Monday, March 31, 2008

Congratulations

Congratulations to Carey and Steph at UterusX2. Two new arrivals last week!

Friday, March 28, 2008

And now a cousin!

Congrats to my cousin K and his wife S on the birth of another big boy to our family! HH was born yesterday 8 lbs 10 oz and 21.5 inches! I know my Aunt K is out of her mind trying to get to see her first grandchild.

Congrats to all...the baby boom continues!

The new family.



Precious HH!

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Our nephew!

Our nephew made his grand entrance into the world yesterday!

Congrats R, J, and big sis M! He is a big boy and has already seeped deep into our hearts! We can't wait to meet JA!

We love you!

The proud papa and baby boy!



Grandpa and grandson!



Big sis and little bro!



JA, in about 6 weeks your cousin will be here!

Monday, March 24, 2008

Staying put for a while

We had a great time with the families. We spent a day and a half with E's fam. Tot's cousin is scheduled to be born tomorrow, so we had a chance to spend some last few hours with our niece, catch up with E's brother and sister-in-law, and relax with her dad. As always, we had a wonderful time.

We did have strange travels from E's hometown to mine. On the way, we got a call from my sister K telling us that she had locked herself out of the house and was going to be late in leaving. As luck would have it, we were about five minutes from her house on the highway, so we stopped by her place and helped her break in through a window. After that, we caravanned the rest of the way.

As we drove, the weather worsened. The snow was blowing and growing heavier. Traffic slowed somewhat, but not too significantly, until all of a sudden - 15 miles from my sister B's house, traffic came to a screeching halt... except that the roads were covered in ice and no one had realized it, so no one could actually stop. E was pumping the breaks and watching our rear view mirror as the driver behind us lost control of his vehicle and was coming at us sideways. As that was happening, I looked up and saw my sister across the highway pointing the wrong way. I was sure she had been hit, so I took off my seat belt ready to go and get her. E, who is absolutely amazing, remained calm. She yelled at me to stay in my seat while also getting our car into the grassy shoulder where we could get some traction and come to a stop. As we did, my sister waved and drove over to us. She was fine. We were fine. We spent the next 4 hours driving the remaining 15 miles, past accident after accident with fire trucks and ambulances passing us on the highway shoulder. I can attest that seeing someone you love in (what you perceive to be) danger is much worse than being in danger yourself. We were all very fortunate to escape unscathed. The totaled cars and rushing sirens proved that we were very lucky that day.

We had a very nice time with my family as well. (By the time we actually arrived, we had all recovered from being so shaken, and were just tired and ready to enjoy each other.) The weather kept my other sister and mom from showing up, but we had a nice time that evening with B, B's fam and K.

On Saturday we had a fantastic time at the shower. So many folks showed up, and all were incredibly generous. Clothes, gear, books and toys galore! Our son is going to be born into a large community of family and friends that love us and love him already. It was wonderful to feel that this weekend.

We left yesterday morning after breakfast and were happy to be home last night. We unpacked the car and started sorting all of the "loot"! Our nursery is full! We definitely need a bigger house! We were happy, too, to be home with the dog and be in our own bed. ahhh....

That was our last trek for quite some time. Other than taking a ride to a nearby state park, we are not likely to be doing any traveling until our little one makes his grand appearance. That's in about 6 weeks according to the due date. Um, OMG!!! The time is speeding up now. We are going to need every single weekend to get things done. We're looking at the end here, and it's coming up fast!

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Here’s one for the books!

So last week we went to the dietitian to talk about baby sugars. While we were checking in at the diabetes and dietitian reception desk in walks an employee from (presumably) her lunch hour. What could you imagine she was carrying? An apple? A celery stalk? Some string cheese? NO, a Mountain Dew. Oh that’ll set a good example for all the people scheduled for a consult with the dietitian regarding sugar levels! Can you believe it? Thanks for the support, input, and showing us that your skinny little butt doesn’t have to watch your carbs and sugar intake.

On the other hand, the dietitian that we saw was pretty well aligned with us. She didn’t “teach” us how to count carbs or what a calorie is. She just worked to help us figure out how to make sure the baby sugars stay in check while keeping a pregnant woman full!

Oh, and the office had a flyer in the waiting room about how calcium helps keep people strong and accomplish great things. It had Marion “the prisoner” Jones on it! Um, she is in jail because steroids helped her be strong and accomplish great things. You can keep Venus Williams on there for now though! Geez.

Well, we are off for a busy weekend as of tomorrow so we may not be posting much. Happy hippity hoppity weekend!

Monday, March 17, 2008

Life in babyland and beyond

The tears are starting to flow more easily again. Last night, after an exceptionally productive day (I won't bore you with the blow by blow, but we worked from 9am - 10pm and even fit in a visit to the Y.MCA and brunch with friends!) I cried when I dropped my Sp.lenda-sweetened ice cream in the floor. I also cried for a while in the wee hours when I couldn't sleep after trying for so long.

Today, I've held back tears (while at work) when realizing it was a bagel or no lunch at all (I split the difference and had a half). I nearly cried after sitting in a meeting for nearly 2 hours (pure discomfort), and I nearly cried again just now after learning that a project that I've been (unsuccessfully and not b/c of me) managing for months is still about to blow up in my face.

My hormones must be raging, and I hope that they calm back down here soon. I'm tired. Work has me in a tizzy and we're leaving on Thursday morning to head to MI for our baby shower. That means 6+ hours of driving each way, 2 hours between locales, and not being in control of my food (which even under normal circumstances can be a big stressor for me. Not so secret: I'm a control freak when it comes to food, especially if other things are out of whack, like baby sugars or something.) It will be nice to see everyone, but it will also be exhausting. We are leaving G with her FDSF (favorite dog sitter forever), so she's one less thing to worry about.

I just re-read that last paragraph and grew extremely exhausted.

I am looking forward to some aspects of the trip to MI. I miss two of my sisters immensely. At times, I feel sick about being so far from them. The terrible winter and the pregnancy have only intensified my feelings of isolation from my dearest peeps, and I'm looking forward to being in their company. They accept or call me out on my neuroticisms (whichever most appropriate, of course), and they make me laugh like crazy. Double bonus: they think I'm hilarious too. They love E, and when we're all together I do feel home.... (What, you think I may be romanticizing this a bit?) We are also going to have a chance to see E's family. Her brother and sister-in-law are having Baby #2 next week Tuesday, so we will see them just before baby comes. And, of course, we will be staying with her dad for a night, which is always a peaceful retreat that allows us both to feel connected, grounded and supported.

So, life is crazy this week. Work is crazy and I don't know how I can get it all done. Home will be a bit less crazy but work has a crazy way of thrusting its crazy into home too. We also have to pack and ready the house for the FDSF.

Why am I still talking? I'm making myself dizzy; I can't imagine how you must feel after reading this!

Friday, March 14, 2008

Bored

In the first week or two of birth class, one of the videos we had to watch showed a woman and her partner (presumably her husband) laboring for their 5th or 6th child. Whilst this woman wailed away, moved her hips, and basically worked herself through labor her hubby stood behind her with his hands on her shoulders while staring into space as if he'd never been so bored in his life.

On the way home I of course exclaimed how terrified of birth I was (those videos were too graphic for my sensibilities) and then I turned to E and asked her if she was going to be bored while I was in labor. At the time, I was admittedly genuinely concerned. It quickly, however, became quite the joke. Whenever watching another gruesome birth video I would turn to Erin and remind her that she was probably going to be "bored" anyway.

Last night was our last birth class, and I can't say that I am disappointed although I learned a lot and enjoyed the people. At the end of each class, we have to go around and say how we're "feeling", something I am not so fond of since I only like to share my feelings with strangers on the internets. After all, I'm a bit of an introvert when it comes to feelings. Anyhow, I said my usual short and sweet kind of thing and passed the candle (yes, we pass the candle to the speaker) to E, who after giving a bit of background said:

"I promise you, in front of all of these people, that I will not be bored when you are in labor."

Needless to say, she drew - as she so often does - quite the laugh from the group.

Thank you, honey. I will try not to bore you.

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

32 weeks: a Tuesday afternoon

I had a very pregnant moment yesterday afternoon.

Sitting at my computer,I dropped a vitamin, which then rolled just under my desk. I thought I could reach it from my chair (my arms probably are long enough, now we’ll never know). So, I opened my legs wide to make room for my tummy and I took the lazy ladies way of bending and reaching such that I didn’t have to actually get up and out of the chair.

Of course, I slid right off the chair, onto my arse. Then, I had to –after thankfully remembering to actually grab the vitamin while I was down there – roll myself upright again to get up off the floor. I think I rocked back and forth 3 times before gaining enough momentum to get up on my hands and knees! No one saw me (and thus missed out on a good laugh), but I was out of breath for a good 20 seconds!

Before pregnancy, I could have easily fallen out of my chair on my own. The rocking to gain momentum though, is a uniquely pregnant phenomenon.

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Dear Tot

Dear Tot,

I love you very much, and I'm eternally grateful that you are with me. Mutti and I have both loved you before you were ever you.

I'm just writing to remind you that your temperature controlled environment, complete with 24 hour room service is a temporary accomodation. Please remember to care for it while you spend the next 58 or so days there. Here are some guidelines:

  1. Please refrain from standing on my bladder. When you use it as a trampoline, I have to visit the bathroom, often with acute pain and teaspoon sized results.
  2. Please feel free to stretch out and move around, just make sure you are not jabbing me in my rib cage. This causes me a considerable amount of discomfort that results in shortness of breath and an inability to concentrate.
  3. At no time, should it be necessary for you to do both of these things at once.

I love you very much, and I'm looking forward to meeting you in approximately two months.

Love,

Mom

Monday, March 10, 2008

DST

Did you all know there was such controversy over daylight savings time? I've heard a bit about it on the radio over the last week, and I'm just very surprised. Frankly, I don't care about most of it; I like DST because it means there is another hour of sunlight after work. That is a beautiful, beautiful thing - another entire hour of life every day! Gladys is likely to enjoy it as it will surely mean longer walks in the evening. Add a tinge of warm weather, and we'll be firing up the grill here very soon!

This week sees the end of many of our commitments. Since January, E and I have been running at full speed four days of the week. This week, however, yoga is over as is E & G's dog class. Thursday marks our last birthing class. Ahhhh..... all of this is very good timing as we are now working on lots of legal paperwork for Baby Boy's arrival. We realized last night that we are about 5 weeks from reaching full term. Of course, we will likely have 3-4 weeks beyond that, but 5 weeks isn't much time. So, we spent yesterday finally getting down to some good nesting business: cleaning the basement, going through paperwork etc. I think we can actually get it all done! (Not making any promises here.)

So, we had a good weekend overall. We were productive in that we went swimming, took the dog for some good walks... we made up our missed birthing class and we even watched a movie, which was ok - all in addition to the stuff I mentioned above.

Time seems to be passing quickly now. I'm sure the extra daylight will help that along even more so. Both of us are feeling like we have so much to accomplish (and we do!!), and both of us are just so anxious for May, to finally meet him. E is also incredibly anxious for me to finally agree to one of our names. ** Update on names: We have a brand new list, and we're making some good headway!! **

We will be 32 weeks this week. Wow!!

Friday, March 7, 2008

Weekend Approaching... and we're more than ready!

This has been a crazy week, and I am greatly anticipating this weekend. Our to do list is long, and we can only pray that we get through half of it, but it will be nice to not worry about work on top of life for a couple of days.

We had birthing class last night, and we learned tons of little things about newborns when they come home. As usual, the class let out 15-20 minutes LATE. Argh. The good news is that we didn't have to watch any more births, which is good by me since never could quite possibly be too soon for me to ever watch another birthing video.

Tonight we will be hosting some friends and their new baby for dinner. The rest of the weekend will lend itself to baby-related paperwork, finishing taxes, installing a new garbage disposal and assessing and reassembling the basement. Wish us luck!

Thursday, March 6, 2008

A surprise congrats!

A big congratulations to Just Keep Swimming! After a bit of silence, they have some big news to share!

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

31 weeks

Wow! 31 weeks...that means we are in the single digits on weeks left-ish. S likes to remind me that the average first time pregnancy goes 8 days past due date! I really hope that is right because I have so much to do here at work and home before my son arrives!

Things are moving along. Perhaps this weekend we will get some sewing and painting done to finish the nursery so we can move on to the other house repair modifications needed before he arrives.

On another note, our name games continues and about five more have been added to this list. We just figured out that actually writing the name makes a difference to us. As of today we are on the same page...I'm sure that will change!!!!

Last note, a big day in WI for us yesterday, Favre retired. HOW ANNOYING WAS THAT!!!! Every station's news was 20 min of Favre and 2 min (if that) of news yesterday. As non-native Wisconsinites, we are pleased to see him go so we don't have to hear the 6 months of wondering if he will retire or not. Farewell Favre, it was a good run. We will not miss hearing about you!

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

So far, so good

I finally picked up the prick monitor last night, and I even figured out how to work it. I don't go in for my consult until Thursday, so based on what I read in the manual and the internets I'm testing and seeing how I do.

So far, I've passed every time. I have been more conscientious about what I'm eating (e.g. pairing my apple w/ peanut butter rather than eating it by its lonely little self), but I've not changed what I/we eat significantly. Saturday afternoon, I felt like the midwife was handing me (though not her fault) a prison sentence. Today, I realize that I'm just in a minimum security facility. No ice cream, no cake, no cookies... fine. I must do without the juice too. I'm just grateful that I don't have to eat steaks and give up fruit. That would be my nightmare.

We'll see what they say on Thursday night. I'm sure I/we will learn much more, but for now I'm going to stick with making sensible choices as my body seems to be doing just fine. Yahoo!

Another bonus, my manager offered me a promotion yesterday. Of course, I took it. Just what I needed after a weekend with some rough news.

Monday, March 3, 2008

The numbers are in….

The baby sugars win....but not for long. Looks like we are going to be adjusting our diets and hyping up the exercise. S tested high on two of the four blood draws on Friday (her fasting levels were great though).

First I would like to say that it is just not natural put your body through what this test required. S would never, (1) not eat a sensible breakfast, (2) slam 100 cc’s of sugar, and (3) lay around for three hours straight after ingesting that much sugar. That just isn’t her. How can that really tell you anything about how her body REALLY works?

Tonight is garbage night and therefore a perfect time for pitching all the bad things we have in the house, which so far is only a carton of ice cream. The frustrating part is that I am not sure I know anyone with a better understanding and execution of diet than S. We already eat whole-wheat pasta (and only eat it less than once a week), we already have high fiber everything, and we don’t really ever have much in the house in the snack category. A snack to S is a bowl of fruit.

My family has a high rate of diabetes in it and I am shaped just like those that have it. So, I could really benefit from getting on the regulatory life of low sugar, low carb, and life maintenance. So, S you are not alone, I’m jumping on this wagon too!