America...yeah!

If you have seen Team America, then you know how to say the above line.  If not, don't waste your time.  It's kinda a crap movie.

Last year for the Fourth of July, we took exactly one picture.  That we can't find because we have since bought a new computer.

So, this year I was bound and determined to get many pictures of him, as it was America's Birthday, yo.

Some of my favorites:

Oh, how I love this kid!!

March, it is

First let me brag about my wonderful husband/babydaddy.

We have a pregnancy journal called The Belly Book. It's a week by week journal of my pregnancy. Almost every week, we've taken a picture of me and the bump and I've written a little summary of the week. Craig sometimes contributes.

This morning, I get out The Belly Book and turn to Week 38 and here is what I see:

"So, I know I haven't been writing in the book as much as I should have but I have been thinking about you constantly. We're all really excited to meet you. Not too long to go now! Love Dad"

Commence crying. AGAIN. I don't say it enough and when you hear us talk, we are so sarcastic to each other that some people have sat and stared at us, but, I really have married such an amazing man and sometimes I just can't believe my luck.

Onto Baby news. I don't think I've mentioned this before, but my doctor is going out of town on my due date. This is not new to us--the doc let us know on our first visit this was going to happen (well, sort of. He first said it was the week I was due, then he said it was the week after, then he reconfirmed that it WAS the week I was due). At the time, I really didn't think it was a big deal because the baby has always measured ahead of time, so I have convinced myself he's coming early. No need to worry about it, doc, he'll come before then!!!

Fast forward to now. Well, it's getting to be crunch time and the doctor has given me the option of elective induction or just wait until I go into labor spontaneously. I may watch too many movies, but I was looking forward to the whole, "Honey, let's go. I'm in labor" drive to the hospital. So, induction wasn't REALLY what I wanted. But, the practical, planner, Type A side of me says fantastic!! If we have an induction, we are prepared for it.

Right now, I'm really hoping I DO go into labor on my own, but I think I've wrapped my head around an induction as well. You may be wondering why it matters. Well, with all the changes that we have had during this pregnancy (the move to Cincy, the house hunt, first baby, little support system in town), I think it would mean a lot of me to have the doctor that I have established a relationship with to deliver the baby. It may not mean a lot to HIM, but I think I would be more comfortable and relaxed knowing who was going to deliver, rather than just some stranger coming in. **I should add that my OB is a single practice. It's just him--he's not part of a group.

I know there are risks involved, but the people I know personally who have been induced have had great experiences.

Craig is coming with me to my appointment on Monday, so we'll be able to ask all the questions we have right now and if we feel comfortable with induction, then D-Day begins March 18 at 7 a.m. For those of you who do not have immediate access to a calendar, THAT IS ONE WEEK EXACTLY FROM TODAY.

I'm still hoping that I do go into labor on my own, but if nothing else, we will have a baby in one week. Wow.

A 38 week picture:

In other news, we're making friends!!!!! Our next door neighbors have been utterly fantastic in welcoming us to the area and really making us feel so comfortable here. They are the kind of neighbors you hope to get when you move into a new house. Last night, we had another couple over for dinner as well and they were very nice, too!! I am just so happy that we've started to meet people!

Holy Crap

It's March, y'all.

MARCH, I say!!!

As in, March 22 is my due date. As in, THIS is the month I give birth. As in, I'm going to be a mommy THIS MONTH.

Here's what Johnathon thinks
You and me both, buddy.
And, Happy 30th Birthday to my neighbor and new friend, Joe. Johnathon is also horrified you are so old :)

Perfection

"Men are what their mothers made them."--Ralph Waldo Emerson

If the above quote is true, then DAMN I'M GOOD.

Proof? You want proof? You got it.

Behold.
Perfection. MY child. (Okay, mine and Craig's child, but really, MY child. My son. My baby. MINE.)

Our 29 week scan was today and it went wonderfully. Normally, there is not a 29 week scan, but at the 18 week scan, the doctor found placenta previa, which means that my placenta was blocking my cervix and, therefore, preventing Baby from taking the V-Highway. If the placenta did not move, there were all kinds of scary possible outcomes that, being me, I obsessed over and researched on Google. But, I am happy to say that the Big Ol' Placenta has up and moved, so scary labor, here we come.

Back to Baby. LOOK AT HIM. Seriously. Was there ever a more beautiful, perfect baby in the whole wide world ever in the history of the earth? Didn't think so. Glad you agree. Look(!!) at those cheeks!!!!! I want to nom on them right.this.very.second. I am just so in love right now--I kept staring at the picture at the doctor's office. Then, I stared at the picture at home. Then, I stared at the scan of the picture on my computer. Then, I stared at the picture on this entry. Poor Baby--he's going to think "Why is this crazy lady looking at me like that? She's way creepy." True, son. True.

Everything is still going great with Baby. He's measuring well, growing well, looking faboosh. Right now, he weighs around three pounds. Dr. said that if he continues this rate of growth, then estimated birth weight is eight pounds. Dr. asked me AGAIN about natural birth. He was all "Now, are we going natural with the birth?" And I was all, "Look buddy, 'we' are going nowhere. I know I'm a hot momma and all, but let's keep this professional. My husband is RIGHT THERE and even though he looks like a 6'4" kewpie doll, he'll kick your a$$ (not really) because he is a protective daddy bear (for realsies). I think I have made myself perfectly clear. If not, there's a little something awesome you need to read and it's called my blog. Comprende? Give me the drugs. Kthxbai."*

Well, those weren't my exact words. I think my exact words were "No." But, I'm pretty confident he got the message.

*Ok, I have to come clean. That "kthxbai" is TOTAL STEAL from one of the blogs I stalk (www.jennepper.com). SHE IS HILARIOUS, KIDS. HI-LAREE-US. So funny, I giggle to myself like a creepy stalker while reading her blog because, well, I kinda am with her. Please go read her blog. You won't be sorry.

I am Thankful

Craig, me, and The Bean were able to travel to Arkansas for Thanksgiving with my family. It was a much needed break!

Even though it's a brand new house, Craig and I wanted to put our stamp on it before our furniture arrived. So, from Thursday to Sunday night, we worked late adding to the house--I was painting (common areas--Sherwin Williams Latte; study and dining room Svelte Sage; master bedroom Techno Gray, if you are interested) and Craig set to tiling the laundry room (it was a vinyl covering before). YES, I PAINTED. Don't freak out on me please. I did my research and we picked a low/no VOC (the Harmony line from SW), was always in a well ventilated room, and took lots of breaks.

Monday was Moving Day!!! Even though all of our stuff is in boxes, it's nice to have it here finally! We spent one night in our new home and the next morning, we were off again.

My sister and my mom threw me a baby shower on Tuesday night--it was wonderful and we got a lot of really nice things for The Baby!!

Ah...my parents' home. I can (and do) say a lot of things about my parents and their habits, but one thing for sure--they certainly let you relax. And relaxation was definitely one thing Craig needed. Last week at work was a difficult one for him, on top of the hours after work he spent on the house. The poor man was exhausted and needed somewhere to completely veg out. We got here on Tuesday and haven't left the house since. We've barely gotten out of our pjs. It's been lovely.

And my puppies are doing great, as I knew they would. They love it at Nonnie and Poppie's house and I think the four of them are going to be sad to leave.

So, from my family to yours, I hope your Thanksgiving was wonderful and you were surrounded by loved ones.

Smell you later

HOORAY!!!!!! We closed on The House today!!!!!

I am excited for many reasons--we have a house to bring our baybee home to (and he has a NICE room. Sorry, guests, but he has a bigger room and closet than you). We have a backyard so that the two spoiled puppy dogs have a place to run around and go crazy (and even though you can't see it in the previous photos, there is wire mesh around the fence, so neither Bowski nor Barney will fling himself into the pond or chase after the nearest neighborhood child and/or dog). We have our gas range back! I can make bread in my bread machine! I HAVE A DISHWASHER AGAIN!!!!

But most of all...I am excited to be leaving the hotel and our one "open plan" room. The post title does not lie. There is some funky stuff going on at the Extended Stay and now that I work at Bath and Body Works, I have Wallflowers galore (Winter and Fresh Balsam...ahh).

Plus, we are spending Christmas here this year and I am looking forward to decorating the new house!! Isn't the front porch screaming for some Christmas lights and goodies??

In other news, Baby is still moving and grooving. He liked the whole closing process and, apparently, is as excited to get out of the hotel as we are because he was kicking away the whole time. Here's a picture of what we look like this week:

20 weeks!

I am 20 weeks pregnant today, which means that this pregnancy is halfway finished, already. Now, now. Before you think to yourself "sucka, I can do math. 20 weeks=5 months. You are not pregnant for 10 months." I will just stop you right there and say, do not try to figure out pregnancy math. It just IS.

A 20 week photo for you!

The baby is moving and Craig felt him move for the first time on Halloween. He said it felt like a muscle twitch. Very "unreal." But, he loved it and always wants to feel him move.

Our house is almost finished!! We have our walkthrough next Monday and we close on 11/16, a little bit earlier than scheduled. Super excited--as much as we have enjoyed the Extended Stay America, Craig and I are both ready to leave it behind.

AND another picture for you!!! It's the front of the house!

That's about it for now--how are you?

It's a BOY!!!!

We found out we are having a son today. I'll confess--we've kinda known it was a boy for about a month, since the last ultrasound. The doctor was pretty sure of the gender then. Hee, hee.

But, now it's official!! There seriously was zero mistaking that it was a boy. My son was not shy in the least showing off his junk.

I'm still sort of in shock from finding out for realsies that it's a boy, but he is perfect. Measuring right on time, strong heartbeat (146), everything developing well.

Here's something I have learned: old wives' tales are C.R.A.P. Olden times wives must have been really stupid because they totally missed the boat on me. The old wives' tales had me all convinced I was carrying a girl--I am carrying high (like really high. Like suprise-the-doctor-with-the-height-of-my-fundus*-high). The baby's heartbeat has always been above 140. I have acne (thus, the baby girl is "stealing" my beauty). I will eat anything sweet (but, that's really not a pregnancy symptom. I will [and always have been willing to] cut you if you come between me and a brownie. May the Force be with you if said brownie is part of a warm brownie sundae. Yuuuummmm).

I'm showing now a litle bit, or at least, people are thinking I am pregnant rather than just fat. At the doctor's office today, I had only gained 5 pounds, so obviously, I was a tad bigger than I thought I was to begin with. My maternity clothes count: 1 pair of brown cords, 2 maternity shirts (1 green, 1 grey). In fact, when I bought the grey maternity shirt, I was in fact already wearing a grey shirt. The Kohl's employee observed the fact that I'm none too original in the fashion department. Ha, ha. Real &*^*# funny, lady.

WHY DIDN'T ANYONE TELL ME THAT MATERNITY CLOTHES ARE SO COMFORTABLE??? Here I was, trying to close my pants with a rubber band around the button and having to change into my pj bottoms at night because the preggo tummy was bigger at night when all the while all you people who have been pregnant have been SILENT on the delicious relief of maternity clothes elastic waistbands. Since, as the Kohl's lady observed, I am no slave to fashion, I LOVE MATERNITY CLOTHES. At least, right now I do. I have a feeling that my maternity pants will become my Thanksgiving pants from here on out because I can totally pig out and still be comfortable. Seriously, is that a win-win or what?

Also, I have a job. I have come full circle, folks. I am officially a part time, seasonal worker at the local Bath and Body Works, the same company I worked for when I was a senior in high school. For minimum wage. Not to brag, but I rocked the interview (for the minimum wage job). My competition was a woman whose first question was "How many hours is this for? Because I'm on disability and I can't work too much or they will take my disability away." My other competition was a little tougher, but not by much. Thank you to my awesome references--B, I'm looking at you (here's hoping you get over the piggy flu fast, girl).

I'm looking forward to working--I am not a stay at home wife kinda gal. Don't get me wrong--I could TOTALLY get into being a Lady.Who.Lunches. The only problem is I don't know anyone To.Lunch.With (yet). Plus, I have had enough of "Cash Cab" and "Law and Order: SVU" marathons. Plus, I put my cranky pants on when I don't have anyone to talk to all day long.

Oh yes, and we have a house!!! It's that new construction I talked about a couple of posts ago. It will be finished in a couple of weeks and we close on November 18, at the latest!!!! Wheee!!! ALSO, the guy who turned us down on the first house we put an offer on called our realtor a couple of weeks ago to see what we were up to. What we were up to was putting an offer on a another house that was willing to deal, sir, so suck it.

*No, that's not dirty. Fundus=the height of the uterus. Usually at this point in pregnancy (18 weeks), the fundus is an inch or two below the belly button. Mine is an inch or two ABOVE the belly button. But then, again, I have always been an overachiever. :)

Everything is coming together

Baby update: I am sixteen weeks preggo today!! That's four months for folks like my mom who want monthly progression, not weekly. Everything still seems to be going well. I'm getting bigger. People can't tell I am pregnant, but Craig and I can. My lower tummy is definitely bigger and it gets bigger and harder at night (that's what she said*). I'm not big enough for maternity clothes, but my jean buttons are getting a little uncomfortable. I think the baby is moving quite a bit, though. This morning, I woke up and my bump was lopsided--like baby was tilted up. Is that normal at this stage? Anyone? (BTW, It's not lopsided anymore.)

An update for my previous post. We didn't get the house. The owner rejected our offer and counter offer with the statement "People in my neighborhood are just giving their houses away and I am not going to do that." Considering that your house has been on the market for seven months and in that time you have rejected two offers (including ours) and four other houses have sold in your neighborhood, good luck, buddy!

So, on to choice #2--a new construction. It's a very pretty house with a terrific layout and the builder said it's an "easy 45 days" to completion. Now, I'm not familiar with builders, but anytime someone says it's going to be easy, I get nervous. However, we really like the neighborhood and it's a straightforward commute to Craig's office. It's farther out that we were hoping for, but with all things, the farther out you get, the more you get for your money. SO, it's a bigger house than we have seen before and it's not like we would be completely in the middle of nowhere. I had my doubts about that until our realtor showed me the new Target, Wal-Mart, Kroger, and movie theater. As long as I am within a reasonable distance to things like that that make me happy, I am all good. :) Plus, there's a fancy Petsmart in the same shopping area for two incredibly spoiled doggies I know. Tonight we are going to the builder's design center to check out what the cabinets, fixtures, etc. are going to look like. We haven't put an offer in yet, but if all goes well tonight, then an offer is on the way!

We are, however, officially, homeless. Last week, I went back to AR to supervise the packing and moving of our "old" house. Let me tell you, if you ever have the opportunity to use a packing and moving service, GO FOR IT. I very literally sat on the couch while the moving team packed up everything and put it on the moving truck. It was the easiest move I have ever experienced. The relocation and the new buyers are closing today (it was supposed to be on Friday, but the buyers are a tad difficult and moved it to Monday.)

It was so, so, so nice being back in familiar surroundings with friends. Not to get all pathetic on you, but I seriously know no one up here and it was nice to be back with friends to talk to and see. I mean, the hotel cleaning staff and the maintence crew are very nice, but it just ain't the same. So much has happened since I've been away and it's only been three weeks! First off, L met me at the house with flowers, orange juice, and soda. Really, how thoughtful is she? T and J's baby girl has gotten so big and cute (she's three months); C and A's baby was born two weeks ago and tiny, tiny little (but also very cute). And J and M's baby girl was just born this weekend. Babies, babies everywhere! That makes four out of four friends who have had baby girls since June. The law of averages will let you know what I think we are having...

While we were back, T had arranged a friends get-together on Thursday for dinner. I was excited because I was looking forward to seeing people. I walk into the restaurant, see all those familiar and loved faces, and then T tells me, "SUPRISE!!! IT'S A BABY SHOWER!!!!!" I promptly burst into tears.

A little background--one day, sometime before we moved, Craig and I were driving around, just talking about the baby and moving, etc. I started to well up and cry (you will notice a prevelent theme of hormones throughout my pregnancy). I was having myself a pity party because some of my closest friends were pregnant and we were all going through the same thing at the same time and now I was moving away and that got me going on baby showers. And how I wouldn't have a baby shower because we don't know anyone in Cincinnati and it's unfair to ask people to travel this far for a shower (I wasn't planning on registering for baby stuff precisely for this reason. I have since been told that I am being stupid and to go register--we will after we find out the gender). I wasn't upset because I wouldn't be getting any gifts--it was that elementary school fear of "What if I throw a party and no one comes? What if I really don't have any friends?" Seriously. Even to this day, I am still suprised (and grateful) that people come over when I invite them.

Back to the party--there were so many gifts!!!!!!! I couldn't believe it! We started opening gifts after dinner and, once again, I cried and cried. Cried because I couldn't believe I was having a baby shower, cried because people were so generous, cried because baby stuff is SO STINKING CUTE AND LITTLE. Cried because I was so overwhelmed with just the friendship that people showed us and, yes, cried a little because we were well and truly leaving this time.

It was the suprise element that made me cry so much--not the hormones, although I am sure Craig will argue that point. It turns out that the baby shower was my dear, wonderful husband's idea and T (mother of a three month old) and J (who would be in labor two days later) organized it!!!!

So, a huge, teary, deep down from the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU to all who attended the shower or who couldn't attend, but were there in spirit. It meant more to me that you know (but have tried to explain in this post).

*Jim and Pam are getting married this Thursday on "The Office"!!!! I am very excited. I have seen pictures of the wedding, however, and Pam is only about a month ahead of me in her fictional pregnancy--she's big. AND, John Krasinski is ENGAGED. To someone who is not me. I shun him.

Are you kidding me?

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/32999499/ns/today-parenting_and_family/?GT1=43001

OMG. I mean it. Really. I love me some fat babies, but methinks this is a bit much.

Please, little Lord Baby Jesus in the manger, do NOT let me give birth to a 19 pounder. (Fine, if it's a 19 pounder or nothing at all, I'll take it, but try not to let that happen, m'kay?)

Signed, She Who Is Afraid of Childbirth As It Is

14 week ultrasound!!

Again, PERFECT!!!!! Baby is measuring fantastic, right on time!!! I am growing such a winner here, folks! Heartbeat strong (149 bpm, down from 160 at 10 weeks, but doc says that's normal for hb to slow down as baby grows). We got to see the little heart again AND the brain. Awesome!!!

As far as gender predictions go, the doc says he could make a guess as to the gender right now, but nothing is definite. We have the Gender Ultrasound on Oct 23. Until then, you all will just have to wait. But, I can narrow it down to two choices for you. As I have said before, we can't lose either way.

If it's a girl, my side of the family will be estastic for its first granddaughter (who will be THE most spoiled baby girl ever--and I am not kidding) and my mom and my sister will probably not let a day go by without changing her outfit at least three times because girl clothes are SO MUCH FUN. Unfortunately, if it is a wee lass, she kind of looks like Skeletor right now, so the chances of her having a prom date are slim. **Yes, yes, she is the cutest Skeletor I have ever seen, but still, homegirl has got some major eye sockets going on.

Now, if it's a boy, my babydaddy's side of the family will be estastic because it will be the first grandson on THAT side of the family and I will have carried the heir (and little prince) and carried on the family name. Plus, my two nephews will have a little boy cousin to play around with AND I can steal my sister's clothes and toys (WOO HOO--she doesn't know that yet, but she will as soon as she reads this post). Sister has been incredibly, incredibly gracious and let me HAVE her baby furniture (crib and dresser). Do you know how much that shizzle costs??? My god--seriously, expensive.

Craig has been sooooo good and supportive!! He's been to both prenatal appointments and he can't wait to get into a new (to us) house so he can begin on the nursery. We already have a theme and colors picked out and he has some grand ideas about wall decor. :) He also has been very understanding when, over the weekend, I was so tired I started crying. At Oktoberfest, the biggest beerfest of the year for Cincinnati and the biggest Oktoberfest outside Germany. **Which, if you have met Craig for more than 5 seconds, you know that beer is one of his favorite things in the whole wide world.** We had already walked up and down the festival, Craig had tried the major beers offered, out of his Oktoberfest 2009 neon orange mug, of course. We ate bratwurst, roasted corn (not German, but still way delicious), pretzels, and something called Goetta balls. Strange name, but very tasty. They are deep fried sausage with rice or oats or something. Sounds gross. So not. Now, we were finished with Oktoberfest and Craig asked what I wanted to do. What I WANTED to do was go home, curl up in bed, and sleep because I woke up in the middle of the night and couldn't go back to sleep until after dawn. But, what I said was "What do you want to do?" Craig then suggested we go to a park and walk around. At that point, I could feel the tears welling up in my eyes and, if you know me at all, you know that I can not help crying. I started crying because I am forever suggesting that we go for a walk and explore the parks and now that he wanted to that, I had no energy whatsoever and felt really guilty. So, there we were, in the downtown streets of our new city--me crying, Craig looking at me like I have lost my mind.

Pregnancy hormones. You gotta love them. Would you like to guess what we did--the park or the hotel??

The house hunt. We've spent the last two weekends house hunting with our realtor, Polly. We've seen some good houses and a couple that we could see ourselves in, but nothing has smacked us in the face and shouted "MOVE IN! NOW!! Bring your baby and your dogs home to me!" So, the search continues!