so tired

omg! I'm soooo tired. I subbed today & after doing all of that walking, I started to feel some cramping. YES! Labor...let's go! One teacher didn't know I was pregnant, and when she saw me, she couldn't get over "how cute [I] look." Her words, not mine. I told her I feel like a whale. Haha. The students are also so excited about this baby. They ask so many questions & give me lots of ideas for names. I think we all agreed on Julius Caesar.

So I just got home, took my cute clothes off and changed into sweats. hehe. And all I want to do is sit on the couch and eat ice cream, then pass out. I'm going to the gym tomo, I should be allowed to scarf down a bowl of ice cream today, right?

It was a great day of work! The kids were really good & it was nice to see everyone again. I'm scheduled to go back in 2 weeks, unless something comes up in between then. As for now, I hear Giant Eagle's Vanilla Ice Cream calling my name. It's my favorite! I shan't disappoint.

sir-drops-a-lot

Put a "miss" in front of that, and you get ME! I can just be standing and out of nowhere fall over. Or I can be holding something & just let go & drop it. It's like something in my brain says, "throw the chopped onions on the floor!" and then my body responds, "yes master...." Boom! 7 slices of onion....on the floor.

Or today, I went to grab the mouthwash out of the bottom of the bathroom cabinet. When I stood up, I fell over the other way. Weird. I hope I get my balance, smarts, & coordination back after I deliver this nugget, bc this is RIDIC!

I find myself doing things that make no sense. Then I stop & think, what the hell am I doing? And completely go off track & onto something new. At this point, I really shouldn't be holding anything expensive or making any important decisions.

_________________________________________

Last night, I tested my "dropped-ness." {see what I mean?} I made chicken fajitas for dinner. And I ate lots of salsa & had spanish rice with a ton of tomatoes!! I ate 3 fajitas. Acid reflux/heartburn.......come and get it! We also stayed up and played Cranium. While playing I had two chips with a mexican dip on them. {yes, only 2. I didn't want to push it after that meal} I haven't eaten after 7pm lately, bc of the painful heartburn. But last night, I broke the rule!

I took 2 Zantacs with milk b4 bed, like every night. I felt a little percolation, but NO HEARTBURN! holy crap! This baby has TOTALLY dropped! I even laid down instead of sleeping sitting up! And I can breathe!!!! I may not look like I've dropped, but I can feel that he is lower. Come out baby! Come out!!!!!

________________________________________

I've read that you have crazy dreams while your pregnant. I haven't noticed any, but that is probably bc all of my dreams are a little crazy & vivid. Which is why I keep a dream journal. I like going back & reading them, bc they make me laugh.

Cue dream sequence:

*I didn't know my schedule. Thought I had Commons 3rd period. Turns out I had Balk AP English! I'm ALWAYS late to his class. I was about 15 min late. {reoccurring} He passed out the books for reading.

*Now I'm playing in a softball game. I'm up to bat. Gift just hit a BOMB! I'm smacking the bat against my cleats, chomping on my gum like a freakin' cow. I look down at my bat & it's shaped funny and made out of some strange black material.

*Michelle & I are on a roller coaster. Time to go home. It's dark. And I can fly. She is on my back like a Piggy Back. We are flying in the air & make a nice landing in her parents' driveway. haha. We are going to some tropical island the next day for vacay.

*I'm in town walking around to different yard sales. There was more to this dream, but I actually don't remember it. Prolly bc it started out so lame.

*I'm supposed to be the person who jumps out during the tour on halloween night at the FD. I showed up, Ryan paid me. But then I realized that I forgot to bring a mask. I go downstairs looking for a last minute mask. It took forever & I missed a couple of tours, but I finally found one & scared the crap out of some people. I also asked one of the employees if I could borrow their mask, then found out it was their real face. oops. I played it off like I was kidding.

Yes, I remember it all. There was a LOT more details, but I'm not going to get into that. {thank god} But that was exactly the sequence of events. So random, so me, so NOT bc I'm knocked up.

I wish I had a video camera to record my dreams. Someone should invent that!

bumps a lot

We took the picture yesterday, I think. But I feel like I have dropped since then. Probably not though.

36.2

I think I had a Braxton Hicks contraction this morning. I read that they aren't painful though. This kinda hurt, so maybe that is not what it really was. It felt like a muscle cramp, on my right side of my lower abdomen & went to the top of my hip. I couldn't straighten my leg. Weirdest thing ever! So who knows what it could have been.

I couldn't move at all, because it intensified the pain. Then it went away like it was never there. So random.

I'm doing some more laundry for the baby's room, to get it ready. Apparently, next Wednesday I'll be Full Term. So, I guess I should really make sure the room is ready to go. haha.

It's not like he is gonna notice, but I'd like to be prepared. My belly is frickin huge! I don't see it going back to normal...ever....again.... :/

Oakley has been hanging out in the baby's room all day. He really likes the cushion I made for the rocking chair.

36.0

Whew! One more week & this baby is FULL TERM! So doesn't that mean I can start trying the tricks to jump start labor? Haha. I'll see if they work! Hey! It's worth a shot, right? I ran around like a chicken with my head cut off today, so tonight, I just want to curl up on the couch and veg. Ooooh & take a nice relaxing bath. That sounds good! Maybe I'll open the baby's Mr. Bubbles. Nah. I'll wait on that.

I don't think my belly has "dropped" yet. Hopefully, tomo Jimmy can take my 36wk belly shot!

36th week ultrasound

So we got to see the baby yesterday. I was expecting better shots. But he is ready to come out, so it was hard to get a good look at him. He is already in the head down position and facing my spine.

Here are some pictures of him.

sorry they aren't that great.



I turned the head shot sideways and color coded his face. Jimmy said that's not his face, but I like to believe that it is.



Green eyes, yellow nose, pink lips & orange hand.

How do you NOT see that? haha

maybe I just have a good imagination....or MAYBE I'm right......

Either way. It was cool to see him. Now I know where his parts are. Like the big nodule that keeps bumping out, is his butt. So that's definitely his feet that protrude out around that area. And I was right. When he has the hiccups, I feel it lower near my bladder...that's bc his head is down there. Wouldn't that make you dizzy being upside down like that for that long? Why is it that baby's don't get dizzy from being upside down?



I had heartburn at 4 AM again this morning. I also had it again and 10 and I have it now. WTF!?! I'm also really tired & I wanted to get some stuff done today, but instead I hung out with my grandma. That was more fun anyway! :)

There is $79 in the baby pool right now!!! Better join quickly, time is running out!

35.4

Woo HOO! We get another ultrasound tomo! I can't wait! I also have an appointment to see how things are progressing. Just in case I might be dilating!

Fingers crossed! March 4th!!!!! That would be a good day to have this baby!

Finally...The Baby Shower!

Sorry it has taken me soooo long to post pix from the shower. I have been really busy & the thought of going through 422 pictures wasn't appealing. HaHa! Yes, Carey & I took 422 pictures that day!



Whitney & Nicole putting up the clothes line backdrop.

My Grandma showing Jimmy's Grandma her sugar free candy favor. Everyone else got hot cocoa.

Michelle & Nicole looking pretty.

Brittany & Kim talkin' it up.



Some decorations and FOOD!

There was a piece of paper under 1 chair of each table. That person won the centerpiece. Someone stole the centerpiece from Carrie & Susanne's table. That's lame. Who does that?

My mom made the cake! She of course, did a great job! And it was DELICIOUS! White & red velvet!



The Chinese Auction. People came in and dropped their name tags into one of the 3 bowls.
Inside the gift bags were:
Drinks: $15 gift card to Caribou Coffee, a travel mug, and 2 Softlips chapsticks
Body: $15 gift card to Bath & Body Works, a candle and hand sanitizer with holder
Everything: $15 gift card to Target, mini umbrella, and a wallet.



The food.

Carrie & my mom working on cutting the cake.

Kristy & Susanne. I wish I knew Brittany was pregnant too, so she could be in the pic!

Karen, Kim & Charlotte making funny faces

Carey & Carrie know me too well. I don't really like Winnie the Pooh, so they both wrapped their gifts up in Pooh bags. priceless.

My mom, Grandma, and me. 3 hot messes.



pretty stuff



Present Time!



Leslie passed out the winners their gifts during the present opening. They were gift sets from Bath & Body Works. I wish I could have won one. Jimmy's grandma hanging out with Abby.



I wish I knew what Michelle & I were laughing so hard at. I look like a tool. I had to pee so badly, but I didn't want to keep people, so I held it in and pushed through the gifts.



I made Michelle stick her finger in the Sing-a-Ma-Jig's mouth.

My friends and I are so immature. We all thought that bottle looked like it could be the bear's penis.

The last gift was from Jimmy. A gift card & the picture of my mother's day present. Yes, he is already planning that. Isn't he so sweet?



The thank you notes I made & sent out.

Thank you to EVERYONE who helped with the shower. It truly was the best baby shower I have EVER been to! Turned out to be perfect!

valentine's day

my cool shirt.



I look like a house! But it's whatever!

35.3

Ok Ladies & Gents. We have less than 5 weeks to go!!!! I think I might be on my way, too. I have an appt on Monday, so we will see.

I am going out to Babies-R-Us for the 100th time this month. They probably think I'm crazy. So, I'm actually going to a different one. HAHA. I'm stupid. I just need to get some super last minute things & return 1 thing. Not too shabby. The room is almost complete. When I get home, I will probably work in there, bc I'm a Nesting Fool!

Jimmy & I are also going to switch cars at the beginning of next month!!! I am going to have a REALLY hard time letting him take my car. It's my baby. I am seriously dreading it!!! How weird is that? Weird. I know. I am excited to have his Sequoia for awhile, but still.....my convertible Mustang is pretty damn hot!

"weekly" update!

How far along: 35 weeks 1 day

Maternity clothes: Been wearing mat jeans, but I can still wear some regular clothes.

Stretch marks: still on their way, my belly itches, so even though I put lotion on, that means they will still appear. plus I heard that you get them AFTER you have the baby. ugh.

Sleep: off & on. It all depends on if I have heartburn or another sinus infection.

Best moment this week: interacting with the baby by pressing on his foot or whatever is jabbing me

Movement: still a lot of movement. this kid is going to be VERY active.

Food cravings/aversions: Chocolate, Cape Cod chips, strawberries, popsicles, cottage cheese, milk, guacamole, did I mention chocolate? oh. yeah- there it is. pineapple & OJ- but they both give me heartburn- so I'm trying to cut back. :(

Gender: I'm still female & the baby still has a wanger. I have an ultrasound on Monday- I'll let you know then

What I miss: My flat stomach, sushi, SLEEP, not having heartburn, my memory, my balance, not having trouble breathing.

What I am looking forward to: Having this baby!!!!!!

What I have learned: Pregnancy isn't as bad as some people make it seem out to be. I don't think it's as beautiful as others say either. It definitely has it's downfalls, but I think everyone & every pregnancy is different. I had a super easy one this time around, so the next one will probably be a bitch! haha

Also, realizing that I have to go buy a ton of stuff off of the registry that we need. I guess registering doesn't make as much sense as someone would think.

Milestones: Finally feeling like I'm pregnant at times. Still doesn't happen all of the time. But I'm starting to not be comfortable in ANY position. Sitting, standing...it doesn't matter, I'm just uncomfortable. haha

Dizzy

I'm not sure why, I was able to sleep through the night & I had a good helping of oatmeal for breakfast, so why do I feel lightheaded & dizzy? I have to keep taking deep breaths. Maybe I'm dehydrated. I also feel like I'm gonna puke.

I bought some more baby stuff last night from our registry. The room is definitely filling out! Since it's a little warmer out today, I think we should put some stuff up in the attic. I can't believe that I have about less than 5 weeks until my due date!!!! This went by so fast!!!! I also can't believe that so many people are going to have babies this year.

This little guy is still really active. I can feel him moving around right now. If i hold underneath my belly I can feel that it's really heavy. Crap! This baby is going to be HUGE! I think I underestimated his length on the poll.

Speaking of which, we have 17 people in the Baby Poll already. That's $68 so far. (well if you win all 4 categories- and then you'd have to take away $4 from what you put in). But still. And I think Jimmy is taking it to bowling tonight. You know those guys will like to bet.

Looking back on my measurement guesses- I think they were just wishful thinking guesses. I have a feeling this baby is going to be bigger than I thought. I have to see how much weight I've gained so far. I will check it out on Monday.

35 weeks exactly!

So, we almost had a minor scare yesterday. Well, to be honest, I wasn't really that worried. I saw a little bit of bleeding so I called the doc. Apparently, I shouldn't be weight training at the moment. I have been with no problems, but they think it could have been from that. So the only exercise I can do right now is walk. Well THAT isn't going to get any results, so what's the point? Maybe I can do SUPER DUPER light weights...... :D

ugh! ok, ok. I won't do any. But I am still going to do squats & calf raises! If I didn't feel so friggin' FAT, I'd go in the pool for some aerobics. But I don't even like how I look in full clothes. How do you think I'm gonna feel in a bathing suit!?!

I have some good news!!!! I got a full night's sleep last night! No heartburn! I also didn't eat dinner. Just had a soft pretzel at Mikey's game. I got home too late to eat dinner & we had lunch almost right before we went to the game.

I'm going to scarf some food today though!

5 more weeks people! whew!

P.S. for those of you who want to participate: we have a poll going. You have to put in a $1 for every category that you'd like to guess in. Length, Weight, Date, & Time. Who ever is closest to the real measurement wins the money in that category. If there is a tie- the winners can either split the money or decide to battle it out with something like Rock-Paper-Scissors...

Good Luck!

34.6

wow. I've been up since 4:40AM. It's now 6:50. Why have I been up, you ask? HORRIBLE HEARTBURN! I've tried everything! It won't go away!!! I'm in so much pain. I want to sleep sooooo badly, but I can't. This pain is getting so unbearable. In fact, I can't even sit here anymore.

34.4

Well this made my day! Everything I'm wearing in this outfit is all non-maternity. Granted before I was pregnant, I didn't have to unbutton or unzip those pants to put on, I just pulled them on. BUT the fact that they fit me while 35 weeks pregnant is cool. Or is it? Does that mean I was fat before, too!?! Oh crap! I didn't think about that!

P.S. I'm not wearing a bathing suit or shorts or a skirt this year until these thighs & butt melt off this RIDICULOUS cottage cheese!!!




Guaranteed, this is what my stomach will look like after this baby comes out. OMG! That is soooo depressing!

It's 45º out today, so I took Daisy for a walk. We BOTH needed it. Then she got all muddy, so I had to give her a bath. She wasn't too happy about that.

Yesterday, I did at least 5 loads of laundry, and actually finished them all!!! {I usually leave a load in the dryer} The baby's room is sorta coming together now. Which I guess is a good thing, considering that I only have about 5.5 weeks left. I'm shooting for about 3, but that probably won't happen.

Tonight, we have an awards dinner to go to. It won't be as much fun this year, bc I can't drink. :( But I will try to make the best of it. I don't have to drink to have a good time, but this is one of those things that you need to be faded for.

Plus, I'm going to look like a whale, so that will make me feel awesome about myself. That's makes it even WORSE to not be drunk.

34.3

Alrighty! I got a lot done in the baby's room over the past couple of days. Right now, I am going though some more stuff & doing some laundry. I'm also going through my registry to see what I need to make sure I have before the baby arrives. Well, it's not like I REALLY need to do that. I'll have a ton of help when he gets here. But I like to be prepared. I'm anal like that.

Yesterday, Jimmy & I went out and returned a few things & also bought some stuff in exchange. We got the Dr. Brown's Microwave Steam Sterilizer (we will def use that bc we don't run the dishwasher that often), some more Diaper Genie refills (only bc I had a coupon), some Dreft (I had a $5 off coupon & we somehow got $10 off [didn't realize until the next day] - I'm doing some baby laundry right now), and Toy Story 3 DVD. Hey! We had a $5 off coupon! Couldn't pass that one up!

I only have about 3 outfits that strictly say Newborn on them {which is AWESOME-since he'll grow out of those quickly}. But I'm waiting on washing them & taking their tags off. My belly looks HUGE! He may not even be able to wear them at all. Which is VERY unfortunate because they are EXTREMELY adorable!

I also have about 3 outfits that I have NO FRIGGIN CLUE which color piles to put them in. ugh! When I do our laundry it's Whites/Greys & Colors. I can't really do that for the baby's first washes. HAHA. So here I am sitting on the baby's floor surrounded by 5 piles of laundry & some kitchen stuff to go through.

Speaking of which, we got a REALLY cool gift yesterday. I plan on making my own baby food. If you know me then you are saying, "Duh." They gave us baby food cookbooks & a TON of stuff to go with that theme! I'm so excited for that. Brittany was telling me about whatever we make to eat & then just throw it in the food processor & give it to the baby. I was like, "yeah I was thinking about that, too." Then Chad told Jimmy about how he made lasagna the other night, processed it and fed it to the baby. HAHA! We all think alike! I quickly perused (oxymoron there) the cookbooks. Is it lame that I'm excited about making baby food? Oh man! This nesting has to stop. haha.

Alrighty, back to baby stuff & lunch!

34.1

I got home from work today & I wanted to work in the baby's room. Then I walked in there and realized what a mess it is. "Ugh! I don't have the energy for that."

So I decided to go take a power nap. Then got a phone call & txt messages.

I realized that we didn't get the baby swing we asked for, as well as the Bjorn carrier. I asked a few friends if they were something that we really need. They said, they couldn't live without them. So I guess now we have to go buy them. :/ I did some research & I might be able to get them a little cheaper. I also have a friend that still might have her carrier. That would be cool if we could just give her some cash for it! :) I'd rather give friends money over a store any day!

So now, I'm just procrastinating and delaying the inevitable of working in the room. I also need to eat some lunch!

There is so much to go through & put away. OKAY! Stepping away from the compu....

oh dear.....god.

click on me

33.6

I had my 34 week appointment today. Everything is moving along very well. The Doc said that at our next appt I will be getting another ultrasound as well as seeing if I'm dilating at all. Whoa! I can't believe I'm already at that stage where they are checking that out!

I asked the secretary at the Ultrasound office if I can bring in a CD to record video of the ultrasound. She said, "no videos allowed. You can't bring in a camera." Uh- I didn't ask that. I asked if I can bring a CD to put in your computer to record the sonogram. Apparently, that isn't allowed either. What a joke! I should see if Jimmy can secretly record some on his phone or something. haha

I'm really excited to see him again anyway. 13 more days....

We also met with our Pediatrician. It was kind of like a panel interview. Another doctor came in as well. Since we may be dealing with him at some point for any reason. We really liked both of them. They were funny & easy to talk to. He also told us to NEVER hesitate to call @ ANY time. He was highly recommended, so I was worried about Same-Day appointments. He brought that up without me even asking, saying that they are not a problem & even if our kid is sick on Sundays- they can help us. I think we may have made the right decision! :)

After the appts, we did some cardio at the gym. So far, I've gained a total of 20 pounds. I'm right on track of where I wanted to be, so that's cool! I hope I stay on this "track." Ya never know, I could veer off. I still have some cake & guacamole in the house. :)

We are getting ready to finish putting together the changing table & go through the shower gifts. The baby is rolling around right now. I think he wants me to take a nap instead. haha.

Baby Shower....

The invitations went out.

The party was a success!



Jimmy had fun doing the old school wax seal on the envelopes. I tried a few, it was fun, but he was better at it. He even re-did some of mine bc they weren't up to "his standards" haha

I was shooting for a Fall Baby, so that I could have a summer shower. With MARGARITAS! {mock-ritas for me of course}, but you can't always plan things, so a winter shower it is & was.









After making about 80 invites, I looked down to see that the kitty was sitting by my side keeping me company. I think he wanted to learn how to grommet vomit.



The favors. Made by my mom, leslie & I. I hope everyone liked them.

I have 422 pictures to go through from the shower. I will post them as soon as I get enough energy.....so maybe in about 20 years. ha. jk.

It's coming....

I stayed up pretty late going thru the shower stuff. A lot of the things are in the baby's room. I just wanted to make sure everything was there so we don't forget anything. I went down through my list [only twice- who do I think I am? Santa Claus?]. I'm getting super excited for it!

Also, congratulations are in order for Jenna & Josh!

Michael Hosea was born yesterday at 5:12PM

He was 7lbs 9oz 20 in

I'm jealous that she's done. During my whole pregnancy we have been talking back & forth. We've been friends since Kindergarten & it was so cool that we were pregnant together. This is her 3rd kid, so she says she is DONE. Ugh! I still have a month to go! Wait, actually a little more. I hope this baby is born at least a week or 2 early. haha. First baby....I know, I know. That's very doubtful. A girl can dream, can't she?

Getting things done!

Alrighty. I went on the elliptical for 30 min, I somewhat packed my hospital bag. I called around about balloons for the shower. I think I deserve to do something for myself! And by something for myself, I mean go buy some baby stuff. It's all necessities! I mean I NEED a nursing tank top, mouthwash (travel size), hard candies, and lollipops for the day I give birth to this baby! Right?




Right.

Justified.




p.s. do you know HOW HARD IT IS TO NOT LOOK AT MY REGISTRIES!?!?!?!?! I'm dying here! But I haven't peeked since I promised myself I wouldn't. I'm strong; I have willpower.

Ouch the baby just kicked. Was that his form of a "pat on the back" for not peeking? Or does he want me to look? Too bad kiddo! I'm NOT looking! Let's go shopping!

The Wall Art Project

YES! It's finally done!!!!

BEHOLD...The ABC Wall Art thingymagig:



I had this vision of what it would look like. It didn't quite turn out like I thought, but it'll do. My kid won't know any better for awhile. And when he says that he doesn't like it, we will GLADLY take it down!



I knew I wanted to use this sticker for the Jack-o-Lantern. Then I went to put it in the block & realized that the block was way too big for it. So I had to improvise & add some drawing to it. Personally, I like how that part turned out.



The Baseball. That was the 1st letter that I did. I drew a baseball then stitched red thread to make it look "real."



Nighttime. I kept putting that letter off. Because, I knew I wanted a dark background with stitched stars. I was just being lazy. So I finally got that done. The Turtle shell is made from a paint swatch that I just cut out and drew on. Clever? Perhaps.



The Yo-Yo. Well, I'm not gonna lie. I don't like the fact that you can see the glue that was used to hold down the string. Oh well. And the Rabbit. OH....dear.....GAWD! That was the LAST letter to get done. I knew right away that I wanted to use that fabric for his body. I had to dig through to the bottom of my crate of fabric to get it (not an easy task). Then when I started to make him, it just didn't look right. Then I glued a fuzzy ball on the end for the tail. When I put the project in the frame, it all flattened down more than I thought it would. It was late & I was DONE with this project so I said, "Fudge It! I'm done!"

Voila! Wall Art for the baby's room.

The next wall art project will NOT be as intense.

32.6

Oh man.....4 more days!!!!! I can't wait for my shower!!!!! I'm so excited to see everyone & see all of the planning come together! I was reading my Pregnancy Journal/Guide & it says I should start packing my hospital bag. Is it weird that I am excited to pack that? It's not like I'm going on a fun vacay or something. After I elliptical it up today, I'm going to update my other blog & pack my suitcase!

I just need the push to get on the elliptical! Oh wait, I just looked at my legs....YUCK! I'm going on it RIGHT NOW!