Mellow Monday

I remember writing a few posts on Monday entitled "Monday Madness." I am debating on whether to change my future Monday posts to "Mellow Mondays." I am sure you can guess why. My day consists of doing absolutely nothing except a few chores, homework in the bed, and a short walk with the dogs. I am likin' this being 9 month pregnant thing...well...sorda.

How come I have a slight feeling that I only have a few more "mellow Mondays" left? Then, they'll be back to "Monday Madness" or how about "24/7 Madness."

I am determined to get this 9th month over with...and quickly...in the meantime, I am milking my mellow Monday for all it is worth!!

It's almost 9:00 on a Saturday night, and I hate to admit I am sitting in my new recliner curled up to write a blog while David is watching a movie. This was the same scene last night as well. It was a Friday night and we were in bed by 9:00 watching TV. Are we getting old or what?

I started to think it was pathetic that we were already in bed by 9:00 on a weekend, but then I think..."only a handful of weekends left before we are wishing we had these nights back." So, I guess we have a pretty good reason as to why we are being so lazy.

I only have a few days until I hit full term status. Wow. So amazing to have gotten this far without an early delivery. It wasn't looking good for a bit there, but now we are almost at the full term mark without any problems (knock on wood). I can't wait until delivery day where I finally get to hold her and kiss her and give her all the love I've got. What a beautiful day that will be.

I also can't wait to get back into my gym shorts, run a few miles, lift a few weights, and take a bath without my back in severe pain! Woo hoo!

4.5 more weeks...:) (or less if she knows what is good for her...ha)

Transition

My ob appointment was exciting today. The doctor felt the head really low and indicated this may be a good sign of an early arrival. I didn't want my cervix checked, but I have a feeling that all is going as planned.

Just recently, I feel as if I am in a transition phase from married-house wife to worried, anxious mommy. I only have a week left until this little one is full-term, which means my days of doing whatever, whenever are dwindling down to nothing. When I mentioned to David today that we may only have 2 weeks left, it was a big reality hit for the both of us. He just looked at me as if it were really happening now. I think to hear "2 weeks" is a shocker in itself. However, we can't expect her to really come in 2 weeks, but I think we should definetly be prepared for that.

Isn't it weird how you can't really plan on labor? It's one of those things that just happens whether your ready or not without much warning. One night I could be fine, and the next I could be calling the doctor. I am guessing I better get used to that kind of life because babies do not have a schedule. They do what they want, when they want whether or not you want them too. This will be a real life change to having my every day schedule planned out to having nothing ready!

Everyone keeps asking, "are you ready?" And I must say, I am...but, I'm not.

Wow, what a weekend!

This weekend was full of shopping, walking, and more shopping! If you didn't hear or see, the fairgrounds hosted a MAJOR kids consignment sell this weekend (the largest in the country, no doubt). They have one twice a year, one in the winter months and one in the summer months. If you didn't get a chance to go, there will be another sometime in July. Visit their website for more information! I am hoping that I can sell some of my little one's outgrown clothes and toys at the next one! So excited for that.

Friday night was just like any other. We grilled hamburgers and stayed in. I wasn't feeling too good, so I went to bed VERY early. However, I never got to sleep. We were going to get up early Saturday and head over to the sell, so I probably banked 2 hours of sleep Friday night. Did it phase me...NOPE! I was way to excited to get some shopping done.

Saturday morning we went for breakfast and then headed over to the fairgrounds. We walked in the door and I was overwhelmed by it all. Toys, toys, and more toys galore...MILLIONS of clothes, hundreds of strollers and carseats, and a bazillion elmos, barneys, barbies, and stuffed animals. We got there around 9:00 and walked causally around from isle to isle. I stopped by the infant toy table and grabbed some cute toys for my baby girl. We ended up staying until almost 1:00, and then had to rush to lunch before our baby class started at 2:00. We bought a bath tub, bath toys, tons of clothes, toys, a wrap for me, and a bunch of other cute stuff for our little one. Everything we bought was under $5.00. GREAT deals!

Our last baby class went great! We learned a lot about newborn care and how to manage those first few weeks. David even learned to swaddle! (I still don't think I can remember how to do it when the time comes). We met some amazing couples that all have due dates around ours, so I hope we get a chance to see them again! YAY March babies :)

Now, you didn't think I was done shopping did you? Oh no! We went back again on Sunday when everything was 50% off. But, I was EXTREMELY exhausted by this point due to the lack of sleep I had since Friday. We managed. We got a few more things that we missed Saturday and then headed home.

It was a great weekend overall and it just makes me even more anxious for her arrival.

About this time, 2 years ago, I was frantically trying to pick out bridesmaid dresses, table decorations, and flower colors. I was extremely excited to be marrying my best friend in just a few months, and I couldn't wait for warmer weather. This time, 1 year ago, I was frantically trying to discover my own fertility issues with (or without) the help of doctor. I had planned to have everything fixed and working properly before the summer began. I was enjoying married life and loving having all the time in the world to spend with my new husband. Right about now, I am frantically trying to wash baby clothes, organize the baby closet, and do any last minute preparations before I am too big to even sit up out of bed. This time next year, I will hopefully be witnessing the first steps of my little baby girl and watching her smile and laugh.

Isn't it funny how life can change in just a matter of months. We grow up so fast, and then sit back and wonder where all the time went. Now that I am only 6 weeks or less away from becoming a mother, I have spent a lot of time thinking and reflecting about growing up. I can't help but wonder...am I ready? Do I have all the skills needed to provide for a family and a child? I am not 18 anymore.


I leave you with this video "My Oh My" by The Wreckers. What a great song that captures everything I have been reflecting on lately.

Changes

For a class, I had to think of 5 things that have changed since graduating from high school. This was a very hard assignment, because there were so many ways of approaching it. I began to realize all the "things" that have changed in my personal, academic, and professional life.

The first thing that came to mind was my cell phone. I remember graduating high school with a flip phone that had only a few options: calling, an occasional text messege, and a few random games. Oh, and maybe a small calender built in. The screen was marginal and the text was one color, one font. Five years later, my cell phone can send and receive emails, browse the internet and see pages in full view, text pictures or video, chat with my mom, update my facebook page and sync with my calender, and can even play the radio or my favorite television show. Cell phone technology has definetly been a "thing" to change in the last 5 years. It seems that there is a new and improved phone out almost every month. Now, phones don't even have keypads...we just touch and go.

The second thing that came to mind was all the changes in my personal life. I got married, graduated college, moved to Raleigh, and am now expecting a child in a few weeks. I am officially an adult. When I think back to that last day of high school before summer and graduation, I am reminded on how much life has changed. I was so neive and so innocent and had absolutely no idea where life was taking me. My furthest thought was that next weekend where I would accept my diploma and head off to the beach for a week long vacation. I was thinking about what to pack and what places to go. Five years later, I rarely have time to think of my next move. It seems as if life is passing by so quickly. I have a family and a home to take care of now. Wow, life has changed.

The third thing that came to mind was the rising security in the airports. I quickly thought, "why did I think of this?" Was it because I am a frequent travelor and not amuzed by all the long lines and scrutinizing airline employees? No. I haven't even visited an airport after the 9/11 attacks. Not because I am hesitant to travel, but mainly because I am poor and have no where to go (haha, I'm serious). So, why in the world would airport security even come to mind? I suddenly realized that becoming a mother has hightened every sense in my body. I am constantly aware of my surroundings and all that is going on. Not only am I protecting myself from harm, I am responsible for another human being and giving that human being a life.

Thinking about airport security is just another way of my body saying "your a mother, your responsible for another life, be prepared!" Initially, I was a little shocked at this sudden realization, but it has me once again thinking about how life has changed. I am no longer a free-spirited, hard-headed teenager who never thought about a passing moment and how quickly my life could come or go.


Change is a good thing.

Just a few more

As the days go by, I get bigger, baby gets bigger, and my nerves grow more and more anxious. I can not believe that in 6.5 weeks (approximately), my life and David's will be changed forever. I just thank God that she didn't come before this week, or we would have had many rough nights at home without her. I can only imagine what that experience is like, and I hope and pray to God I won't have to go through it. I honestly don't think my emotions could have handled that. With only 3.5 weeks before she is full term, I can have a half a sigh of relief...not a total one yet. Let's make that a 1/3 of a sigh of relief. 2/3's when we are full term, and a BIG sigh when she is born healthy and mature.

With my classes being online, I have a lot of time during the day to reflect and to rest. I spend many moments just breathing and thinking about all the joy to come my way. Having a daughter, or a child for that matter, is a wonderful and fulfilling experience. There is nothing like creating a being that is a combination of love between two people. It is a solidification of life, love, and happiness. And to once think that having children was almost impossible for me is absolutely gratifying. I defied science and nature! Beat that.

With the clock ticking down, all I have left to do is twiddle my thumbs and scurry about like a mad woman. These last few weeks are making me unbearably anxious! It is almost like waiting for that brownie to be done cooking...just a few more minutes and it'll be just right. Don't those last few minutes always seem like forever? Then, you have to wait until it's cooled down enough to dig in! Life is about patience, and I have none of it.

Coupons, coupons, and more.

After going through my collection of baby product coupons, I started to realize how much I could save on baby products. Dreft, bottles, wipes, diapers, and ear thermometers are not on our usual grocery list, so I never realized how much the costs could add up. One day, recently, I walked by the isle of diapers in Target just to "see" how much I would actually have to spend on a box of diapers. The prices shocked me...almost into a harsh reality. Coupons are going to be my lifesaver in the next few years. It's time to give them a try.

I sat here all day sorting through all these coupons I have received recently...trying to get them organized in some sort of fashion. I made a coupon inventory on the computer so that I could keep a tally on when they expire. Saving a $1 here and there is actually quite satisfying. After finding a few coupons for products I needed, I hurried over to Harris Teeter before the double coupon day ran out. Risking my life on patches of ice just to save some money is definetly determination. I bought a bottle, laundry detergent, shampoo, lotion, diaper rash creme, and wipes and was able to save almost $15. I thought, "wow...this is gratifying."

My high was quickly shot down after visiting target and realized I could have bought the laundry detergent for $2.00 cheaper and with more loads there. Ahh...maybe there is still a lesson to be learned with couponing. Shop around!

Recalling an icestorm

Well, it seems as if North Carolina is expecting another major "winter event" in the next several hours. I must say I don't ever recall a winter like this. We even had a white Christmas! I believe this will be the 5th or 6th time our area has seen the white stuff this winter season.

They are calling for up to 3 inches, but more of a possibility of ice...which I hate. I remember one year as a child when we had a terrible icestorm. The power went out on a Sunday night, and we didn't get power back on until that next Saturday. Peanut butter and jelly sandwhiches were on the menu for a full week...and it sucked. We were running little power off our generator to help keep the fridge semi-cool and running the rest to our electric fire place. We all snuggled up in the living room for nights trying to stay warm. Being hungry and cold is not ideal when your a child and don't understand why. However, my sister and I made some great memories playing in the snow that storm. Somehow we were able to stay out in the snow all day just in time to come in before dark...we never complained.

Now, as an adult, I would not be happy with that situation. Especially a pregnant adult. I would definetly not be able to survive a week without power. Maybe I could fake labor so we could stay in a warm hospital room?!?!

Until then...we have milk and cookies (i mean bread) all stocked up!

First Childbirth Class = Success!

Today, David and I had our very first baby class (in a snowy blizzard I might add). There were around 10-11 couples in our class. We had a very good time. I was so thrilled to spend 3 hours with David without football on the TV or dogs hogging all the attention. It was a nice little break. And of course, free massages with an old lady telling him he had too was definetly a plus. It feels nice to have your husband learning about how to make you feel better. All the soon-to-be dads were very attentive...almost like a child on the first day of kindergarten. They seemed eager to learn about our bodies and how we are going to bring their child into the world.

At one point, we were to lay on our yoga mats with our pillows supporting our head and one knee. She turned out the lights and had us do breathing techniques. Wow, it felt so good. I just hope childbirth is THAT easy....hahaha. I must admit, I am a little terrified about the next couple of weeks, but I know my body is meant to do this. No pain...no gain. Literally.

I can't wait for our next class and our tour of the birthing center. We will be there in only 7.5 weeks, or less.

8 weeks?!!?!

I have taken on the daily lifestyle of a bum. I go to bed around 11:30, wake up around lunch time, eat lunch with David, take a 45 minute bubble bath, get back in the bed, take a nap until 3 or so, then get up and scurry around until 5:30. Seriously? I feel so incredibly lazy these days. However, I have a major excuse...I'm 32 weeks pregnant!

Is there really only 8 weeks before I am due? Wow, that scares me a little. Tomorrow, we start our preparing for childbirth classes. I hope by the time these classes are done, I will be fully prepared for childbirth. Haha yeah right?

I have so much left to do, I can hardly think straight. But since I have apparently turned into a preggo bum, I have no energy to do anything I need to get done. However, I do have the energy to sit in bed and watch these poor women on "A Baby Story" go through labor every half hour. Why do they always cut out the scene where she is getting an epideural? Is it really that painful that they can't show it on television?

Epideural...I do realize I might need one of these since I have a medium to low pain tolerance. I would rather be laughing and making jokes during labor than screaming and ripping my husband's head off. But, I have to wonder if it's so painful that they cut that out of the shows so mommies-t0-be don't start having panic attacks. I must admit, I am still not fully prepared for the weeks ahead. Will I ever be?

Her room is ready, her bag is packed, her carseat is installed, but this mommy is not ready. I have this sudden urge to want to pack my bag, but I am postponing as long as I can so I don't jinx any pre-term labor.

AHHH....only 8 weeks?

BOOM...I was out.

Ohh..the wonderful joy of hiccups in-utero. I have just now recently understood what those rhythmic jolts are in my tummy. My little one gets hiccups almost every time I eat. I keep wondering, is this normal? Sometimes, they will last almost up to 20 minutes, and it seems as if she is getting frustrated with them because she'll kick and stab at the sides of my tummy. Poor thing. I just want to reach in there and tell her everything will be fine. I told David once that I wish I could have a little window so I could watch her everyday.

Well, I have a few updates since I have abandoned my blog lately. I had my 3 hour glucose test Tuesday since I failed the 1 hour. That was literally one of the worst days of my life. First off, having to sit in the waiting area for 3 hours was torture in its own way. Secondly, having your blood drawn 4 times in 3 hours was horrific enough. Thirdly, passing out... Let me explain:


I went in that morning with high spirits and feeling fine! I was sad I couldn't eat breakfast, but I wasn't going to let that ruin my day. I tried not to think about that bagel waiting for me at Brueggars...it was very hard. After arriving, they took my first blood draw. I hate HATE getting my blood drawn, but it was over and done with in a few seconds. I drank the nasty sugary thing they call a drink and was on my way to see the doctor. Everything was going great! I knew as soon as this appointment was over, I could just sleep and relax for the rest of the day. After my quick OB appointment, I went back to the waiting room to wait on the next blood draw. I brought a movie on my laptop, and I was just hoping the 3 hours would fly by. After about 20 minutes into the movie, I was extremely exhausted, had the worst headache, and could hardly stop shaking. I could barely concentrate on the movie. However, I made it through the first hour and had a 2nd blood draw in the same arm. OUCH. I thought, "ok, this isn't too bad...only 2 more hours and I'll be home free. The 3rd blood draw came and went. By this time, I was feeling very crappy and just wanted to sleep. I was preparing for my final blood draw and thinking about lunch. By this time, I hadn't had food in over 12 hours. Other than the extreme amount of sugar forced into my body. I went in to the last blood draw, and the nurse said, "oh poor thing, your veins are so collapsed." I just thought to myself, just get the darn thing over with. She stuck me and I was waiting for her to be done and the minutes were passing. The blood was coming so slowly she had to keep maneuvering the needle to make it go faster...OUCH. I was focused on the clock and watching the minutes and seconds pass by. She was still going. My feet started shaking, my head starting hurting, and I was getting very anxious. All of the sudden I said, "I am getting very dizzy." Needle was still in my arm. It seemed like hours had passed by. Then, BOOM. I was out. The next thing I know I was laying in one of the exam rooms with the nurses trying to get me to drink water and eat crackers. They were still trying to get the last blood draw, but it was clotting so they were taking it out of a vein in my hand.

Only one word can describe that day...HELL.

I called David and told him he might need to come by and pick me up since I probably couldn't drive home. By that time, they had taken several blood pressure readings and they were extremely high. Within 5 minutes, I was hooked up to the stress test machine to check on the little one. Of course, she was never phased by any of it. My strong little baby. I was miserable. The last thing I could remember thinking about was just finishing the draw and meeting David for lunch. I was starving. But instead, my body decided it needed to go crazy again.

Thank the LORD I don't have to repeat that test. Low and behold, the test came back normal. However, it was a very horrific experience. I might change my mind when labor comes around...but until then, I can say I never want to go through that again.

New Year, New Beginnings

You know those funny jokes that start like..."You know you're redneck if..."? Well, you know your pregnant if...you can't stay up past 10:30 on New Year's Eve to watch the ball drop in NYC. I am very ashamed that I was nodding off waiting to ring in the new year. As soon as that ball dropped and Ryan was done singing New York, New York I was out like a light. I am sure I was joined by 1000's of preggos around the country and their husband's bugging them about it as well. David thought it was very funny that I couldn't stay up to watch the New Year come in...just as if I were 10 years old again. However, I did manage to keep my eyes open just long enough.

Welcome, 2011! I am so excited and thrilled that this year will bring us a bundle of joy. I can hardly wait. 2011 is starting us a new chapter, just as 2009 started the chapter of our marriage, and 2004 the chapter of us. I just know that we will be blessed with many joyous years to come. It can only get better from here. Having a baby in our lives is going to be the perfect missing peice. I read today that a woman had her twins last night, one in 2010 and one in 2011. I thought, wow, that is simply amazing. Those babies will be talked about for a long time. I started our little one's baby book and it has a section to write down current events of the year they were born. Looks as if I can go ahead and begin! 2011 is finally here!