Man, the last of the ‘free’ weekends sure are flying by faster than I can rest and enjoy them. That may or may not be due to my behavior, but I’m not in the business of pointing fingers so early on a Monday!
Another week has passed – 36 weeks of pregnancy of be exact – hard to believe it. 36 weeks have been filled with so much. Trips, holiday, work, graduate school, visitors, relaxing, preparing, and now I’m just trying to enjoying the last little bit of life as I know before, before our world is rocked. However, I can’t wait!
Last week flew by for both of us. We are both so buy with work. MP is running around like a maniac and I’m working diligently to wrap up things at work – and still getting pressured to start new things. Needless to say, work stress is NOT diminishing. I guess it won’t until I’m out and I just don’t care. We had our last ‘regular’ baby class last week.
We go back tomorrow for child and infant CPR and then we are done. It’s been a really interesting class and we’ve learned a lot about labor and delivery. However, the chairs are uncomfortable and after working all day, I’m tired of being ‘talked’ to.
I have not made the dent in my baby sleeping habits book as I should have. I have a mission to do that this weekend, darn it! Tonight I need to put the finishing touches on Ireland’s room and polish the floors – then that is ready to go. I got my hospital nightgown yesterday for post-delivery. I washed it with the last little bit of baby stuff and I need to finish packing that today.
The car seats were installed this weekend. We took them up to FDOT and met with an officer to have them properly checked. She was a wonderful assistant and we are thankful we had her help. Of course it’s a bit strange to be rolling around with car seats in your car. Talk about a mind blowing reminder of what is to come.
Speaking of – I went into I’s room on Friday afternoon – and I noticed an empty crib (as I have so many times before) but this time, I stopped dead in my tracks and thought “OMG, I am going to responsible for someone’s life” and that is just flat out scary! And so exciting.
Saturday MP and I went to the outlets to do some shopping. He was looking for new clothes, while I watched with jealousy. I can’t wait to wear normal clothes again and to workout and shop. But, he didn’t let me feel bad long. With the upcoming birthday he treated me to a pair of Kate Spade sunglasses (yay, finally!) and I treated myself to some KS earrings! Not a bad start to my birthday week! After a ton of walking in the extreme heat (it got HOT here) I was done. We came home and I pretty much was useless the rest of the day.
Sunday after I church I took MP to the Rays game for Father’s Day. I had bought us awesome tickets and we enjoyed them. We even decided to do something different and each keep score of the game using the scorecard they give you. After a Rays sweep over the Marlins, we met MVP for dinner at Mac Grill and then ran errands at Walmart. By the time we got home, this baby was a moving. By moving, I mean making waves in my belly and I’m pretty sure she was even dropping more, b/c the pelvic pain was crazy. She’s making her way I guess!
Monday, June 20, 2011
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Another weekend not wasted!
WHEW! It's already 9:25 on Sunday night. I still have to finish at least the introduction of my book on baby sleeping habits before I retire for the night...which should be soon because I am whooped!
Friday was a great day in terms of accomplishment. We had a meet and greet with the pediatrician we selected and that went well. I got a lot accomplished at work so that I can get at my desk tomorrow and really pound out maternity leave preparations. MP and I went out for pizza on Friday night and I came home and just say on my rear. I starting piling through my American Baby and Parenting magazines I let pile up during the semester and what not.
Saturday we had a baptism preparation class at church in the morning. We came home and put up the decals in Ireland's room. MP finished fixing the closet doors in there today, so now all that is left is for me to get some pictures in a frame, hang it up and clean/polish the floors. Then, we are all set! I plan to have that done this week.
Then I went and treated myself to a manicure and pedicure before going to visit a friend who was moving. I enjoyed going into CVS to buy her a case of beer - oh the looks I got! :) Tee Hee! After stopping over to supervise the move, I went to the Fresh Market to get groceries and some dinner. Came home to have MP grill our burgers and then I again, sat on my rear. I was just beat up, AGAIN. I can't wait to get my stamina back!
Today I slept until until nearly 9am. I have been waking up a lot at night and even staying awake for an hour or so in the middle of the night. So I guess my body needed the extra bit of sleep it got today. MP went out to cut the grass while I prepared and sent initial interview questions to potential nanny's. When MP came in I made us breakfast and then started cleaning some of the rooms of our house. By 11am I was once again done - so I sat down to take care of some computer work before I could manage standing again to shower and run more errands.
We went to BuyBuyBaby to purchase some items - we came out with a dvd that's been recommended to watch - The Happiest Baby on the Block and MP's pick -Parenting - the 1st year for dummies. :) MP wanted a backpack for his baby bag - so we stopped and got him one. THEN came the good part! We treated ourselves to Cheesecake from the Cheesecake factory - mmm, mmmm!! I have half of mine in my fridge and its calling my name for another day!
We made our way home in time to sit for an hour before heading to church. I was to read the 2nd reading tonight mass. I got there to find out I was to do the 1st reading. OOPS! So I frantically grab a missile and read over it...woah, some city names I don't know how to pronounce. Had I read the 1st reading preparations, my guide would have showed me this. So I go up to the Deacon's daughter and asked for her help. She told me her dad wrote a song about this - but she can't remember. So, all 20 years of her tells me "Just go with it, if you mess up, only you and Father will know. It's not like he will call you out." In a moment of a pregnancy induced hot flash, I decide to accept her advice. I go up. I read. I mangle.
During the homily Father Ed, who I adore, has a great analogy about the holy spirit and O-rings from the challenger...yeah, you had to be there to get it, but I loved it. In an effort to drive home how members of the church are like faulty o-rings...he asks the readers to raise their hands. Then proceeds to CALL ME OUT on messing up in the reading! LOL Only me!! He didn't mean to be it rude, it was a teachable moment! :) I just laughed, that is SO ME!!!
While waiting to bring the book up to the alter before mass, some woman came up to me and said "you look absolutely beautiful". I was still to high off her kindness to care I messed up. God doesn't care, he's just glad I tried!
We came home and made diner and packed our baby bags. Ireland's hospital bag is ready. Now I just need to pack MY hospital bag and have my list ready in case MP or MVP have to stop here and collect the few random items. Or Erin, she may be on list duty, too.
I have asked Erin to be my Douala! She accepted. :)
So this week ahead is all about working hard at the job, getting things off the list and ready for transition. I need to finish up I's room, clean her toys and wrap it all up. We have baby class this Tuesday night again where we'll get a tour of the recovery wing at the hospital. I also need to read like 4 chapters in my sleeping habits for baby book we were gifted.
We are getting there, we are close! This is BONKERS!
Friday was a great day in terms of accomplishment. We had a meet and greet with the pediatrician we selected and that went well. I got a lot accomplished at work so that I can get at my desk tomorrow and really pound out maternity leave preparations. MP and I went out for pizza on Friday night and I came home and just say on my rear. I starting piling through my American Baby and Parenting magazines I let pile up during the semester and what not.
Saturday we had a baptism preparation class at church in the morning. We came home and put up the decals in Ireland's room. MP finished fixing the closet doors in there today, so now all that is left is for me to get some pictures in a frame, hang it up and clean/polish the floors. Then, we are all set! I plan to have that done this week.
Then I went and treated myself to a manicure and pedicure before going to visit a friend who was moving. I enjoyed going into CVS to buy her a case of beer - oh the looks I got! :) Tee Hee! After stopping over to supervise the move, I went to the Fresh Market to get groceries and some dinner. Came home to have MP grill our burgers and then I again, sat on my rear. I was just beat up, AGAIN. I can't wait to get my stamina back!
Today I slept until until nearly 9am. I have been waking up a lot at night and even staying awake for an hour or so in the middle of the night. So I guess my body needed the extra bit of sleep it got today. MP went out to cut the grass while I prepared and sent initial interview questions to potential nanny's. When MP came in I made us breakfast and then started cleaning some of the rooms of our house. By 11am I was once again done - so I sat down to take care of some computer work before I could manage standing again to shower and run more errands.
We went to BuyBuyBaby to purchase some items - we came out with a dvd that's been recommended to watch - The Happiest Baby on the Block and MP's pick -Parenting - the 1st year for dummies. :) MP wanted a backpack for his baby bag - so we stopped and got him one. THEN came the good part! We treated ourselves to Cheesecake from the Cheesecake factory - mmm, mmmm!! I have half of mine in my fridge and its calling my name for another day!
We made our way home in time to sit for an hour before heading to church. I was to read the 2nd reading tonight mass. I got there to find out I was to do the 1st reading. OOPS! So I frantically grab a missile and read over it...woah, some city names I don't know how to pronounce. Had I read the 1st reading preparations, my guide would have showed me this. So I go up to the Deacon's daughter and asked for her help. She told me her dad wrote a song about this - but she can't remember. So, all 20 years of her tells me "Just go with it, if you mess up, only you and Father will know. It's not like he will call you out." In a moment of a pregnancy induced hot flash, I decide to accept her advice. I go up. I read. I mangle.
During the homily Father Ed, who I adore, has a great analogy about the holy spirit and O-rings from the challenger...yeah, you had to be there to get it, but I loved it. In an effort to drive home how members of the church are like faulty o-rings...he asks the readers to raise their hands. Then proceeds to CALL ME OUT on messing up in the reading! LOL Only me!! He didn't mean to be it rude, it was a teachable moment! :) I just laughed, that is SO ME!!!
While waiting to bring the book up to the alter before mass, some woman came up to me and said "you look absolutely beautiful". I was still to high off her kindness to care I messed up. God doesn't care, he's just glad I tried!
We came home and made diner and packed our baby bags. Ireland's hospital bag is ready. Now I just need to pack MY hospital bag and have my list ready in case MP or MVP have to stop here and collect the few random items. Or Erin, she may be on list duty, too.
I have asked Erin to be my Douala! She accepted. :)
So this week ahead is all about working hard at the job, getting things off the list and ready for transition. I need to finish up I's room, clean her toys and wrap it all up. We have baby class this Tuesday night again where we'll get a tour of the recovery wing at the hospital. I also need to read like 4 chapters in my sleeping habits for baby book we were gifted.
We are getting there, we are close! This is BONKERS!
Saturday, June 11, 2011
T - One Month
Here we are on June 11th. The ‘final’ countdown begins and I as I type this, I have tears in my eyes for so many reasons. Little Miss Ireland is due in one month. One month. That is crazy. She can come in a few days, a few weeks, or after July 11th. No one knows but God.
On one hand, I am ready for her. I am physically ready her for her. Our house is ready for the most part – just a few final details are left. I have to actually finish packing her hospital bag and get mine packed. I need to pack our baby bags and get the car seats secured. MP has to hang a new track in the closet and a picture frame. Then I THINK we are done. We could do all that tomorrow…HA!...I bet we won’t, but we’ll knock out some of that stuff for sure.
I’ve anticipated her arrival since Halloween when I first took the pregnancy test. It’s been a great pregnancy. Yeah, I didn’t love the morning sickness, I loathe the acid reflux and I’ve beat up from the feet up EVERY day since the end of April. But those are all things that don’t really matter. I’ve actually enjoyed being pregnant and I would do it again.
So, why the tears?
Well for starters, because I’m tired. And I’m not ready to be more tired than this. But that’s trivial. I’m more scared of what the future holds. Will I really be a good mom? People tell me I will be, but will I really be? Will she like me? Will MP adore her and be her first and biggest protector until the day he dies? How will our marriage be affected? Will she be as smart and as beautiful I imagine her to be? Will she be safe and happy and free from worry as long as possible? The future really is unknown and it’s scary to bring another human into this world when nothing is guaranteed.
I will also really miss feeling her kick and move inside me. We had a sonogram on Thursday and I was informed exactly of how she’s laying. Since then I know when her butt is moving around and I love it. I will miss knowing she is safe from the world in my belly.
But, I trust that the best is yet to come when it comes to my lil’shamrock and I can’t wait to soak up the joy she brings to MP and me. We are going to love her so much; there is no doubt of that.
As of Thursday, I am not dilated but the doctor said my cervix is beginning to thin. It’s crazy how close it is. MP said to me last night that all of pregnancy has gone fast, but the last few weeks are going slow. I said “OMG, they are FLYING by for me, I need them to slow down.” I think we are both anxious with our own worries and fear of the unknown and its funny how it affects us each differently.
So, with one month left – I will go to rest for the night. For tomorrow is another busy day of chores, errands and finding time to rest.
On one hand, I am ready for her. I am physically ready her for her. Our house is ready for the most part – just a few final details are left. I have to actually finish packing her hospital bag and get mine packed. I need to pack our baby bags and get the car seats secured. MP has to hang a new track in the closet and a picture frame. Then I THINK we are done. We could do all that tomorrow…HA!...I bet we won’t, but we’ll knock out some of that stuff for sure.
I’ve anticipated her arrival since Halloween when I first took the pregnancy test. It’s been a great pregnancy. Yeah, I didn’t love the morning sickness, I loathe the acid reflux and I’ve beat up from the feet up EVERY day since the end of April. But those are all things that don’t really matter. I’ve actually enjoyed being pregnant and I would do it again.
So, why the tears?
Well for starters, because I’m tired. And I’m not ready to be more tired than this. But that’s trivial. I’m more scared of what the future holds. Will I really be a good mom? People tell me I will be, but will I really be? Will she like me? Will MP adore her and be her first and biggest protector until the day he dies? How will our marriage be affected? Will she be as smart and as beautiful I imagine her to be? Will she be safe and happy and free from worry as long as possible? The future really is unknown and it’s scary to bring another human into this world when nothing is guaranteed.
I will also really miss feeling her kick and move inside me. We had a sonogram on Thursday and I was informed exactly of how she’s laying. Since then I know when her butt is moving around and I love it. I will miss knowing she is safe from the world in my belly.
But, I trust that the best is yet to come when it comes to my lil’shamrock and I can’t wait to soak up the joy she brings to MP and me. We are going to love her so much; there is no doubt of that.
As of Thursday, I am not dilated but the doctor said my cervix is beginning to thin. It’s crazy how close it is. MP said to me last night that all of pregnancy has gone fast, but the last few weeks are going slow. I said “OMG, they are FLYING by for me, I need them to slow down.” I think we are both anxious with our own worries and fear of the unknown and its funny how it affects us each differently.
So, with one month left – I will go to rest for the night. For tomorrow is another busy day of chores, errands and finding time to rest.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Colleen 1, Pregnancy 1.5
5 weeks from due date today. Poppy is no longer the size of a poppy seed but more like the size of a large cantaloupe. Is it wrong that song from Benny and Joon comes to mind? "Cantaloupa - cataloupa...da da da da...." Or whatever it says.....
I digress...this part of pregnancy has KICKED my arse lately. I will say nicely that I hate it!!!
My feet hurt, like the bottom pads of them, HURT. My wrists hurt. My fingers hurt, my back hurts, my ankles (not kankles yet!) hurt! I feel restricted, I have to rest a lot and we all know that I don't rest well.
Well, I decided this weekend that I was on a super crazy mission to get the last of my baby stuff done. I got darn near close.
Remember my work related meltdown? Well I spent Thursday tending to the same project until 1am...I woke up on Friday beat and just not feel rested. I muddled through the day the best I could, but by 3pm I was laying in my bed with my swollen sore feet up. I went to lunch that day with my lunching ladies - Kathleen and Elinor and ate bad - something I've been doing very little of. Let me tell you - its not worth it. I couldn't even nap without the reflux of a horrible meal taunting me every few minutes. It was just sad. :(
MP came home to find me attempting to nap. He suggested we do a late dinner so I could rest. We went out for German food (mmm, schnitzel!) later that night and came straight home. We had to get up early to volunteer our time at the Youth Tri down near Brandon.
I was up every hour (lovely pee breaks and acid reflux attacks) so by 5:30 I was just awake - waiting to get MP out of bed. We were out the door by 6:30 and tattooing up little kids by 7:30. As a parent to be, it was wonderful to see so many parents out at the pool with their kids. The kids were 5 and up. It was hilarious and cute to see the little kids doing the swim portion of their tri - then getting out the off the pool to run to transition. All too often you see or hear of parents who have the TV babysit their kids and let the iPad and the DS entertain them. Yet, these parents were up at 7am to ensure their kids were being active, playing with friends and having fun. It wasn't about winning or losing (well, there was THAT one guy, always is) but it was really about fun. As I put tattoos on the little boys and girls, I asked them if they were going to win or have fun. Most kids said "have fun" and I LOVE that attitude. After we applied tatoo's we walked a few blocks and stood guard on some streets to block cars from getting onto the raceway. I knew I would pay the price of being on my feet so long, but I didn't care. Watching these kids do the bike portion of their tri was worth it. I loved cheering on these little kids and watching them smile and have fun. I think most of them enjoyed the encouragement! I thought a lot about Ireland that day and how I can't wait to watch what her interests will be and to support her. Long gone are the days of getting up on a Saturday to nurse a hangover. I'm OK with that. I can't wait for the days to get up and watch her play softball, run a tri, kick a soccer ball, dance, etc. As long as she is active and having fun, I will be a happy parent.
One girl was talking to a group of kids all biking by each other - they were maybe 7 or 8. She said "I'm just getting used to my shocks" and I giggled. I looked down the street at MP, laughing and he said "Babe, that so would've been you, talking instead of competing." I laughed harder, that is SO true! GOod Times!
After that we came home and I was dead on my feet, as I suspected. The swollen knees and sore feet and ankles kicked in and I was ready to nap. Of course, all this tends to heighten my RLS, so I didn't nap for long. Instead, I forced myself to put together the bassinet/pack and play. I unwrapped all the toys and rattles and got them ready to be cleaned. I organized her room, got it ready for its final decorations. I started packing Poppy's hospital bag and made my list of what I needed to buy for each our diaper bags. I was on it!! By 4pm, I was off it...and fell asleep on our living room floor - OOPS! That hurt!
That night we just rested some more (after MP thankfully cut the grass) and took it easy. Sunday AM I was up at church early and then I went to get some breakfast. I was in the stores by 10am getting the things we needed - travel wipes a bassinet sheet, etc. I picked up our video camera and I did some food shopping. I came home by 1 and cleaned the kitchen and living room a bit then I stopped. BIG MISTAKE. OUCH! This body hates me! So I took a shower and napped until 5 freaking o'clock. Talk about feeling lazy.
I got up and made homemade - nearly all natural - beef stroganoff for dinner. OMG! It was SO GOOD! Aunt Cherry came over and ate with us and brought a chocolate ice box cake, I find comfort in knowing the leftovers of that are in my garage fridge! :)
Its now Monday AM and my inbox is mad at me, my maternity coverage list awaits and my iced coffee with chocolate almond milk needs made. I'm already tired.
One of my chores last week was to find a pediatrician and I think we found him! We are meeting with him on Friday for a meet and greet. Now I need to find the nanny and finish the last of the details… packing the bags, getting MP to get his list done, etc. I'm THIS close to feeling 100% baby ready! I can do it, I can do it!
I digress...this part of pregnancy has KICKED my arse lately. I will say nicely that I hate it!!!
My feet hurt, like the bottom pads of them, HURT. My wrists hurt. My fingers hurt, my back hurts, my ankles (not kankles yet!) hurt! I feel restricted, I have to rest a lot and we all know that I don't rest well.
Well, I decided this weekend that I was on a super crazy mission to get the last of my baby stuff done. I got darn near close.
Remember my work related meltdown? Well I spent Thursday tending to the same project until 1am...I woke up on Friday beat and just not feel rested. I muddled through the day the best I could, but by 3pm I was laying in my bed with my swollen sore feet up. I went to lunch that day with my lunching ladies - Kathleen and Elinor and ate bad - something I've been doing very little of. Let me tell you - its not worth it. I couldn't even nap without the reflux of a horrible meal taunting me every few minutes. It was just sad. :(
MP came home to find me attempting to nap. He suggested we do a late dinner so I could rest. We went out for German food (mmm, schnitzel!) later that night and came straight home. We had to get up early to volunteer our time at the Youth Tri down near Brandon.
I was up every hour (lovely pee breaks and acid reflux attacks) so by 5:30 I was just awake - waiting to get MP out of bed. We were out the door by 6:30 and tattooing up little kids by 7:30. As a parent to be, it was wonderful to see so many parents out at the pool with their kids. The kids were 5 and up. It was hilarious and cute to see the little kids doing the swim portion of their tri - then getting out the off the pool to run to transition. All too often you see or hear of parents who have the TV babysit their kids and let the iPad and the DS entertain them. Yet, these parents were up at 7am to ensure their kids were being active, playing with friends and having fun. It wasn't about winning or losing (well, there was THAT one guy, always is) but it was really about fun. As I put tattoos on the little boys and girls, I asked them if they were going to win or have fun. Most kids said "have fun" and I LOVE that attitude. After we applied tatoo's we walked a few blocks and stood guard on some streets to block cars from getting onto the raceway. I knew I would pay the price of being on my feet so long, but I didn't care. Watching these kids do the bike portion of their tri was worth it. I loved cheering on these little kids and watching them smile and have fun. I think most of them enjoyed the encouragement! I thought a lot about Ireland that day and how I can't wait to watch what her interests will be and to support her. Long gone are the days of getting up on a Saturday to nurse a hangover. I'm OK with that. I can't wait for the days to get up and watch her play softball, run a tri, kick a soccer ball, dance, etc. As long as she is active and having fun, I will be a happy parent.
One girl was talking to a group of kids all biking by each other - they were maybe 7 or 8. She said "I'm just getting used to my shocks" and I giggled. I looked down the street at MP, laughing and he said "Babe, that so would've been you, talking instead of competing." I laughed harder, that is SO true! GOod Times!
After that we came home and I was dead on my feet, as I suspected. The swollen knees and sore feet and ankles kicked in and I was ready to nap. Of course, all this tends to heighten my RLS, so I didn't nap for long. Instead, I forced myself to put together the bassinet/pack and play. I unwrapped all the toys and rattles and got them ready to be cleaned. I organized her room, got it ready for its final decorations. I started packing Poppy's hospital bag and made my list of what I needed to buy for each our diaper bags. I was on it!! By 4pm, I was off it...and fell asleep on our living room floor - OOPS! That hurt!
That night we just rested some more (after MP thankfully cut the grass) and took it easy. Sunday AM I was up at church early and then I went to get some breakfast. I was in the stores by 10am getting the things we needed - travel wipes a bassinet sheet, etc. I picked up our video camera and I did some food shopping. I came home by 1 and cleaned the kitchen and living room a bit then I stopped. BIG MISTAKE. OUCH! This body hates me! So I took a shower and napped until 5 freaking o'clock. Talk about feeling lazy.
I got up and made homemade - nearly all natural - beef stroganoff for dinner. OMG! It was SO GOOD! Aunt Cherry came over and ate with us and brought a chocolate ice box cake, I find comfort in knowing the leftovers of that are in my garage fridge! :)
Its now Monday AM and my inbox is mad at me, my maternity coverage list awaits and my iced coffee with chocolate almond milk needs made. I'm already tired.
One of my chores last week was to find a pediatrician and I think we found him! We are meeting with him on Friday for a meet and greet. Now I need to find the nanny and finish the last of the details… packing the bags, getting MP to get his list done, etc. I'm THIS close to feeling 100% baby ready! I can do it, I can do it!
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