7 Thing That Cross My Mind... A Lot

10 Things in Ten Days: Day Four - Seven Things That Cross Your Mind A Lot

1.  Micah:  He is always on my mind.  I think about him when he moves.  I think about what he will look like when he gets here.  I think about the different things that we will teach him.

2.  Mikey:  I think about him all the time also.  I think about what we have come through, and what the future holds for us.

3.  Work:  It's so complicated at work now.

4.  "I want to go on a vacation."  I love to travel, and often get the urge to travel.

5.  Football:  I dread the end of football season already.

6.  Crafts:  I wish I was a crafty person.  Unfortunately, as much as I try, I don't think I really am.  But that doesn't stop me from thinking about it.

7.  House Hunting:  We aren't quite there yet, but I really want my own space.

I Got My Hair Did

I got my hair professionally braided by an African.  That was an interesting experience.  First the stylists all showed up at about 10:00 am.  My appointment was scheduled for 9:00 am.  Apparently they had all been in the shop really late last night.  There were four stylists, and they spoke what sounded to me like French.  The problem was that they all were having conversations on their phones or with each other in french, the television was on, and it felt like she was pulling my brains out with each braid.  Needless to say, my head was killing me long before it was time for me to leave.  At one point it was so bad that I got light-headed, and thought I was going to pass out.  But I battled on, and came out of there with my hair fixed.

I left there and went directly to my great-grandmother's 95th birthday celebration.  Unfortunately, by the time I made it to the party my headache was so much worse, and I didn't get any pictures.  Grandma is hilarious, and proudly announced (after asking how old she is, just to be sure) that she was 95 years old, but would be telling people who asked that she is 96.  She said once you get as old as she is, you can add on years if you want.  I love her.

Happy Birthday Grandma!

My great-grandmother turned 95 years old today.  I just wanted to say...

Picture from our wedding day. 06/27/09

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Letters to My Son: 34 Weeks

Dear Micah,

My dear son.  Soon you will be in my arms.  While a part of me looks forward to holding you in my arms, I am sure that I will miss the little nudges that you give me from inside my belly.  I enjoy your antics, even though we battle for who gets to be comfortable at night when it is time to sleep.  You are showing yourself to be quite the stubborn little boy.  Enjoy it while you can, because once you get here, you won't be able to tell me what to do.  We had a good doctor's appointment yesterday, and I am happy that you get to stay put a little while longer.  Though it would have been kind of cool for you to be born on today, which is Grandma Agnes' 95th birthday.  I love you little boy.

Library Building

We have added on to Micah's library.

I hope he enjoys reading as much as I do.

Doctor Visit

I went to the doctor today.  All is well.  I gained more weight.  I am up to 131.5 pounds now.  Micah is doing well, and moving around very actively.  I can work at least one more week.  That is all.

34 Weeks

34 weeks

• How far along?: thirty-four weeks; Reaching the 34-week mark is a big milestone for anyone concerned about pre-term labor (that would be me), as babies born at this stage usually do just fine (provided they’re otherwise healthy). Other than a slightly longer stay at the hospital, they generally don’t experience any of the long-term health problems that prematurity can cause. 
• What's baby up to?: Baby’s senses are continuing to improve -- when light peeks in through your (extremely) stretched belly, those tiny eyelids and irises blink and dilate. And, baby can now recognize and react to simple songs… time to start practicing your lullabies! Growth (at least inside your womb) is starting to slow, and you may notice baby descend into your pelvis at the end of this month.  
• Weight Gain: I have gained 16 pounds total, as of my last appointment; I gained a pound back
• Symptoms: baby bump; serious back pain; insomnia; nerve pain; indigestion and heartburn; ribcage hurts; exhaustion 
• How big is baby?: about the size of a honeydew melon (about 17.2 to 18.7 inches; 4.2 to 5.8 pounds) 
• Sex: boy!?! 
• Maternity clothes?: yes 
• 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 good; I can't get comfortable, and gotta go potty several times during the night and it takes a while for me to get comfortable enough to sleep 
• Best moment this week?: wishing my brother a happy birthday
• Movement?: yes, and lots of it 
• Food cravings?: chocolate
• Labor signs?: contractions; dilating; belly "dropped" 
• Belly button in or out?: out; it pokes out enough that you can see it through my shirt 
• What I miss: sleeping comfortably and through the night, walking without pain 
• What I'm looking forward to: holding Micah in my arms

8 Ways to Win My Heart

10 Things in 10 Days: Day Three - Eight Ways to Win Your Heart

1.  Food.  I love to eat good food.  Feed me good food, and I'm your friend.

2.  Love Children.  I love to see my husband with children.  He is so good with kids, and I look forward to seeing him interact with Micah (and any other kids we have.)

3.  Shopping.  I love to shop.  Shop with me, and we're friends.  Just don't get huffy because I want to go into certain stores and you don't.

4.  Music.  I love music, and if you're interested in my type of music or introduce me to music that I enjoy, then we can be friends.  That's actually how Mikey and I first became friends.  I was raiding his music collection.

5.  Laughter.  Make me laugh.  Mikey excels at this.  We spend so much time laughing at each other and ourselves.

6.  Be my Friend.  I don't have many friends, so when I feel like you genuinely care about me and listen, then I am probably already half way loving you.  Unless you're annoying, then I just try to avoid you. (That's at least partially a joke.)

7.  Smile.  One of the things that drew me to Mikey was his smile.  And he's smiling and laughing all the time.  No one wants to be around a someone who is always complaining.

8.  Buy Me Stuff.  This one is completely a joke, but I ran out of stuff to say.  And who doesn't like gifts from time to time?  I sure do.

Video Evidence

Micah is an active child.  Here's a video showing a small sample of his acrobatics.  Please excuse the bare belly, and mute the volume.

Letters to My Son: 33 Weeks

Dear Micah,

Mommy loves you very much, and I really want to hold you in my arms, but PLEASE stay put until November 15 when the doctors come get you.  PLEASE!

This week the weather has been cooler, particularly in the mornings.  It makes me want to buy all sorts of clothes for you.  But I am trying to be good, and not buy everything that I think about.  I also don't know how big or small you will be when you get here.

You have been doing some serious somersaults in my belly, and whenever I shift to get comfortable, you shift too.  It's quite interesting to see you moving around in there.  I wonder, during those times, what your personality will be like when you get here.  Will you be quiet and introspective, observing the world around you quietly, and taking it all in?  Or will you be talkative and outgoing, never meeting a stranger and friends with everyone you meet?  Time will tell.  But remember to stay put until November 15.

I love you little boy.

Doctor Visit: More Monitoring

I went to the doctor again today.  I had totally planned to go to work this afternoon.  I even had meetings planned.  I should have been back home by mid-morning to rest before I had to go in.  However, my uterus had other plans.  And I ended up in the maternity center being monitored AGAIN!  I have dilated further, and apparently I am having some pretty major contractions that I can't feel.  Good times! (That's sarcasm.)  The good news is that after being monitored for several hours (read: seven!) there was no more dilation despite the contractions.  I thought for a while there that my son would be born on my brother's birthday.

The doctor informed me that they want me to make it until at least 34 weeks, which is next week.  That means that I can have a baby in my arms anytime between next week and November 15. I am still on restrictions, but back to work tomorrow. Oh yeah, and I gained a pound back.

Birthday Wishes

I would like to wish a very happy birthday to my big, little brother.  He is currently training as an officer in the military.  I am so proud of him and my big, little sister.  Here's to you Uncle Monkey.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

33 Weeks

• How far along?: thirty-three weeks 
• What's baby up to?: Baby’s senses are continuing to improve -- when light peeks in through your (extremely) stretched belly, those tiny eyelids and irises blink and dilate. And, baby can now recognize and react to simple songs… time to start practicing your lullabies! Growth (at least inside your womb) is starting to slow, and you may notice baby descend into your pelvis at the end of this month.  
• Weight Gain: I have gained 15 pounds total, as of my last appointment; I lost another pound
• Symptoms: baby bump; serious back pain; insomnia; nerve pain; indigestion and heartburn 
• How big is baby?: about the size of a honeydew melon (about 17.2 to 18.7 inches; 4.2 to 5.8 pounds) 
• Sex: boy!?! 
• Maternity clothes?: yes 
• 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 several times
• Best moment this week?: scheduling the c-section
• Movement?: yes, and lots of it 
• Food cravings?: no cravings
• Labor signs?: braxton-hicks contractions; dilating; belly "dropped" 
• 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

Random Ramblings

First things first.  Congratulations to my sister-in-law and brother-in-law.  They are expecting a little one in March, and found out yesterday that they are having a boy too!

***

So I realized yesterday that when I look down, I can no longer see my feet.  It was a most interesting revelation.  For some reason I had convinced myself that I would be able to see my feet throughout my pregnancy.  I should have known better.

See? No feet.

***

I also went shopping for Micah.  I bought him some outfits, and a piggy bank.  I love shopping.  Now I just need to wash all of his clothes and linens.  And clean out the closet so we have somewhere to put his stuff.  I have to clean the closet before I buy anything else for him.  

The outfit I wanted to use for his coming home outfit.  I could only find it in size 6 months.

***

I also pampered myself a little, and got my feet done.  I will probably go again before Micah is scheduled to come.  I also have to figure out what I want to do with my hair, and find someone to do it.  I am trying to decide between microbraids and twists.  I like being pampered.

Letters to My Son: 32 Weeks

Dear Micah,

We are excited now that we have a date to expect you.  Please don't misbehave, and cause anymore worry.  You are making mommy very uncomfortable.  My back hurts.  My ribcage hurts.  I have indigestion.  But I love you so much already.  We only have four weeks until we meet.  I can't wait.  I love you little boy.

Eviction Notice

Eviction Notice

You, Micah Tremaine, are hereby notified, in any event, that your tenancy is hereby terminated as of November 15, 2010.  You are hereby requested to quit, vacate, and deliver possession therefore to the undersigned on or before November 15, 2010.  This notice to vacate is due to your following breach of tenancy:

• Damage to mommy’s body beyond normal wear and tear.

Should you fail, refuse or neglect to vacate said premises, such action as required will be taken to evict you from the premises.

That's right!  We got a date for our cesarean section.  Micah will be born on November 15 if he doesn't decide to come earlier.  I also got a flu shot.  The last time I got a flu shot (2005), I got the flu.  I haven't had it since then.  I decided to get the flu shot now because I work with children, and they tend to be germ carriers.  And I haven't dilated any further.  Everything else looked good.  Today was a good day.  I also lost another pound.

32 Weeks

• How far along?: thirty-two 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 16 pounds total, as of my last appointment; I lost one pound
• Symptoms: baby bump; serious back pain; insomnia; nerve pain; indigestion and heartburn
• 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
• 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?: our baby shower
• Movement?: yes, and lots of it
• Food cravings?: Lately it's been ice-cream and milk and cereal
• Labor signs?: braxton-hicks contractions; dilating
• 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

9 Things About Myself

 

10 Things in 10 Days: Day Two – Nine Things About Yourself

1.       I act like I’m drunk when I’m sleep deprived. A happy drunk, but a drunk none the less. I laugh at anything, and become much more social.

2.       I am a nerd.  I always loved school because I was learning something new all the time.  I loved that by learning one thing it could lead to learning so much more.  I also love to read.  I would rather read than watch television any day of the week.  According to some people I know, that also makes me a nerd.  I beg to differ, but to each his own. 

3.       I have always looked forward to being a mother, and cannot wait until it is time for Micah to be born.  I often talk about my youngest brother and my godchildren as if they are my children when talking to people.  And a funny thing is, I never played with dolls as a girl, but always loved babies.

4.       I can’t swim, but I love water.  I am a complete water-baby.  I will wash the dishes just to play in the water, and showers are an event.  I plan to take swimming lessons this summer.  I also want Micah to learn to swim.  He will start lessons this upcoming summer as well.  The only reason I have for not knowing how to swim is that I was never taught.  We didn’t have regular access to a pool growing up, and I just never learned. 

5.       I am a football fanatic.  Football is the only sport I will watch on television. If it is any other sport, I have to be at the event.  I bleed garnet and black. GO GAMECOCKS!!!  I am also a Dallas Cowboys fan.  But truly it doesn’t matter who is playing.  I just want to watch a game.  I mourn the end of football season.

6.       I love to shop.  Give me money and I will spend it.  It doesn’t matter to me if I am shopping for myself or for someone else.  I will shop for purses, clothes, shoes, home décor.  It really doesn’t matter.   I also appreciate that Mikey feels the same way. 

7.       I’m allergic to the color pink. Very rarely will you see me wear it, and my daughters won’t wear it unless they buy it for themselves.  I already have some family members who are telling me that if and when I have a daughter they will be buying her pink.  I guess we are in for a battle.

8.      I love music.  I will listen to the same song over and over for hours at a time, for days on end.  My iPod or Pandora is usually playing.

9.       I love to travel.  I dream of visiting every state in the United States of America, and visiting the Mediterranean.  It is so bad that I would get in my car and drive for hours with no place in particular to go. I find it very relaxing to just get in my car, turn the music up to full blast, and ride. I love road trips.  I am a little afraid that Micah will be so accustomed to traveling while in the womb, that we will have to put him into the car to get him to fall asleep once he gets here.  It is just that bad. 

 

Showered!

Our baby shower was this evening.  I had a blast.  The theme was Oh Boy!  There was lots of laughter, and good advice.  The gifts were pretty nice too.  We are truly blessed to have so much love and support from our friends and family.  Here are some pictures.

Me, all smiles.

My mom

Mikey, smiling as usual.

Camille and her Grandma

Guests working on an activity.

Narrowing it down.

Trying to decide on a winner.

CAKE!  It was delicious!

Gifts.  We are blessed.

Letters to My Son: 31 Weeks

Dear Micah,

What are you doing?  It is not December yet.  It's not even November.  You have to stay put until at least November.  Mommy and Daddy love you, and we want you to be as healthy and happy as possible.  You might think you'll be happy on the outside right now, but we don't think so.  So we need you to stay put until the doctor plans to come in and get you.  Do we understand each other?

Please stop scaring Mommy.  I love you little boy.

Scheduled Unscheduled Doctor's Visit

We headed back to the doctor's office again for a scheduled visit that came as a result of the unscheduled visit on Tuesday.  The verdict is in.  Though I am dilating and having contractions that I can not feel, there has been no change since Tuesday.  Therefore, I do not have to remain on bed rest, and can return to work.  Now I just need Micah to stay put until it's time for him to come.

That means that I have to rest as often as possible, no heavy lifting, and no strenuous activities.  And I am taking it easy this weekend.  My baby shower is Saturday evening, but other than that, I plan to be resting.

What's for Dinner?

Day one of best rest has been... I don't know.  I certainly hope that I can go back to work after this week.  Micah needs to straighten up and fly right.

Speaking of Micah, the kid's gotta eat right?  But that's when he gets here, hopefully in November, when he is supposed to be delivered at 39 weeks. But I digress, so back to the subject at hand.  That means either formula or breast milk.  And EVERYBODY knows that "breast is best."  But there are also perks to formula feeding.  Depending on the website you find yourself on or the book you are reading, there are positives and negatives for both.  The problem lies in figuring out what is best for you.  I, along with all my siblings, were formula fed.  We are all relatively intelligent and successful individuals.  So now the question is what will Micah eat?

At this point I am leaning toward breast milk, but pumped breast milk so that he can be bottle fed.  I will be returning to work, and he will be eating from a bottle anyway at that point.  A large part of me wants the bonding that comes with nursing.  But I feel that Micah can bond with me and Mikey being fed from a bottle, and I don't have to become a milking service in the process.  And I actually think I would lean more toward exclusively breastfeeding if I wasn't returning to work.  But I am so...

At this point the only thing that I have determined definitely is that Micah will not be eating formula if at all possible.  I hope this works.

And I pray I get good news tomorrow.

Unscheduled Doctor's Visit

** Possible TMI alert. **

I made an unexpected trip to the maternity center.  I woke up this morning spotting.  I called in to the doctor's office, and they told me to come in.  When I got there, they did the typical checking, and the doctor checked my cervix, and found that it had opened some.  That was probably the reason for the spotting.  Then I was sent to the maternity center to be monitored.  It turns out that I was having contractions that I was unable to feel, in addition to the ones that I have been calling braxton hicks contractions that I could feel.  I stayed there all day.  They hooked me up to an IV drip.  I got medication to stop the contractions, which I now have to monitor.  I also got medications to mature Micah's lungs in case he decides that he's really too anxious to see the outside world.  And the best part (note the sarcasm), I am on bed rest.  I go back Thursday for the doctor to decide where we go from here.  Hopefully there will be no change to my cervix, and I can continue to work at least on a modified caseload so that I will have some medical leave after he gets here.  Most importantly, I would like him to stay in there and finish developing.

31 Weeks

• How far along?: thirty-one 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 17 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?: Patti LaBelle concert
• Movement?: yes, and lots of it; I talk about his schedule here
• Food cravings?: Lately it's been ice-cream and milk and cereal
• 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

My First Concert: Part 2

It was awesome.  We had floor seats.  We ended up sitting by three older gentlemen who had too much to drink, but who made the show that much more entertaining.  I have named them "The Three Pimps," because they were pimped out for the show.  Boyz II Men put on an awesome show.  Patti LaBelle was not quite what I expected, but it was fun none the less.  Micah seemed to enjoy the show.  And I had a blast.  I have to do this again.

Now I am off to church.  We had a reunion this weekend, and I at least want to show my face.

My First Concert

I am going to my first concert tonight. Patti LaBelle and Boyz II Men will perform. I am so excited!

Letters to My Son: 30 Weeks

Dear Micah,

Time is winding down.  Soon you will be here in my arms to love and raise.  Today at the doctor we got an estimate of when to expect you, but we'll know for sure next time we go.  You're still being a pain in my back, and you've added indigestion to the list too.  I love you anyway.

We figured out your "schedule."  You usually wake me up at around 6:45 am.  Then you join me for lunch between noon and 12:30 pm.  Sometimes earlier, if you get hungry.  We play a little around 5:00 pm after I get home from work.  Then we read a story and you dance between 11:00 pm and 11:30 pm.  Finally, you remind me that I need to go potty between 3:30 am and 4:00 am.

We also know where you'll be when it's time for mommy to go back to work.  We love you little boy.