Lovin'

$1.09 gets me a McD's sausage biscuit!

• Change in the sausage biscuit fund
• Pomegranate juice
• Surprises in the mail
• Hand me downs
• Organized closets
• Crunchy loud dog nests as they attempt to get comfy
• February
• Company at 3am (I'm not the only one not sleeping!)
• Packed bags
• Decision making
• Marching bands in the neighborhood

Out of control

Today makes 37 weeks of pregnancy and an estimated 3 weeks before we meet our boy. And for that very reason, I can't seem to write anything here. There seems to be nothing and everything going on all at once, if that makes any sense.

Probably the biggest thing going on that's not going on is that nothing is happening within my control. I am unable to resolve and settle many details because so much depends on his arriving.

• I don't know when my last day of work will be because I want to continue to get paid at a full rate of pay for as long as possible.
• I don't know if I'll return to teaching this year because I'm not sure if his birth date will put me within the maximum 12 week period of leave (half partially paid and half unpaid leave).
• I don't know who his pediatrician will be since the two highly recommended by Dr. M are not taking new patients. (So the decision is just to go with another doctor in their group and rotate through the group until I find someone I like. I am NOT going to interview doctors. I think I'll get better information from actual care appointments.)
• I don't know what to do about work or childcare next year. Taking a sabbatical seems within the realm of what is financially feasible, but I am unsure if it is the best decision financially.
  
• I don't know if in three weeks if making decisions based solely on finances rather than wanting to be with that little person is going to be so easy.
• I don't know if he'll take the breast and the bottle like I hope. And I don't know how I'll manage if he doesn't.
• I don't know how to wrap this damn sling, even after watching the videos.
  
• I don't know how to organize all of the photos I anticipate having and where to store the files.
  
• I don't know what size bra to buy.

Crazy train. That's all I can say. We're on the crazy train.

Um Ba-bay Update

At 36 weeks 4 days:

Blood pressure: 110/60 (much better than last week)
Weight gain: +26 (No change from last week, +25 at home)
FCS heart rate: 140s
Fundal height: 36

No changes from last week really, except the blood pressure is back down and the fundal height is more on target with the due date. Group B Strep was negative.

The boy is still head down, and the cervix is still holding. I would have liked for him to say I was dilating and the cervix thinning, but it is just as well because those numbers can be misleading at this stage of the game with "progress" not really meaning much.

He did say he thought UmBabay was "a good size" and then quickly followed that with a "you can handle him" after my eyebrow raise. We talked some about labor and my fears and he relayed his delivery experiences today (just today he delivered twins, a singleton, and was heading down for a cesarean) and the variety of laboring that goes on. Wish I could say I felt better about it, but nothing really is going to help.

He again talked about contractions, leaking, and ruptured membranes and reminded me to call with the slightest concern or feeling of uncertainty.

The swelling was noted and he assured me it wasn't bad, and I still looked great and was doing a perfect job. Yay for me. I'd say I deserve a shrimp loaf from Casamento's and a big swig of Charlie's beer!

And he also told me about the feeling of leaving the hospital with a newborn, from his perspective. He didn't know exactly if it would match what I'd experience because he's not a mom and his wife hadn't given birth to his girls (each is adopted), but he felt there'd be many similarities. He's really a dear, and I am so thankful to have him and his crew each time I'm at the office.

Next appointments: February 3rd and February 10th

Belly Talk

The belly evokes SO MANY comments from people, which is fine. It's hard not to notice, and people just can't help themselves. My favorites are usually in the restroom at the Hornets' games where I have to do some maneuvering to squeeze into the stall and those from the cashier as I pull through the drive through at McDonald's usually get me to smile.

The last few weeks have also brought more comments from folks at the park. The belly peeking out of the bottom of my t-shirt somehow asks people to comment. Most people are pretty kind..runners shouting "Lookin' good, Mama" are my favorite.

Today a young father was trying to coax his kid to peddle the remainder of the 2 mile loop after a stop at the playground. He was tired and whiny, and the training wheels were ssssllllooowwly pushing on. So what better way to get the boy in gear... "C'mon, look at that. You just had that pregnant lady with that big belly pass you up!"

Poor kid took one look at me and burst into tears.

36 Weeks

Check out this boomba belly...

Pictures taken in the nursery!

It is amazing.

And it reflects light!


I cannot get over it.


The happenings at 36 weeks:

• My hospital bag is packed. Well, just about packed.
• And the nursery is just about done...no change from last week. We'll hang pictures tonight and we're waiting for the rocker.
• Everything seems to be "just about" done around here, and something tells me that is just going to be the new state of things on Bordeaux.
• I am not just about ready for labor, however. I have been thinking about it quite a bit and think I need to go in prepared to have a little chat with Dr. M about what to expect when I see him on Tuesday, even though I've read a lot...too much maybe?
• 36 weeks means not being able to get into bed without assistance, walking a mile takes at least 20 minutes, and nightly dreams include images of the boy as a cyclops.
  
• We're talking about the boy quite a bit these days. Perhaps the only thing we talk about more is when we'll get iphones!
• Car seats are going in tomorrow.
• Charlie continues to be so very helpful, putting up with the whining, taking care of the house, and just generally being better than his usual wonderful self.
• I got another "You've definitely dropped" comment the other day. Fingers crossed that his boy is punctual.
• Not many belly pictures left in this series...can you believe it?!?
  

Um Ba-bay Update

At 35 weeks 6 days

Blood pressure: 112/78
Weight gain: +26 (+24 at home)
FCS heart rate: 147
Fundal height: 34

Cervix still closed, and the boy is head down. Tested today for group B strep and hoping for normal results.

Hefty weight gain for 2 weeks. I know some of it is fluid, with sausage fingers and Vienna sausage toes (even more so than the usual stumpy feet), and some of it is the holiday weight making it's way on. Hoping to hold steady there over the next few weeks, but Dr. M told me not to worry, have my last hurrah which will come in the form of a sausage biscuit once a week until birth!

The fundal height is measuring behind but within normal range. I hope that is indicative of his dropping and not of my due date being later than thought or his growth slowing, even though I am hoping he comes in under 8 lbs.

Dr. M gave me the run down on what I need to be aware of in the final stretch, which pretty much boiled down to contractions and fluid leaking. He was also very firm about our needing to be in close contact over the next few weeks. He was heading down to do a cesarean on a woman whose membranes ruptured yesterday but she decided to wait until her appointment today to talk to him about it. Please call me, for anything, he said. Not to worry there. I have a feeling the crazy Erin he dealt with early on is about to make herself known again as I am starting to feel a bit amped up and pretty nervous.

We talked about work, and he told me he would write a note for me when I was ready, suggesting that I slow it down. He said working until FCS is crowning may not be the best idea, but as of now he won't tell me I have to stay home.

Next 2 appointments: January 27th and February 3rd.

Weekend Roundup

Sammy the Seal, one of Charlie's childhood lovies, awaits UmBabay

• I didn't vacuum, clean the tubs, or dust and we had a weekend guest. And amazingly, I didn't care the house was a wreck. Now that's friendship.
• UmBabay just about has a finished room. Jessica got things set up. She took charge and accomplished complete room organization in a matter of hours. This would have taken me days, several frustrating days.
  
• The rocker (to be delivered soon) and some things on the wall will just about complete the nursery. Pictures soon!
  
• After my third $300+ trip to Target this week, Jessica still told me she "didn't think I had enough stuff" for the boy. Sadly, she may be right. I still have a list going of things I need to buy. I don't think anything is urgent, but it'd be nice to feel settled.
• Jessica and I spent every morning in our pjs....at least until noon. Aaaahhhhhh....what a good influence she is on me.
  
• Charlie has made some considerable progress on the bathroom project. Updates to come.
• We ordered the vanity for the master bath.
• Dinner at Bistro Daisy was spectacular! The three of us enjoyed a night out, the company of each other, and another yummy meal in our city.
  

Lovin'

I must get another of these! Seriously.

• Oompy suits with feet
  
• "I am so proud of you," he says.
• Reminiscing on The Truffle Shuffle (we gotta rent The Goonies)
• Organization
• Baby socks
• Dressing the belly (and butt!) as a two man job
• Anticipation of all sorts
• Helpful husbands
• Morning snuggles
• Counting down
• Prince on the radio with the windows rolled down
• Husbands who get giddy over diaper bags
  

Progress can happen

Despite the beer flowing downstairs (more on that later), there has been lots of nailing, banging, and humming of large saws happening around the house.


He tore out closed up the back "staircase" which was from the days when the place was a duplex, and has been organizing some storage for us. Despite grand plans of concerting the space for other uses, it'll most likely remain like this until the house has new owners.


The lathe board is coming down to make way for electrical. Word is we'll have some wiring in two weeks when he can line up Lee to help out.


He's also framed out the shower stall.


This is progress, folks. I know it doesn't look like much, but "get 'er done" has been the mantra around here lately. I'm happy to see things happening and decisions are being made about fixtures, layout, and tiling.

After some eyebrow raising and squinty eyed looks, he has finally conceded that the completion date is now before Jazzfest, rather than FCS's due date. I'm holding him to this one.

The life of a king cake on Bordeaux

9:05 am, Saturday, We can't even get home from the bakery before cutting a piece.


Noon, Saturday:


8 pm, Saturday:


8 am, Sunday, What there's really one piece left still???


8:05 am, Sunday:


10:05, Sunday, this one is from the French bakery!

34 Weeks

We are now in a period of "wait". We have no travel plans, no events, nothing between now and Um Babay's arrival. We are just waiting for him.


And watching the belly grow.


And it seems to grow bigger hour by hour before our very eyes.


The boy will be here soon, so make sure you click on the yellow box on the right and enter the FCS stats baby pool. I know who's reading and hasn't put in their guess, so get to it!

Other things going on at 34 weeks:

• We're pulling together a room, slowly bust surely for him. I have done two loads of laundry with blankets and onesies, both new and of the hand me down variety. (Thank you for everything!) I am now trying to figure out how to organize all of these tiny things...by size, by season...and how can you really tell what's in the dresser drawer when everything is so small?
• Today a few people told me the belly seems to have dropped. Maybe he really has shifted head down.
  
• I knew I had a great husband, but this week he's proven himself to be better than I ever knew. He's been very helpful around the house, doing his regular duties without nagging asking. And he's picked up many of the things I usually do, even though I know he doesn't find those things to be a priority (i.e a tidy, organized home) but he knows I rest easier when certain things are done. What a guy.
• Charlie has been busy reading instructions and manuals, putting together strollers, moving baby furniture, and readying the gear for use. Again, what a guy.
• We don't want a baby shower. We really don't. It's not that we don't appreciate the thought and sentiment, it's just not something we are comfortable with. We know you love us and want to show us, and believe me, we are feeling it. We look forward to everyone meeting FCS and celebrating his arrival. Plan on coming over in April for crawfish, beer, and baby passing. Or come over before and gaze at the belly before he arrives and help me get this mess of baby clothes organized.
  
• I am having some sciatica issues. It's already quite the pathetic sight to be waddling around the park and be passed by the elderly men, some with bellies bigger than mine, and now I am really left in their dust as I drag my numb right leg along. Earlier in the week Dr. M offered to line up some physical therapy and wants me to keep tabs on it for fear it'll get worse before it gets better. 6 more weeks. 6 more weeks. That's what I have been telling myself.

6 more weeks!

Um Ba-bay Update

At 33 weeks 5 days:

Blood pressure: 1o0/70
Weight gain: +22 (+19 at home)
FCS heart rate: 140
Fundal height: 34

Last night FCS was *very* active and lots of his movements were exceptionally painful and uncomfortable. There was also a point in the night were I felt my belly had all but disappeared. Ok, maybe not "disappeared" but it was flatter for sure.

And wouldn't you know after much feeling around and pushing on the cervix, Dr. M told me he thought the boy's was head down! Wow, just like that. He better remain that way. Now the little hard head I've been palming is replaced with what Dr. M thinks to be a round bottom.

Dr. M tells me all looks well, and the cervix is holding up nicely, remaining closed. He did say at 34 weeks he would not prevent delivery if FCS should decide he wants out, but NICU time would be needed. He talked to me about statistics of babies born at 34 weeks being on average curve for growth and development despite early delivery, so hence no attempts to stop labor from here on out.

I asked about pediatricians and he was very frank in his opinions about some names, although still very professional. He gave me some recommendations for pediatricians nearby, a few within the same hospital as himself, his daughters' pediatrician, and those he considered to be the best in the city.

We also talked about induction and cesareans. He's not a fan of either, but is willing to do either if that's the course I wish to take. My body, my pregnancy, my child he says, but as the date gets closer we will go over some statistics and have a more in depth conversation about it and come to a decision.

I also asked about his presence during delivery if this wasn't a scheduled birth. He gave me the items on his calender in the 4 weeks surrounding my due date. He's working on his MBA and has a weekend class in early March. He's not thinking that's a problem. But, he is going to be out of town with his family for a week beginning February 22nd, two days after my due date. Gulp. He told me it is important to him to deliver all of his patients' babies (rattled off that of his 180 pregnant patients last year, he delivered 173 of the babies!) and very much wants to deliver FCS.

Do you hear that FCS?!?! I sure hope he considers Dr. M's schedule.

Next appointment: January 21st. And then we're on for every week.

Desperate times

Desperate measure was averted this morning after much rummaging through the closet.

At almost 34 weeks I still haven't left the house in a tent shirt.

Whew.

Influence of Impending Fatherhood

He's got lots of new gear this year...

Coming home after his 9th day of skiing

...new pants, new jacket(s), new skis, new goggles.

But the most notable addition to the skiing getup is a helmet. He's going to be a daddy real soon and can't be tearing through the trees with that big noggin exposed.

I suppose come spring skiing will mean a helmet for Mama as well.

A New Year

First light of 2009, courtesy of Charlie as I slept until 10am!

Resolutions. I can't remember making any last year. They are usually the same each year...exercise more, eat less, read more, and so on. Quite the predictable list.

With all this time on my hands napping and lying around I've been perusing the internet looking at "formulas" for happiness. There's lots that's been written by professionals and everyday folk about what makes for a happy person. And since I really think of myself as happy, I thought it may be a good idea to figure out where that comes from so I am able to continue to be happy.

I was pleased to see that most things on many, many lists are things which I already practice or are parts of our life. Most people tend to agree that regular exercise, routine, and adequate sleep are high on the list for living a happy life, and I've got these down for the most part.

Other things that I picked up that reoccurred in some form or another on many lists was the development of trust in the goodness of man, living within your means, love of work, and practicing moderation and gratitude. And I've got this down was well.

Of course I did find a few things I could work on, things I was aware brought stress into my life. They were no surprise:

• Live in the present. I don't know if I dwell on the past as much as I try to anticipate the future. I'm a planner and I like control.
• Know your limits. Know how to say "No." I don't even know what to say for this one, but I know it's a problem. Learning to say "no" would probably remove the majority of stress in my life. My saying "no" would probably also remove a lot of the stress in Charlie's life as well...poor man has to deal with my breakdowns.

There were a few others, but I think for 2009 I will focus on those. Seems like a good place to start, especially with some major life changes in our near future.

A few other resolutions for 2009 that have probably been on lists from year's past...

1. Get back to reading
   
2. Wear sunscreen
3. Learn more about my camera and my new lens
4. Run 4 road races this year
5. Drink more wine
6. Ride the ferry at sunset
7. Cook seasonal veggies from the Farmers' market
8. Eat brunch at Commander's Palace
9. More love notes, fewer "honey do" reminders (maybe)