Swimming in a big pool

I love my husband. He can take any situation and find something about it to lighten the mood, even though his solution comment isn't always exactly on target or- ehmm- correct whatsoever. I'll explain.

Yesterday was our 32 week doctor's appointment. After last week's hospital scare, I was pretty nervous so I asked Hubs to go with me. Well that and we were having an ultrasound and I knew he'd want to see Peapod as much as I did. Thank goodness he was there. Looks like I'm not a whimp afterall- although I really sortof wish I was with this one. We found a reason for all the intense pain I've been having- but no explanation for the reason yet. During the ultrasound, the doctor saw lots of extra fluid in my uterus. This would explain a few things, like why my back has been hurting so much more recently and why my ribs have been stabbing pain. From what I understand, and obviously I'm not a doctor but I can google with the best of them (don't hate, Dr.T!), with all the extra fluid its been putting added pressure on me causing my uterus to rub/sit against my ribs. Now, why the extra amniotic fluid? We don't know. I am being scheduled to see a Maternal Fetal Medicine physician next week for tests and clearer ultrasounds. They will be looking at all her organs to make sure she is functioning correctly and to see if my fluid levels have raised or not. Let's pray hard not. At this point in pregnancy, most of the amniotic fluid is urine that she makes and swallows and processes out. This is how baby's learn to swallow. Oh the fascinating aspects of fetal development that I am learning daily. It could be that she is just not swallowing like she should be, thus the extra fluids in there with her. She is not under distress right now which is fantastic! I'm not even letting myself think that far into things yet. trust me, I could spin out of control, but I have a husband that momentarily lightens my mood with, "Don't worry. She's just swimming in a big pool right now!" Hmm thanks Hub for the light chuckle. Am I concerned? Ab.so.lute.ly. But do I have a sister who know ten times more than me about this situation and is very involved? Yes. Do I trust that God isn't harming my baby girl and he is protecting her? Double yes. Will I continue to read everything I can possibly find out about this "too much amniotic fluid" stuff to better educate myself? Of course... So in the mean time before my MFM appointment, I'll be taking it easy and thinking good thoughts. I'm also getting sent to an Internal Medicine physician to help relieve some of this pain. Couldn't be more excited about this one! Monday's appointment can't come soon enough!

I did get a few pictures from yesterday's ultrasound, but not great ones. She is now head down and in position, which is a relief. Hopefully she stays that way. I had just started reading up on odd positioned deliveries, just in case she was still laying oblique (across). I also just started watching live delivery videos, natural, pain med, and C-section. Not my best idea ever. I apparently prepare myself for the best and worst case scenarios, makes me feel more prepared, but unfortunately those images won't leave my mind now. But anyways, because she is head down and because the doctor was rightfully so more focused on getting amnio measurements, we couldn't get the best pictures. I've tried to label whats what of her face if you can't tell without it. I like 4D images much better! But I guess I will be seeing her again very shortly, yay! One plus about the MFM appointment.

Without labels. Anybody see her right off? She's got some cheeks for sure!

Oh, I forgot to post my week 32 picture from the other day. Not fantastic. Yet again, that is what happens when I disturb the Giant as he is watching his favorite show. I get three quick shots and that's it. Take 'em or leave 'em. Sadly, this is the best one...

32 weeks and bruised

32 Weeks! Wowza! How did we get here this fast? 8 weeks left... I'm not gonna lie. I'm excited. I'm excited to meet her. I'm excited its almost over. I'm excited at the thought of shaving again and being able to actually see what it is I'm shaving...eehmm. Yes I still have a "long" way to go. these 8 (at most please) weeks will be the long arduous ones, but after being sick for 7 months and issue after issue, the light is viewable at the end of the tunnel. But WAIT not for you Cheyanne. Don't go towards that light at the end of the tunnel yet baby girl! Just a little while longer then you can make your grand debut.

While I've got your attention my dear sweet Peapod, lets have a little one on one chat. Now, I know your papa keeps encouraging you to kick me in the ribs (yes I can hear him whisper to you- my stomach is only 2.5 feet from my ears), but its really not a fun game. I love every one of your movements, except that one.... Jump. Shake. Jive. Do whatever you want. But please, please give my already painfully bruised ribs a little break. I know its a little squished in there. I'm little too. Soon enough you'll have all the room in the world to stretch and squirm and kick anything you want, but maybe you could just take a few weeks off on this one. Do we have a deal?


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I'm gonna take it by that little stabbing manuever you just gave me that the deal is off. Thanks for nothing kiddo. See ya soon....

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Survey time!!

How far along?: 32 weeks
How big is baby?: We'll find out tomorrow at the ultrasound but should be measuring 3-4.5 lbs and in between 16-17.5 inches
Weight Gain?: I gave up checking the scale. I'm thinking I might shut my eyes tomorrow when I stand on the dr one.
Stretch Marks?: Hallelujah nope.
Maternity Clothes?: Anything stretchy and lose. I heart dresses. And my husband's boxers.
Sleep?: Really? When? In between nightmare one or nightmare two? Or is it in between midnight pee one or pee two, or as last night..pee three?
Best moment this week?: Rockin' my new exercise ball for the first time!
Food Cravings?: Umm... I did not give in to a funfetti cake craving and make myself a colorfully delicious funfetti cake for no reason- no I didn't... *excuse me while I duck for lightning now*
Pregnancy brain?: Emotions have taken over the brain region. I cried when they discharged me from the hospital Friday- not because I was happy to leave- but because I was terrified to go home with 6 more days of pain. What is wrong with me? They gave me good news that the pain isn't something serious like my gallbladder- I mean shoot- now I'm happy! And I'm WAY more happy now that my dr appt is finally tomorrow!
Gender?: Its all pink.
Movement?: Con.stant.ly.
What I miss?: My ribs not being stabbed and being able to stand or sit without grunting like a 80 year old man.
Belly Button?: Please don't pop out!! Please. My husband would find entirely too much amusement out of this.
Labor Signs?: Braxton hicks. And I saw some contractions on the hospital monitor- but the no hurt kind that I am still oblivious to. I don't mind those kind.
What I'm looking forward to?: Seeing my baby girl tomorrow.
Milestone?: Our bassinet is put together. I'd say that makes things a little "realer."

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And I had to post this picture so you all can see what I've been doing at work amidst my back and rib pain complaining.

Please note my ball chair for some back relief if that's even possible and my McGeyvor made keyboard stand for those unsittable times.

The reason my weekend post was quite boring. Nuff said.

All mine!!

Yep! This is all mine as of today, and I can't wait to start using it! Now I'm googling just how I can. Please please please help my back pain!

Rough Week

Sometimes life is just plain rough. Its hard. And its unpredictable. And its full of letdowns. But sometimes life hands you lemons and you have no other option but to figure out how to make the best damn lemonade you can make. And so help me God but my lemonade will be the best around. One day. So what are we making lemonade out of?... I'll give you a synopsis and move on.

Two weeks ago, Hubs passed his PAST test, remember... so its been two weeks of waiting on his job to come down with the 2011 Air Force jobs. Tuesday we got word that 12 jobs had finally come down, but we didn't know what they were yet. It was already a rough day for him when he had to say goodbye to his family dog. After that, we were in serious need of some good news in the Wood house. No word Tuesday night. Wesdnesday we were told there were 17 jobs, awesome! More possibility that one of them was for the Giant, but still no word on what the jobs were. Thursday we heard that it wasn't our time. Out of the 17 jobs, one position was special forces, but it was given to another candidate, "the other candidate." This guy just got moved to the same recruiter from another area recruiter and scored seconds faster in his PAST time a month ago. Slap in the face. the next round of jobs will be coming down the first weeks of August so we are holding out until then. I also started to have severe lower back and rib pain that day. I spent a lot of hours that night with tears in my eyes. My right ribs kept me from breathing deep, laying anywhere near my right side, or even being able to touch it from its sensitivity. My back kept me from sitting or standing or moving without cringing or freezing. By Friday I had Hubs wrap me like a mummy- ace bandages around my ribs and around my lower belly/back. I couldn't sit at all for longer than two minutes without pain shooting down my back and butt. I had started to have a few mild cramps that seemed to come with the back pain. My ribs, well by this point I could barely touch them, feeling like they might burn right through my skin. Called my OB. She told me to get to labor and delivery to be evaluated. So, I left work and Hubs and I headed to the hospital L&D. After a few hours of being evaluated, I was discharged with little more knowledge than I came in with and instructions to take it easy. Although, we did rule out gall bladder and liver issues, thank goodness. Don't get me wrong, I am very relieved that my pain is nothing vital, but I was so expecting it to be something fixable. Six more days of the pain until my OB appt for her to evaluate me herself and ultrasound baby girl. Six-long-days-of-pain.

Today, we had planned on enjoying our day outside doing something/anything that would be easy on me (like maybe a little lake action). Well its like 110 degrees outside and I changed my mind. AC feels much better. We did go on a hospital maternity tour this morning at a hospital nearby. We're still working on the whole which hospital thing... So, here we are. I'm doing some research (otherwise known as blogging...) and the Giant is putting together our baby bassinet! I asked to help. He said "NO! This is a daddy's job." Alright... go ahead Daddy-o. Its all you.











I'm still trying to get a handle on things since our plans have changed and am feeling horribly unprepared. I decided last night that we need to make some serious decisions since this baby is coming in less than two months. That might have hit me more last night when Hubs told me (as I lay in a hospital bed strapped to a machine playing my baby's heartbeat out loud and monitoring contractions) our friends the Johnny and Christi were in their hospital too delivering their baby Max three weeks early! So, with that, Max is here! I'd be completely lying through my teeth if I said I wasn't a little jealous right now, but I'm WAaaay more excited for them! Thus his unexpected early arrival has got Hubs and I both getting a little more active in the whole future plan thing. A future plan thing that is coming towards us faster now than before and we are now committed to making lemonade out of its lemons.... next week will be a better week. It just has to be. So, what are you up to on this haiti's hot Saturday?

What to do

when your stomach doesnt bend. "What?" you ask. Let me explain for all my never-been-preggo friends. When you're pregnant and your belly grows, you're stomach no longer bends like it did. Its like trying to bend with a watermelon in the way, literally. Think about it. It can get very tricky and potentially dangerous (speaking from experience here...). Comical is not an option here, even though my husband might disagree.

So what to do, for instance, getting out of bed for a midnight potty run half asleep in the dark.

Attempt #1: Roll over and just get up.
Result: Fail.

Attempt #2: Push up with hands behind me.
Result: Fail again.

Attempt #3: Try to wake up husband from sleeping coma to help push.
Result: He rolls me the wrong way towards him without waking up. Big fail.

Attempt #4: Roll myself back to my corrected side and grab for anything to hoist myself up including night stand that is too low for any actual support.
Result: Knock over water glass on stand and still cannot get a good grip. Ugh fail.

Attempt#5: Almost give up and seriously start to ponder husbands reaction in the morning if I just peed the bed...
Result: Sigh- never gonna happen. Fail. Next.

Attempt #6: With all the gusto I can muster, I pull a roll and twist with the upper body while simultaneously swing my legs over the edge and do a little kick move for momentum.
Result: SUCCESS! With a big ole grunt when I finally stood upright. I don't know if I've ever been more proud of myself... at least proud of my half-asleep self.

I'm glad you guys love me. Hey- at least I'm honest.

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Survey time!!

How far along?: 31 weeks
How big is baby?: She should be in between 2.5-3.5 lbs and measuring between 15-17 inches. She's close to her birth length now.
Weight Gain?: Don't have a clue. My abdomen is definitely bigger though.
Stretch Marks?: Nope.
Maternity Clothes?: Anything stretchy and lose. I heart dresses.
Sleep?: What is good sleep?
Best moment this week?: Getting out of bed!
Food Cravings?: Corn and pineapple! Oh and I found a killer recipe for homemade granola I'm dying to try. Anybody know where I can find a bag of granola?
Pregnancy brain?: Becoming quite obsessed with finishing things aka projects.
Gender?: Team very pink.
Movement?: There's a dance party inside my belly.
What I miss?: Being able to sit, stand, or lay comfortably.
Belly Button?: Omit due to frustration on the subject...
Labor Signs?: Braxton hicks.
What I'm looking forward to?: Getting the final good news on the Giant's leave date.
Milestone?: I have successfully completed my first big present to my baby- her homemade baby blanket!

I'll take a better one later. And yeah...this is not a preggo shirt...obviously... but its laundry day

My Luck

Or not so good luck. Wouldn't you know my luck that I FINALLY find the most perfect baby mobile that I've ever seen--- and they don't make it anymore! :( BOOOOOoooo Laura Ashley! I have been searching for months to find the best mobile that would accent our girly oceany theme (non-theme really since I'm not really a theme person). I have searched every site imaginable. I have googled mobiles every possible way. I even briefly considered making my own mobile- yeah right- the clock is ticking. And just when I was about to give up, there it was.



Isn't it precious?! The colors work. The shapes work. Its not overbearing. And its not too "themey." But, alas, my Laura Ashley Sally the Seahorse mobile is unfindable. It would go so well with the baby comforter that my Mother in Law has made for Peapod. The one that she made and I am supposed to forget about until my baby shower when I act surprised to see it! ;) I can't wait. I've been practicing my surprised face. But back to my sad mobileless face... Any suggestions or ideas?

My luck #2 of the day... Dave Matthews! He's in town. I thought I was going! I am not. :( We found out this morning that Brother-Giant had 2 tickets and was supposed to take his roommate who backed out due to a family situation and we would be going in their place...but... apparently he has now pulled back in and is going with our tickets. SHOOT! I mean (don't get me wrong)- I'm glad that the family situation turned out ok- but DANGIT ALL! I was sooo hoping to see Dave live. Its the thing to do down here- everyone's going!! (Said in my most whiney voice possible). Once again, I'll wait until next year, and maybe just maybe score tickets early enough.

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On a different and serious note. My poor husband. Him's so sad. Today he had to put down the family dog Callie. She was a 14 year old golden lab that he grew up with since she was a puppy. He loved her very much. She has been consistantly going down hill and her back hips have been giving her more and more trouble to the point where she was falling pretty much every day. She survived past the point anyone ever predicted she would suffering with her other health issues of epileptic seizures. No one else in the family could do it so he was chosen to, while his parents are out of the country... I'm leaving that one alone (you know). So my poor giant is sad tonight. His beloved dog has gone on to a better place. As I told him last night, I believe heaven is made up of everything you want it to be, and if he wants her in his heaven, then she will be. So, rest in peace Callie. You were a good dog.

Now no Dave and no dog... I've gotta come up with something good for tonight to cheer my boy up.

It's finally finished

That's right. My baby blanket is finally finished!!! Hallelujah! Its been a slow process that's lasted months but finally came to an end last night. What do you think?



Its not perfect, but its pretty and will keep Peapod just as warm as a perfectly squared one. Now on to new projects. But not yet. My hands need a few days rest.

We really rested all weekend. Winter's lemonade stand went well. It was hot hot hot, but she was a trooper for a few hours. She raised about $140 from donations and the stand.







That night we went to the movies to see Despicable Me. SOOOoooo cute! I'm a fan. I even told the Giant during the movie that we would be buying this movie when it comes out on dvd, which is impressive since I haven't bought a dvd in years. We'll see if I follow through but at least the idea is there. It was that cute.

The rest of the weekend was spent napping, and knitting, and swimming, and napping some more. Sorry our weekend was so boring. Wish I had more to share, but so is the life of a poor grande preggo lady and her hubby.

Lame or Awesome?!

How lame am I? Honesty time... Which thing is more lame?

1) The Giant and I were going to go see Despicable Me at the theater tonight. The first animated movie I'll have seen at a theater since oh-I don't know- Space Jam in 1996.

2) I cancelled going to the kids animated movie because I was too tired.

or

3) I was too tired to go the kids animated movie because I fell asleep for a nap when I got home from work at 6:30pm....

???? Do any of these make me lame? I still want to see Despicable Me!

TGIF

After a long week, all I can say is Thank God Its Friday! Any big plans? Not for us. We've got a very important lemonaid stand function to attend tomorrow and that about covers our set plans. Hopefully a little lake time thrown in there with my Wintergirl (and the Hubs of course) and I'll be a happy camper. Boy lemonaid sounds good right now! Its so dang hot outside. Hope it makes lots of money tomorrow.

*Random small side note: Peapod has the hiccups again. Right now. For the second time today. Oh man I wish I could see her face right now. I wonder how she reacts to them. She must not like them too much because she goes on a kicking spree right in my ribs afterwards every time.

Busy Week 30

I'm a slacker. I have no good excuse for going this long without a post except that I've been very preoccupied this week. Lots has been going on since last week.

Best part of all my preoccupuation, we went down to Wilmington this weekend to see my family! My sister and brother in law flew in from San Fran for a few days to his parents place where my parents and us migrated to too. It will probably be the only visit I have with them before Cheyanne appears so there was no stopping me from going. However, we have decided that I will not be taking any more long car trips for quite a while. Not as bad going down (I think out of pure excitement) but oh man the car ride home was hell! 5 hours of crummy uncomfortableness. Like the horrible blogger that I've been, I brought my camera on the trip but left my camera card at home. Awesome. So thankful Mom's shared her photos with me so now I'll share them with you.

Dad waiting patiently to take his boat ride

Off they go to fish and dig clams

I was like this... I wanted to go :(

But then I was like this... when I got in this!

Here they come with all their finds.

The boys went kayaking afterwards

Other things I've been preoccupied with- I've had three doctor/hospital visits in a week. Not fun. I'm so dang tired of getting poked and prodded. If you know me, you know I don't deal well with needles. Well long gone are those days of taking ten minutes a doctor and three nurses to hold me down to get a needle anywhere close to me. Nope. Now I look the other way and hold my breath. Needles...ugh... don't get me wrong- I still hate them, but I don't have time to waste prepping myself to see them anymore. I've trained myself to just not look. I think its still pretty evident though to the needle-hacker-giver that I don't like weapon of choice perhaps by my sudden lack of breathing that is. Glucose blood work. Done. Rogam shot numero dos spread out over two very long hospital appointments in two days. Done. 30 week visit with the doc. Done. So, finally I'm doctor appointment free for another two weeks, God-willing.
I've also been dealing with myself the last week, which has me spent by about 9 at night. So much has been going on and not going on in our lives, that I think my poor husband is just a little lost on how to deal with me most days. I've had my fair share of breakdowns recently, but hey I figure who wouldn't?... I'm 30 weeks pregnant. I'm huge. My one month stay with my in laws has turned into 7 months. I'm fighting every nesting urge inside me since, well you know, I don't have a nest to nest. My husband is going to leave for two months of training anytime now- and again I'm two months away from giving birth. I want to be here. I want to be there. I want to be somewhere when she arrives- preferably with my husband- but very possibly without. I'm terrified she's going to come early. I'm terrified even more she's going to come late! All the things that are out of my control but I continue to grasp at in hopes I can wrangle in something before pulling my hair out. Which explains why at 9pm every night, I'm just done- mentally and physically. Really I'm done at 6pm when I walk through the door from work, but I attempt to muster some socialization abilities for my marriage's sake. Some days, he really might be a saint because some days I'm really just not that good with the mustering thing.
OH, In Giant news.... this is pretty cool! I'm absolutely about to brag, sorry ahead of time. The Virginia Preps' Decade All-Eastern Region football team was announced last week. This is a "team" aka list made of the best players in the eastern half of the Commonwealth of Virginia in the past ten years(twelve players on each side of the ball- offensive and defensive). They select two teams (First team and Second team) based on high school performances, scores and some with continued football careers. Blah blah blah - anyways- on to the good part. The giant was named the best Offensive Tackle on the second team. He's so proud- and I'm so proud of him even though I had absolutely nothing to do with it or his glory days. Good job Giant Hubs. :)
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Survey time!

How far along?: 30 weeks
How big is baby?: Peapod rivals a good-size cabbage in weight this week at around 3 pounds. Length: about 15 3/4 inches, head to heel. I am measuring right on track as well- measuring 29-30 weeks.
Weight Gain?: Haven't gained anything since I last weighed in two weeks ago. Still at about 12-13 pounds gained.
Stretch Marks?: Stay away stretch marks! Your cousin linea nigra has already begun to take residence along my belly.
Maternity Clothes?: Anything stretchy and lose is being worn at this point. I'm thankful I've always been a loose empire top kind-of-girl so many of my older summer tops still fit!
Sleep?: I slept all the way through the night Monday night! First time in months I didn't have my usual 2:30 potty break. But lets just say I ran that direction as soon as my eyes opened.
Best moment this week?: I have a few- One- seeing my sister this weekend! Two- sleeping through the night. Three- Getting to take a long walk this weekend with T and not getting out of breath or overheated! Winner!
Food Cravings?: I made Hubs go with me to the store last night to buy pizza bites- who knows. But it was so good!
Pregnancy brain?: I grabbed mosquito anti-itch spray out of my purse and sprayed it on my hands instead of antibacterial spray... and didn't realize it until the next day when I almost did the same thing again. At least my hands weren't itchy.
Gender?: Female soccer player or boxer for sure.
Movement?: I think I have rather large Mexican jumping beans inside me. Oh and I think she had hiccups twice this week. Very rythmic jumping feeling.
What I miss?: Being heartburn-free. And a night without vividly colorful nightmares.
Belly Button?: Bitter subject... Still looks like two with my large brown piercing hole that only gets darker in the sun.
Labor Signs?: Braxton hicks daily.
What I'm looking forward to?: Having our own place again...
Milestone?: Glucose test is over with good results. Thank goodness that's over! And, as I mentioned before, she got her first feelable hiccups. I've heard those would be coming soon.

He Passed!

My Hubs passed his PAST test this morning!! He's so fast!! ;) His version of how he did is much different than my interpretation of how he did. He qualified for 3 of the 5 special forces jobs that he wanted, which is fantastic!! He got an ab cramp during his running after swimming which slowed him down but he still finished well. His recruiter has told him that he could be picked up any time this month, so our fingers are staying crossed a little while longer. I couldn't be more proud of my Giant. OH, funny, they told him he's the biggest guy to have ever passed the PAST especially with his times. No one over 200 lbs has passed- let alone 215 and 6'5"! They should have seen him 8 months ago when he was 295- now that is something impressive. Now we play the waiting game, but come on Air Force, lets make this a short game. We have babies coming soon!

Sincerely, the very proud wife

**Now on to Wilmington to see my family tonight!!!! It's a good day!**

We're all Jello Legs and Drums

Tomorrow is the big day for my Giant boy. PAST test day... and boy is he sweat'n it. He will do great though- I have no doubt! He's been training non stop this whole week, running through the test twice a day working on improving his times. He's not one for mediocre or the minimum. He's striving to blow them away. It starts tomorrow at 7am at Langley AFB so please say a little prayer for him tonight and tomorrow. The PAST consists of 1- 20 meter underwater (no breath) swim. 1- 500 meter swim. 1.5 miles track run. And then calisthenics (push ups/pull ups/sit ups/ etc). All with time requirements timed to the milisecond. All very rushed. All back to back. Eeek! Swimming then running has him nervous most of all because of the "jello legs" he feels afterwards. All his years of football trained him to sprint the hell out of himself- for shorter distances... not sprint straight for 1.5 miles... right after swimming 500+ meters. That's been his biggest challenge, besides psyching himself out that is. But, dear husband, I have faith in you and all of your training! It will pay off tomorrow! I can feel it! And hopefully, he'll get picked up right away from one of his top jobs and then things roll! Come on Monday!! We want good news and a call with a date Monday! Fingers crossed.

I have no new news to report on my end. I haven't heard any results from my glucose test yet- which according to my sister- no news is good news! It went pretty easy. Tasted like burning orange crap drink...

...that gave me killer heartburn, but besides that, it was tolerable. Phew! I read the horror stories before hand, so I had no idea what to expect. I have an appointment next with my OB so if I don't hear anything before then, I'll let you all know come Tuesday. My peapod seems to be losing space in there. It feels like she is bumping into me much more often and enjoys playing the drums against my right rib cage. I'm constantly rubbing my right side. I wonder what people think when they see me rubbing circles into my side with my palm. No I'm not working out gas bubbles- I'm attempting to move my daughter away from my ribs so I can stand straight and breathe!! Not that she has many other options of places to go. Sorry kiddo. Your mama's little too. Make do with whatcha got! She moves my stomach a lot now! Very weird to see my clothes jumping all over the place through the day. Hope she does it this weekend for my sister and Momma to see. She likes to get shy every time my mom's around! She gave her two kicks last time and called it a day.

And here I am today...

4th of July

Pictures from our 4th of July festivities. Click here for the whole festivity story.

I made this! I've typed out the recipe for this super easy Strawberry Cream Freeze Pie recipe. It's always a hit!

A family that pyros together stays together

Today is not a day meant to be worked! Today is a day for recovery! But, alas, no. Here I sit, at work, grumbling to myself that I am here and not outside with my other family members recovering from the holiday weekend fun and games. I should be in the lake, floating along beside them soaking up some Vitamin D. Them recovering from headaches. Me recovering from a severe lack of sleep.

We did have a great 4th holiday yesterday. My beach family all got together at our usual meeting spot (aka my cousin's house- who conveniently lives by a lake). It was a wonderful day of swimming, laughs, drinks (water for me puhleez), and very very LOUD fireworks set off by my pyromaniac family members. Good time to mention: two very funny potentially-could-have-ended-in-disaster things happened yesterday.

One. My husband is too a pyro. Very much the norm in my family amongst the men. You think I'm exagerrating... no. So, last night. There we are. All lined up along side of the road next to the house. The Giant has walked out (beaming with excitement) holding a HUGE "shooting roman candle" firework in both hands as it is THAT big! Imagine- (because I tried to google it and found nothing worth depicting) a 2.5 foot long (maybe even 3)- 6 inch wide cylindrical tube with a handle at one end for grip. So here he comes marching towards the road ready to show off this beast. cousin Kevin lights the end wick. The Giant points this beast of a firework towards the sky as you hear the crackle of the wick getting closer to explosion. Everyone takes two steps backwards for safe measure. It lights. Beautiful colors stream out of it! Every shade of the rainbow. Sparks are flying all whichaway. A pair of headlights turns the corner coming straight towards us. Everyone starts yelling out "Cop!" (Insert important part where exploding/shooting fireworks are banned in the no-fun state of VA). Yes, that's right. There's my husband standing alongside the road holding the beautiful beast as it's starting to truly display its beauty, and here comes an officer of the law. (Now I have found out that my husband was blissfully ignorant to the fact that this cop was there only 3 feet away from him because he was too busy trying to avoid the flaming sparks and what was about to be the biggest burst of fireworks of the night). However, as I said, we were not all as ignorant. What do you do when you're all in your lawn obviously part of the banned festivities? There's no running or hiding or denying. Couldn't even do the whole just look the other way and maybe they won't see you. Nope. We all held our breathe... the cop slowed his trooper car just to give us all the once over- and continued his drive through the neighborhood! It was an immediate sigh of relief from all of us- followed by the loudest burst of group laughter. Followed by the LOUDEST burst of shooting beauties imaginable!! Perfect timing?! Just out of eyesite from Mr. Copper himself as he cruised around. THANK YOU LORD! The last thing we needed was another fireworks ticket for this group- with my husbands hand involved- again! Phew!

Two. Not only are the men in my family pyros. So are the dogs. Most of them anyways. One in particular. Smokey. My cousin Kevin's big black lab that is OBSESSED with fireworks, even though he lost some of his hearing a few years back due to a firework that exploded- while he had it in his grasps. *Please note anyone that does not know my family- we are animal lovers- so I don't say that jokingly or to give the impression we are Michael Vick'ers (dog abusers). It was a total accident!* OK so knowing how much Smokey loves fireworks, we attempt to keep him inside during the festivities. For his own protection! But he always seems to find a way out. Sometimes its comical. Like, in the story above- as the Giant held the beast roman candle towards the sky- and the cop drove by- there's Smokey- jumping right at his feet to reach the shooting fireworks. Jumping higher than me, so its a good thing the Giant is so giantish or Smokey would have had a fair shot at that one. But, so not all of our fireworks were banned ones. We had a TON of the ground spraying beauties too. You know- the kind that are in perfect reach of a fireworks obsessed dog- especially when they are exploding! No fear for this dog. Runs right up to it- while in mid explosion sparks flying every direction- grabs the bottle- flips it on its side- proceeds to jump all over it (yes while sparks are still flying)- oh important part being knocks the dang thing over on its side FACING US! Stupid dog. Not once. Not twice. Lets just say I lost count how many pretty shows Smokey destroyed because we all yelled "Smokey!!! Drop it!!! LEAVE IT!! SMOKEY!!!" too many countless times. Despite the fact that these cascaders were laying sideways and shooting onto the pavement instead of the sky, it still made for a pretty and very memorable fireworks display. Pretty sure the color of the pavement won't be the same for a while though.

The whole night, I was horribly worried about Peapod. I wondered if the loud fireworks were scaring her. I kept my distance from them most of the night just in case. Sometimes I got too bothered at the thought of it scaring her so I went inside for breaks. She never kicked or punched though so I wonder if she slept right through the booms (which were seriously loud booms!). However, she must be making it up to me today because she has not stopped moving or punching once today. Its been all day long. She is very very active! And apparently I have preggo-brain recently because I have mixed up all of our important dates this week. I thought Wednesday was my yucky glucose test. Nope. Its tomorrow at 3! :( I have no idea what to expect but I'm hoping it goes well. I've heard mixed reviews on the orange drink I'll have to drink. Let's hope I don't throw it up. And, the Giant's PAST test is not Thursday at 7am. Its Friday at 7am. Boo!!!! My mistake again. I don't know what's wrong with me. I usually keep things really scheduled well in my head. Not anymore. So, keep us in your prayers if you think about it. Two big things this week. THEN the biggest of all which I have NOT messed up schedule-wise. We go to Wilmington Friday to see my sister!!! And my brother-in-law, and my mom, and my dad! (I'm just as excited to see you all too- I promise!) BUT WOOHOO!!!!! The only reason I could ever justify riding in a car for FIVE hours right now. Big Week!!

** I'll post pictures tonight when I get home from the weekend. Sorry for the book read- picture books are always better**