Full Term

How did we get here already? Oh... right!! Cause I've been pregnant for 37 lo-o-ong weeks. And that means, I'M FULL TERM! That also means, come on baby Peapod! You can come out now! Any day you want. I promise to love you and hold you and make sure you're always safe and that every day is happier than the last. But you have to come out here first before I can do any of that. I promise its not so bad out here. And there are LOTS of people waiting to meet you and love on you. And we already have a few best friends lined up for you so you'll have friends right away. Mostly boys, which your daddy is a little apprehensive about already, but I'm sure we'll find you some good girlfriends soon. So come on. Let's see those little cheeks soon.



So, on to the fun survey time!

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Survey time!!

How far along?: 37 weeks full term
How big is baby?: No idea anymore. We just know she's gonna be my big little plum.
Weight Gain?: Next question please...
Stretch Marks?: Thank you Mom's genes for not passing down stretch marks.
Maternity Clothes?: Still in dresses only. Been packing and repacking my hospital bag with maternity/non maternity clothes. What little of those I have available right now.
Sleep?: My vivid dreams are crazy. The nightmares suck but the good dreams are awesome, when I can sleep. Sleeping on my left side is getting a little painful now. Poor hip. Just a little while longer than its back to sleeping however I dang well please!
Best moment this week?: Well I'm hoping Thursday will be at my dr appt ::fingers crossed::. Oh and I finally have her room looking like a real little person's room. It even has a lounge chair/rocker in it. I don't feel quite so out of place anymore.
Food Cravings?: I want sushi!
Pregnancy brain?: Let's just say that some people are lucky they are still alive. I've almost let pregnancy brain take over a few times.
Gender?: Pink pink pink.
Movement?: I still feel her constantly but her movements have gotten much more regional (perhaps due to the extreme lack of space in there- another good reason you should come out Cheyanne. Lots more room out here!). Mostly feeling feet and knees rolling across my sides.
What I miss?: Unswollen normal pudgy feet instead of bulging abnormally pudgy feet.
Belly Button?: Crap. The time has come. I've been thinking about this one all week... Pop goes the weasel. Or in this case, my belly button. ::SOB!:: There's no more denying it.
Labor Signs?: Lots of random tightness all day but nothing trackable. Maybe that will all change soon. Can you tell I'm ready?!
What I'm looking forward to?: Thursday's appt!!!
Milestone?: Being full term is a pretty HUGE milestone for us!

Look at me!!

I'm shadow free!! Although I will say that if I had to have a shadow (which I'm glad I did) I'm glad it was her. Thankfully the temp agency brought someone in that is smart and pretty dang quick to catch on to new things. She'll be just fine without me ::fingers crossed::. Let's face it. It takes a lot more than two weeks of training at any equivalent level job to get the hang of things, but she seems to have a grasp of the fundamentals and will be able to figure things out on her own as she goes along. Sorry Replacement Me (I mean Temporary Replacement Me...) but no, unlike what my boss man might have said, I will not be available to answer all of the dealership questions that arise while I'm out. So, my words of wisdom to the work folk... figure it out. I will not be answering my phone to tell you how to report a Mercedes sold. No I will not be walking you through step by step of how to break down a deal and what financial instution gets what form and what blah blah blah. Nope. Not the plan. I'm not going on some mini vacation. I'm pretty sure vacations do not include watermelons popping out of your hoohah, reaking havoc in the nether regions (as I've been informed by my lovely mommy friends) and learning to function like a zombie without sleep. At least, my vacations have never been like that, don't know about yours.

Anywho. Did I mention in my 36 week post last week that I have started dialating?! Only one centimeter as of last Wednesday, but thank the good Lord for progress. I go back for my weekly on Thursday and let's hope their is major progress! I'm done being pregnant. I'm ready to meet her. I'm ready to hold her. I'm ready to not be me again, a new and improved me plus one. Oh and we now know my sister's on-call schedule in Cali so we're aiming for NOT those dates. Actually, big brother Dwarf's 30th birthday is Wednesday, which he has informed me he would be more than happy to share with his neice. I'm fine with that. Really, the odds are against me completely, but that's the direction I'm going in. Sooner than later. Let's make it happen Peapod.

So, early Merry Christmas to us! My in-laws played Santa early. ROCK ON! And look at what we got...

A fancy shmancy camera! Not JUST any camera. The Canon EOS Rebel XSI Digital SLR Camera. What all does that mean? Who knows?!!! But I'm gonna find out! I can't wait to start snapping away on this baby, as soon as I master how to turn it on. The Giant has taken some pretty good pictures on it so far playing around, but we're both still a little clueless. There are already some pretty pitiful blackmail pictures on it of me sleeping with my big ol' belly hanging out and some miserably swollen feet propped up on the couch, and by the pictures I was not sleeping comfortably. Yeah, those might disappear shortly. Anyone have suggestions on how to use this thing? Or at least how to learn to use it?! Come on photography friends! I know you're out there as secret followers... Come out of the woodworks and speak up! I need to figure this beast out before Peapod gets here in all her photographic glory. Thank you Giant In-laws too for the killer awesome early Christmas present! Oh back to my photography friends. We also don't have a camera case for it yet. Suggestions? Do you really need one of those huge megabags with all the pockets for everything under the sun? Does brand matter for the bag? I'm not trying to spend a fortune on this treasure chest or anything. I can think of about a billion other things I really need to spend the extra penny on more than that right now.

OK, that is all for now. Tomorrow, Survey time!!

Lead By Example

So I didn't forget! I promise!! And better late than never right? One day late... not too bad

Yesterday was a day that I know we can all learn a little something from. Yesterday was my parents' 38th wedding anniversary! 38 YEARS! Together! Him and her. As husband and wife. HOLY COW! How often does that truly happen anymore? What an example they have set.

They've been together so much longer than 38 years though. Have I ever told you that they were high school sweethearts? Not only that. They have known each other since the age of 8. Best friends since their early teens. They even used to set each other up on double dates. How freakin cute is that? I love them.

Short story. My parents were in high school selecting their colleges to go to. They had been dating exclusively since junior year. My granddaddy (my mom's dad) had warned them both, "Do not go to the same college." Him being quite the protective daddy was not a fan of the idea of his baby girl settling down so young. My dad was under strict instructions to go somewhere OTHER than Virginia Tech which is where my mom had decided to go. Hmm... as you probably know by now, we're a Hokie family, which means obviously that little rule didn't last long. So, first couple months of college, ok, Dad went to Appalachian State. Yeah that didn't last long. He secretly enrolled at VT, without Granddaddy knowing, cause he could not stay away from his girl that long. Needless to say, Granddaddy found out, things changed, and that pretty much concreted the Dwarf family future. They were destined. And I am beyond grateful for my daddy's sneaky ways 40 some odd years ago.

Happy Anniversary Weekend Mom and Dad!!! I love you! I am grateful for the example of love and partnership you have set for me and my husband. I can only hope and pray to one day be celebrating our 38th wedding anniversary too and reflect on how it all came to be- by you two.

I've Missed You

Hello Dear Friends,

I have missed you. It has been a long two weeks of sparce intermittent blogging and work temp training and moving and appointments and baby shower and family visits and ::breathe::. Temp training isn't over yet, don't get your hopes up. But, do to a special request/demand from a certain special friend, I am taking two seconds to display my weekend fun for you. OH, and tell you (in case you weren't sure) we've made it to 36 weeks!!! OK, now my weekend in photographs. Can we call this my "partial" Wordless Wednesday post?

JACKPOT!!!

The shower was fantastic! Thank goodness other people took pictures and have shared some of them so far. Wish I had thought to actually get pictures WITH people. Oops. But thankfully, my mother-in-law had a mat frame for everyone to sign so I can remember 20 years from now who all was there. I'm so grateful to everyone that came or were a part of it in some way. I'm also very thankful for Skype so my sister could "be there" with us via internet :) Best invention ever- thank you Al Gore... Anyways, so this week we've (I've) been organizing and reorganizing all of Peapod's goodies. Her room is still a mountain of gift bags, but I'm working on it a little at a time at night when I get home from work. I've started packing both of our hospital bags too! The Giant is just going to have to fend for himself and pack his own bag. The shower gave us lots of great things, some clothes (both bought, some handmedowns from me to my girl-thanks Mom, and lots of handmade- again thanks Mom!!!), some cloth diapers, wipes, our stroller/carrier WOOHOO thanks T, blankets, bouncer, toys, J&J shower lotions, Peapod's first diamond (a baby ring from her Great Grandmother giant), BabiesRUs gift cards SCORE, etc. Lots of goodies! Thank you thank you everyone. I'm in the process of going through our registry checklist now to see what we've got, what we need, and what we just want. Big differences! I've got lists flying every whichaway right now. So thats what we're up to. We'll be ready soon enough. Doctor's appointment today to check for progress and ultrasound. Hopefully, I'll be back to your regularly scheduled programming shortly, just a few more days... so hold on :) And trust me, I really do miss you!

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Post shower photo- Stoller system is complete. Thanks to a dwarf, a dwarf's mom, and a giant's mom.... no men needed in this group. We don't need no stink'n help ;)

Peapod's "Cadillac stroller" as the grandparent's referred to it. Nothin' but the best from Aunt T.

35 Week Survey

All I've got time for right now. Dang it! Enjoy! ITS FRIDAY!

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Survey time!!

How far along?: 35 weeks!! and a few extra days now
How big is baby?: We have no idea. We've been told she's anywhere from 5 1/2 to 7 pounds. BIG DIFFERENCE!
Weight Gain?: Up 25 lbs... eek! Trying not to freak out by that number so let's move on...
Stretch Marks?: Hallelujah nope.
Maternity Clothes?: Dresses only - 24/7. I gave in and packed up all my pants during the move.
Sleep?: Well let's see. Between my nightmare last night of having a belly the size of the world's biggest freakin pumpkin (no joke) in the middle of a raining gun fight (bullets flying every which a way while I manuever my big pumpkin belly around hallways) and my getting up three times to pee.... sleep was umm not happening so well last night. Sadly, this is becoming routine. One more reason I say "Come on baby girl!" as if my sleep will improve once she's here- yeah I know, I'm dreaming.

Best moment this week?: MOVING!!!! And my husband's surprise fondue night in our new house. SCORE HUBS!
Food Cravings?: Ice. Ice. Ice. Mmm
Pregnancy brain?: I've cried twice today already. BOO!
Gender?: Its all pink.
Movement?: Con.stant.ly. Her daddy loves to feel her too. I caught little feet last night running along my ribs.
What I miss?: Everything.
Belly Button?: It is NOT an outtie- no matter what my cousin says.
Labor Signs?: Braxton hicks. We're working on that.
What I'm looking forward to?: My baby shower tomorrow! I'm so excited! Its my one and only being thrown by my mother-in-law and cannot wait to see my family at it. Sis won't be there (stupid San Fran being so far away, but I'm hoping we get Skype up during it so she'll still "be" here).
Milestone?: Well we moved out on our own finally so we're sortof adults again. TTL.

MIA explanation

Well, you may think I'm joking when I say we are a giant and a dwarf living a life of transition, but, nope. Transition is very real in our lives, especially right now. So, I'm alive. I promise. And am still very pregnant. There's just a LOT going on right now. Let's see.

At work, they've brough in a temp for two weeks for me to train. She will replace me when I'm gone so I'm cramming everything in so she is well prepared. But, that leaves me with a shadow all day long, so no blogging. I figure its probably not the best idea to teach her my "bad habits" of waisting time. HA! I don't think its a waist. Most days, my blog is the only thing I look forward to at work. Shh. And...

We moved! I say it was a split second decision, but it is a well thought out split second decision. We have a friend that has had his house on the market since February (he suddenly had to move to Colorado then and put the house up for sale. Well its sat there and sat there. So, we suggested we move in to it for a month to month agreement, helping out both sides. We pay a little towards his mortgage, he keeps it on the market, we have a place to live on our own for a while. WIN! So, Friday we decided. Saturday we packed up. Sunday we moved. Now, we have a little 3 bedroom house in a great location (with no internet :( )all to ourselves before Peapod comes! Its just temporary until the Giant gets his final leave orders, but shoot, it got us out and that's exactly what I- I mean we- needed. Its been great so far. We've missed our life alone together. And I think now more than ever we need that. Cause come a few weeks, we'll never be alone again! Speaking of which...

35 WEEKS! I am now 35 weeks. What does that mean? 35 days until our little Peapod meets the world and the world meets her! Holy Moly! I'm shooting for less than 35, so we're doing what we can to help her along... ;) Come along my little tiny dancer. We are excited to meet you! I've been paying close attention to every one of her movements the last few weeks. I don't want to forget this time. I will miss that the most, might be the only thing I really miss about this. Even with the oh-so-sore ribs, I know I will still miss the weird alien belly movements that have my middle jumping all day long.

I will do my 35 week survey the first chance I get, but unfortunately not now. My shadow is back. See ya!

Celebrate!!

Today we are celebrating! Today is a day that some times we weren't totally sure we'd get to. Today is Winter's 8th birthday!!!! What a difference a year makes, but oh how sweet it is to be on this side of the year.




Many of you have been beside me and my family on this journey for the last year and I will never be able to say thank you enough. Every prayer, card, and encouraging hug has been appreciated and pushed us on one inch at a time.

So today we celebrate!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY WINTER!!! Now, its time to party! Have a great weekend everyone.

Our Girl

at 34 weeks. Not much commentary needed, so just enjoy our cheeker girl :)

I will explain this one so you see it better. She was grabbing her toes with her hands. Foot on left. Hand on right. All directly in front of her face.

Her little footsie

Invictus

Invictus

by William Ernest Henley

Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll.
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.

We watched a phe.no.me.nal movie last night. Invictus starring Morgan Freeman as South African president Nelson Mandela and Matt Damon as Francois the captain of the South African rugby team.

If you have not seen this movie, let me tell you, SEE IT! It was one of those movies I knew little about, had seen at Redbox, and kept on my list of things to see one day. I am so glad I did. It is sortof this biographical drama about the 1995 World Cup and its socio-political importance in South Africa. Morgan Freeman blew the movie away as Nelson Mandela, a man I really don't know all that much about besides the basics but I've already reserved his biography at the library. The Giant and I both agree that Matt Damon did a superb job as well in his role, a character I never would have heard of or thought twice about.

So, if you are looking for a powerful movie to watch sometime soon for a movie date night with the boo, I highly suggest this! That's my two cents. I had to share.

The Goal

here is to have a healthy baby. That is my one and only goal. I know I have griped and complained about the back aches and rib pains and sleepless nights and the never ending nausea and the bagazillion pee trips I've made in the last eight and a half months and on and on and on, but so there is no confusion, my ultimate concern is to have a healthy baby girl. There have been multiple times when I felt so down and out that I thought I just wanted to disappear and felt like giving up, but I am constantly give myself a pep talk saying, "I can do anything for nine months. Anything." And when its been hard for me to even utter those words, my husband has been there beside me to remind me, "You can do anything for nine months."

Why do I write this now? Perhaps more so as my daily reminder. Insert daily mantra ::I can do anything for nine months::. We had my big ultrasound appointment today at the Maternal Fetal Medicine clinic and let me just say, it was very informative and surprising. Up until yesterday during a slight meltdown (thank you Mom for listening), I have been pretty calm and relaxed about all these current unknowns in our life. Maybe by self-force or maybe by the peace that has come from the abundance of prayers that I know have been lifted up for us.

This hasn't been the easiest pregnancy but nor has it been the worst pregnancy in history either, neither option by a long shot. I have given up comparing my pregnancy to anyone else though at this point because, well lets just face it, it makes me a little depressed to hear about how much some women loved theirs and their pregnant glow and why don't you just stop and puke on me please instead of tell me how many other wonderful things you loved about being pregnant. Not bitter. Please don't be offended if you fit in that category. I still love you. And I really don't want you to puke on me instead. I'm glad not everyone has had the issues I have had. We might have a lot less cutie patootie babies out there right now if you had! And I have no doubt that my Peapod will be worth every ounce of pain and tears I've endured during these nine months.

So back to my MFM appointment today since I know that's really what you care about. Here's the surprise. She's measuring big. Like almost 37 weeks big. That's right, I'm 34 weeks. She's 37. Hmm... does not compute. Up until now, she has been consistantly measuring a week or so behind, my tiny girl. Nope. Apparently not anymore. We're not sure yet if my doc will be moving her EDD up or not, but it is looking that way based on the MFM doc's opinion today. Its sortof confusing so I'm not entirely sure my information is correct, but her head is measuring at 33-34 weeks, but her abdomen and legs are measuring 36-37 weeks. Like her daddy much? She's measuring in something like the 97th percentile. Pretty sure the words "jumbo baby" came out of the sonographer's mouth, but thankfully not in the way my husband is now using itin the middle of laughter. It was more in the lines of "We won't let you go and have a jumbo baby." Lordy, do I really have a mini giant inside me? The fluid levels have raised but I was told not to an extreme. They went from 21.41 to 24, but apparently that is flexible. It is when it gets in the 30s and 40s that the alarms go off and the extremems are taken. They will continue to check the fluids I believe. The doctor today said that Thursday my OB would be talking to me about induction and moving up the EDD dates, etc. I will not even utter the "C" word unless its a last resort- but I'm not getting ahead of myself on this one! So, until then, I don't have any more knowledge on that whole topic. But we do know this. Her kidneys are functioning well, her bladder was full. And her belly was full meaning she is swallowing. All good things! Very good things. Too much fluid is better than not enough.

We did get a picture of her, sorry kiddo, I think you might have my little pig nose. I'll scan the picture tonight and post it for you to see her pretty profile. So, for now that's all I've got on doctor's visit number two of this week. How's your Tuesday going?

A Special Day

I still have few hours to spare for this one. Plus three extra hours just for them. My wonderful sister and her wonderful husband's birthdays are today and I am wishing them a BIG happy birthday wish! And I hope they enjoy their new air plants.











How cool are these things?! I'm hoping they do well because if so, I'll be picking up a few for myself. No dirt needed. Put under water once a week, and they are good to go. How easy is that? Well Happy birthday Dr. T and Husband Dr. T! Love you both.

Does it make me weird

that I am obsessed with how things smell right now? Is that pregnancy related or am I just a freak? My latest new love smell is this.

I swear I could have my nose in this all day long. I actually was caught red handed by the Giant smelling his boxers (cleaned) while switching them from the wash to dryer. I swear on my life they were clean! Is that TMI? Just being honest. Cheer Bright Clean has won me over. Best smelling laundry detergent hands down. I usually like to use powder detergent, typically Arm & Hammer because, well lets face it, the Giant can go through some clothes sweatin' and stinkin' 'em up. Arm & Hammer has always been good and is usually one of the cheapest choices, but I may now be a Cheer Bright Clean convert. And as weird as this is, I think the liquid is better than the powder, smell wise at least. Have you tried it yet? You should. Let me know what you think and if you decide I'm just plain weird. Since I discovered this new found scent of heaven, it occured to me that I need to do some research on baby detergents. Suggestions anyone from my momma friends? Man my life is so glamorous... I'm telling you about sniffing my husband's boxers. What is wrong with me?

But quick update: the Giant retook his PAST test again today and ROCKED it!! He shaved an entire minute off his run time (even after the ab cramps and pulled hamstring that happened around lap 4) and another minute off his swim. He did much better on his calistetics as well. He qualified for the CCT job this time which is what he tried to do last time and didn't make the times. He really impressed the guys in charge of it, enough that the commanding officer even offered to help train him more one on one to get him to his peak before leaving. Everyone seems really positive that it won't be long now. Thanks for keeping him in your thoughts today. I guess my momma is right, as usual. A little patience goes a long ways.

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Survey time!!

How far along?: 33 weeks
How big is baby?: Apparently she's between 4-5lbs already! My little plumper peapod. And the size of a honeydew melon. I believe that one, based on the round melon in front of me.
Weight Gain?: True weight gain. Not sure. The extra fluid isn't helping that number.
Stretch Marks?: Hallelujah nope.
Maternity Clothes?: Dresses all the time. Thank you cheap Old Navy.
Sleep?: My little beige pain miracle drug is helping me in this situation.
Best moment this week?: Hearing from my husband that he passed PAST with flying colors.
Food Cravings?: My sweet tooth is ridiculous. I'm trying to supplement fruit a lot more doing those craving times. Mmm pineapple.
Pregnancy brain?: Going along with food cravings, I had a dream about ice cream the other night. I was in a three story mall and every store (Nike shoes, dollar store, Dillards, etc) had ice cream dispensers in front of it. Each had a different flavor available. Some had three in one. Choc/van/straw. Lemon/lime/orange. Chunky monkey/rum raisin/ rocky road. You get the idea. My entire dream was me bouncing from one store to the other unable to make a decision. By the time I woke up, I still had never made a decision so I didn't get any. Sad.
Gender?: All girl.
Movement?: Her butt cheeks, knees, and itty bitty feet love my ribs all day long.
What I miss?: Feeling good.
Belly Button?: I am still pleading- please don't pop out!!
Labor Signs?: Braxton hicks more and more.
What I'm looking forward to?: My oh so many doctor's appointments next week. I really am looking forward to them. After my headache of a week making all of them, I'm ready to go for and get some answers!
Milestone?: Sleeping for 4 hours straight last night!

A little out of sorts

Its been one of those weeks here in Giantland. I can't quite put my finger on it, but things are definitely out of sorts. Mercury must be aligned still. When mischeivous Mercury aligns, all things get a little screwy. I'm battling too much in my mind, my emotions are a little too all over the place, I hurt, I'm frustrated, and I'm just plain lost. And yet, at the same time that I'm feeling all of this, I feel this weird sit-back-and-relax feeling. One feeling of peace I've never felt before. I think my body is forcing me to slow down and relax, really leaving me without a choice but to embrace life with every baby kick and let things fall in to place where they may. But holy moly are my thoughts trying to fight back.

This week, the wood floors are getting redone and stained at home so we've set up camp in my brother-in-law's living room for a few days. Air mattress and all squooshed between a tv and a couch. Yep, preggo me heaving myself off an airmattress just to plaster myself against the tv screen and shimmy my way through to escape for my multiple midnight potty breaks- oh and all in the pitch black of a new place. Fun! But, thank goodness we had some where to go so close and on such short notice. No way could I be around all those stain fumes- it reeks of automatic headache!

No new news on baby girl yet. We still haven't gotten in to see the MFM physician at EVMS yet. That's been a long and frustrating process that I won't bore you with going into all the details. Hopefully they get me in this week because this waiting and wondering thing is about to kill me. I did, however, have my appointment with Internal Medicine concerning my pains Monday. Apparently every Internal Medicine physician is not Dr. House. I expected much different. I still have no idea what he does or did to me but I hope it did something good. When he started feeling my back muscles and nerves, he was shocked at how many spasms he found. Who knew?. Working those nerve spasms out was NOT fun! Although, he did give me some (baby safe) muscle relaxers to take at night to help me sleep. He said, "You might get a little drowsy on them." Well last night, ten minutes after (first calling the Dr. sister to get the official ok to take one) popping one I was dead to the world. I'm in love. Although, waking up this morning was not so much fun. But I seemed to have a little less lower pains so I won't complain.

On to another subject, the Giant has a PAST test retake tomorrow. It will be just like his first PAST but hopefully with better times this go round.He won't lose his first scores, so this can only help him. He is very nervous about it though, nervous about the cramps coming back between swimming and running like last time. Please pray him through the morning tomorrow if you can. He's been spending every day this week at the gym and track retraining. He's still been looking for a job in the meantime, but this week he's PAST focused.

Hey, do you know what time it is?! ..... It's pre-football get-your-fantasy-leagues-together time! How do I know? Because my fantasy football reminder emails are coming in daily. WOOHOO! Insert my Let's Go Hokies here! Anybody else planning on being in a good fantasy league this year? football season will be so different this year! What was the first outfit ever bought for my Peapod? A Hokies cheerleading onesie! What else? It looks a little something like this.

Pretty sure its way to big for her because I didn't exactly plan it out right- since I bought it last year- way before she was even a thought. Oops. Oh well. It was on sale. We'll make something work for game days.

So anyways, that's our life today. Who knows whats next? Not me. But you'll be the first to know when I do.