layer one
two layers!!Thank you Davis family for starting our little Peapod's wardrobe! I love hand-me-downs!! Its what I grew up in and now we pass on the tradition. Won't she look adorable in these?
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Change in "Ranttitude"
OK, I can't leave my boo post as my latest post anymore. Now that I have all that ranting out of my system and my attitude has improved, on to good things! Like...
1) Today is my dearest friend Cara's 25th birthday! A quarter of a century my friend, you old bag lady you. Cara has kept me sane for most of my life ;), and I treasure our friendship more than most because she has always been my "lifesaver." No point in denying that one. She now lives a million miles away in a far away land called Chicago, and seems to love it... but the Giant and I are still keeping our fingers crossed that one day not in the not so far distant future that Cara and her husband Grant will come to their senses and decide it is just better to live near us- no matter where that is- even in Timbucktoo. So, happy big 2-5 my Cara Marie! I love you always :)
2) Baby Peapod is dancing and growing. We are at 28 weeks and based on yesterday's doctor's appointment, things are looking good. I have started feeling the braxton hicks contractions, but this post is on good things so I'll save more on that one for later. While at the doc's yesterday, my OB put the heart monitor on me and Peapod gave it a swift and powerful jab. Heard that one! Apparently she wasn't a fan of being interrupted during her dance recital.
3) Survey time!!!
How far along?: 28 weeks!!
How big is baby?: Approx. the size of an chinese cabbage (google it- I had no idea either) and weighing about 2 1/4 lbs. Almost 15 inches long head to heal.
Weight Gain?: Gaining steadily. I'm up almost 12 pounds now. Eek!
Stretch Marks?: Still NO! Thank you Jesus!!
Maternity Clothes?: Basically anything that can stretch is being worn at this point.
Sleep?: I fell asleep before 9pm the other night. Am I old? I don't know if I care- it felt sooo good!
Best moment this week?: Getting to have lunch with our goddaughter Baby Jessica. Oh and her parents Mikey and Katie ;) Thank you for all the baby clothes by the way!
Food Cravings?: Fresh cucumbers! Mmm! And Cheetos...
Gender?: She is still all girl.
Movement?: More and more and she seems to be farther into my ribs now. But still laying across my belly so my sides get the brunt. And so much pressure!
What I miss?: Wine. And not glaring at the scale every time I walk by it... even though I know why the needle is going up and I am thankful that it is, it does not make seeing those numbers rise any easier.
Belly Button?: I look like I have two. Weird.
Labor Signs?: Bring on the Braxton Hicks contractions- as long as they stay BH and not pre-term labor!
What I'm looking forward to?: Seeing my sister in 9 days!!!
Milestone?: Having my husband help push me out of my bed because I could not seem to roll over to get up. Pathetic... not all milestones are good ones, but they're milestones.
4) 4th of July is one of my favorite holidays and its only a few days away!! We have no outstandingly huge plans and I am just fine with that. Saving up all my energy for the next weekend with my sister!
5) I want this. Or something like this. My back hurts. (No this is not supposed to be in my good things list, but hey its whats going on right now so its worth adding).
6) DRUM ROLL PLEASE....drrrrrrrrrr (I dont know how you spell out a drum roll)..... tonight is DATE NIGHT!!! My husband rocks! We are going to see the new movie Eclipse! The third movie in the Twilight Saga. WOOHOO! 7pm. My phone will be off (and by off I mean silent because its never actually off). Do not bother calling. I won't pick up. I will be in Jacob vs Edward heaven! Hope the giant doesn't kill me for announcing to the world that he TOO will be going to see this little peice of lover-story heaven. :) He is secretly just as excited- very secretly! Busted!!!
1) Today is my dearest friend Cara's 25th birthday! A quarter of a century my friend, you old bag lady you. Cara has kept me sane for most of my life ;), and I treasure our friendship more than most because she has always been my "lifesaver." No point in denying that one. She now lives a million miles away in a far away land called Chicago, and seems to love it... but the Giant and I are still keeping our fingers crossed that one day not in the not so far distant future that Cara and her husband Grant will come to their senses and decide it is just better to live near us- no matter where that is- even in Timbucktoo. So, happy big 2-5 my Cara Marie! I love you always :)
2) Baby Peapod is dancing and growing. We are at 28 weeks and based on yesterday's doctor's appointment, things are looking good. I have started feeling the braxton hicks contractions, but this post is on good things so I'll save more on that one for later. While at the doc's yesterday, my OB put the heart monitor on me and Peapod gave it a swift and powerful jab. Heard that one! Apparently she wasn't a fan of being interrupted during her dance recital.
3) Survey time!!!
How far along?: 28 weeks!!
How big is baby?: Approx. the size of an chinese cabbage (google it- I had no idea either) and weighing about 2 1/4 lbs. Almost 15 inches long head to heal.
Weight Gain?: Gaining steadily. I'm up almost 12 pounds now. Eek!
Stretch Marks?: Still NO! Thank you Jesus!!
Maternity Clothes?: Basically anything that can stretch is being worn at this point.
Sleep?: I fell asleep before 9pm the other night. Am I old? I don't know if I care- it felt sooo good!
Best moment this week?: Getting to have lunch with our goddaughter Baby Jessica. Oh and her parents Mikey and Katie ;) Thank you for all the baby clothes by the way!
Food Cravings?: Fresh cucumbers! Mmm! And Cheetos...
Gender?: She is still all girl.
Movement?: More and more and she seems to be farther into my ribs now. But still laying across my belly so my sides get the brunt. And so much pressure!
What I miss?: Wine. And not glaring at the scale every time I walk by it... even though I know why the needle is going up and I am thankful that it is, it does not make seeing those numbers rise any easier.
Belly Button?: I look like I have two. Weird.
Labor Signs?: Bring on the Braxton Hicks contractions- as long as they stay BH and not pre-term labor!
What I'm looking forward to?: Seeing my sister in 9 days!!!
Milestone?: Having my husband help push me out of my bed because I could not seem to roll over to get up. Pathetic... not all milestones are good ones, but they're milestones.
4) 4th of July is one of my favorite holidays and its only a few days away!! We have no outstandingly huge plans and I am just fine with that. Saving up all my energy for the next weekend with my sister!
5) I want this. Or something like this. My back hurts. (No this is not supposed to be in my good things list, but hey its whats going on right now so its worth adding).
6) DRUM ROLL PLEASE....drrrrrrrrrr (I dont know how you spell out a drum roll)..... tonight is DATE NIGHT!!! My husband rocks! We are going to see the new movie Eclipse! The third movie in the Twilight Saga. WOOHOO! 7pm. My phone will be off (and by off I mean silent because its never actually off). Do not bother calling. I won't pick up. I will be in Jacob vs Edward heaven! Hope the giant doesn't kill me for announcing to the world that he TOO will be going to see this little peice of lover-story heaven. :) He is secretly just as excited- very secretly! Busted!!!
A Modern Day Pharisee
I need a moment to rant- but first let me say- I've thought long and hard about if I even wanted to write this post. This is a thought out rant and I fully understand that not everyone will agree with it and I may very well offend someone at some point but I just can't help it. I tend to stay away from most all deep conversations on this subject because frankly I'm not all-knowing. I don't have most of the answers. Perhaps by choice, perhaps by the desire to think outside the box and encourage others to as well. With that.
Religion. Its been a part of me since the day I was born. Since the day I was conceived. Since the day my parents ever even imagined a me. Its so far deep in my roots that even if I tried to run away from it, it would follow me on every turn because it is so ingrained in my history. I would have nothing to stand on in my life if I didn't have some form of religion that has guided me through every step of my life. But if someone asked me if I'm religious, I think my response would be that I am more "spiritual" than "religious." You may not see a difference at first in the two, but there is a difference (to me). Being religious is uniform. Being spiritual is deeper. Being spiritual is a personal connection to the establishment that is religion, you feel it, you share it, you grow with it. You are a member of a religion, but you live spirituality. What is the religion of Christianity without the Holy Spirit? And I believe God blesses people, some in some ways, some in others. Some are blessed with good families. Others with finances. Others with health, etc.
OK, with all that said, so that you know I am in no way knocking religion (and here we get people raising their eyebrows- but stay with me), I want to vent about something I've seen recently that absolutely gets my goat and I dont understand whatsoever! I work for Mercedes Benz. I don't sell. I don't deal with the Mercedes themselves much at all. I do admin. My desire to work for Mercedes, I will leave that alone- gag. I could care less about cars. But, everyday I see people from different walks of life come in. Some with old money. Some with new. Some with none. Some that are living out of their means but put up the front that they have more than do and want a Mercedes to keep that charade going. Some so excited that they have finally reached a point in their life where they can afford the high end car of their dreams. And, some that act like they would never even step foot into a non-high end vehicle and because we work here, we must be here to serve them. Um- no. No. No. No. Not my thing. But more than anything- the worst of the worst for me are the people that come in (from churches) buying the head pastor a new Mercedes. But not our $40k Mercedes. Not even our $60k Mercedes. But our $100+k Mercedes. Because "God told me to drive a Mercedes." Yes I actually heard that come out of a pastor's mouth yesterday! And yes it took every bit of pre-preggo sanity to not spin right around and start that conversation. I mean seriously?! Did God seriously tell you that it would be in you and your church and congregation's best interest for you to drive a ridiculously flashy and overpriced peice of metal on four wheels. Man I wish God would tell me to drive a $115k Mercedes!! On the church's dime? Oh and what makes it worse is that the church's membership is less than 200 people and not doing well as it sits in a rather rough part of town! How do I know this? Because the church secretary came in along with the preacher to write the check and had some of the church's financial records with her- and a little thing called google. Anybody else putting the dots together here? At what point will people stop using God as an excuse? Seems like if you have to use God as an "excuse" to do something that you otherwise wouldn't be able to do, then maybe there is an issue. Now, I have absolutely NO problem with someone who has done well for themselves to do anything they want their money. Preacher or no preacher. Your money. Your call. Not your money. Maybe think twice. "God's" money. Maybe think three times and then think about where else that money might should be going! Totally different ends of the spectrum! But come on!! And I wish I could say that this was the first time I'd seen or heard this, but sadly its not. Its probably more like the dozenth time, in the last year and a half. What is going on? I don't know what's worse though. This, or the preacher that came in last week to trade his 2010 $60k Mercedes that was purchased for him in February for a 2009 higher class $80k Mercedes because he thought he needed something "more prestigious" quote unquote and quote again.
So now friends and family, if we have talked on the phone while I'm getting off of work and I have ever sounded a little annoyed or frustrated or stressed but don't want to talk about it- that might just be why. My bull**** tolerance levels had been shot through the roof that day because I might have just dealt with some haughty pharisee like this and to keep my job I had to keep my mouth shut and smile!! Again, not my thing! Ok, my rant is over. Does anybody else feel the same way or am I just off my pregnant rocker?! My attempt to not judge people totally abandoned me here. Sorry for the downer of a post this time.
Religion. Its been a part of me since the day I was born. Since the day I was conceived. Since the day my parents ever even imagined a me. Its so far deep in my roots that even if I tried to run away from it, it would follow me on every turn because it is so ingrained in my history. I would have nothing to stand on in my life if I didn't have some form of religion that has guided me through every step of my life. But if someone asked me if I'm religious, I think my response would be that I am more "spiritual" than "religious." You may not see a difference at first in the two, but there is a difference (to me). Being religious is uniform. Being spiritual is deeper. Being spiritual is a personal connection to the establishment that is religion, you feel it, you share it, you grow with it. You are a member of a religion, but you live spirituality. What is the religion of Christianity without the Holy Spirit? And I believe God blesses people, some in some ways, some in others. Some are blessed with good families. Others with finances. Others with health, etc.
OK, with all that said, so that you know I am in no way knocking religion (and here we get people raising their eyebrows- but stay with me), I want to vent about something I've seen recently that absolutely gets my goat and I dont understand whatsoever! I work for Mercedes Benz. I don't sell. I don't deal with the Mercedes themselves much at all. I do admin. My desire to work for Mercedes, I will leave that alone- gag. I could care less about cars. But, everyday I see people from different walks of life come in. Some with old money. Some with new. Some with none. Some that are living out of their means but put up the front that they have more than do and want a Mercedes to keep that charade going. Some so excited that they have finally reached a point in their life where they can afford the high end car of their dreams. And, some that act like they would never even step foot into a non-high end vehicle and because we work here, we must be here to serve them. Um- no. No. No. No. Not my thing. But more than anything- the worst of the worst for me are the people that come in (from churches) buying the head pastor a new Mercedes. But not our $40k Mercedes. Not even our $60k Mercedes. But our $100+k Mercedes. Because "God told me to drive a Mercedes." Yes I actually heard that come out of a pastor's mouth yesterday! And yes it took every bit of pre-preggo sanity to not spin right around and start that conversation. I mean seriously?! Did God seriously tell you that it would be in you and your church and congregation's best interest for you to drive a ridiculously flashy and overpriced peice of metal on four wheels. Man I wish God would tell me to drive a $115k Mercedes!! On the church's dime? Oh and what makes it worse is that the church's membership is less than 200 people and not doing well as it sits in a rather rough part of town! How do I know this? Because the church secretary came in along with the preacher to write the check and had some of the church's financial records with her- and a little thing called google. Anybody else putting the dots together here? At what point will people stop using God as an excuse? Seems like if you have to use God as an "excuse" to do something that you otherwise wouldn't be able to do, then maybe there is an issue. Now, I have absolutely NO problem with someone who has done well for themselves to do anything they want their money. Preacher or no preacher. Your money. Your call. Not your money. Maybe think twice. "God's" money. Maybe think three times and then think about where else that money might should be going! Totally different ends of the spectrum! But come on!! And I wish I could say that this was the first time I'd seen or heard this, but sadly its not. Its probably more like the dozenth time, in the last year and a half. What is going on? I don't know what's worse though. This, or the preacher that came in last week to trade his 2010 $60k Mercedes that was purchased for him in February for a 2009 higher class $80k Mercedes because he thought he needed something "more prestigious" quote unquote and quote again.
So now friends and family, if we have talked on the phone while I'm getting off of work and I have ever sounded a little annoyed or frustrated or stressed but don't want to talk about it- that might just be why. My bull**** tolerance levels had been shot through the roof that day because I might have just dealt with some haughty pharisee like this and to keep my job I had to keep my mouth shut and smile!! Again, not my thing! Ok, my rant is over. Does anybody else feel the same way or am I just off my pregnant rocker?! My attempt to not judge people totally abandoned me here. Sorry for the downer of a post this time.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Frisco
Well readers- I've been beaching it this weekend! I feel a little bigger, a little tanner, and a whole lot happier tonight! Frisco always makes me happy but this trip was one of a kind. Its the trip that we have all been holding our breathe on to see if Winter would make it. And woohoo her counts were up and we went! Granted it was 100+ degrees with a heat index 10 degrees above that, oh and we camped. Not exactly typical roughing it camping since we were in a cabins with a little ac unit that we had pumping out 60 degree air 24/7. But, It. Was. Hot. The cabins are just two tiny bedrooms- or one small room cut in half by a wall and door- which never shut since the ac was in the back bedroom- and we were in the front bedroom. We brought a fan with us which pretty much saved our lives at night. So, my weekend was drive, swim, beach, sleep, beach, swim, drive. I'll let you enjoy the pictures now of our little weekend adventure.
Anybody lose a baby on the beach?
_______ End of the beach and on to the pool________
About to play her favorite game of the weekend "What's the baby saying now?" She loved to swim up to me underwater and put her head up to my belly then pop out of the water and tell me what the baby was saying. "Wow! What is this swimming thing? This is fun! I love it!" says baby to Winter.
The Giant and his Winter
The new EastCoasters! We're converting more!
What's a pool party without a little Chicken?
Anybody lose a baby on the beach?
_______ End of the beach and on to the pool________
About to play her favorite game of the weekend "What's the baby saying now?" She loved to swim up to me underwater and put her head up to my belly then pop out of the water and tell me what the baby was saying. "Wow! What is this swimming thing? This is fun! I love it!" says baby to Winter.
The Giant and his Winter
The new EastCoasters! We're converting more!
What's a pool party without a little Chicken?
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Traditional Anniversary Gifts
A very random post. Especially since my anniversary isn't until October 4th, but thought maybe you might find it interesting or save it for future use :)
Does anyone pay attention to the wedding anniversary traditional gift list anymore? I did give Hubs a card last year on our first anniversary. That's paper so it counts right?! I did not however get him a clock for our anniversary- I gave him a watch for Valentines. I found this list of the "official" tradition list and thought I'd share in case anyone felt like throwing out their creative ideas. So it goes traditional/ modern gift tradition...
1st- Paper (Clocks)
2nd- Cotton (China)
3rd- Leather (Crystal, Glass)
4th- Linen, Silk (Electrical Appliances)
5th- Wood (Silverware)
6th- Iron (Wood)
7th- Wool, Copper (Desk Sets- Pens, Pencils Sets)
8th- Bronze (Linens, Laces)
9th- Pottery, China (Leather)
10th- Tin, Aluminum (Diamond Jewelry)
11th- Steel (Fashion Jewelry, Accessories)
12th- Silk (Pearls, Colored Gems)
13th- Lace (Textiles, Furs)
14th- Ivory (Gold Jewelry)
15th- Crystal (Watches)
20th- China (Platinum)
25th- Silver (Sterling Silver)
30th- Pearl (Diamond)
35th- Coral (Jade)
40th- Ruby
45th- Sapphire
50th- Gold
55th- Emerald
60th- Diamond
* 2nd anniversary- Hubs, is a baby wrapped in a cotton blanket a good enough 2nd anniversary gift? Just thinkin' out loud.
** T, your big 1-0 anniversary is next year. I string of aluminum cans will not cut it. FYI. However, Jonny, a diamond anything just might (just a sister helping out a sister).
*** Even though their anniversary isn't one of these big milestone ones this year, my parents have been married for 38 years this August! Is that not amazing? High school sweethearts. Does that ever happen anymore? I just had to share that and how proud I am to have such amazing and loving people that willingly claim me.
Does anyone pay attention to the wedding anniversary traditional gift list anymore? I did give Hubs a card last year on our first anniversary. That's paper so it counts right?! I did not however get him a clock for our anniversary- I gave him a watch for Valentines. I found this list of the "official" tradition list and thought I'd share in case anyone felt like throwing out their creative ideas. So it goes traditional/ modern gift tradition...
1st- Paper (Clocks)
2nd- Cotton (China)
3rd- Leather (Crystal, Glass)
4th- Linen, Silk (Electrical Appliances)
5th- Wood (Silverware)
6th- Iron (Wood)
7th- Wool, Copper (Desk Sets- Pens, Pencils Sets)
8th- Bronze (Linens, Laces)
9th- Pottery, China (Leather)
10th- Tin, Aluminum (Diamond Jewelry)
11th- Steel (Fashion Jewelry, Accessories)
12th- Silk (Pearls, Colored Gems)
13th- Lace (Textiles, Furs)
14th- Ivory (Gold Jewelry)
15th- Crystal (Watches)
20th- China (Platinum)
25th- Silver (Sterling Silver)
30th- Pearl (Diamond)
35th- Coral (Jade)
40th- Ruby
45th- Sapphire
50th- Gold
55th- Emerald
60th- Diamond
* 2nd anniversary- Hubs, is a baby wrapped in a cotton blanket a good enough 2nd anniversary gift? Just thinkin' out loud.
** T, your big 1-0 anniversary is next year. I string of aluminum cans will not cut it. FYI. However, Jonny, a diamond anything just might (just a sister helping out a sister).
*** Even though their anniversary isn't one of these big milestone ones this year, my parents have been married for 38 years this August! Is that not amazing? High school sweethearts. Does that ever happen anymore? I just had to share that and how proud I am to have such amazing and loving people that willingly claim me.
Beyond exhuasted
I honestly don't know if I have EVER felt so completely exhausted in my entire life! I mean like literally wanting to walk like a gorilla with my arms dragging on the ground swaying from side to side moaning with each step... this is exactly how I imagine myself in my head right now-plus a ten pound watermelon strapped to my belly.
I googled exhausted and this picture seemed most appropriate. Not a gorilla- but put my face on this bug and you've got me today!
The closest to this I've ever felt was the day I finally arrived back to America after 24+hours in the air coming from from Turkey. If I remember right, from my half asleep foggy hazed memory, by the time my parents arrived at the airport to pick me up, my body leaned up against the glass wall- entire face smooshed against the glass looking outside for their car ready to about collapse from exhaustion. Remember that exact image Mom? That and only that might beat today. And shoot it was 20 degrees then! NOT 97 degrees with a heat index of 105!!! Ugh!
Ok, I'll try and pause my complaints throughout this blog of how much effort it is to raise my fingers to type right now...try...keyword. Phew! OK- energy boost needed now.
Its been a busy week already for the giant and me. He's at MEPS (military physical) right now. He went up to Richmond yesterday on a military provided shuttle and stayed the night at a hotel. Its a two day event, but the first day is usually meant for applicants to sit for the ASVAB test, but since he's already taken that months ago, he had most of the afternoon and evening to himself. I talked to him throughout the day ::side note:he was a little nervous about me being out in the heat all day so I got many calls "checking in":: - ::side side note:: I love him for that::. Anyways, he's been anxious about his weigh in so he went for a run and worked out a little when he got up there and called it an early night. His day started today at 5AM! My husband. 5AM. That just doesn't compute. But he started with his physical and then was moving on to the contract counseling/drafting/signing and then on to swearing in later on this afternoon. I haven't heard from him yet about this part but I'm anxious to hear how he's doing. Wish I was there. I guess I'll get used to that feeling of being absent from him. Boooo! But YAY for him getting started! Fingers crossed for good news today!
Now on to me... How did I get to the third trimester already?!!! EEEK! I have so many feelings about it, I don't even know where to begin. Excited. Nervous. Petrified. Ready. SO NOT READY. Mind boggled. And pretty much every other possible feeling under the sun. But, happy third trimester to me!
Yesterday was a big day for me. Something I've been working on for months now- the annual Mercedes Benz golf tournament held in Williamsburg VA. This year (again) it got thrown in my lap because I am apparently the only one who has any experience with it or any event planning for that matter. Thank you PMR experience on my resume... Oh and the fact that I work with mostly all men, which lord knows can't plan an entire high faloot'n fancy schmancy golf tournament on their own. Oh what will they do next year?... eh... I'm too tired to care right now! The tournament went great, thank you God. But oh man was it H-O-T-T hot! 95+ degrees from sun up to sun down. Outside all day. No breeze unless someone sneezed. Almost 7 months pregnant. Can't ride a bumpy drink golf cart- :(- you PMRs know why the :( face (this might very well possibly be the most desired job of a golf tournament). Made for a looong day! I ran the show from the hole-in-one (17th) hole all day long and about cooked. Although, luckily, one of the workers with me brought his little battery powered fan that helped keep me cooled because there was absolutely no breeze until around 4:30. No joke. I drank about 3 gatorades and a bazillion waters throughout the day and shockingly I only had to take potty breaks twice- dehydrated much?!
Please ignore my nasty sweaty self but its the only picture i've got from the day. Not attractive. See my little personal yellow fan?
A twelve and a half hour work day yesterday. A ten+ hour work day the day before. I'm beat. Peapod is not though. She is dancing away right now as I type. She feels much higher today. Like in my rib cages... Very weird. Alright, my little tired fingers have had enough typing for this moment. Sorry for the choppy post- I blame exhaustion- shocker!
_________________________________
QUICK UPDATE: Good news! The Giant is now sworn in and a member of the United States Air Force!! He is home and we are relaxing. Big day today!
Friday, June 18, 2010
Week 26
Holy Guacamole! I'm so close to being in the third trimester, I feel it getting closer every day! Is this possible that I am 26 weeks pregnant?!
I feel bigger than ever (because I am! I've gained 9 lbs total)! Don't roll your eyes! On a 5'2" gal, every ounce of that shows and is felt. And I'm starting to get uncomfortable at really awkward times. For example, I can be absolutely starving, like able to eat a whole cow starving, and take three bites and my stomach gets so big I feel like if I touch it I will pop! Eating= me miserable for a couple hours. Why is that?! Long as baby girl is getting what she needs, I'll deal with the suffering.
I went to the doc Tuesday for my last "every 4 weeks" check up. I go back in three weeks, then we start the every week visit! Peapod is doing just fine in there. Laying straight across my belly, just like I've said. Lets hope she moves sometime soon! She weighs about a pound and a two thirds and measures around a little over a foot. I am measuring 25 of 26 weeks along, which doc said is totally in normal range. Take that Co-worker lady that asked me if I'm having twins yesterday!! Bless her heart.... ::said in my most sarcastic sweet southern belle voice::!
I feel bigger than ever (because I am! I've gained 9 lbs total)! Don't roll your eyes! On a 5'2" gal, every ounce of that shows and is felt. And I'm starting to get uncomfortable at really awkward times. For example, I can be absolutely starving, like able to eat a whole cow starving, and take three bites and my stomach gets so big I feel like if I touch it I will pop! Eating= me miserable for a couple hours. Why is that?! Long as baby girl is getting what she needs, I'll deal with the suffering.
I went to the doc Tuesday for my last "every 4 weeks" check up. I go back in three weeks, then we start the every week visit! Peapod is doing just fine in there. Laying straight across my belly, just like I've said. Lets hope she moves sometime soon! She weighs about a pound and a two thirds and measures around a little over a foot. I am measuring 25 of 26 weeks along, which doc said is totally in normal range. Take that Co-worker lady that asked me if I'm having twins yesterday!! Bless her heart.... ::said in my most sarcastic sweet southern belle voice::!
Please ignore the slight blue showing- I wasn't prepared- and I was in my work bathroom... ;)
Sleep is becoming quite a rough task. I know I know- just wait til I'm 36 weeks. Peapod and I have a nightly routine. I fall asleep for a couple of hours & she wakes me up jumping around in there reminding me how bad I need to Frankensteinishly waddle myself to the bathroom. I try and I tell myself that I don't have to go THAT bad, but then with a little fist pump she reminds me OH YES YOU DO! Sometimes I can easily drift back to sleep. Sometimes not. Last night- not. Poor me. I bitterly stared at Hubs for a while as he lay next to me slumbering away contemplating how many jabs it would take to "see if he was awake..." so I wouldn't be the only one stuck awake! Eventually I must have fallen back to sleep before I could make a decision because his sides were spared.
Its Friday! TGIF! The giant and I are packing our bathing suits and heading down to Nags Head tonight to spend the weekend on the beach with my fam at our "condobeach" house and yes, I will be wearing a bikini. Judge if you must, but trust me, I will be a heck of a lot more comfy with my bump hanging out rather than shoving it into some cursed one piece made for a non-preggo. Bleh!! But it's black, so maybe the black slimming rule still applies...? There's no cut off for that, right?
I hope you all have a wonderfully sunny weekend!! I'm leaving you with this fun survey I've seen on many preggo people's blogs. I finally decided to give it a try. Oh and this ridiculously cute picture at the end. You'll see. Don't scroll down ahead of time and cheat...!
________________________
How far along?: 26 weeks!!
How big is baby?: Approx. the size of an "English hothouse cucumber" (seriously- its what my weekly email said- what the crap?! I'm going with the size of a large banana split) and weighing about 1 3/4 lbs
Weight Gain?: I'm up 9 lbs!
Stretch Marks?: NO! Stay far far away stretch marks!
Maternity Clothes?: I'm in love with my maternity jeans. I mostly wear dresses right now though because I have no maternity work pants :( . I still wear my normal dress pants but long shirts cover up the fact that I leave them completely unzipped and unbuttoned. That's becoming an issue.
Sleep?: Great until I wake up at 2:30am. Every. Morning.
Best moment this week?: Waking up to the Giant and Peapod playing a game of tap/punch on my belly. He would tap. She would punch. Not vice versa.
Food Cravings?: Still ice cream. And no- yogurt does not substitute the craving. I've tried.
Gender?: She is all girl.
Movement?: OH YES- until I really want her to so my mom can feel! She's a crazy girl that has found her most comfortable position to lay straight across my stomach.
What I miss?: Laying on my stomach. Being able to bend and twist to reach things without grabbing my stomach. Oh and not peeing 234583x a day.
Belly Button?: I am not a fan of this without my ring in it. Its gotten a little dark around the holes. Not attractive- no matter how much Hubs lies to me and tells me my belly looks beautiful no matter what.
Labor Signs?: No. But I'm wondering if what I'm feeling is the start of Braxton Hicks.
What I'm looking forward to?: Stabilization so I can have a place to start Peapod's nursery!! Soon and very soon.
Milestone?: My tanktops no longer cover my belly. I definitely have the peek-a-show coming from underneath my tanks. So they've now become only undertanks and sleep tanks. She's growing. Well I guess actually we both are.
________________________
And we can't forget my ridiculously cute picture I'll leave you with!
I can't remember where I saw this, but do you not want him?! I do!! Sorry this post is long. Apparently, I had lots to share.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
A brighter day
Let me start this with three simple words that I am learning to believe more and more each day. GOD IS GOOD!
We have been praying frantically for the last 24 hours asking for a miracle in Winter's body. "Please please Lord make any cancer cell that might have returned in her disappear before her bone marrow test today," we pleaded. I prayed all night long as I stared up at my ceiling listening to my husband breathe.
I don't know if I can possibly ever describe the feeling I had yesterday. A broken heart might be the closest physical description I can share. Not from hopelessness. And not from a lack of faith. But truly just from a broken heart. I broke for our Winter and her frailness. I broke for Winter's mom Heather and the absolute tailspin she was in. I broke for the future that I was terrified to see ripped away before she even got a chance to rest from the fight. I broke for the last ten months that so many have given of themselves and their time and money which for a brief second shamed me to call useless. I could do nothing else. So I prayed. I begged friends to pray. I begged my blog readers to pray. I begged everyone that read my facebook page to pray and encouraged others to share the request as well- which they did- thank you.
Someone, once a friend but this conversation changed that for me and I hope you will understand why, asked me back in September a few weeks after Winter was diagnosed... "Why are you so involved? Why do you care so much that she is sick. She's not your child." Well, my response to him was, "She is the closest thing I have to my own child and I love her like she's mine. And I will until the day that I die." That sums up for me why I care. Not only is she family but she has always been since the day she was born my Winter. I was there the day she was born. I moved here for my freshmen year of college when she was only months old and she grew up with me around. I am blessed by her more each and every time I am with her.
So now today, after 24 hours of nothing short of an stressful hell with our minds playing every possible trick on us imaginable, Winter's tests came back CANCER FREE! Her cancer has not returned. Praise J-E-S-U-S! Her body fooled us and even her doctors who seemed sure it was back. At this point, it seems it is just Winter being Winter and her body recouping slower than others from chemo. I cannot tell you how much lighter I feel, as does my entire family! Thank you for your prayers and your continued prayers. Her battle is not over. It is still a long road ahead. But today, the road shines brighter than it did yesterday. And today, August 25th, 2009 seems a little bit farther in the past.
We have been praying frantically for the last 24 hours asking for a miracle in Winter's body. "Please please Lord make any cancer cell that might have returned in her disappear before her bone marrow test today," we pleaded. I prayed all night long as I stared up at my ceiling listening to my husband breathe.
I don't know if I can possibly ever describe the feeling I had yesterday. A broken heart might be the closest physical description I can share. Not from hopelessness. And not from a lack of faith. But truly just from a broken heart. I broke for our Winter and her frailness. I broke for Winter's mom Heather and the absolute tailspin she was in. I broke for the future that I was terrified to see ripped away before she even got a chance to rest from the fight. I broke for the last ten months that so many have given of themselves and their time and money which for a brief second shamed me to call useless. I could do nothing else. So I prayed. I begged friends to pray. I begged my blog readers to pray. I begged everyone that read my facebook page to pray and encouraged others to share the request as well- which they did- thank you.
Someone, once a friend but this conversation changed that for me and I hope you will understand why, asked me back in September a few weeks after Winter was diagnosed... "Why are you so involved? Why do you care so much that she is sick. She's not your child." Well, my response to him was, "She is the closest thing I have to my own child and I love her like she's mine. And I will until the day that I die." That sums up for me why I care. Not only is she family but she has always been since the day she was born my Winter. I was there the day she was born. I moved here for my freshmen year of college when she was only months old and she grew up with me around. I am blessed by her more each and every time I am with her.
So now today, after 24 hours of nothing short of an stressful hell with our minds playing every possible trick on us imaginable, Winter's tests came back CANCER FREE! Her cancer has not returned. Praise J-E-S-U-S! Her body fooled us and even her doctors who seemed sure it was back. At this point, it seems it is just Winter being Winter and her body recouping slower than others from chemo. I cannot tell you how much lighter I feel, as does my entire family! Thank you for your prayers and your continued prayers. Her battle is not over. It is still a long road ahead. But today, the road shines brighter than it did yesterday. And today, August 25th, 2009 seems a little bit farther in the past.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
The Little Fish
Once again I need to ask you for your loving support and prayers. Our Winter went to CHKD today to have her blood counts tested in hopes to start back on her chemo. Once again her counts are too low and actually this time they have dropped even lower, which I didn't actually know could be possible. Her ANC (white blood cell) counts have been hovering around 100, which is drastically low, but sometimes expected immediately after chemo. The weird thing this time is that it has been weeks since her last chemo strong enough to drop them. She has not been herself the last few weeks even while off her steroids, but Winter's body tends to play games with us and recoup slowly, so there is no telling. Her doctor has decided it is time to recheck her bone marrow and see if the cancer has returned. I can't begin to explain how hard that is to even entertain the thought. So, please pray and I will update as soon as I know more.
Yesterday she had a pretty great day. Right before she got sick in August 09, she had just learned to swim and hold her head under water without panicing. That was quite the feat in and of itself! Boy would she scream and flail if you let go of her before! I think I still might have claw marks around my neck from a few summers ago teaching her! LOL! She has been looking forward to swimming again all year, so yesterday she was finally able to go to an old neighbors pool for the first time and practice all over again. Even though the weather has been wonderful the last month, she had her port accessed (in her chest where they give her chemo) up until a few weeks ago, so no going under water. But, finally, she is able to enjoy the water again for a while! Here are some pictures of this little mermaid swimming yesterday. Quite the pretty pink and purple fish don't you think?!
Yesterday she had a pretty great day. Right before she got sick in August 09, she had just learned to swim and hold her head under water without panicing. That was quite the feat in and of itself! Boy would she scream and flail if you let go of her before! I think I still might have claw marks around my neck from a few summers ago teaching her! LOL! She has been looking forward to swimming again all year, so yesterday she was finally able to go to an old neighbors pool for the first time and practice all over again. Even though the weather has been wonderful the last month, she had her port accessed (in her chest where they give her chemo) up until a few weeks ago, so no going under water. But, finally, she is able to enjoy the water again for a while! Here are some pictures of this little mermaid swimming yesterday. Quite the pretty pink and purple fish don't you think?!
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
There's No Place Like Home
We're home. Well we're back home from being home I mean. We had a fantastic weekend in Roanoke with my family. It wasn't a long enough trip, but weekend trips rarely are so no surprise there. Of course it wasn't the same without my sister, but thank God for technology. Skype was a lifesaver all weekend so she didn't miss much. It was pretty comical when the whole family would gather around my mom's little laptop screen, all strategically sitting in locations where we could still be seen on the webcam. T in Cali, Mom in the lounge chair, the Giant in the rocker, me on the floor, dad in the recliner, and the grandparents in the background, oh and of course Journey and Kaya wandering in and out of their respective coast rooms- one happy little family- multiple times throughout the weekend!
I will admit, I'm a horrible blogger. I don't know why I keep a camera on me most of the time, because I am horrible about taking pictures when I really need to. I mean to. I just somehow seem to forget to until its too late, like now! But I'll post the few that I have from the weekend and I'll just tell you about the rest.
My brother just recently purchased his first house, a classic old Roanoke style 2 story (with basement and attic!) fixer upper in ideal location Grandin Rd. It even has a great view of the Roanoke Star! Don't know what I'm talking about?! It's only Roanoke's pride and enjoy. You don't visit Roanoke without visiting the Mill Mountain Star! It even has its own Wikipedia entry- "The Roanoke Star, also known as the Mill Mountain Star, is the world's largest freestanding illuminated man-made star, constructed in 1949 at the top of Mill Mountain in Roanoke, Virginia. It was the largest star ever assembled until the El Paso Star was completed in El Paso, Texas.[2] However, the Mill Mountain Star still holds the claim to world's largest illuminated man-made free-standing star, as the El Paso Star lies flat on the ground. After construction of the star, Roanoke was nicknamed "Star City of the South". I really should have taken pictures!
(Not his view, but close to it)
He has lots of work to do on it, but it will be a fantastic home when he's done. Wood floors, full sitting porch, full second floor sitting porch, soon to be level backyard, producing garden.... You know you are a Bailey when you have planted a full growing garden BEFORE you've even finished painting your first bedroom or hanging your first picture :). We have our priorities.
Saturday I had a get together at my parent's house, technically in my dad's man cave, which he willingly (ha!) let me borrow for the party. I think I could do a post on just my dad's mancave and its "uniqueness," fully designed and decorated by my dad in eclectic antiques, smokey cigar themed billiard table area, and all that is Hokie orange and maroon. Oh and most important to note to grasp just a little bit of a mental appreciation for this mancave would be the green handpainted (with the help of yours truly) football field flooring- with white field stripes and all. It pretty much rocks!
However, back to my weekend. Saturday. In honor of my girlfriend Angela's wedding that is just a few weeks away and a rare visit from our friends the Swartzendrubers, I decided to throw a mini 7 year reunion party for my high school class. I didn't plan too much ahead or probably more people would have been able to come, but we had a great time with the group that came. It was wonderful to see everyone and meet all the new little faces that have joined our group. So many kiddies. I was especially excited to meet baby Elliot Swartzendruber. Born on valentine's Day to my bestie Cara ( in CHICAGO :( ) I had not gotten to meet this little chunker boy until now. He melted my heart with his rolls! Those Swartz' sure do make sweet babies.
My dad was a big help in the cookout prep
So was the Giant...
Some of my high school friends
Lil G Swartz found his own seat
The infamous Swartz fam
The only picture of me and the giant from the entire weekend that I remembered to take
the Giant and Lil E
And last but not least, our trip wouldn't be complete without a photo of Journey, resting under newspapers...
So that was the highlight of our trip. Visiting visiting visiting! So good to see friends. Even better to see family. Some friends will always be considered family. We had a fantastic time and now its on to our work week. We are simply working for the weekends!
I will admit, I'm a horrible blogger. I don't know why I keep a camera on me most of the time, because I am horrible about taking pictures when I really need to. I mean to. I just somehow seem to forget to until its too late, like now! But I'll post the few that I have from the weekend and I'll just tell you about the rest.
My brother just recently purchased his first house, a classic old Roanoke style 2 story (with basement and attic!) fixer upper in ideal location Grandin Rd. It even has a great view of the Roanoke Star! Don't know what I'm talking about?! It's only Roanoke's pride and enjoy. You don't visit Roanoke without visiting the Mill Mountain Star! It even has its own Wikipedia entry- "The Roanoke Star, also known as the Mill Mountain Star, is the world's largest freestanding illuminated man-made star, constructed in 1949 at the top of Mill Mountain in Roanoke, Virginia. It was the largest star ever assembled until the El Paso Star was completed in El Paso, Texas.[2] However, the Mill Mountain Star still holds the claim to world's largest illuminated man-made free-standing star, as the El Paso Star lies flat on the ground. After construction of the star, Roanoke was nicknamed "Star City of the South". I really should have taken pictures!
(Not his view, but close to it)
He has lots of work to do on it, but it will be a fantastic home when he's done. Wood floors, full sitting porch, full second floor sitting porch, soon to be level backyard, producing garden.... You know you are a Bailey when you have planted a full growing garden BEFORE you've even finished painting your first bedroom or hanging your first picture :). We have our priorities.
Saturday I had a get together at my parent's house, technically in my dad's man cave, which he willingly (ha!) let me borrow for the party. I think I could do a post on just my dad's mancave and its "uniqueness," fully designed and decorated by my dad in eclectic antiques, smokey cigar themed billiard table area, and all that is Hokie orange and maroon. Oh and most important to note to grasp just a little bit of a mental appreciation for this mancave would be the green handpainted (with the help of yours truly) football field flooring- with white field stripes and all. It pretty much rocks!
However, back to my weekend. Saturday. In honor of my girlfriend Angela's wedding that is just a few weeks away and a rare visit from our friends the Swartzendrubers, I decided to throw a mini 7 year reunion party for my high school class. I didn't plan too much ahead or probably more people would have been able to come, but we had a great time with the group that came. It was wonderful to see everyone and meet all the new little faces that have joined our group. So many kiddies. I was especially excited to meet baby Elliot Swartzendruber. Born on valentine's Day to my bestie Cara ( in CHICAGO :( ) I had not gotten to meet this little chunker boy until now. He melted my heart with his rolls! Those Swartz' sure do make sweet babies.
My dad was a big help in the cookout prep
So was the Giant...
Some of my high school friends
Lil G Swartz found his own seat
The infamous Swartz fam
The only picture of me and the giant from the entire weekend that I remembered to take
the Giant and Lil E
And last but not least, our trip wouldn't be complete without a photo of Journey, resting under newspapers...So that was the highlight of our trip. Visiting visiting visiting! So good to see friends. Even better to see family. Some friends will always be considered family. We had a fantastic time and now its on to our work week. We are simply working for the weekends!
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