28 days...

I wasn't going to blog today. It does not feel like Sunday, which is generally my day to blog. Well, I should say Sunday night. I'm like a high school kid with a book report due. I sit down at about 9:40 and freak out about what I'm going to write. I cross my fingers and hope not to have too many grammatical or spelling errors and hope that I don't sound like a total dummy. So far, I think it's worked out ok. Thank goodness for spell check.

Feeling as though we've exhausted all locations around the house... we've gone to the alley

36 weeks today -- at the end of this week I will be considered full-term. Which means they will probably tell me, " you could go at anytime now". I can really feel the changes in my body. She's starting to descend. I think they call it lightening -- I don't exactly feel any sort of "lightening", but that is what they call it, nonetheless. Sleep is elusive and back pain has been progressively more present. The yoga is still helping, but at times I can't find a comfortable position to sit or lie.  I'll take one for the team though, it's all for a good cause.

28 days ... not like we're counting or anything

If you are on facebook, you can see a couple of short video clips that I've posted. http://www.facebook.com/PattyMacDonald We went in for another ultrasound. We were hooked up with a fancy new machine which takes video and also does the 3D thing, though that turned out to just be sort of creepy. I have been trying to post them on You Tube -- but apparently I am somewhat of a You Tube rube, it keeps telling me the upload has failed. I will have to figure that out before we get the real show on the road.

We're pretty sure she has Jamie's Fred Flintstones feet.

Not a ton to speak of this week. Doctor, Yoga, Work, repeat. Seems to be a pattern these days. This weekend we've been fairly productive, we've made lists and actually accomplished most of the items on those lists. Jamie has continued to work his tush off and even picked up and extra shift with his second job this weekend -- so at this moment he is napping peacefully on the couch, which also seems to be a pattern these days -- bless his heart.

sorry... I can't stop looking at these pictures of her little mouth and nose

Tomorrow we are hosting the annual Memorial Day brunch here at the house. It is supposed to be quite nice (well, nicer than it's been -- not 98) and we have a good crew of people who are planning to attend. I'm looking forward to the food (of course) and the chance to show off the baby's room. It's always a lovely, laid-back gathering of family and friends. If it's cool enough, we'll have a fire and hang out in the backyard.

Tuesday is June 1, my birthday! Every year, I make no plans and tell people I don't do much for my birthday, and then I seem disappointed when nothing happens. It is silly. This year will most likely be much the same. You can rule out a wild raucous night at the Wild Onion, that's for sure. Jamie's co-workers are having a little shower for him and I've been invited to make an appearance. I am only asking for one thing this year. It is not expensive and not heavy and not breakable. Just one thing. All I want is -- a winning lottery ticket. Is that too much to ask? Message me for our address :)

Lots-o-love from our house to yours!

The heat is on...

... And so is the A/C! It is hot outside.  89 degrees and humid.  We woke up this morning soggy.  It took me a moment to decide whether it was my water that had broken or if it was some other sort of bodily fluid mishap.  Turns out it was just really stinking hot and we were both perspiring.  Gross, I know.  Sorry.  We got up and tried to gut it out before I finally declared that it was impossibly hot and I am too pregnant to deal with it.  A/C on, we left the house in order to enjoy the some mobile A/C while the house cooled down and made our way to the Mall of America - which we knew would be nice and cool.  It was actually not as crowded as you might think it would be on a stifling hot day.  Perhaps others are tougher than us -- well, that goes without saying, really.  We spent the day accomplishing little more than fact finding and picking up groceries.  But it was good.  We couldn't sit around all day waiting for the house to dry out.

This week brought to us a new crib, a rocker glider chair and a nearly complete baby's room.  It is all very exciting.  I don't have a picture of the glider, but it's a pretty standard glider.  Comfortable and neutral -- Jamie says when he sits in it, it's like vacation.  I agree. It's really soothing. Hopefully it will give us some yummy cuddle time and some comfort for those middle of the night feedings. 

What the? It doesn't come assembled?

The crib arrived on Thursday around noon. I just happened to run home for lunch which just happened to coincide with the Fed Ex delivery.  The guy dragged the 70lb. box up the walk, up the front stoop, in to the porch and through the front door. I asked, "you good at setting things up?"  He just kind of looked at my like I was nuts.  Little did he know I had a cool $20 bill in my pocket and I was not afraid to use it. I resisted the urge to tear open the box then and there, I was only home for a short lunch and had to be on my way. Later that night, I opened the box while Jamie was working.  I can't be much of a help when he is trying to do his work and I am holding up random crib items and exclaiming, "Look it!"

On Saturday, Jamie was up and at 'em early and had to head over to Hamline to work graduation ceremonies.  They had been predicting about a 20% chance of rain. But as he was climbing out of the car  there was a pounding rain and lightning all over the place.  I had no idea just what kind of day he was in for -- though being a former "event person", I suspected it would be pretty hairy.  At home, the crib had been sitting for an entire day and a half and I just got too anxious to see what it might look like when it was all put together.  I thought I would just start to get some pieces together, just to get a start.  It turned out to be quite easy, and quite fun as a matter of fact.  About an hour later, voila!

Ta-Da!

After the crib was together I had to tidy the floors and put the rest of the shower items away.  I swept, vacuumed and mopped.  I felt quite accomplished and could not wait for Jamie to get home from work to show him what I did.  All that is left is to do for the room is to figure out a rug (to rug? Or not to rug?), hang the new blinds and then make some curtains.  I don't yet have the curtain rods or the fabric just yet, but it should happen in the next week or so. 

Nearly complete!

Going backwards, Friday was my sister's birthday.  We had a super fun day of just running around and not doing a whole lot of anything specific -- we went shopping, out for lunch, hit some garage sales, etc.  It was lovely.  In the evening we had dinner followed by cake at her house.  She has the best backyard for hanging out.  It was a really great day. 

My energy seems to be lower and lower each day.  Granted I do not really slow down much, but I am feeling exhausted all the time now.  This morning we woke up very early, partly because of the heat and partly because my back started hurting and I have a not-so-fun habit of waking Jamie and "urging" him to get up with me.  We got up early and went downstairs, I started reading on the couch and he joined me.  We both fell asleep around 8:30 or so and woke up at 10am! What the?  I am not, typically, a napper. So I will just assume this is pregnancy related.  After our day out in search of cooler locations, we came home and again, fell asleep for over an hour.

We are 35 weeks today! About 5ish weeks to go.  I can't believe we are getting so close.  We can't wait to see her face and her buns and her little body wriggling around.  She is going to be just the cutest.

I don't have a picture of my belly this week.  We didn't take one and now I am just too hot and tired.  I'm sure you're all just so disappointed, eh?  Just look at last weeks photo and add a pound or two in the abdominal area.

May Showers...

Pre-shower on Saturday

We are 34 weeks today, and soon I will be 34 years old! Wow.  I thought I'd be 23 forever. Anywho... this week was another fast one.  I am having a hard time thinking about what went on because all I can remember right now was that there was the mega big baby shower event on Saturday. 

So leading up to that, I think it was a pretty standard week.  I got a massage, did some yoga, had an appointment with our midwife and worked.  It was a busy week at work, I now recall.  I think my clients should start to place bets as to the last time I plop down on the floor and can no longer get up.  It's soon, I think. Note to self: keep the call button handy.

I've gained 23 lbs., to date.  The midwife said I should teach a class on pregnancy weight gain, because apparently that is right on par with what "they" suggest.  I would love to teach that class. I would call it "Food Consumption 101".  Or at least that is how it feels lately.  I have been trying to stay healthy.    But, in a moment of weakness last week, I stopped at a gas station and bought the monster box of Hot Tamales. I nearly polished those puppies off in an embarrassingly short amount of time. I was not proud -- especially when Jamie found the box stashed in the back pocket of the passenger seat with 7 remaining hot tamales.  Apparently, I felt a moment of self restraint and tried to hide the box on myself.  Real bad. I am generally not a candy eater, but my sweet tooth got the best of me.

Flowers by Jean

As I mentioned before, Saturday was the MEGA  BIG BABY SHOWER event of the century! That is how it felt, at least.  My dear friend, Jean opened her lovely home to nearly 30 friends and family.  Mom and Carrie tried to out do each other in a show of layered cakes.  Carrie made a 16 layer (YES, 16 layers!) cake.  White cake with chocolate -- but the layers were so thin and the chocolate filling stuff just kind of soaked into the cake part, it was amazing and dense and rich and very good.  Mom made a lemon, raspberry layer cake which was light and fluffy and wonderful.  Of course, I had one of each -- I will blame the sweet tooth again.  They were both good and I am not sure the judges are done tallying the votes just yet.  Jean showed off her mad decorating skills.  The flower arrangements were amazing!  Thanks again, ladies, for all your hard work.  It was a really sweet and lovely day.  The mingling and such was all a bit overwhelming for me, because I am not, by nature, a mingler and socializer and --- well -- I am just not all that gracious of a guest of honor.  I did my best, but it was very exhausting. 

Quilt and pillow - made with love by Carrie

By the end of the day, we left Jean's with very full stomachs and a car full of goodies.  I've already spent quite a bit of time trying to figure out what should go where and how everything will fit. Can I get a shoe horn?  We now have pretty much all the bedding we need, including one of the most special gifts I have ever received.  Carrie made a stunning quilt. I was beyond touched. I have been hearing about the quilt for quite some time, but nothing could prepare me for how sweet it was to open.  It really is so sweet and so dear.  I cannot say that enough. 

Inspired by all the gifts and goodies, we came home and before passing out on the couch, we finally made a decision on a crib and hit the purchase button on it - yay! We have only looked at a zillion cribs in the past few months. It is quite a relief to finally have one ordered, it should be here within two weeks.  We were also able to secure a glider chair and some organizational items before the weekend was over.  We are getting there! As soon as we are closer to up and running, I will take more pictures.  We still have a bit of stuff strewn about the room.

In other exciting news, my dear friend, Chrissy is getting married! I am beyond happy for her.  She is just the sweetest and best gal and I am so excited to be able to be part of her special day. That said, I need to have this baby and get into bridesmaid dress shape by August 8! Yes, August 8, 2010.  I could go on - but that will be a blog for another time.  We'll just say that I'm bursting with joy -- and I already have the baby's outfit picked out!

Up next, Carrie's birthday on Friday and Jamie will don the gown for graduation at Hamline on Saturday. I'm sure there will be a few more things between now and then.  We shall see.

Happy 34 weeks!

33 Weeks!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!

Feeling large 

I love 33, it's one of my favorite numbers.  So I am hoping for one of my favorite weeks.  I've been feeling hopefully lately -- I guess because if  I am not hopeful, then where would I be? In total despair? At yoga on Wednesday, we introduced ourselves and shared one word that came to mind when we think of birth (specifically, our own upcoming births).  I chose the word hopeful, it is no lie.  I am hopeful for so many things, but most of all, right now,  for her sweet and happy little face -- healthy and full of the most perfect life.

Speaking of her cute face -- we got to see her this week! We had an ultrasound, courtesy of Carrie's friend.  We seem to be falling in love with her more every day, just by her movements and rumblings alone. But it was amazing to see her little face, hands, feet, arms and legs! We were able to just sit and watch as she moved and kicked and stretched and scrunched up her face. Smitten.  Of course, we already think she is the cutest kid on the face of the earth.

 

 Her face - she had her hand in front on her nose, so it was hard to see it all at once

As much as we can't wait for her birthday, she's not quite done cooking yet. From her measurements she's around 4 lbs.  So keep cooking, little girl!  We'll have plenty of time to play when you are good and ready.

Her little lips and nose!

It was a quiet-ish weekend here.  We spent some time on Saturday visiting Baby Grand to look at cribs (again).  Feeling a bit overwhelmed by options and prices, convertible, fixed gate, etc. etc.  The gal at Baby Grand is very helpful and before we were out the door we had tried on a few baby slings and made some adjustments on our registry... I think.  We may have left there more confused than when we walked in.  I still love to go though.  So many fun things. The BOB is on order, but not yet in -- should be just a few more weeks. I might want to start pushing it around as soon as we get it.

Another wild Saturday night dinner -- turkey burgers, oven fries and a splash of wine

 

Today is Mother's Day -- and we did not do a darn thing to celebrate (well, we did call our mothers). I was up early and James was not far behind.  He started working on the back of the house (small peeling paint issue) and I went to work on organizing baby's room.  It is in disarray, to put it mildly.  I am hoping it will be in order soon.  The biggest issue is, how on earth do you organize all those little items?  I finally decided the best way to deal with socks that tiny, was to put them in a basket.  Check out the pic -- No, the basket is not small -- we REALLY have that many socks for her. We have as many mittens so she won't scratch her face thingys and hats to protect her from the sun and snow and any other hazards. Where to put all those little things that don't fit neatly into a little square? I have never been a basket person, but it's starting to make some sense.

  Her feet will never go cold!

 

This week will bring another appointment with our midwife, a breastfeeding class and a shower on Saturday! Is it too early to start wishing for next weekend?

Eight Weeks to go

It's late on Sunday and I'm feeling rather uninspired tonight.  But I talked to Dad earlier and he said he was going to log on to catch up with the blog -- so I suppose I should keep the streak alive. Here ya go, Dad!

The only thing more colorful than a Creative Kidstuff store -- my shirt!

This week was fast, busy, hectic and anything but relaxing.  I don't really know why, it was fairly ordinary from what I recall - other than my that my mother and I got the crazy idea to have a garage sale.  We have had stuff piling up in the basement for the last two years -- things in boxes that have never been unpacked from Colorado Springs and New York City.  It was time to unload.  The weather on Friday was not wonderful, patches of rain and clouds on and off, but we did quite well.  I posted a few ads on craigslist, which turned out to work.  Our neighbors also had a sale on baby clothes, books and such -- so we attracted all sorts of people.  Saturday was a sunnier day, but the wind was a little much.  By 2pm we were at our wits end and closed up shop after hauling in a few hundred dollars.  Not so bad.  I think we are done with the garage sale business for a while now though. I was in a wind-blown, sun-dazed coma by Saturday night and I think I may have managed to stay up until 9pm -- maybe.

This morning I participated in a fashion show at Creative Kidstuff on Grand Avenue. Fifty very pregnant ladies and their guests milled about the store and sampled local goodies from cupcakes to baby food at the first annual baby shower event, hosted by Creative Kidstuff and sponsored by various local mom-oriented businesses.  At 10:15 I did my little runway walk in an outfit from Hot Mama -- a fun little boutique store that caters to moms and moms-to-be.  I did not love my outfit -- but it is was far better than the WHITE SKINNY JEANS that they tried to put me in at first.  All in all, it was a fun time.  I won a door prize (a baby feeding kit thingy) and also received a gift certificate for Creative Kidstuff for participating in the show. I also drank two glasses of orange juice and ate a tiny cupcake just before listening to a nutritionist talk about sugar highs and sugar lows.  Mmm, cupcakes.

In the afternoon we went to Loring Pasta Bar for a little Mother's Day celebration -- because mom has decided (for the second year in a row) to head out to California to spend Mother's Day with her favorite child and his cute, darling, adorable family.  Next weekend Carrie and I will have to celebrate Mother's day on our own -- again! Kidding, mom -- have fun in sunny CA!

Tomorrow morning I am going to get a much needed, much overdue massage.  I can't wait. I am feeling tired, stretched, tight and generally discombobulated.   I am hoping it will help me get some barrings on my body -- I seem to be running my belly in to things lately -- which is really awkward when those things are people.