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!  : ) 

"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!  : )  

Such a Blessing...

This morning Michael played in a sandbox, while I sprawled out on the grass with my enormously stretched out belly.  The sun was shining warmly on both of us and I felt so happy to be sharing this quiet fall morning with our son.  We went to a farm in a neighboring county so that Michael could pick out a pumpkin and play on the playground equipment.  There were lots of children at the farm from the time we got there until the time we left.  Michael cautiously played on the equipment, be sure to note the picture of him "slowly" walking down the ramp of the pirate ship.  (He cracks me up!) 

I would definitely like to go back to this farm with Josh, Michael, and the baby on one of the days that Josh is off for "paternity leave."  : )   I'm afraid, though, that I've blocked out the memories of how awful I felt for the first two weeks after Michael was born.  I'm praying that everything will be slightly "less traumatizing" than the first time around.  I'm expecting the exhaustion and the abdominal pain; but I'm hoping that nursing will be more relaxed and that just caring for a baby in general will be a little bit more relaxed this time around!  At least we won't have to worry about the heat and sunburn with the baby, when Michael was born it was HOT and it was not easy to romp around outside with him.  I suppose time will tell, right?

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 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!  

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.

"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.

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...

The joys of having a child who is potty trained.

Josh isn't feeling well, which is a real bummer. I hate it when Josh is sick because he does so much for our family. And, when he's sick I really miss his humor and child rearing support. This morning we all headed out by 9:30, so that Josh could have some beach time before the men's USA/Argentina basketball game. Michael and I decided to head down the beach for a walk while Josh was resting on the blanket. Unfortunately, we didn't make it back from the walk in time to give Josh a get well hug and kiss before he headed back to the house.

Michael and I made the best of our time on the beach together, though. We decided to dig a hole for his trucks and cars, and we had a lovely little snack on the blanket. I was a rotten mom and let Michael drink a little bottle of gatorade (at least it wasn't Coke!) during our snack. Obviously, I did not consider the repercussions of letting Michael drink an entire bottle of gatorade. The result of the gatorade, was that the poor kid had to pee about a half an hour later. At this point, I wasn't ready to head back to the house or to make the trek to the swimming pool. So, I told him he would have to go in the ocean. He said in an excited and joyous tone, "OKAY, MOM!!!" And, then started to pull down his pants. (Not good.) So, I glanced around and carried him over to the sand dunes, where things were a little less obvious. Michael loves to urinate outside, so he was totally happy with this proposition! Wouldn't you know it, another twenty minutes pass by and he has to pee again! I thought he was bluffing, so I made him pack up all of his beach toys. He said he still had to go, so we headed right back to the dunes. : ) And, he really did have to go, poor little guy.

After we got all packed up, Michael and I carried (actually, I carried) our entire beach camp back to the golf cart. What a load that was! The entire time I was thinking, you know...when I was pregnant with my first no one would let me carry as much as a laundry basket of clothes. The second time around: I'm carrying three beach chairs, a cooler, a bag of beach toys, a bag of towels, and making sure that the three year old is following me. Things CHANGE for the second pregnancy, don't they? : ) I'm not complaining, in fact I'd much rather be a pack mule than a fragile little doll, any day. Honestly, I would. It's just funny how things change, isn't it? I wonder what life will be like when I'm pregnant with our fifth or sixth baby?

I shudder to think about such things...

Seven to Nine...

weeks left!  

Yiiiiikes!!!!!!!  

When Josh took this picture today, I told him to try to hide the cellulite as much as possible. We both laughed.  Isn't my linea nigra hot?!?!  (The dark line down my belly.) Shortly after our laugh, I told him that I CAN'T WAIT to have my abs back in shape next summer and wear a bikini again.  I remember after having Michael, I had this newfound respect for my body and all the changes that it went through.  Though my body hardly looks like that of an Olympic athlete; I truly appreciate every muscle. The stretch marks that cover my legs don't even seem to bother me anymore.  

33 weeks, my friends!

Will Faye Turn the Other Way?

We can't help it. Josh and I have our eyes set on what Hurricane Faye is going to do in the next few days.  Yesterday it looked like Faye would be heading straight up the east coast, giving us a good dousing of rain on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.  (Lovely.)  However, there is a "chance" that Faye will hit the western side of Fl's coast.  I presume that this would be good news for us?  Josh says that we're leaving early, if the hurricane decides to head this way.  I told him that we would do no such thing.  (Guess who the driver is, though? Guess who wears the pants in family? ---Josh. and, Josh.) 

All the hurricane talk aside, today is a sunny, hot, beautiful day at the beach.  It's actually amazing how crowded the development is for the week.  I don't think we've ever seen such a huge crowd here.  When we got down to the beach this morning, Josh made us walk SO FAR, so that we could be away from the crowd.  I was so ticked that he was making Michael and me walk a half a mile down the beach for a "special uncrowded spot".  (I am eight months pregnant, after all.)  About forty-five minutes into sitting on the beach, I was singing Josh's praises.  : ) The area in front of our development was PACKED with families, which would have made it difficult to keep a close eye on Michael B.  I guess most people took advantage of the lower rates for this week, and since most schools haven't started back; this is a great family beach week.  I did tell Josh that even though his "ideas" irritate me at times, I was very happy with the spot he found us this morning. Though, it was reminiscent of a "Griswald" family vacation moment.  You know, the dad, hauling the family down the beach to find the perfect location.  

We spent all morning outside, playing in the sand, waves, and the pool.  Michael continues to enjoy every minute of playing on the beach.  He absolutely loves to "play cars" in the sand, which gives Josh and me plenty of time to read on the beach.  I've already finished one book and I'm now working on another.  I love having my nose in a good book at the beach!  

After the rascal wakes from his nap, we're heading back out for more time on the beach! 

Stay tuned for Faye updates...Oh, and pictures, too!

He LOVES it!

Watching Michael B and Josh head into the waves.  The water was a bit choppy today.

My VERY favorite picture of the day.  It looks like the wave is going to pummel the two of them, of course it didn't.  

Michael loves riding on Josh's shoulders in the ocean.  It makes me a little nervous, though.
Mom does a handstand.  Nice, big, hefty pregnant legs!  Looks like I haven't just gained weight in my belly... : ) 
Swimming with Mom, and holding a car... of course!
One of Michael's favorite activities is pushing his cars around in the sand.  He makes road after road...
Trying out his "surf board"!
Getting ready to head into the ocean with Dad.
Playing chase with the waves, again!
So incredibly happy!  Just look at that smile!  

What a day!  We started out on the beach bright and early this morning:  9:15 , or so!  Because it was cloudy and overcast, we stayed out until 12:45 and headed back to the house for lunch and M's nap.  It's hard to describe how much fun Michael is having.  Every time we head to the beach, he squeals with delight and laughs a deep, belly laugh.  He does the exact same thing when we walk into the beach house.  He is truly so happy to be here!  

I can't help but feel amazed at how much our lives have changed from that sweet day that Josh proposed to me on this very beach.  To have a wonderful marriage, a happy and healthy three year old, and now a baby on the way; is so much more than what I could have ever imagined! Each summer that we come to this special beach, life seems to be better and better.  

On that sappy note, the weather looks like it's going to be crummy starting on Wednesday.  (Awesome!)  We're going to spend every waking, sunny moment at the beach until the rain comes in.  It was a little rainy this evening, but Michael refused to stay inside.  He literally cried and cried when I told him that we needed to wait a little bit.  Since it wasn't thundering we ended up spending a good two hours on the beach, in the sprinkling rain.  It was fun!  The water felt great, and we didn't have to worry about sunscreen.  

More pictures to come tomorrow!