A Reality Check from Grandma.

One of the very best aspects of taking a leave of absence for a year from teaching is the opportunity to spend more time with my Grandparents.  While I haven't been able to get to my Grandmother who lives a hour and a half away this summer, I have every intention of visiting her and my Aunt as much as possible this year.  Once I have healed from the surgery and once things have settled a bit with the new baby, we'll be cruising on up to see her, as well.  Currently, though, Michael and I have tried to visit my Grandparents here in town once a week.  Due to a variety of reasons, we haven't been able to lunch with my in-town Grandparents lately.  So after I picked Michael up from the sitter today, we decided to pay them a visit.  

My Grandmother bought me a brand new, comfy robe and a new pair of really cute pajamas.  When she handed over these great presents, we got on the discussion of what I should wear while in the hospital.  I mentioned that I packed some of my own pajamas to wear, even though with Michael's birth I just wore the hospital gowns my entire visit.  In her most southern voice, she emphatically motioned across her body and said, "Awww, HONEY!!!  If I were you, I would NOT wear your own pajamas!  Remember!?! You are going to be a MESS ALL OVER!!!"  

(Great.  I must have forgotten.......)

In a deflated voice, I conceded.  She's right. I am going to be a "mess all over" in a few days.  And even though I felt a little deflated, she still made me laugh.  Her gestures, her voice, and her honesty, made me chuckle.  I suppose it was time for a reality check from Grandma.

All three of us are getting very excited, to say the least!  (Though, we have yet to decide upon a name for either gender!)  This evening I talked to Michael a teensy bit about my stay in the hospital.  In his sweetest voice, he asked if I was going to come back.  While I could have cried a bucket of tears, I replied in a firm and unwavering voice.  "Of course I will come back, angel.  I will just be gone for a little bit."  

I'm hoping to make tomorrow a very special day for the little guy.  We're going to a race in the morning, that some of my girlfriends are organizing.  We'll probably go out to lunch, go to story time at the library, AND buy a present for the baby from Michael.  I can't wait to take him to pick out a stuffed animal for the baby.  I'm taking him to the boutique that "Moo" came from three years ago.  (For my sake, I hope there aren't any "duplicate" Moo's because I have a feeling that the shopping trip will result in a temper tantrum!)  

One last belly shot tomorrow!  : ) 

GUEST BLOGGER! (Duncan K-H)

This is what I looked like a week ago:  (Check out the flashy, long, slicked back, dignified beard.)

Here I am now that my "master" is less than a week away from the due date:    

(I'm so embarrassed, I don't want to turn my head...)

Please don't laugh... 

It's all good, I got her back last night. 

Wanna know how?

 I'm STILL licking what's left of my beard, and it drives her CRAZY!  

Looks like someone's plan backfired....

"Did we have a fun day, Mom?"

Josh and I came to the realization that this baby is going to be born in a different season than Michael about a week ago.  I'm not real sure how we arrived at that crazy- kind of important- epiphany, but there we were!  Last weekend I decided that our baby would likely need some sort of snugly "thing" to wear on our nature walks, or to the pumpkin patch, or the park, or even for the ride home from the hospital.  

(Were we thinking that the weather was just going to stay in the 80's for the next month?  Because that's usually not how October works around here.)

The three of us made a journey to Old Navy last weekend in search of one those "snugly outfit things", and found one that was too big (3 to 6 months).  Josh has been a little bit resistant to this purchase because he doesn't think baby boys should be wearing white, or any variation of white:  off white, beige, all those colors are for girls, he says.  Naturally, I disagree.  I love all infants in white, boy or girl.  When the baby is three months, we'll find one in pink or blue. Until then, it's white!

All of this brings us to today.  Michael and I decided to take a little trip to a mall that is about 50 minutes away, primarily because this mall has both a Gap for kids 

and an Old Navy.  We were able to find the perfect "BUNDLER" for the baby, in the correct size, and in white! Aside from that purchase, the rest of the mall trip was all about Michael B.  He played on the indoor, germ laden, playground equipment.  And, I treated him to Chick-Fil-A, which is his favorite "restaurant".  We also did a little shopping for his babies, Moo and Giraffe.  That whole escapade was a little annoying.  It turns out that Moo is GIRL and really needed some accessories from one of those "Claire's" stores.  I humored him and took him into the store so that he could "shop" for Moo. This quickly started to back fire because I was not about to buy one single princess item for his stuffed cow.  Somehow, I concocted a story

 about Josh picking up Moo's gift on the way home from work tonight.  This seemed to satisfy Michael. Though, I know he has not forgotten this lie of mine, and fully expects Josh to bring her a present this evening.  

After I tucked Michael into his bed for nap this afternoon and turned out the light, he reminded me that we did not paint today.  I told him that maybe we would get to that after his nap.  And, as I was shutting the door, he said to me, "did we have a fun day, Mom?"  I smiled, kissed him again, and replied, "we sure did, Michael." 

 I love spending the day with him, and I think he feels the same way.  

A ROUGH Day. Rough.

Someone please tell me why in the WORLD I still let our dog, Duncan, sleep in our bed?  

Seriously.  Why?  

Michael was given the boot when he was like two weeks old from our bed. And, somehow Duncan is still there.  

Last night was so incredibly long.  Josh is working really long hours right now so that he can take some time off when the baby is born.  As a result he worked in the office upstairs until midnight.  The entire time he worked, I tossed and turned because I could hear the tapping of the keyboard and could see the lights in the office.  Finally he came to bed, which meant that Duncan was moved from his spot and began his ANNOYING new ritual of licking his chops and grinding his teeth.  (Teeth grinding drives me crazy.)  At this point, it was 12:50 am and Michael decided to wake up.  I then sent Michael to his bed and dumped Duncan in his crate because of the licking.  

From about one o'clock until four-thirty, I slept pretty well!  

Duncan then started to bark because he hates to sleep in the crate.  And, Michael woke up crying.  And, of course, my stomach was killing me!  My girlfriends had a running party today, and I had to get up at 4:45 to get myself ready on time.  Obviously, I bagged the party in hope of catching at least another hour or two of sleep.  Unfortunately THAT didn't happen because of my stomach and Josh.  Josh decided to get up at five for work this morning.  He clicked on the lights and took a shower, and I was then UP!  for the day.  Grrrr....

I have felt ill ALL day from last night's escapades.  I'm WISHING that this pain is labor, but I have a strong suspicion that it is far from labor and is a result of sleeping for only three hours last evening.  Michael, THANKFULLY, spent the day with his sitter, so I was able to sleep a teensy bit this morning.  I also got my hair trimmed today and bought some new shampoo and conditioner.  (I love new products!  Love them!)  

And, I took Duncan's licking issue into my own hands this evening.  I cut off his beard.  (Not kidding.)  Josh came home to one messed up looking dog.  Whatever.  As long as I get some sleep this evening...Pictures to come of this hair cut tomorrow!  : )  

This pot is not going to boil....

Someone referred to me this weekend as a "pot of water, ready to boil."  

Well.  

I appreciate the analogy, I really do. But the boiling?  It's not gonna happen, nor is it in the process of happening.  Today the baby and I went to our weekly appointment.  The nurse asked me if I wanted the doctor to check for dilation or effacement, and I politely declined.  The baby is nice and high in my rib cage and is quite comfortable at the moment. Why bother checking at this point?  

Everyone around me thinks that each phone call is going to be "the baby call, "  and it isn't!! Poor Josh's blood pressure rises a little bit each time I call him at work.   Usually, I just have something to say about Michael or the news, rarely anything baby related.  I haven't had one single sign that the baby is ready to make his/her debut, not one; no pressure, bleeding, gushing, cramping, none of it.  Aside from the rib pain, I'm feeling pretty good!  Every now and then my right leg feels a little numb, but that could have to do with the positioning of the baby. Our babies really like lounging about in my uterus.  And, I really think this one likes the running and walking!  : )   

The doctor today said to me a number of times, "If you think you're going into labor, just come on into the hospital. And, we'll be here."  I politely smiled, thinking to myself, "whatever."  The appointment went really well.  The heart rate of the baby continues to be in the 130's, today it was 138.  The baby is measuring at 36 weeks, even though I am 39 weeks along.  There's no need to worry about the "off" measurement, it just means that the baby is likely going to be under the "norm" in size.  And, thank goodness for that!  I can't even imagine how badly my ribs would hurt if I were carrying around a ten pound baby.  The fundal height has increased a 1/2 inch since last week, which indicates that the baby is still growing.  My weight hasn't changed at all over the past three weeks, and my blood pressure is completely average.  So, we're very healthy and very grateful to God for such a wonderful pregnancy!  

At the end of the appointment today the doc said, "So, Katie!! We'll either be seeing you in the hospital later this week OR back here in the office early next week!"  I laughed and said, "I'll be seeing you next week, then!"  We both chuckled to ourselves.  

My phone then started to ring off the hook as soon as I stepped out of the office door...

38.5 Weeks Pregnant...

Almost at the two week mark!!!

I'm grateful for the cooler temps and that it's almost time to meet this little sugar!!!

Can't we just lay around and watch movies all day?

Uh...  My belly feels like it is going to explode, my ribs are killing me (AGAIN!), and my skin feels like it is sunburnt!  How I would love to lay around and watch movies all day!!  Michael is helping me to "press on", though!  How can you not press on, when you have a precious little face like the one above asking for nature walks and time outside?  This morning I worked in the backyard on the tomato plants,  because it supposed to rain over the next few days.  Michael helped me stack the cages, toss out the non producing plants, and clean the pots.  As soon as I turned on the hose to clean up the pots, he was in make believe heaven!  Out came the cars, the "garages", and the prickly plants; the moment water was sprayed from the hose.  

Unfortunately, we cancelled on lunch with my Grandparents, I needed a little bit of a break after working outside.   Michael threw a temper tantrum, of course, and was furious with me for changing the plan.  After his time out, he decided that he was ready for his lunch.  : )   We then went for a nature walk, to look for acorns and walnuts.  

The walk was so much fun.  Thankfully, Michael walks a bit slower than me, especially when he is exploring so the adventure wasn't too taxing!  Michael brought "Giraffe" along, and made sure to feed her along the way.  The path that we walked on today was one of the cross country courses that Josh and I ran on in middle school and high school.  Walking on that path takes me back to those fall afternoons that I spent running after school with my friends.  This path was my very favorite course as a high schooler, though it has changed dramatically over the past ten years.  I miss the apple trees and the litter free, dirt paths.  Even though the path is different, I cherish the memories that this path conjures up every time I walk on it with Michael B.

 And now, it's time for a nap before he makes me play some more!

38 Week Update

"So, Katie, do you think the baby has moved downward?", asks the wonderful Dr. L.  

My response?  

After laughing, "No.  I can guarantee you that this baby has not moved one bit since last week. In fact, my ribs are splitting in half, Dr. L."  

The doctor then performed the exam, and declared that the baby has not made an attempt to drop since last week.  There have been no changes whatsoever from last week's appointment.  Honestly, I am not surprised.  I think I would have a good idea if the baby dropped or if "lightning" had occurred over the past week.

Thankfully, the appointment went very well.  Aside from the lack of progress in labor department; the baby's heart rate is great, my blood pressure is fine, my weight gain is right on target, and the baby is growing just as s/he should be!  : ) There are so many reasons to be smiling right now.  And, we are!

The doctor and I did discuss the VBAC/cesarean situation in greater detail, yet again.  I made sure to ask today if he would be performing the section, if we get to that point.  And, thankfully, he said that "yes" he will most likely be performing the surgery for us.  (Hurray!!) Knowing that he will be the surgeon, makes me feel much more comfortable with the whole situation. He has this calming, humble spirit, and is a wonderful surgeon.  He did point out, though, that I am still a good candidate for a VBAC.  Although, he doesn't think that I will be going into labor this week due to the results of the exam.  And, sure enough, as soon as those words left his lips, he stated that he could very well be wrong and that one never knows what could happen over the course of a week.  

I treated myself to a massage after the appointment today, which was worth every PENNY.  My back and ribs are feeling so much better for the moment.  Part of me is wondering if the baby has shifted or if I am just feeling better because my muscles are relaxed.  Either way, I'm just thankful that the pain is gone for the moment.  When my neck and shoulders were massaged, I thought I was going to fall off the table in pain!  : )  Apparently, my shoulders and neck are "a little" tight.  I'm sure that those muscles are very tense because of the discomfort that I've been experiencing over the past few weeks.   The baby enjoyed the massage!  S/He began to move as soon as the masseuse started to work on my feet.  It was a sweet moment!  

How much longer?

Seriously.  How much longer?!  I'm pretty sure that my ribs, on my right side,  are going to spilt in half. (If they haven't already.)  My back just might spilt in half, as well.  This baby has not dropped one bit.  And, considering the fact that the baby is packing on the pounds right now, I'm in pain. 

Pain. Pain. Pain.  And, it's not even labor!  How do women have triplets or twins?  I can't even imagine the rib pain while carrying two or three babies.  And, how do women deal with labor on top of this constant, nagging pain?  

This evening I told Josh that if I go into labor on my own, I'm going to ask for the epidural as soon as I walk in the door.  (That's how crappy I have felt for the past week.)  Actually, I'd take an epidural right now, if I could.  I'm now resorting to crying a couple times a day because I'm so incredibly uncomfortable.  I don't even cry during marathons, for goodness sake!  (Actually, I did cry once...the MCM marathon in 2003, it was an awful marathon.)

We've had a great weekend.  Josh has been dragging Michael and me all over the place.  There are pictures to share, but that would require some extra effort on my part this evening.  And, I'm all about wallowing in self pity right now.  

More cheerfulness tomorrow!  I am incredibly grateful, though.  The baby is moving quite a bit, and is very healthy.  And, that is certainly what is most important right now.  I can make it a few more weeks...at least I'm not teaching and on my feet all day.

Disappointing...

The appointment today was, disappointing and discouraging. It's looking like the hope of having a VBAC is dwindling. There has been no cervical change at all from last week, which means that we're running out of time. The doctor confirmed my thoughts that this pregnancy is heading down the same path as Michael's, meaning that it's unlikely that I will progress enough prior to the scheduled c-section date. Neither dilation or effacement happens over night, according to my doctor, and typically a progression is seen each week when the body is preparing for labor. If I had not been down this road before, I would still be hopeful. So, I'm feeling disappointed. We still have four weeks, so I haven't given up hope of a VBAC. It's just very unlikely. And, that's okay. A healthy baby is much more important than a VBAC.

Josh and I do have so much to be thankful for, that is for certain. The baby's heart rate sounded great today. The doctor was able to find it immediately. And, the baby is growing and putting on layers of fat by the day, which is wonderful!

After the appointment Josh and I went out for lunch, and we made a list of all of the good things that will come from the (likely) scheduled cesarean. Here's some of our list:

1. Our favorite doctor will perform the surgery, he delivered Michael. We both adore him and his bedside manner. I completely trust him and he will likely let our doula be with us during the surgery, which was very comforting with Michael.

2. Insurance! My insurance will change on Sept 30, which means better hospital coverage!

3. Michael will go to his sitter's on the baby's birthday, and Josh will hopefully be able to pick him up so that we can have some quiet "family of four" time before our families come to visit. I really want Michael to meet the baby without a room full of people. I think he's going to be overwhelmed with seeing me in the hospital bed, so I really want things to be low-key when he meets the baby.

4. The baby will be a perfect 10! ; ) Born on the tenth day of the tenth month of the year. Now how many people can claim that?!

5. My brothers and my sister in law will be here on the birthday. Daniel and Patty were not able to meet Michael until he was three or four weeks, but this time they will get to meet the baby on the actual birthday! James will hopefully be able to pop in before heading to work. And, Clay doesn't have a home game that weekend, so he's free to head home.

6. I kind of know what to expect this time around, which is somewhat comforting. The staples, the catheter, the prep work before surgery, and the time spent in the recovery room, won't be as shocking this time around.

There's so much to be thankful for, and we truly are looking forward to the baby's birth.

***Talked to my Grandmother F. this evening, and she was thrilled about the proposed c-section date because it was her mother's birthday! She told me not to name the baby after her mother, though. Her name was Alpheous Barnes Clay! How's that for an "old name"?!?!? She was actually named after her father who died a month before she was born of typhoid fever. Barnes is was her Grandmother's maiden name. And, obviously Clay was her last name. ***

For all the Tech fans, especially Uncle Clay and Granddad:.

CONGRATULATIONS ON THE WIN!!!  

It seems that our son is definitely "a boy".  He has a few favorite articles of clothing:  a basketball shirt, a soccer shirt, two pairs of "basketball shorts", a green and grey outfit from Gap, and his VT outfit.  If any of these articles of clothing are clean, Michael refuses to wear anything else.  He can't stand his church clothes.  (Can't stand them! )  The funny thing is that Josh was complaining at the beginning of the summer that Michael's wardrobe was "too preppy" and that he needed more t-shirts and more "gym/basketball" shorts, of course I disagreed.   I happen to like the $3.49 shirts from Target, thank you very much!  It turns out that Josh knew exactly what Michael was missing because Josh picked out all of the favorite outfits, except for the VT garb!  (Guess I need some lessons on picking out clothes for little boys.)

Our weekend was quite uneventful.  We spent a large amount of time at home, getting ready for this baby and staying COOL.  The three of us cleaned out the garage yesterday, which was an absolute mess!  And, we had a "family movie night" last evening.  Michael loves "family movie nights"!  The four (including Duncan as one of the 4) of us lay down in the living room, eat popcorn, and watch a family movie.  Josh and I are amazed that Michael is now able to sit through a whole movie.  

Last evening I noticed that the ice maker stopped making ice, and I literally flipped out.  I REALLY NEED ice! AT ALL TIMES!  (Lots and LOTS of ice!)  After mass and breakfast with Michael and Mary Jane, I called Sears and scheduled an appointment for someone to come out here to check out the ice maker.  (Wish I was kidding, but I'm not...) Josh fussed at me for calling because I didn't even give him the chance to troubleshoot.  He took the phone from me because he knew that the next person on my list to call was our friend, Jason.  Unfortunately, Jason was in PA last evening and got back today.   It turns out that Josh fixed the problem in less than an hour.  I definitely overreacted a bit, but like I said...I really, really need ICE these days.  (It's like, right up there with the air conditioning.)  And, I do realize that are such things as TRAYS for ice, but I just really cherish the ice maker.  (I don't have to wait for the ice to freeze. And, I'm lazy! )

More to come tomorrow:  37 week appointment update!!!

A Mommy-Michael Day...

We're having a wonderful day: the temperature is much cooler (HOORAY!), we have been able to relax, and enjoy some time with my Grandparents, the baby isn't splitting my ribs and back, and we even completed a few errands!  

This morning Michael and I did a little craft.  Honestly, these crafts are perfect for him because of his three-year old attention span.  They are incredibly simple and interactive, but quick.  Brevity is key with toddlers, or so I'm learning.  So, here's a picture of Michael painting the "B's" for "Bumble Bee".  (The lower case b's and d's and p's really throw him for a loop.  I completely understand, they all look the same to me, too.) I don't have a picture of the letter B, as a bumble bee, so you'll have to trust that it's very cute.  Maybe he'll pose for a picture after his nap with the official finished product. ; )  (Again, check out the links to No Time for Flash Cards, it's a fantastic blog!!)

After we completed the craft and cleaned up, Michael decided that he wanted to play with the new chalk board and spell some words.  We did that for a little bit, and then got ready to complete our errands.  The number one errand being, a haircut!  

Around lunch time we went to see my grandparents, for our weekly lunch visit.  We had a delicious lunch, as usual Michael stuffed himself with whatever my grandmother offered him to eat (or, drink).  And, of course, we played in my grandparents' yard.  Their yard is like a fantasy land to him, it's so precious!  He explores, plays with his cars, inspects the grass and the dirt, it's almost like he's never seen such an amazing back yard.  

And, now here we are at nap time.  I'm sitting on our bed, with all the windows open and the fan blowing, taking in all of this deliciously cool air.  The baby is moving quite a bit and is kicking up a storm.  Sometimes I wonder if I'm growing an octopus because I'm feeling little jabs ALL over my stomach.  How's that possible? : ) I love it, I really do...

(He still pulls his ear when he's tired.  My sweet baby boy.)

The Baby Moved!

Last night I did a bunch of exercises suggested by our doula to help relieve the back and rib pain that I was experiencing yesterday.  I also took a warm bath in an attempt to relax my back muscles and intercostal muscles last evening.  After all of that, I felt better for about an hour, or so.  Sure enough the pain came back and stayed -- ALL NIGHT LONG.  At one point I said to Josh, "There's no way I'm strong enough to have this baby without pain meds, if I can't even take a little back/rib pain. Heck, there's no way I'm strong enough to last four more WEEKS if this pain persists!"  Poor Josh wasn't really sure what to say, except that he was sorry.  

I got up a number of times throughout the night, trying to lay in different positions and trying to get the baby to shift.  Michael got up around 5:30 this morning, and I climbed into his bed to help him get back to sleep.  He went right to sleep while I continued to suffer through the rib pain.  At one point, I thought I was going to start crying.  I fought back the tears and felt the baby move to my left side. And, the pain was gone! I said a prayer of thanks (honestly, I did), and then went right to sleep for another three hours.  For the most part, I have felt pretty good today.  There have been a few bouts of back/rib pain, but nothing like what I have been feeling non-stop since Saturday afternoon.

Today I registered at the hospital AND I packed "the bag"!  I also met with our doula, which was extremely helpful.  She's a dear friend of ours, and I'm so thankful for her support right now.  As much as I love and appreciate my doctors, she has a lot more to offer in terms of working through pain and discomfort. When I talked to the doctor yesterday about the pain, he smiled sympathetically and didn't offer one suggestion. However, when I talked to our doula, she sounded concerned and was full of ideas to relieve the discomfort.  

We're getting closer and closer...Next up--car seat inspection by the fire department this week and batteries installed in the sacred bouncy seat!  

36 Weeks- Entering the "Home Stretch"

I like to think of the last month of pregnancy, just as I think of the last three miles of a marathon: misery, with a hint of accomplishment.

This morning I went to my 36 week appointment with the most awful rib and back pain ever. On my way to the hospital, I kept thinking, "Maybe today is the day!" I knew better, though. We're not even close to being done.

The appointment went well. The baby is still head down, yay. My cervix has not dilated at all, (insert cuss word). I gained two pounds in a week, and I don't even care at this point. I could gain fifty over the next month and not care, as long as this back/rib pain is here. My bp is good 104/60, and the baby's heartrate was in the 140's today. Things are looking great, according to the doc. I sure do wish I "felt" great, though. At many points during the day, I could rip someone's head off- that's how terrible I feel right now. : (

The doctor and I talked a smidgen more about the VBAC. I had to schedule the c-section date, just in case I go past the baby's due date. We don't have a time set, though, so it's all very tentative. There is a definite end in sight, however.

Shopping Spree, Spelling Bee

Yesterday Michael and I did a little pre-baby shopping, which was lots of fun!  I bought the baby a couple itty, bitty outfits for the first few weeks, when nothing fits because the baby is so tiny.  (Let's hope so, anyway...)  I even found a precious pink (see the above pictures!) outfit for $5.99, which didn't make me feel too guilty for spending money on an outfit that we may, or may not, use.  

Michael was not left out, however!  We found this great little toy with magnetic letters and numbers, which came with a chalk board.  Michael has this fascination with spelling words right now, and Josh has been asking for some "upper and lower case letters" to practice spelling words with Michael.  We spent much of the morning spelling various names and words.  The only annoying thing about this new toy are all of the pieces! Of course, the more pieces the better, according to Michael B.  

"Spelling Issues"...

Help us!  

When you hear the name Nora(h,) which spelling do you think of?  

1.  Norah

OR

2. Nora

Please help us settle this household dispute.  

Just leave a comment, please.  Post anonymously, it takes two seconds, I will have no idea who you are...  ; ) 

Blueberry Tea Cake!

Michael and I bagged the crafts today. We decided to put a few ounces on the baby instead. We made a delicious blueberry tea cake. This is the recipe that we used, just click on this link. (FYI on the recipe: we used real blueberries, 2 cups, instead of pie filling.)

After the cake cooled, we took a few pieces to my Grandmother's house. She made us a delicious lunch today. And, as usual after lunch, Michael HAD to play in her yard. He has a very special spot in her yard where he likes to line up his cars. It's so precious. It's on a little hill with a patch of dirt and rocks, a little boy's dream! Michael took a soccer ball outside this afternoon, as well, and created his own basketball game with a hanging basket. My job was to reach in the basket and pull out the ball when he made his shots! It's so interesting to watch his imagination grow everyday. He's turning into a little boy right before our eyes.

I'm not feeling the greatest this evening, so this is a short post. : ) My back and ribs are killing me. And, don't get excited, it's just due to the size of the baby--not contractions! I'm ready for the little one to drop, that's for sure. The last few weeks are kind of rough.

Good Days...

Michael, Josh, and I had scrambled eggs this morning for breakfast; on a Thursday and it's not summer break!  Josh actually sat at the bar in the kitchen and drank his coffee, while we talked about our plans for the day; on a Thursday and it's not summer break!  I breathed a big sigh of relief this morning and said to Josh, "Isn't this wonderful?  Can you believe how relaxed the three of us are right now??"  I then headed off to Michael's playroom to play "cars" before he went to the sitter's house for the day.  

Dinner was just the same this evening.   While I am feeling tired all the time (again!), I was completely relaxed when cooking dinner.  Michael helped prepare the meal, while Josh sat in the kitchen with us as we cooked.  

I do miss my friends at school, but it is heavenly to be able to actually enjoy the mornings and evenings!  This is probably the calm before the storm, right?  (Let's hope not.)  Time to go watch Barack, I'm doing my best to stay awake this evening.  

Picking out a "team name"

Last evening, as Josh and I were getting ready for bed, I brought up the topic of baby names.  His response was, "Yeah.  We do need to decide on a "team name", I guess."  Then he caught himself, and started cracking up with laughter.  If you know my husband, you know that

 he is a HUGE Fantasy Football fanatic.  (HUGE!)  So,  for the past two weeks, he's been throwing out "team names" for the two FF leagues that he will be participating in this fall.   I told him that he needs to change his focus to the

  baby, not fantasy league.  

This morning I had a doctor's appointment.  Everything is going well, according to the doctor.  I've gained two pounds over the last two weeks. (Supposedly the baby gains like a half a pound a week from now until the delivery.) My blood pressure is great and the belly measurement is right on.  The baby's heart rate today today was 128, its lowest measure to date!  The doctor said that the baby is now head down, which is great news.  I'm still thinking we're having a boy, and Josh is CONVINCED the baby is girl!  

We discussed the VBAC plan in more detail today, which was helpful.  I asked the doctor if I would be able to go two weeks past the due date before scheduling me for a cesarean.  He clearly and unmistakably said, "No."  : ) Apparently, if I don't have the baby around the due date then I will be scheduled for a section just a few days past the due date.  As it stands, I really only have six weeks left!  Due to my experience with Michael, I was banking on six to EIGHT weeks. (I'm a procrastinator, this on time delivery, or even early(?) delivery, has thrown me waaaay off! )One of the main reasons for scheduling the section so close to the due date pertains to the size of the baby.  If the baby is "big", there is a greater risk of uterine rupture and extra pressure placed on the scar during the delivery.  When I learned that I would not be given an extra week or two, I made a mental note to run/walk as much as possible once I hit 38 weeks.  Maybe that will help move things along, I'm going to run this baby out!  (Inductions are not done on women who have had cesareans (at this practice), due to the risk of a uterine rupture. So, no pitocin for me and the babe this time around.)  

In other news, I have not felt well all day.  I'm not sure if it's because I got up so early this morning to meet the running group or if it was just an off day.  (It is still absolutely fine for me to be running at this point, though I'd hardly call it running!)  After the appointment, I made a quick lunch and went right to sleep.  I stayed in bed until it was time to pick up Michael from the sitter.  I've been feeling crampy all day, with lots of pressure in my belly.  I discussed these feelings with the doctor this morning, and everything I'm feeling is normal.  He said that I will start to have more braxton hicks contractions earlier than I did with Michael.  And that the best medicine is rest and water--no problem there!  After learning more about the VBAC today, I am welcoming the contractions.  

This little one is encouraged to start moving things along!

Day Care for the Dog?

Have I mentioned that I have the most annoying, hyperactive, OCD dog on the planet?

Normally, I am conscious of using the pronoun "we", rather than "I", because Duncan is jointly owned by both Josh and me. However, this dog has made it his mission to follow EVERY. SINGLE. STEP. "I" take EVERY. MINUTE. OF. THE. DAY. He's CLEARLY ALL!! MINE!! at this time. I sure do hope that once the baby arrives, he'll chill. Because if he doesn't, he's either going to spend the entire day in the crate OR I'm going to strike a deal with Michael's sitter. In the near future, I'm also going to buy a water bottle to squirt in his face when he jumps on our guests. I can't stand the jumping on people, I actually cringe when people come to the door-his behavior is THAT bad. It's either a squirt bottle, pepper spray, a little bit of alcohol slipped into his water bowl, or a drop kick. The water bottle (not bowl!) seems more humane, don't you think?

I do love my dog. No need to call the animal shelter, at this time...