me want to cry. Along with the horrible foot pain, my feet and hands are beginning to swell, my breathing is becoming more difficult and the constant headaches are back - new and improved. (I now feel like the right side of my head is on fire - BONUS!) I know now that it will not be long before I have to slow down.

Will it be this week? Probably not. I will just continue to whine to my cube-mate (poor guy, he has to deal with me everyday. He may be a Saint. Thanks and sorry Ben) Based on the pages and calls I've recieved this weekend, I've got another rough week ahead of me. I actually look forward to it - oddly. I like the pressure, it's a strange drug for me, but its coming. Sooner or later, I will be crying uncle.

On Class

No, don't be silly. I'm not trying to be classy or more refined, I gave up on that years ago.

What I'm talking about are those classes you are offered in your third trimester by the hospital. Like childbirth, baby care and breastfeeding classes. I realize we're all going to have different experiences and needs as well as "educational levels" - if there is such a thing - when it comes to baby stuff but what were your experiences with them? Are they worth the money and time?

Thoughts On Pregnancy, 3

Its weird to see the inside of my own belly button

I didn't know my belly button could do that

She thinks its fun to kick the belly button

The belly button is not an escape hatch, I promise

Bending over is hard, it cramps her space

Eating also cramps her space - mine too

I'm pretty sure I'm giving birth to Stewie

She's taken to 'running' in circles in there (I think she has her own track)

Being tickled from the inside is weird

Pregnancy weight is really bad for someone with flat feet

The sweetest thing I've ever seen is Matt laying his head on my belly, talking and humming to her, telling her he loves her and kissing her.

The funniest thing ever is after all that affection, she kicks him in the head.

(Heh - she is totally my daughter and we are in SO much trouble.)

BEHOLD - the 28 week belly picture! **

** Ok, so I'm not all dolled up for this photo op. Give me a break people, I just entered my third trimester, its the weekend and I'm in my comfy clothes. What do you expect?

Thoughts On Pregnancy, 2

1. Pregnancy is interesting, I never know what part of me is going to ache from one day to the next.
2. I didn't know my belly could get this big. Wait. How much further do I have to go? D'OH!
3. Parts of me are "vanishing", I'm pretty sure there are feet attached to those toes.
4. Heh. Finally! Something makes my chest look smaller.
5. Stairs suck.
6. Falling down the stairs sucks more. (especially when the big toe attached to that vanishing foot is injured)
7. Being kicked from the inside is really cool and kind of weird.
8. Being kicked from the inside is something I could never explain to anyone who hasn't experienced it.
9. Watching the expression on Matt's face when he finally felt her kick was priceless - after he realized I didn't have the hiccups.
10. HOLY COW - I'M GROWING SOMETHING! Don't you people know my plants die within moments of coming into my care.
11. I'm pretty sure this pregnancy is progressing without all the "side effects" that are usually associated with being pregnant to lure me into a false sense of security when it comes time for Pregnancy 2.0.

Karate Kick

Dear Stella,

It's amazing how you have gone from being quiet and unnoticed (aside from my expanding belly) to training for the Olympics. HOLY KICK! I had heard that I would initially feel you as a flutter, like butterflies. Either I missed it or you went straight for the karate kick. Considering you have half my genetic code, you probably went straight for the kick. If this is any indication of our future relationship, and you have truly taken after me, you madam, are grounded. Call it a preemptive grounding and I'm beginning the "ruining of your life" early. You and I have a long way to go and whether you know it or not, you have plenty to time to train for the Olympics, now is not it.

Love,
Mama

P.S. You should really let your Daddy feel you kick sometime. Every time he puts his hand on my belly, you stop moving. I'm sure some people would say he has a calming effect on you. I think you're just being a little stinker already. I'm on to you little girl.

Little One

Dear Little One,

When I found out I was pregnant, I demanded it be a boy. There was never a question in my mind, it just had to be a boy. What was I going to do with a girl? I've never been real good at being a one myself.

As our Ultrasound date approached, I began to brace myself for and come to terms with the words "It's a girl". I was worried that I would be disappointed and so was Matt. I didn't want to feel that way. I had to be okay with those few words.

Today, we saw your legs, arms, fingers, toes, belly, bones, and nose. Even your beating heart and other organs. There were measurements taken and pictures printed. Everything is right where it should be and looks perfectly healthy. A little on the long side perhaps but considering your Dad is a mere 6'6" in height, I had already planned on having a long baby.

Then I saw your face and it no longer mattered what your secret parts were. If you were a boy, we would do boy things then cuddle when you were sure that no one was watching. (I won't tell, I promise) If you were a girl, you could be my tom-boy and climb trees with a pink ribbon in your hair. It no longer mattered to me.



The Ultrasound tech said the words, "It's a girl" and I smiled. I wasn't disappointed, I was happy. You have the sweetest face, with my nose. You are already sleeping just like your Daddy with your hands behind your head. Your name will be Stella Maris. We love that name. We love you.

Love,
Momma

P.S. If you chose to be a ribbons and lace type of girl, I ask for your patience, understanding and forgiveness if I woefully fail to live up to your expectations - your Momma preferred climbing trees to playing with dolls.

From the Mouths of Husbands

Lately, Matt has made some comments that I feel necessary to share. Both are related to my pregnancy and made me laugh. I hope you get a chuckle out of them as well.

#1:
(As I grow bigger, I'm beginning to realize why pregnant women are always touching their stomachs. Aside from the kicking (of which I think I've just begun to experience), this is the hardest my stomach has ever been. It feels weird).

Me: (poking at my tummy) Huh. This feels weird. Its hard, like one of those rubber balls that kids play with in the grocery store. Come feel it.

Matt: (pressing on my tummy) Yeh, it's because you've got a bunch of water and stuff in there.

Me: And stuff? Your unborn child is STUFF?

#2:
(As I'm passing him in the kitchen)

"It's a good thing you're pregnant, you'd look funny with a beer belly"

It's a damn good thing I love him.

Thoughts on Pregnancy, so far

As I said, I learned I was pregnant on January 26th. I found out early - real early, like barely pregnant early. Call it a hunch and just happened to have an EPT on hand early.

I have a few girlfriends that have children and I come from a large family so I have a clue about pregnancy, what can happen or not. I won't even begin to complain after seeing what some of my friends have been through, I know I'm lucky. My nausea was morning only and lasted all of four days, the blinding exhaustion the first few months was nothing like I have ever experienced (but hey, I wasn't puking!), I'm out of breath a lot and I'm still dealing with the daily headaches although they seem to be letting up a bit. All said, I think I've gotten off pretty easy - so far.

I am currently 18.5 weeks pregnant. Almost half way and up until the weekend before last, my normal clothes still fit. They had begun to get a bit snug but, meh, nothing I couldn't work with. Then! "I popped"! And I do mean popped. I had heard of this phenomenon. I understood the concept. Or at least I thought I did. However I had no clue that I would go to bed one Saturday evening after wearing my normal clothes all day to waking up Sunday morning desperately needing to go shopping for clothes that fit.

So I ask you, where did this come from? I have to admit, I like this picture, it makes my tummy look much smaller than it is and my face looks skinny! (Good job honey. Thanks!)

I have found one fantastic thing about pregnancy that I never would have ever guessed. The best feeling in the whole world is to scratch my tummy when I change out of my work clothes. Oh sweet heaven!

Oh and all you girls that got those, uhhh, "nice" dreams - you know the ones with George Clooney or Brad Pitt or your neighbors husband, your husband, clowns, mimes...whatever - wish some my way. I've been having horrid vivid nightmares for the past couple of months. I've never really remembered any of my dreams, but these are sticking with me and I could use something, ummm, "fun".