Twelve More Days?! Really?! Only Twelve?!

This week (much to my surprise) I’m starting to feel pregnant…really, really pregnant.

It was a long hard week. Any extra energy I had left in the reserves completely dried up when I wasn’t paying attention. The to-do list was a mile long, both at work and home and I had absolutely no motivation, energy, or stamina to pull it off.

Looking back at my miserable self I kind of have to chuckle, I struggled like mad to try and keep my head above water on all fronts and by golly I made it! Thank goodness this weekend I’m starting to feel like my old normal self again and have been able to mark a few pressing things off the to-do list.

A small snippet of this week’s ‘fun’.

An afternoon email to Jack
March 24th, 2010 3:24pm

Subject: Oh my gosh, Oh my gosh....!

Body: I just took a look at my feet (they were feeling a bit umm....'stiff').

And this is what I discovered. What looks like the legs and feet of a fat fat midgie. I can't stop laughing, this is the grossest thing I've ever seen my body do.
Jack's reply...

"That is the hardest I laughed while at work. Not the picture. Your description. Oh honey, I'm crying I'm laughing so hard. You are so funny.

I am sorry your feet are so swolley-moley... I will rub them while we watch the rest of Celebrity Apprentice tonight."

The rest of the cankle story...
Turns out my feet didn't 'un-thaw' they way I had hoped and envisioned the next morning. They were still 'swolley-moley' and it took four attempts to find a pair of shoes that fit. The folks at work were concerned enough when I shared the news that they talked me into calling the midwives to see what, if anything I could do to reduce the swelling. Because I hadn't experienced anything like this previously and I am so close to D-day, they asked that I come in just for a quick check. Turns out my BP was a little high, and I had packed on almost a pound a day since our last appointment. But my protein counts (I guess the important thing) were good so attributed the weight gain and swelling to the water I've been consuming (still a gallon a day) and retaining. Sadly, the midwife said because I'm a 'good water drinker' chances are I'll continue to maintain and pack on the water weight even weeks after the little guy comes. Bummer dudes...

Read more...

Thirty Seven Weeks

Things I’ll truly miss about this pregnancy:

The fun maternity wardrobe. Honest, I mean it!
When in your adult life can you score up to date fashionable pieces (more often than not) for a great price and have the green light to be seen in the same outfit once a week if you choose. Yes, I made fun of these crazy duds early on, but once I embraced that there was no getting around it, and flaunt it if you’ve got it, I was golden.

Watching my belly grow, and feeling those lil’ ninja kicks in the morning and evening.

Even though we can’t see him, knowing that the life inside of me is absolutely perfect in every possible way.

The kindness of strangers - their smiles, glances, and fun due date questions. And the check out guy at Trader Joe’s who asked how long I had left and that I looked happy and great.

Being able to justify a trip through the McDonald’s drive through twice a week.


Things I (thankfully) missed out on:

Morning sickness, the unmentionable roids,stretch marks, and heartburn.

Sleepless nights spent tossing and turning. Surprisingly I hated the Snoogie (or a fortress of pillows surrounding me) and ran with a small 12x2 couch pillow instead.

With the exception of the last couple days the crazy swelling felt by some. Still proudly sportin’ the wedding ring.

The top non-baby things I am looking forward to:

A good coffee buzz

Sleeping on my stomach and back - oh my gosh I. can. not. wait!

Wine and Champagne (tried a sip of my beloved BudLight a few months ago and had to spit it out…yucky!)

Sushi –All you can eat sushi

Not having to use a crane to hoist myself out of bed eighteen times a night for those fun bathroom breaks.

Reclaiming my body back as mine. Never have I been more excited and motivated to get back into a healthily workout routine.

Not having a 24/7 case of the ‘drops’. I swear, if it’s in my hand chances are it’s going to be on the floor in no time. I have been dropping everything…and bending down sucks.

Read more...

The Perfect Gift

Dear friends Corbin and Melody gifted us one of the most precious and memorable present’s received - maternity photos of this crazy momma and our sweet lil’ buckaroo. Again, Corbin delivered true treasures our family will cherish forever.

Each time I flip through one of the images I have to shake my head and smile. For me each and every image is emotional, intimate, raw and absolutely perfect.

Corbin came to house to shoot the evening after Dad’s funeral. It’s safe to say my emotions were running a tad bit on overdrive. I’m not sure how to put into words the emotions felt during that weekend, the great sadness of a loss one day, and the excitement of a new beginning the next. Along with the roller coaster of emotions, my body buckled on me and I was hit hard with a major cold that kicked my butt. My face was tired and puffy, my sinuses were congested, I felt like I had been hit by a truck and I was about to take my clothes off in front of our good friend (and co-worker). The thought of it all both cracked me up and made me a little nervous.

But wouldn’t you know it, as soon as we started all of the nervous anxiety, bone crushing tiredness and sadness seemed to disappear and was replaced with joy and excitement. It was a crazy feeling, centered in the chaos of the dog running around our transformed family room, the house lights dimming under Corbin’s flash power and equipment, Jack closely watching, and the whole clothes factor, I truly was the calmest, most connected, and centered I’ve felt towards the lil’ guy all pregnancy long. I’ve always thought of myself as one of the world’s most unphotogenic, but looking at all the images, remembering that day and how I felt, that’s me. That’s the real me I see when I look in the mirror. That’s the me carrying our son. That’s the me so happy, so excited and so in love with our little angel.



Click here to see more of our favorites.

Read more...

The Circle of Life

Early yesterday, dear sweet Dad peacefully passed away in his sleep.

Friday (our last day spent with him while he was alert) was such an amazing day and there wasn’t an hour that went by that we didn’t feel the Lord’s presence or ever doubt that God had the entire day mapped out for us all. All day he was able to see and say his goodbyes to the entire family.

Laura, Jesus, Jack, Sandy and her husband, Jeff were all able to make it to the hospital within a few hours of each other, all before noon. Uncle Denny (who previously too had surgery at V.Mason a few weeks ago) and Lyn just happened to be at the hospital scheduling his own chemo when we ran into them in the hospital cafe, and they were able to come up and say hello and sit with Dad for a bit between his appointments.

For the first time since the earthquake, Michelle in Chile was able to get through and talk to him. We were able to contact Darell, his brother, in Tennessee and they talked for a bit. Darell was then able to get a hold of Jennifer (who’s husband recently was stationed at Fort Lewis) and she immediately made the drive up from DuPont. And Mom was able to find an available flight out Friday evening and made it home just in time to say her goodbyes.

During a day of great sadness, there truly was a peace and comfort found. It's still hard to imagine that he's truly gone, but I'm finding comfort that he is smiling down on us and looking after our lil' buckaroo.

The Circle of Life....

Dear Katya graciously planned to host the Maple Valley ladies luncheon baby shower Saturday afternoon. All day Friday and Saturday morning (before learning of Dad's passing) I anguished over the status of the shower and whether or not I should ask to cancel. Katya was so sweet and so understanding when I spoke to her in the early morning, I expressed to her I was leaning towards rescheduling but would keep her posted (as the lunch was being catered).

Shortly after talking with her, I received the news of Dad, a few minutes past 8:30am.

I was initially a little apprehensive to continue as planned, but after talking to Mom at great length and looking back at that day, and the overwhelming love and concern the women showed, I wouldn’t change it for a second.

I wish there were words to express how grateful I am to have spent those first few hours after learning of my Dad’s passing with such wonderful and amazing women (and with Mom to lean on). They all turned what could have been an afternoon of sorrow and hurt into a beautiful day of celebration and new life. Along with death, there is also life, and as difficult as it was to keep a brave face I know Dad would have wanted us to celebrate this new beginning.


Mom's special gift that couldn't have come at a more perfect time. And coincidentally it was the last gift opened. (I don't think there was a dry eye in the room when I read the card out loud.) While my Grandma was still with us, she knitted this baby blanket with the intent and plan it would be passed down to her first grandson (whenever that may be). This was the blanket my mom has been holding onto for years, waiting for the right time.

Dad and Grandma may not be physically with us here today, but I feel their love and support each and everyday.

Read more...

A Month's Worth of Catch-Up

Thirty Four Weeks
February 28th

Wow, what an amazing two days! This weekend Jack and I attended our much anticipated weekend long birth class. Holy smokes what an experience. One I think neither of us expected. The ‘Ice Journey’ came highly recommended by Corbin and Melody (our parenting role models). So of course if the Gross' say it’s a must-do and worth investing the whole weekend and class fee, we’re in.

I wish I could find the right words to describe the two days. It is very difficult to fully explain…it truly is something you have to experience yourself. (Sort of like church camps and retreats. Everyone hears the same message, reads the same verses and sings the same songs, but the feelings, emotions, and take-a-ways are so individual and unique.)

I think a little snip-it from Patti’s blog best describes the general overall vibe.

“Basically, it is a very realistic and heartfelt labor simulation that goes above and beyond just focusing on contractions. We go to a much deeper level that involves the emotional, mental, spiritual as well as the physical power and influence of the birthing experience with an emphasis on nurturing and strengthening their "couple" relationship.”

After this weekend I’m actually feelin’ like we might have the tools, knowledge and better understanding to actually pull this miracle off!

On the way home after the last day of class I asked Jack if it was worth $285 class fee. I think he hit it right on with his response.“I don’t think you could put a price on how the class has strengthened our relationship.”

Who knew a class about pressure points, birth plans, relaxation techniques, and comfort baskets could provide so much?

"Love puts the fun in together, the sad in apart, and the joy in a heart"

Taken on the first day of the men's 'ice journey'.

___________________________________

Thirty Three Weeks
February 21st, 2010

Another fun filled week! On the 20th our dear friends Ashley and John hosted our Co-Ed Baby Shower, what a fun afternoon/evening!

We both were sportin’ smiles all the way home and into Sunday. It was so much fun, more fun then we both expected. The games were a riot, the wonderful mix of people clicked perfectly, the drinks and food were super yummy and the generosity of our dear friends was overwhelming.

A few highlights of the day:

• The beer chugging from a baby bottle contest.
• With a paper plate on top of your head, try and draw your best baby on the plate.
• Create the best looking adult diaper on your partner using only toilet paper.
• The bib decorating and the "words not to say" games.
• There were three babies less than four months in attendance. Cute, cute, cute.

On the following Tuesday we had our third appointment with the Midwives (again we met with Laura). It was a good appointment but I did get a talking to about my weight gain....It wasn’t a complete surprise, but hard to hear none the less. Thirty four weeks in and I’m up thirty six pounds...ugh, time to step away from all shower sweets and work ‘pizza parties’ (but gosh they were good!).

___________________________________


Thirty Two Weeks
February 14th, 2010

Note to self :) Trying to back track and fill in the blanks weeks and weeks later isn't so easy. This was the start to my thirty three week post...and sadly this is all I can remember.
__________

Oh my goodness did I fall behind these past few weeks!

I feel like there’s been so much activity and things worthy of sharing. Now if I can get my crazy pregnant brain to remember it all. Lets’ see...

Going back to thirty two weeks (because I can’t remember thirty one)...
Thirty two was busy, busy and the house saw a lot of action. At the first of the year I drew the month of February to host family Bunco. I thought if I was going to have to get the house in order for one party, I might as well make the most of it and host two parties, (and I didn’t want the clean house to go to waste)! So silly me had the Maple Valley ladies over on Saturday and the family over on Thursday. Call me crazy, but it sounded like the best plan ever! :) Turns out it really was, and I’m sooo glad I did it.

Read more...