One Month!

Isabelle was one month old on Friday!

It's crazy how much she's grown in just a month.  Some days it feels like just yesterday she entered my world and some days it feels like she's been here forever.  I know one thing to be true it means one less month before I have to go back to work- BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
I'm still hoping to win the lottery so I can just stay at home with her- I'll let you know how that turns out
;)

I'm feeling better too.  I'll have to be honest- after I had her I thought "Why the #$*%& would anyone ever have another kid!?!?!"
I'm still not sure how my grandmothers did it 10 and 14 times or how my mom did it 5 times!  A friend told me that each day it would get better but you don't believe it when you are living in the pain right then and there.  But just like she promised- sure enough each day DID get better and by the next week I thought I could do this again.  So no worries Dear Isabelle- I'll get you a little brother and/or sister one day

She's holding her head up really well these days.  I'll put her on my chest and lean back on the couch and she pushes herself up.  It's crazy how much she looks like Jimmy especially when she's looking up at me from that angle.

At her one month appointment we found that she's grown 3/4 of an inch and she's gained almost 2 pounds.  She's weighing in at 10lbs 4 ounces and is 22 and 1/4 inches long.  Doctor said she looks great and in a month she'll get her shots.  Hopefully she's more brave than momma when it comes to shots!

We got a sneak peak of her newborn pictures and we are anxiously awaiting the rest- here's a peak for you too http://www.myfotographa.com/Blog/?p=1313

She loves to sleep- she's like her mom.  I am someone that needs at least 8 hours every night and if I don't get it- I'm really cranky.  Plus I don't drink anything caffeinated- no coffee, no coca-cola, no energy drinks- nada.  I sometimes have green tea but let's not kid ourselves- it's not like there's a heck of a lot in there! So only getting a few hours at a time has been hard for me but whenever I can grab a nap- I do!  Luckily she's getting better and better and sleeping long periods at night- some nights she sleeps for 5 hours straight!  She smiles and giggles and even though I know it's from gas- I love it.  We play as much as a one month old can play and she loves it when I sing to her.  Some of her favorite tunes seem to Bob Marley's Three Little Birds, Somewhere over the rainbow, Baby Mine from Dumbo and a lullaby I used to sing to Nick when he was a little guy.  It's nice having someone that doesn't mind if I don't hit every note! 

Each day I love her a little more than I loved her the day before- it's crazy how your love grows each day.  You think you couldn't possibly love them anymore and then you do!  I'm surprised I haven't chapped her skin from kissing her a million times- those soft, chubby cheeks are too hard to resist!

She's had many visitors and we welcome more- it's a lot of fun showing her off to everyone!

So we made it through month one and we can't wait to see what else is in store for us!

To My Dear Friends- John and Nicole…

"If you love something, let it go. If it comes back to you, it is yours forever. If it doesn’t, then it was never meant to be."

Never has a quote been truer of two people than this one with John and Nicole.  John and Nicole actually had several tests to see if this was a true statement.  They've tried to pull apart but just like two magnets, a force kept pulling them back together. 

I knew Nicole in High School but it wasn’t until college that we became fast friends.  When I first went to Nicole’s house she showed me to her bedroom and pulled something out from her bed.  She swore me to secrecy as she opened a large box that she was keeping hidden.  I feel that the statute of limitations has expired on this promise and I can share this now without repercussion from Nicole- at least I hope.  She opened the box and it was full of stuff that linked her to a high school boyfriend.  It was a boy named John Pelick.  I recognized him as I’d seen him out and about and I assured her that it was ok to remember the good they had shared but she was much better without him.  I too had my own little box of memories from a high school boyfriend and didn’t think much of it.  Little did I know this was the boy she was going to marry- but I wonder if Nicole always knew ;)

Nicole and I became fast friends sharing pretty much everything with one another and when I came home from college each weekend to see my boyfriend I would also come see Nicole and hang out with her. 

Soon Nicole and John started dating again.  At first I didn’t trust the guy but the more I saw them together the more he started to grow on me.  Unfortunately it seemed that fates of time weren’t quite ready for the two to be together and they parted ways once again.  I think I took the break-up harder than the two of them.  For they were both good friends of ours (Jimmy and Me) and when they broke up Nicole had to distance herself from the two of us as well so that she had time to get over John- it appeared we got John with the break-up. 

 Jimmy and John spent so much time together after the break-up.  At first it was hard for me- because here was John a single guy out on the prowl and taking my boyfriend out with him as a wingman.  It was a tough pill to swallow for me. 

 Slowly but surely I saw something wonderful happen; I watched John grow up! Now don’t get me wrong- John was a very smart, intelligent person- he wasn’t some juvenile kid.  I have to bring up that when I was young girl crying over a boy my dad said something that stuck with me ever since.  He said “sometimes us boys just take a little longer to grow up” 

What I was witnessing was John growing up emotionally.  He quickly became a person I could trust, someone who looked out for me and someone I considered a true friend.  Here it was just as my dad said- a fly boy, a playboy- growing up right in front of me.  I’ve always been able to stop and see what others don’t always catch at first and there it was coming forward- traits like compassion, kindness, thoughtfulness- they were always there but now they were coming forward in actions.  And as they say- actions speak louder than words.  It was wonderful to see but it also made me wish it was something I could see with Nicole.

2 years ago Jimmy and I were married and all the events that led up to our wedding brought two paths back together.  Nicole was a bridesmaid and John was a groomsmen.  Some of us saw a spark start to develop between Nicole and John and soon created a conspicuous code name for a plan we were developing- Operation John and Nicole.  LOL ;) There were some of us that really wanted the two to get back together and some that were hesitant.  I was a bit of both- I wanted both of them to be happy but I also wanted it to happen naturally and protect them both as I couldn’t bear to see either of them get hurt again.  Well wouldn’t you know there didn’t need to be a plan, the two were like magnets and before we knew it they started dating again and the rest as they say- is history.

Nicole is a true friend and there isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for her.  Jimmy and her have also been friends for quite some time and with Jimmy and John being friends it’s like a little family we have.  When our house flooded it was John and Nicole that would take us in on the weekend so we could have some away time from my parents home.  We love them more than words can express.

So now in a couple of days they are going to be married.  They will be forever joined as husband and wife and the path that took them on several different directions will now come together for one long highway till death do they part.

Their story is one that fairytales are built from.  Nothing in this life, that is worth anything, comes to us easy.  Sometimes we have to walk through the rain, take the road less traveled, feel pain and loss and have our hearts broken to make us who we are today; to make us appreciate all the things in life and see that sometimes things are going to be hard but look how far we’ve made it already. Sometimes it’s just what we have to do, to live through, to get us where we are today.

I’m so excited that I get to be a part of such a special day for John and Nicole.  They are truly two people Jimmy and I love dearly and it says a lot that we like them so much even though they are gators.  We’ve already had so many fun adventures with both of them and I know I speak for both of us when I say we can’t wait for all the adventures we will share in the future. 
So today I write them to remind them of what I believe they already know.

Dear John and Nicole-

Celebrate the little things in life and treat the disasters in life as incidents.  You’ll look back and realize that the events you thought were disastrous weren’t as bad as you thought and the little things like kisses in the morning or walks in the evening are going to be the things you cherish the most.

Laugh- laugh often, laugh with each other, make each other laugh, laugh when all you want to do is scream- find a way to laugh everyday and you’ll get through anything.

Don’t be afraid to fight.  Some people think they have the perfect marriage if they never fight.  I say… Just give it some time!  Sometimes people fight.  I mean look back at your childhood.  I’m sure you fought with a sibling or your parents; you don’t love them any less do you?  Of course there is an unhealthy amount of fighting that could happen but don’t be afraid of the spats and quarrels that are inevitable.  It’s the differences in each other that you fell in love with, how can you expect to agree on EVERYTHING?  How can you expect to see eye to eye on EVERYTHING?  How can you expect that your husband will think he’s right when we all know the wife is ALWAYS right?  HeeHee ;)

The truth of the matter is that people fight. We disagree, we argue, we get upset, we get tired and cranky, we get moody, bad things happen and we snap.  It’s what we do after the fight that matters.  Cool down; take a moment to really listen to what your partner said.  In your mind they could still be totally in the “wrong” but each of us is entitled to our feelings.  Try to see their side and I believe this can help with a compromise.  But it can’t just be one of you that compromises- both of you have to bend a little it’s the only way your relationship can remain a true partnership.  And say you’re sorry.  Even if you were the “right one” chances are in the heat of the moment you said something that was hurtful or just plain yelling at one another isn’t right.  It doesn’t matter how much the other person upset you- no one deserves to be treated with disrespect, least of all your spouse.  So in the end always apologize and remember to say those three magical words- I love you.  Because no matter the argument- you never want to forget that you do love each other.

Respect each other- take interest in each other.  Be each others biggest fans

Take time to be romantic- it doesn’t matter if you’ve been married a year or 50 years.  Romance should always be present in a marriage.

Communicate- never stop talking.  Too many times problems arise from people not talking, keeping things bottled up inside or just assuming what the other person will say.  You are a team now- never be afraid to talk to each other, to share with each other- NEVER STOP TALKING.

 You’ve spent the better part of your lives loving each other and so I have a feeling you are going to do just fine with this whole marriage thing.  You’ve already mastered one of the most important things in a marriage- fall in love again- over and over and over again.  You’ve gone out on your own and every time you two end up back together- you’ve made different friends, loved different people but in the end you always ended up back together.

It was more than fate that brought you two back together.  It was true love and no matter what- you loved each other more than I think you even knew.

I think the Beatles said it best with "In My Life"

But of all these friends and lovers

There is no one compares with you.

And these memories lose their meaning

When I think of love as something new.

Though I know I'll never lose affection

For people and things that went before

I know I'll often stop and think about them

In my life, I love you more.

Congratulations to two of the bestest friends I have- John and Nicole- I love you both so much!

I thought I knew what love was- that was until I met Isabelle

 She's finally arrived!

August 16th, 6:53pm, 8 pounds 6 ounces, 21 and 1/2 inches long- a little girl entered this world and her name was Isabelle Alexa Holland!
I started out on Monday the 15th of August going to the doctor.  Still no progress- only 1cm.  But this appointment was different than the other, there was less fluid, she wasn't moving as much and so they decided to send me on to the hospital. 
I went home, cleaned the house a little, finished packing my bag with last minute things, took a shower and had my mom and sister take me to the hospital as Jimmy was working to leave his store and make sure it was covered.
The options were pitocin, some other drug or a Cook's Catheter.  The Catheter was the closest thing to natural so that's what I went with.  The midwife made it seem like it would be 12 hours before anything would happen.  Almost immediately I started having contractions, then I got sick and was throwing up and the catheter came out which meant I was 4cm.  I thought- this is GREAT- I'm moving along faster than they thought and while it hurts I can totally do this!  My water broke and everything seemed to be moving along.  That's what I thought at least.  The pain got worse but the more painful/stressful part was the throwing up with the contractions.  I was having a contraction every 2-3 minutes and getting sick with almost every one.  I was so tired and after 14 hours I threw in the towel and asked for the epidural.
The nice thing with the epidural was that I got to sleep.  I needed to sleep and looking back I know that was good b/c I still had another 13 hours to go!  I was 5cm around 2pm and they were suggesting a C-section because I wasn't progressing.  I asked for one more hour.  They left the room and I just closed my eyes imagining a hole opening and I kept repeating "Come on Isabelle we can do this" When they returned in an hour I was 8cm!  The midwife was so impressed she said she'd give me another hour to move along and I repeated the same thing.  When she returned I was 10cm!  It was time to PUSH!
So this again I thought "OKAY HERE WE GO - SHE'LL BE HERE ANY MINUTE!"
Wrong Again Melanie!
I pushed and pushed - every 2-3 minutes as hard as I could and while she was moving she just wasn't coming out.  Her head was tilted and she just wasn't budging.  They were getting nervous and it looked like after all I'd done, all I'd been through I was going to have to have a C-Section.  Lucky for me the doctor that arrived was old-school trained and was known for being an expert with forceps.  The midwife was talking to me calmly, almost trying to talk me into the idea of using forceps- I didn't even let her finish- I just looked at her and said "Do it- just get her out of me!"
He arrived, he pulled- I pushed and in moments Isabelle was out!  They took her over to the table to clean her lungs and do other things and I was stuck on the table. 

My job wasn't done yet but I couldn't stop looking over at her.  I started crying- she was here.  The person I had wished for on stars, prayed for on bended knee,  dreamed about- she was here but I couldn't even touch her.  When they finally brought her over I couldn't believe she was mine.  And here is when I discovered true love.  Don't get me wrong - I love my husband, I love my family and friends but here I was meeting someone for the first time and I was head over heels in love with her.  She's my lil munchkin and I can't get enough of her.
Jimmy is such a good dad too- she totally has him wrapped around her little finger.  The man that used to blaze out of the house in the morning now takes a little longer to leave as he hold his little girl and kisses her over and over again goodbye.  And when he gets home from work he goes right to her. 

I'm trying to get her on a schedule but the poor guy just wants to spend time with her and so I've let him snuggle with her after her first evening feeding.  They usually end up sleeping together.

We had her in the bedroom with us in a bassinet but now she's moved to her crib.  I find myself staring at the monitor constantly to check on her.  She's such a sleeper- apparently I was the same way.  Chill mama = Chill baby, We love our sleep!

I've had some complications but slowly I'm getting better.  Can't wait to feel "normal" again!
She's regained her birth weight and some- weighing in today at 8lbs 12 ounces. 
I'm tired, I'm in pain still and I'm emotional but I'm also in love.  I know what true love is now- because I nothing takes away from how much I love this girl.  Instead it seems that each day, each hour, each minute- I love her more than I did before.

I love you Isabelle, with all that I am.  I can't wait for all of our adventures to come!

Isabelle, I wish for you….

I wish that your beauty within far exceeds your outer beauty.

I wish that you laugh often and much.  I hope you find a way to laugh at life when it hits you hardest and you bring joy to your friends and families by being the person to make others laugh as well.

I wish that you never know loss- but if you do I hope you know the beauty in appreciating that at least you had the time you spent with that person and even though they are gone from this earth they are never really gone from our heart or our memories.

I wish for you to have faith- faith in yourself, faith in others and faith to know that even in the worst situations, in the end everything will work out; a faith that lights the world when it seems all the lights have been turned off.

I wish that you are never the bully; instead I hope you’re the type of girl that sticks up for the person that couldn’t stick up for themselves.  The type of person that stands up to the group and isn’t a follower but instead a leader in doing the right thing.

I wish for you to be tolerant; to know that not everyone will be like you, believe what you believe, want what you want or see things they way you do- but you will know the ability to agree to disagree and embrace the differences between you and the world- to always open your eyes to the other side of the story.

I wish for you the ability to see the beauty in everything and everyone.  To see what others don’t take the time to see, to slow down and appreciate it all and be the one to open others eyes to all the beauty in the world.

I wish for you many, many friendships.  I hope you value the old friendships and embrace the new friendships.  Knowing that time and space may separate friends but true friends are always friends no matter the time or distance.

I wish for you compassion.  I hope that you are the type of person that is the first to extend a hand even if it’s to the person you don’t agree with.  I hope you have the ability to see the good in everyone even when it seems the entire world has lost hope in that soul. 

I wish for you to never know fear but if you do- I hope you have the courage to stand up to it, the courage to know that even the bravest person fears something but stands up to it anyway.

I wish for you great passion – passion in what you do, living life to the fullest and putting your whole heart in all that you do.

I wish for you to have a fighting soul- to be the type of person that never gives up.  When it seems all hope is lost I wish for you to be the person that still believes.

I wish for you to be known as a kind person- more than any other compliment or personality quality that you posses- I hope that people say first and foremost that you are a kind person with love for all.

And finally- I wish you love that can move mountains.  I will love you everyday and more each day than the day before and I hope love is all around you from others- all the days of your life. 

Where are you Miss Isabelle?

We've got about 10 days until the ETA Stork Drop.  Part of me wants her here now.  It would be nice to not have her pushing on every internal organ, to be able to get up without grunting or needing hand, to be able to breathe again either from less pressure on my lungs or the nasal passage swelling to go away, it would be nice for my skin not to feel like outer casing of a sausage link about to burst at any moment - to basically just get my body back.  So I think - come on Isabelle, let's go ahead and get this show on the road!!

At the same time I could use these last few days.  I'm waiting for her dresser and the glider to arrive.  I still want to do some final touches to the nursery and it would be nice to make one more sale at work for some extra jingle in that pocket for the maternity leave.  But is that it?  Do I just need to time for her furniture and baby monitor to arrive or is it more than that? 

Change has never been something I welcomed with open arms.  As a child before starting a new school year I'd often get panic attacks and have anxiety dreams like coming to school naked or getting lost and no matter what I did I couldn't get there in time.  I can remember during my first month of teaching I would get tummy aches in the morning and think I was being plagued with some random morning only sickness and then I finally realized it was nerves making my feel a lil queasy.  Panic/Anxiety attacks have been the norm with me when anything new was happening in my life, when anything big was about to happen.  I've already had the dream that I forgot where I put her and another that 2 more babies were found behind her and now I was having triplets.  Forget the fact that one of the extra babies was a miniture baby about half the size of Isabelle!

So am I ready for Isabelle?  Am I ready for my life to change, my priorities to change, my body to change- again?  Hmmmm I don't know. 

Is anyone really ready for a child?  We register, we set up the room, we hang their clothes, we read the books and go to the classes and we think- OK NOW I'm Ready!  But it's not like you've done it before.  Sure I'm the oldest of 5 kids, babysat my entire life, lifeguarded as a summer job which is watching lots of kids, taught high school kids- I've got this right?  We're ready for her... right?

I think the answer is...
NO ONE IS EVERY REALLY READY FOR A BABY!  There is no instruction manual that comes specifically made for your child.  Sure there are books that tell you when to do this or that, if this bodily fluid is normal and if that one means to call the doctor but each child is different.  Each of our lives are different.  So what do we do?

We do the best we can and hope we don't forever mess up our kids.  We hope that the mistakes we make won't cost them thousands in therapy bills in the future. 
Sorry- that's about it. 

I'm going to make mistakes, I'm going to breakdown and I'm going to want to run for the hills screaming- I know it.  But I'm going to do my best and as crazy as things are about to get, I wouldn't have it any other way. 

So do I have everything ready for her? 
Nope. 
Is everything going to be perfect for when she arrives? 
Nope. 
Am I going to make every right decision and never mess up? 
Nope. 

But am I ready for her???
YOU BETCHA!

Photo's By Rachel Browne
http://rachelbrownephotography.com/

Belly Laughs

With 3 weeks left- let’s have a little chuckle about it all.  Here are some Q&As I found online that are sure to make you smile…

Am I more likely to get pregnant if my husband wears boxers rather then briefs?
~Yes, but you’ll have an even better chance if he doesn’t wear anything at all.

What is a chastity belt?
~A labor-saving device.

Should I have a baby after 35?
~No, 35 children are enough.

Can a mother get pregnant while nursing?
~Yes, but it’s much easier if she removes the baby from her breast and puts him to sleep first.

My husband and I are very attractive. I’m sure our baby will be beautiful enough for commercials. Whom should I contact about this?
~Your therapist.

I’m two months pregnant now. When will my baby move?
~With any luck, right after he finishes high school.

Since I became pregnant, my breasts, rear-end, and even my feet have grown. Is there anything that gets smaller during pregnancy?
~Yes, your bladder.

What is the most common pregnancy craving?
~For men to be the ones who get pregnant.

What is the most reliable method to determine a baby’s sex?
~Childbirth.

The more pregnant I get, the more often strangers smile at me. Why?
~‘Cause you’re fatter than they are.

My wife is five months pregnant and so moody that sometimes she’s borderline irrational.
~So what’s your question?

What’s the difference between a nine-month pregnant woman and a model?
~Nothing, if the pregnant woman’s husband knows what’s good for him.

I normally wear a size 34-C bra. Now that I’m pregnant, should I continue to wear a bra?
~Not if you don’t mind switching in the future to a size 34-Long.

Ever since I’ve been pregnant, I haven’t been able to go to bed at night without onion rings. Is this a normal craving?
~Depends on what you’re doing with them.

My childbirth instructor says it’s not pain I’ll feel during labor, but pressure. Is she right?
~Yes, in the same way that a tornado might be called an air current.

When is the best time to get an epidural?
~Right after you find out your pregnant.

Is there any reason I have to be in the delivery room while my wife is in labor?
~Not unless the word “alimony” means anything to you.

What does it mean when the baby’s head is crowning?
~It means you feel as though not only a crown but the entire throne is trying to make its way out of you.

What are forceps?
~Giant baby tweezers.

Does labor cause hemorrhoids?
~Labor causes anything you want to blame it for.

I’m modest. Once I’m in the hospital to deliver, who will see me in that delicate position?
~Authorized personnel only - doctors, nurses, orderlies, photographers, florists, cleaning crews, journalists, etc.

What does it mean when a baby is born with teeth?
~It means that the baby’s mother may want to rethink her plans to nurse.

What are the terrible twos?
~Your breasts after your baby stops nursing cold turkey.

What is the best time to wean the baby from nursing?
~When you see teeth marks.

What is the grasp reflex?
~The reaction of new fathers when they see a new mother’s breasts.

What causes baby blues?
~Tanned, hard-bodied bimbos.

What is colic?
~A reminder for new parents to use birth control.

What are night terrors?
~Frightening episodes in which the new mother dreams she’s pregnant again.

Our baby was born last week. When will my wife begin to feel and act normal again?
~When the kids are in college.

Is there anything I should avoid while recovering from childbirth?
~Yes, pregnancy.

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What I've discovered lately...

Putting on Pants-

So the other day I attempted to put on pants.  I say “attempted” because pretty much any activity requiring me to bend over is almost impossible!  I lifted my leg to insert it in the pant hole and the belly was in the way and I couldn’t reach the pants at all to pull them up!  The dogs were watching me attempt this for about 10 minutes.  After several grunts and near stumbles, I learned to lie on the bed, toss the pants on the floors, insert my feet and use whatever was handy to slowly lift the pants up high enough to where I could reach them and then pull them up.  It’s quite a production and then when I’m done I’m exhausted!  It wasn’t funny while I was doing this but thinking back- if someone was watching this from the outside it would be pretty funny.

Sneezing-

Ok so this one isn’t what you might think.  I mean we’ve all heard the stories about women sneezing and peeing a little.  As disturbing as that might sound to some of you men and never been pregnant women- this is true and fear but my story is different.  When I sneeze I feel like a million tons of pressure is being exerted so of course leave it to me to develop some sort of weird allergy in July.  I NEVER have allergies in July but now I do and I sneeze all the time.  It terrifies me to sneeze because they are so hard it feels like the baby might pop out.  Could you imagine it?  Sneezing so hard and a head pops out!  I literally hold my belly each time, trying to hold her in!  Might not be silly to you but that visual always makes me giggle and get nervous!

Clothing-

I’m running out of it.  I don’t want to buy anymore because I only have a few weeks left but it’s getting a bit ridiculous!  I was over at my mom’s house wearing a tank top and capris.  My belly was sticking out a little from under the shirt when I went to grab something.  My mom said “Melanie you know you can wear maternity tank tops”  I looked at her and whined “THIS IS A MATERNITY TANK TOP!”

My hips are opening up and so pants are getting too tight.  Maternity dresses that are made to fit with that big ole belly sticking out are suddenly REALLY short in the front.  As I walk I give everyone a little peep show of my giant maternity underwear.  It’s hot! ;)  I’m guessing for the last 3 weeks you might see me wearing some sort of moo-moo attire- just go with it and tell me I look goooooooooooooooood. 

Getting out of bed-

I’ve been working out the entire time so sitting up hasn’t been too difficult but lately the belly has gotten so large it is more difficult to sit up because as soon as you attempt to do so that belly is there sticking out and pushing you right back down.  I’ve resorted to “rolling” out of bed.  Even then I have to pump myself up for it.  ONE- TWO- THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE- tuck and roll!  The other day even that wasn’t happening and I had to ask Jimmy to give me a good ole shove.  He looked at me like “what?!?!”  NOPE- you heard me right- give me a push!

HOT-

It’s hot outside- it would be hot outside if I was a buck 25 soaking wet so when people say you must really be hot I don’t think I’m more hot than anyone else but I DO think I’m more uncomfortable.  I’m sweating more and in places I didn’t sweat before and I’m aware of it so it makes me uncomfortable.  And then I’m just giant and giant and hot isn’t a fun combo.  But I do appreciate everyone feeling bad for the pregnant person in July.  Give her a drink first- she’s pregnant.  Give her the seat closest to the AC- she’s pregnant.  Go run that errand for her- she’s pregnant and it’s too hot for her to go outside!  I mean I could get used to that!

PEEING-

Have you ever been at a party or bar and you REALLY didn’t want to break the seal?  So you drank and drank and drank and finally it’s too late- you’ve got to go.  You head to the restroom and you are 20^th in line, as you move forward in the line it becomes almost unbearable and you are sure you are about to pee all over yourself.  Have you ever experienced that?  If so- welcome to everyday of my life in pregnancy- especially this last month!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

And Finally- Here’s something to have you laughing at your hubby…

What if MEN got PREGNANT!?!?~
~Maternity leave would last for two years....with full pay.
~Natural childbirth would become obsolete.

~Morning sickness would rank as the nation's #1 health problem.

~All methods of birth control would be 100% effective.

~Children would be kept in the hospital until potty trained.

~Men would be eager to talk about commitment.

~They wouldn't think twins were so cute.

~Briefcases would be used as diaper bags.

~Paternity suits would be a fashion line of clothes.

~They'd stay in bed during the entire pregnancy.

~Restaurants would include ice cream and pickles as main entrees.

~There would be a cure for stretch marks

~Women would rule the world.

Less than a Month!

The countdown has begun!  Well that's not entirely true- the countdown began about 2-3 months ago but now it's only 29 days till operation stork drop ETA.  29 days sounds better than 129 days.

Last night was our last Childbirth Prep Class and next Monday we have a tour of the hospital. I'm not so much nervous yet about how she'll get here as how it's going to be once she gets here.  I'm a worrier.  I worry about everything and everyone and I am starting to feel a lot of anxiety about being financially prepared for her and the nursery being set up just the way I want it to be.  It's a lot harder to move around and bending over is becoming extremely difficult as I lose the ability to breathe if I'm bent over for too long. 

I still have soooooooooooooooooo much left to get for the nursery- having a baby is EXPENSIVE!  I should have started a savings plan for her like 2 years ago!  I'm still holding out for that chance that I win the Mega Millions- hey a girl can dream!

The part about having her hasn't really freaked me out yet.  I'm sure it will eventually but right now it's in my mind that I can totally handle this.  Taking care of her doesn't really scare me either - I just hope I get some sort of how-to on when do to do what.  I mean I can change diapers- I was doing that at 8 1/2 years old for Nick when he was a baby.  I can swaddle thanks to babysitting Jenny T's baby boy Rhett recently.  I can burp, bathe, play, rock, and love like it's nobody's business.  But I do worry about when to feed, how much to feed, what to feed, how to operate that crazy contraption called a PUMP and all those little details.  I know I'll get help about this and I just need to remember to NOT SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF!

I'm very excited about her arrival and I've started getting the false labor pains.  She is moving around like crazy or at least now I can feel it more.  It's not like she's doing a summersault but one small move of her leg or arm now takes my breath away or causes me to sit straight up.

Before we know it Isabelle will be here!  Oh wow that reminds me- gotta pick out that middle name!

Dear Non-Pregnant Person

As my due date gets closer I feel the need to share this letter that a friend sent me a few months ago.  It's awesome!  Thanks Anna!

Dear Non-Pregnant Person,

I hope you find these guidelines helpful in your interactions with pregnant women, as failing to follow them may result in serious physical harm. If you are thinking, surely she doesn’t mean me – then you should probably read this twice.

1. The appropriate response to a couple telling you they are having a baby is ‘Congratulations!’ with enthusiasm. Any other response makes you a jerk.

2. Through the wonders of science, we now know that babies are made ONLY by the mother and father – not grandparents. Unless the baby is in your uterus or you are the man that helped put it there, you may not ever use the phrase ‘my baby’.

3. On the same note, unless you made the baby as defined in 2, the pregnancy, birth, and raising of the child are not about you. You do not have input. No one wants to hear your opinion unless they ask for it…

4. The body of a pregnant woman should be treated the same as any other body. You would not randomly touch someone’s stomach if they were not pregnant, nor would you inquire into the condition of their uterus, cervix, or how they plan to use their breasts. Pregnancy does not remove all traces of privacy from a woman.

5. Likewise, no woman wants to hear comments on her weight…ever. A pregnant woman does not find it flattering that you think she is about is pop, must be having twins, looks swollen or has gained weight in her face. Telling her she looks too small only makes her worry that she is somehow starving her baby. Making such comments invite her to critique your physical appearance and you may not act offended. The only acceptable comment on appearance is ‘You look fabulous!’.

6. By the time we are 20-30 years old, most of us have picked up on the fact that the summer is hot. We are hot every summer when we are not pregnant. We don’t need you to point out that we will be miserably hot before the baby comes. Nor do we need to know how badly you will feel for us because we will be pregnant during the summer and how glad you are that YOU will not be pregnant this coming summer.

7. There is a reason that tickets to Labor & Delivery are not yet sold on Ticketmaster. Childbirth is actually not a public event. It may sound crazy, but some women really do not relish the idea of their mother, MIL, or a host of other family members seeing their bare butt and genitals. Also, some people simply feel like the birth of their child is a private and emotional moment to be shared only by the parents. You weren’t invited to be there when the baby was created, you probably won’t be invited to be there when it comes out either.

8. Like everything else in life, unless you receive an invitation, you are NOT invited. This includes doctor appointments, ultrasounds, labor, delivery, the hospital, and the parent’s home. You do not decide if you will be there for the birth or if you will move in with the new parents to ‘help out’. If your assistance is desired, rest assured that you will be asked for it.

9. If you are asked to help after the birth, this means you should clean up the house, help with cooking meals, and generally stay out of the way. Holding the baby more than the parents, interfering with breastfeeding and sleeping schedules, and making a woman who is still leaking fluid from multiple locations lift a finger in housework is not helping.

10. The only people entitled to time with the baby are the parents. Whether they choose to have you at the hospital for the birth or ask for you to wait three weeks to visit, appreciate that you are being given the privilege of seeing their child. Complaining or showing disappointment only encourages the parents to include you less.

Sincerely,

All the Pregnant Women/New Parents in the World

Waiting and Venting

It's true what they say, that at the end of your pregnancy you really do feel like you are going to be pregnant forever.  I miss being able to walk to the restroom without the fear of peeing on myself.  I miss the days when I could sit outside on my porch on a warm summer night and throw back a couple cold ones.  I miss being able to breathe when I lay down or when I take the stairs!  I miss the days where I could roll over onto my tummy in bed without fearing I was crushing someone and it felt comfortable!  Hell- I just miss being able to get out of bed without having to roll off of it!

The best is when people tell you "it will all be worth it in the end".  Well thanks for that Captain Obvious.  ;)
No I kid- I joke.  I know people are just looking for the bright side to make me feel better but I do that everyday with everything in my life.  I'm always the glass-half-full person! I deserve the chance to vent every once in a while! 

Of course I know it will all be worth it, of course I'm super excited to have my little girl in my arms but that doesn't mean I can't complain about all the pain in the butt stuff that comes with this little miracle.  Plus most of the time I make my complaining into something that has others rolling on the floor laughing.  If men were to have to go through this they'd be crying and whining every second of it- FACT.  Have you ever seen a man that is sick? It’s ridiculous.  There I am taking care of myself through it all but he's dying from a simple head-cold!  Every single thing in your life changes when you get pregnant and it's assumed that women are just supposed to smile and be thankful? 

I keep saying- give me 15 minutes in a high school classroom and there would be a SIGNIFICANT drop in teenage pregnancy!

I feel like women are made to feel ashamed if they complain about the not so wonderful things that come with pregnancy, that complaining makes you ungrateful, petty, a bad mother-to-be.  If anything I think keeping it all inside and not sharing your woes will only make things worse and cause more stress.  Venting is a great way to release some of that stress; it's a normal human response -so vent away you pregnant chicks!

I wanted to get pregnant so badly and when it took longer than I thought, there were people that made me feel bad for venting about that pain.  But talking about it made it seem less painful and usually I found out from my venting that they too had experienced similar frustrations.  Sharing the experience made me feel less alone.

So to all the pregnant women out there I say get together with other pregnant chicks and just have a venting session!  The swollen joints, the breathing difficulties, the morning sickness that reappears in the third trimester, the clothes that you are running out of because you won't stop growing, the inability to see down past your belly button, the weird pains, the fatigue, the sciatic pain, the waddling that has taken over your normal walk, the lack of sleep, the heartburn, the leg cramps and every other thing that may be bothering you.  Don't let anyone make you feel bad for complaining!  Once you have all of that out of your system you can focus on the wonderful ending of all this misery- your sweet baby. 

Complaining about pregnancy doesn't make you a bad mom-to-be, it doesn't mean you aren't grateful for the little miracle that will soon be joining you in this world- it just means you are human.  So vent away and I'll listen and nod and maybe laugh a few times with you.  Laughter can get you through almost anything and if you can find a way to laugh about constipation then you can get through anything!

I'm over the moon excited for this little one- she's on my mind all the time and it brings me to tears thinking about how much I love her already.  Just like everything else in life- if you can make it through this you can make it through anything because whatever doesn't kill you only makes you stronger!

33 Weeks!

Baby Girl has been incubating 33 weeks today.  I hear she could be anywhere from 4-4.5 lbs and 17-20 inches.  Pretty crazy stuff. 

Short Blog today- just had to share the milestone!

Childbirth Prep Class?!?

That's the question I got when I told Jimmy what we had to do on Tuesday nights in June.  Before we walked into the class last night he said "Watch, I'll be the only guy in the class"  To which I rolled my eyes and said "no you won't"

Sure enough the class was full of dads and only one girl was there with her mother.

The class was interesting and I think Jimmy learned a lot of new stuff.  Most of the information I knew from reading countless books and looking up everything I could think of on the internet the past 7 months but there were a few things that I did take in.  I also didn't mind getting a short back rub as the instructor taught Jimmy how to massage my back when it hurt.

I forget sometimes that Jimmy doesn't know as much about this baby stuff as I do and his ignorance is usually what gets him in trouble with me when I need his support and help.  I hope the classes shed some light on the poor guy!  Last night was a step in the right direction when the teacher instructed the men not to mess with the wives when they are sleeping.  She said if we are asleep but taking up half the bed and all the pillows to LEAVE US ALONE becuase we probably will only stay asleep for an hour and then be up again using the restroom.  SO TRUE.   Sure enough last night he wanted a pillow I had situated under me and I gave him one look and one reminder from what the teacher said in class and he left me alone!  ANNNNNNNNND in about 10 minutes I had to get up anyway to pee.  ahhh the joys of pregnancy!

Today is Bridget's birthday so I'll give my first blog shout out to Bridget.  Happy 27th Birthday Bridgie!!

Until next time...

All About Belle

Baby Belle - as I've started referring to her as, is due August 4th and I can't wait!  It took longer than I thought it would to get pregnant but I should have known she'd be just like her mom and make an appearance on that little white stick when she was ready. 

The pregnancy has been quite an adventure.  I always loved it when people would tell me they never got sick with their baby (insert heavy sarcasm here).  I was best friends with my toliet bowl for the first few months and very happy to see that stage pass.  The headaches, nausea, fatigue and slight weight gain was not fun but when it got bad I would just count the days till she would arrive.  I always thought she was a girl- I really wanted a girl but something else just spoke to me that it was a little lady in there. 

The second trimester came and went with my tummy starting to round out a little.  I stayed busy with birthday parties, wedding showers, baby showers and lots of other events- every weekend seemed to be jammed packed with activities. 

The belly really has been growing in the third trimester.  While working out I feel like I've just eaten Thanksgiving Dinner and sleeping at night has been difficult with the little lady pushing against my lungs.  Jimmy will come to bed looking for a pillow or a spot on our KING size bed and I can just offer him the couch and it's pillows or the guest bed and it's pillows- I told him "Just work with me these last 2 months!"
She kicks all the time and sometimes it startles me because just for a moment I'll forget I'm pregnant- then she reminds me with a swift kick to my bladder! 

The dogs have really started to protect the belly and Sanford snuggles on it each night.  I tell them each night about the baby and how she'll be here soon and they can't pee on her or chew on her.  They just tilt their heads at me and occassionally bark.

We've started to decorate the nursery- still waiting for a couple more showers before we finish the registry ourselves.  Jimmy painted the room and even went with an accent wall.  It looks pinkish at night with the overhead light and more purple during the day with natural sunlight.

The crib and bedding was given to us by my mom and dad and Jimmy was a great help putting it together.  I tried to assemble it myself but I got as far as opening the box before I had to quit.  It was just too hard bending over that big belly! 

Only 51 days till our due date.  I can't wait for you all to meet her!

WELCOME!

Welcome to Team Awesome! 

Merriam-Webster’s defines awesome as “expressive of awe” and “inspiring awe” “terrific, extraordinary” with synonyms of amazing, astonishing, astounding, marvelous, awful, eye-opening, fabulous, miraculous, portentous, prodigious, staggering, stunning, stupendous, sublime, surprising, wonderful, wondrous. 

It could mean good things or bad but one thing is for sure- it’s something to take note of.  That’s my life and I’ve decided to share it with all of you. 

Team Awesome is my lil family made up of myself, Jimmy, Baby Isabelle-to-be, Dooley our Yorkie and Sanford the mini Schnauzer.  It also encompasses all my friends and family.  I hope this blog gives you all a little insight on what’s been going on in my life- the good and the bad and hopefully I can bring a little chuckle to your day.  I’ve always said that my life could be a sitcom- Everybody Loves Mel.  It would be a hit for sure.