10 Things I Want to Say: Right Now!

10 Things in 10 Days: Day One - Ten Things You Want to Say to Ten Different People, Right Now.

1. My Son (Micah): I love you, and can’t wait for you to get here. Your father and I have such great dreams for you, and can’t wait for you to come and dream your own dreams.

2. My Husband (Mikey): I love you, and look forward to many years (and not quite so many babies) to come with you.

3. Mama: Thank you! Micah’s not even here yet, and I am already in awe of how you raised three of us, and worked with pre-school aged kids for the past 20-something years.

4. My Sister: I am so proud of you. You are doing something that I can’t even imagine doing myself. You inspire me every day. I can’t wait for you to get home.

5. My Little, Little Brother: I love you stinker. I hope you grow up to be a better man.

6. My Big, Little Brother: I miss you. I know we grow up and our relationships evolve, but I miss what we had. I hope that we can get it back.

7. My Best Friend: Thank you for being a friend. No matter how long it is between our conversations, I know you have my back, always.

8. Politicians: You shouldn’t throw stones when you live in glass houses. And stop making my head hurt with all the stupid commercials full of lies. Get off your butts and do something that means something.

9. Brett Favre: RETIRE ALREADY!

10. My Father: I wish things could have been different. You never fought for us that way, and that makes me sad.

Blog Games: 10 Things In 10 Days

I realize that I've been more active on the blog of lately, and this exercise isn't really necessary.  But I found something that I want to do, so I will.  Here's what you do.


Over the next 10 days, blog about the items on this list:

Day One: Ten things you want to say to ten different people right now.
Day Two: Nine things about yourself.
Day Three: Eight ways to win your heart.
Day Four: Seven things that cross your mind a lot.
Day Five: Six things you wish you’d never done.
Day Six: Five people who mean a lot (in no order whatsoever)
Day Seven: Four turn offs.
Day Eight: Three turn ons.
Day Nine: Two smileys that describe your life right now.
Day Ten: One confession

I can promise you that this will not be completed in ten consecutive days, but I do plan to complete it. 

30 Weeks

• How far along?: thirty weeks 
• What's baby up to?: Baby’s energy is surging, thanks to the formation of white fat deposits beneath the skin. (Have those kicks and jabs to the ribs tipped you off yet?) Baby is also settling into sleep and waking cycles, though -- as you’ve also probably noticed -- they don’t necessarily coincide with your own. Also this month, all five senses are finally functional, and the brain and nervous system are going through major developments.
• Weight Gain: I have gained eleven pounds total; as of my last appointment
• Symptoms: baby bump; serious back pain; insomnia; nerve pain
• How big is baby?: about the size of a squash (about 15.2 to 16.7 inches; 2.5 to 3.8 pounds)
• Sex: boy!?!
• Maternity clothes?: yes, and I look forward to shopping for fall clothes
• Stretch marks?: nope, and I’m working to avoid them, even though I know there is no way to avoid them if I am meant to have them
• Sleep?: not so good anymore; I am having trouble getting comfortable, and still gotta go potty during the night
• Best moment this week?: celebrating Mikey’s birthday
• Movement?: yes, and lots of it; Micah particularly likes to kick me when I’m down
• Food cravings?: none
• Labor signs?: braxton-hicks contractions
• Belly button in or out?: out; it pokes out enough that you can see it through my shirt
• What I miss: sitting or standing for extended periods without pain; sleeping comfortably and through the night
• What I'm looking forward to: cooler weather, shopping for new clothes; Patti LaBelle concert

Putting Things into Perspective

Remember the friend that was in the hospital with complications?  Well yesterday she had her baby, who wasn't due until after Micah.  Last I heard everyone was doing well, but we continue to pray for them.  Life continues to put things into perspective.

Random Ramblings

I’ve been getting lots of comments about the baby bump of lately. Within the past week, no less than five different people have either told me that I look like I’m having twins or that there’s no way that I would carry this pregnancy through until December. Then there’s the other end of the spectrum. There are some people who tell me that I don’t look anywhere near as far along as I am. It’s a good thing that I know that the doctor has told me that I am measuring right on target, because it’s becoming more and more apparent that people in general have no idea what a pregnant woman is supposed to look like.

***

Something else that I have come to realize, is that Mikey and I are truly blessed to be having the experience we are having with this pregnancy. I know of three other women who were expecting around the same time that we are. Two of those women have experienced late miscarriages, and the other is in the hospital with complications and expecting to be there throughout the remainder of her pregnancy. It puts my few aches and pains into a completely different perspective.

***

My baby shower is fast approaching, and I am really looking forward to spending time with my family and friends to celebrate the birth of our little one. Right now I know the time and location, and that the theme is Oh, Boy! I am really looking forward to seeing what my friends have planned. Pictures will be coming.

***

Speaking of showers, I really need to double check my registries, and update them.

***

Also fast approaching is the holiday season. That means that Mikey and I have to go shopping to prepare, since this year we’ll be “confined” for most of the holidays.

***

And while I’m shopping, I have to find something to wear to take maternity pictures (those will be posted also), and something to wear to the baby shower. I love shopping.

***

And finally, today a large package is being sent to my sister in Afghanistan. She’s getting all sorts of goodies. I really miss her, and wish that she could be here for the baby shower. I feel like she’s supposed to be at the big events in my life, just like I plan to be at the big events in her life. It makes me sad that she won’t be here for the shower, or when the baby is born.

And I’m done… for now.

Letters to My Son: 29 Weeks

Dear Micah,

Mommy doesn’t really have a lot to say today. I’m sleep deprived and a little uncomfortable, but looking forward to the reward at the end of the pregnancy. You, my dear child are such a blessing. We will welcome you with open arms, and all the love you can stand plus some.

I love you little boy.

What if...

There’s this feeling that I get, and it’s beginning to nag at me more and more often. A part of me really feels like Baby Giles may be a girl baby and not a boy baby. Every dream that I’ve ever had about the baby has been about a girl, with the exception of one. I see a girl in my dreams, and I speak about having a girl in my dreams. Even when I think about my baby in my dreams, I feel like that baby is a girl.

It is very weird to me. I don’t know if my mother’s intuition is trying to let me know that the ultrasound technician got it wrong this time, or if my subconscious is letting me know that I really want a girl, even if consciously I say that it doesn’t matter. When I mentioned it to Mikey, he said that he would be just as happy with a girl as he would be with a boy.

The funny thing is that when I mentioned my dreams to my mother, she said that in every dream that she’s had about the baby, Baby Giles has been a girl also. I guess we should start hunting a girl name, just in case Micah is a she.

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Happy Birthday to my wonderful husband, and Micah's awesome father.  We wish you many more!

29 Weeks

28 weeks, 6 days

• How far along?: twenty-nine weeks
• What's baby up to?: Baby’s energy is surging, thanks to the formation of white fat deposits beneath the skin. (Have those kicks and jabs to the ribs tipped you off yet?) Baby is also settling into sleep and waking cycles, though -- as you’ve also probably noticed -- they don’t necessarily coincide with your own. Also this month, all five senses are finally functional, and the brain and nervous system are going through major developments.
• Weight Gain: I have gained eleven pounds total; as of my last appointment
• Symptoms: baby bump; serious back pain; insomnia
• How big is baby?: about the size of a squash (about 15.2 to 16.7 inches; 2.5 to 3.8 pounds)
• Sex: boy!
• Maternity clothes?: yes, and I look forward to shopping for fall clothes
• Stretch marks?: nope, and I’m working to avoid them, even though I know there is no way to avoid them if I am meant to have them
• Sleep?: not so good anymore; I am having trouble getting comfortable, and still gotta go potty during the night
• Best moment this week?: a day at Myrtle Beach; spending time with my brother and his family
• Movement?: yes, and lots of it; Micah particularly likes to kick me when I’m down
• Food cravings?: none
• Labor signs?: braxton-hicks contractions
• Belly button in or out?: out; it pokes out enough that you can see it through my shirt
• What I miss: sitting for extended periods without pain, sleeping comfortably; 
• What I'm looking forward to: cooler weather and shopping for new clothes

Letters to My Son: 28 Weeks

Dear Micah,

You are showing that you can be a stubborn little boy.  All day you sleep and rest and generally won't move for anyone.  Usually throughout the evenings when I get home from work and first thing in the mornings when I wake up, you are rolling around and playing.  Well yesterday at work, when everyone was out of the office, and I was alone, you decided that you would put on a show when no one was there to witness it.  You are a stinker.  But mommy loves you.

You've been making it a little more difficult to breath of lately, and I've been a little uncomfortable, but it'll all be worth it when you get here.  I just keep in mind that I have a lifetime to make you uncomfortable. :)

I love you little boy.

28 Weeks

• How far along?: twenty-eight weeks
• What's baby up to?: Let your spouse put an ear to your belly -- he might be able to pick up baby's heartbeat (no stethoscope required). Inside the womb, the formation of tiny capillaries is giving baby a healthy pink glow. Baby's also soaking up your antibodies, getting the immune system ready for life outside the womb. Eyes are forming, and baby will soon perfect the blink -- perfect for batting those freshly grown lashes.
• Weight Gain: I have gained eleven pounds total; as of my last appointment
• Symptoms: baby bump; back pain; insomnia
• How big is baby?: about the size of a eggplant (about 13.6 to 14.8 inches)
• Sex: boy!
• Maternity clothes?: yes, and I look forward to shopping for fall clothes
• Stretch marks?: nope, and I’m working to avoid them, even though I know there is no way to avoid them if I am meant to have them
• Sleep?: not so good anymore; I am having trouble getting comfortable, and still gotta go potty during the night
• Best moment this week?: finally getting a weekend to relax
• Movement?: yes, and lots of it; Micah particularly likes to kick me when I’m down
• Food cravings?: none
• Labor signs?: braxton-hicks contractions
• Belly button in or out?: out; it pokes out enough that you can see it through my shirt
• What I miss: sitting for extended periods without pain, sleeping comfortably; 
• What I'm looking forward to: cooler weather and shopping for new clothes.

Letters to My Son: 27 Weeks

Dear Micah,

We made it, little boy. We have reached another milestone, the third trimester. You’ve been pretty busy lately. Yesterday evening, you were kicking and cutting up so, that I could see your kicks. I thought you were trying to make a break for it. You made my belly jump and wiggle. Today, you’ve been quieter, so I guess you’re resting up from all the exercise you got yesterday. Even the brownie I had with my lunch didn’t wake you up.

You’ve made resting difficult for me though. You don’t like me to sit or stand in one place for too long. I think you like me up and moving so that the movement rocks you to sleep. You also don’t care for me sleeping on my left side, even though that the side the doctor says is best for us.

I can’t wait to hold you in my arms. I love you little boy.

27 Weeks: Third Trimester

26 weeks, 6 days

• How far along?: twenty-seven weeks; we have officially entered the third trimester
• What's baby up to?: Let your spouse put an ear to your belly -- he might be able to pick up baby's heartbeat (no stethoscope required). Inside the womb, the formation of tiny capillaries is giving baby a healthy pink glow. Baby's also soaking up your antibodies, getting the immune system ready for life outside the womb. Eyes are forming, and baby will soon perfect the blink -- perfect for batting those freshly grown lashes.
• Weight Gain: I have gained eleven pounds total; as of my last appointment
• Symptoms: baby bump; back pain; insomnia
• How big is baby?: about the size of a eggplant (about 13.6 to 14.8 inches)
• Sex: boy!
• Maternity clothes?: yes, and I love shopping
• Stretch marks?: nope, and I’m working to avoid them, even though I know there is no way to avoid them if I am meant to have them
• Sleep?: not so good anymore; I am having trouble getting comfortable, and still gotta go potty during the night
• Best moment this week?: entering the third trimester
• Movement?: yes, and lots of it; he's a busy little man especially after we’ve eaten sweets
• Food cravings?: none
• Labor signs?: braxton-hicks contractions
• Belly button in or out?: out; it pokes out enough that you can see it through my shirt, if I’m wearing something that fits closely (or not so closely)
• What I miss: sitting for extended periods without pain, sleeping comfortably
• What I'm looking forward to: cooler weather and shopping for new clothes.

  

Letters to My Son: 26 Weeks

Dear Micah,

In just a few short days, we will be entering the final stretch.  Monday we start the third trimester.  I am so excited!  In just 3 short months, I will hold you in my arms, and count your fingers and toes.  I so look forward to meeting you, and learning your personality.  I often wonder about how you look.  Will you look more like your father or me?  Will you have his dimples?  I hope you have his dimples.  Will you have my temperament, or your dad's?  Or maybe you will be a pleasant mixture of the two of us.

I also worry about how good a job we will do raising you.  It is a huge responsibility to parent a child, and I don't want to fail you.  I want you to grow up in a loving environment where you feel safe.  I plan for there to be lots of love and laughter.   I love you more than you could possibly imagine already.  Just imagine how much that love will grow when you get here.

I love you little boy.

Yet Another Doctor Visit

Today I went to the doctor again.  All is well.  My doctor even commended me on how well this pregnancy is going and asked that I keep up the good work.  I passed the gestational diabetes test with flying colors.  My hemoglobin levels and blood pressure look good.  No infections or complications.  Micah is still lodged in there really well.  I know because the doctor checked after I told him about the braxton-hicks contractions.  I also got the Rhogam shot, because I have negative blood type.

The bad part about this doctor's visit.  My total appointment lasted SIX hours.  First my doctor was doing his rounds at the hospital when I got there, and didn't get in the office until thirty minutes after my appointment time.  So he had to play catch up.  Then I had to go to the hospital to have blood work done, and the Rhogam shot administered.  I had to register, and have the blood drawn. Then I had to wait two hours for the lab to prepare the shot.  I ended up going to lunch.  Then, I get back to the lab, and waited an hour for the nurse to administer the shot, which took less than five minutes.  In reality, the nurses took my paperwork, then forgot that I was waiting.    Needless to say, I was not happy at the end of the day.

But all is well, and I really can't complain.  Oh yeah, and I gained four pounds, for a total weight gain of a whopping eleven pounds!