So Much to Learn and Do ... So Little Time

One minute, I feel like so much has happened the last few weeks … and the next, like there is still so much to do and learn. Here is a brief recap.

As you know, I went in for my glucose test on the 16th. Let’s just say that the “flat orange pop” as the doctor’s office so politely describes, actually tastes a lot worse.

Add to the fact that you have to get it all down in five minutes, not any better. Took all of my will power to keep it down for an hour, but I succeeded. I haven’t heard back on the results yet, which I want to take as a good sign. But I should also note that I am now on bi-weekly doctor visits, so they might just be waiting to share the news for my next appointment on June 1st. I will let you know!

Our new windows are also being installed today – so I hope I come home to a brand new house! I am sure they are going to look great and it’s giving me hope that we might actually have everything ready by the time baby girl gets here. The nursery room painting also starts later this week, so it’s nice to see that things are really coming together.

Finally, we had our birthing class on Saturday. It was great and I learned a lot … probably more than I ever wanted to know if I am being honest. Let’s just say that I left even more terrified about this birthing process than I was before. I still can’t comprehend something that big coming out of something that small.

It was great for Mike too … especially seeing him practice breathing techniques. I didn’t necessarily need him doing it in my face, but at least he participated, right?

But hearing things about effacement, dilation, mucus plugs, Braxton-Hicks – and seeing pictures of what this whole birth process does to your body, well – not so appealing. As a first timer here, I am so happy about having a doula. I think she will be instrumental in trying to help keep both Mike and me calm – at a time when I know that I am going to absolutely freak out. Especially during the early labor when you are encouraged to stay at home.

Good thing that when my doctor asked me at my last appointment if I had any thoughts about my birth “plan”, I reminded her to make a note in my chart that said “Very open to c-section!” I then told her to put gold starts around it, draw flowers, anything to make sure that whatever doctor from the practice is on call for me, they don’t miss it!

Anyway, one of the biggest things that came up is that Mike really wants to watch our little one being born. Obviously, for all of you who REALLY know me, this totally creeps me out. First, I am COMPLETELY private and I don’t want ANYONE in that delivery room, much less my husband watching my junk stretch out to the size of a football field. Second, I think once a guy sees what happens to your body down there during child birth, well – they never can really see you as attractive anymore. Heck, even after seeing the pictures in class, I don’t think I could ever look at it the same way again either!

I am all for letting him cut the cord and that good stuff – as long as he stays up towards my head. But this has truly caused a bit of stress between us … because we both strongly have our opinions. So to help, I want to hear yours! Please take the survey and let me know your thoughts.

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Please keep in mind that I totally get that it would be something cool for him to see and I understand the emotional side of it – I really do. But I ask that when voting, you also consider me and my extreme terror. Is knowing that he will be down there going to stress me out even more and slow down the process (I heard anxiety can do that)? UGH!

Anyway – thanks for sharing your thoughts. I appreciate them.

I Thought I Posted This Wednesday ...

(I actually posted this the other day … but it doesn’t look like it made it up there … hmmm)
Sorry that I haven’t been staying up on my writing as much … it’s been a busy week.

I officially started my new position. I love the people and it’s a great company, but the industry is so different from child care. A lot of what I do is focused on automotive, aerospace, general industry, etc. So while I understand it from my agency days, it’s going to take a while to ramp back up. But I also really miss all of the people I worked with. Well, some of them! And they know who they are.

Other than that, we are finally starting to make some headway with all this baby stuff. We ordered new windows for the house and I am hoping those will be installed sometime around the week of May 23rd. I also picked up some paint samples and decided on the colors. And my mom’s boyfriend will be doing the painting thanks to hubby working on his car! Labor for labor!

Next on the list is trying to select carpet … with two dogs and a new baby on the way, can you say StainMaster?

I also finished registering at Buy Buy Baby thanks to my mom and girlfriend Lauren. Since all of this stuff is new to me, I thought it made sense to take a mom who can tell me what stuff is good, what is crap, and what I really need.

Oh – and the baby furniture arrived. Click here to see a pic of what we got. It’s black to match the lady bug theme we are going with and of course, I needed the WHOLE set. While we haven’t assembled it yet (because it just doesn’t make sense to do that until we get the basics done), we did inspect it and it looks great! I really am looking forward to putting it up. Thanks to my mommy for buying all of it for us – you are the bestest!

I also can’t forget to thank all of my great friends – Amy, Lauren and Jennifer – who have shared everything from maternity clothes to baby essentials to adorable girlie outfits. I really am blessed to have you in my life! THANK YOU!

Finally, the baby showers are also planned! Thank you to Mike’s family for throwing us one on June 25th and to Lauren from hosting one for my friends on July 30th! I am really looking forward to seeing everyone – especially those of you who haven’t seen me with the “pregnancy glow” yet!

And for everyone who has been driving me crazy for a belly photo, here you go!

I am still struggling with the weight gain, but at least now I am looking pregnant and not just fat. Also, I am happy to say that my body seems to have adjusted to this pregnancy thing a little better and I haven’t puked since the cruise. YEAH! The worst part now is fighting this head cold I have had for a while – but at least I can breathe and sleep now!

We have our baby class on May 21st! That should be interesting and I’ll be sure to post all of the funny details on how Mike does! He’s going to be a great dad … but I think we both have a LOT to learn!

Cravings Galore

For those of you who REALLY know me, I have always had a bit of sweet tooth. Dessert has always been my favorite part of a meal … which I think personally drives Mike crazy.

But in the last few weeks, I have developed an insatiable appetite for ice cream, milk shakes and my absolute new favorite – Biggby’s Frozen Hot Chocolate. (As such, if you are in the area and want to drop one off, this little bundle of joy inside me would greatly appreciate it!).

However, this story cannot be told without explaining my ban on Dunkin’ Donuts. About two weeks ago, I received a coupon in the mail for Dunkin’ Donuts. Of course, I had to peruse the whole thing and low and behold, there is a coupon for a .99 frozen hot chocolate – their new product. Well, baby girl wanted one IMMEDIATELTY, so out I went with coupon in hand to my local DD … in the rain! Upon arriving, the clerk tells me that they won’t be carrying it until June. WHAT??? I essentially break down into tears in the store horrified and had to instead drive over to Wendy’s for a Frosty to crave my need.

With Frosty in hand (and belly), I then preceded to email Dunkin' Donuts and post on their Facebook page. NO RESPONSE! They are dead to me now!

Anyway, thanks to friends and old co-workers, I learned that Biggby carries a frozen hot chocolate. And they can even make it with caramel and marshmallow flavoring added. Can you say yummy in my big a*s tummy?

The way I see it, it really is unfortunate for DD – as they would have pretty much had a daily customer for the next four months or so. Congrats to Biggby for getting my business and taking care of “All the pregnant ladies, all the pregnant ladies” … my new version of Beyonce’s song!

PS. My gestational diabetes testing is on Monday. Who wants to bet I fail and my frozen hot chocolate dreams vanish right before my eyes?

Catching Up

Sorry that I haven’t been staying up on my writing as much … it’s been a busy couple weeks.

I officially started my new position. I love the people and it’s a great company, but the industry isn’t nearly as exciting as child care – there was always something happening there. A lot of what I do is focused on automotive, aerospace, general industry, etc. So while I understand it from my agency days, it’s going to take a while to ramp back up.

But I also really miss all of the people I worked with. Well, some of them! And they know who they are.

Other than that, we are finally starting to make some headway with all this baby stuff. We ordered new windows for the house and it sounds like they should be installed around the week of the 23rd. I also got some paint samples and tried them out on the wall. Baby girl’s room will be either light pink, light green or a combination of both - thanks to Mom's boyfriend doing the painting (part of payment for Mike working on his car). Next on the list is trying to select carpet!

I also finally got to register at Buy Buy Baby thanks to my girl Lauren and my mom. Since all of this stuff is new to me, I thought it made sense to take someone who can tell me what stuff is good, what is crap, and what I really need.

Oh – and the baby furniture arrived. Click here to see what we ordered … and of course, I got all of the pieces. Thanks to my wonderful mommy for buying it for us!

It’s black to match the lady bug theme we are going with. While we haven’t assembled it yet (because it just doesn’t make sense to do that until we get the basics done), we did inspect it and it looks great! I really am looking forward to putting it up.

Finally, the baby showers are also planned! Thank you to Mike’s family for throwing us one on June 25th and to Lauren for hosting one for my friends on July 30th! I am really looking forward to seeing everyone – especially those of you who haven’t seen me with the “pregnancy glow” yet!

And for everyone who has been driving me crazy for a belly photo, here you go!

I am still struggling with the weight gain, but at least now I am looking pregnant now and not just fat. Also, I am happy to say that my body seems to have adjusted to this pregnancy thing a little better and I haven’t puked since the cruise. YEAH! The worst part now is fighting this head cold I have had for a while – but at least I can breathe and sleep now! Well – except for the fact that baby girl has become extremely active and truly enjoys kicking around 3:00 in the morning. I am hoping she doesn’t have Mike’s ADHD, but let me tell you – that little peanut likes to move! Maybe she just has his love for dancing!

I also can’t forget to send a big thank you to Lauren, Jennifer and Amy for all of the great stuff they have sent my way – from maternity clothes to baby items to the cutest little girl clothes. I am blessed to have such great friends to take care of me and would never get through this without them.

We have our birthing and baby care class on May 21st! That should be interesting and I’ll be sure to post all of the funny details on how Mike does! He’s going to be a great dad … but I think we both have a LOT to learn!