Life Lately

 

So we had three snow storms in the past week so I guess winter is officially here.  I ended up with a two hour delay AND a snow day, so that was an exciting bonus.  It bought me a lot of much needed time to finally get the tree in order, some Christmas shopping done, the house cleaned up a bit, and of course, it finally afforded Ryan the time to assemble a million things for the baby which have taken over the house.  The pack and play is assembled.  The car seat is installed.  The fancy vibrating baby swing that a coworker gave us is set up even though we had to relocate the armchair in the living room to the garage.  We are just out of room with the Christmas tree and the swing and the bouncy chairs, etc. etc. etc!  It is a bit overwhelming.  Every time I think this townhouse can't feel smaller, we manage to squeeze more things into it. 

 

I debated even doing Christmas on any kind of large scale this year.  Getting the decorations out and up was exhausting. We didn't end up doing outdoor lights.  I was even willing to skip the tree but Ryan wasn't.  Isaac wasn't that interested in getting the tree this year, so Ryan and I ended up going during the day on the Monday after Thanksgiving.  We both had off from work but Isaac had school.  It doesn't look like Christmas cards are happening (perhaps a holiday themed birth announcement?).  Sadly, I am even debating taking the tree and everything down on Christmas evening since we leave for the hospital early in the morning the 26th.  I feel like if I don't take it all down that night that it will stay up till February.

 

The other night Ryan got to finish with work early (a rarity for a December Friday night when you work retail) and we were able to meet him at Red Robin and then we did a little grocery shopping.  (Sidenote: I remember when my siblings and I would tease my parents that their date night was always Panera and the grocery store, and now I have BECOME THEM). This was probably our last restaurant meal before baby.  It feels like everything is a milestone like that anymore.  The last date night before the baby comes.   The last day trip before the baby comes, and on and on.

 

We also managed to squeeze in a trip to the Christmas Panto, trying to keep the tradition alive.  The girls were so excited (Isaac, not so much, since he felt the show was "princess themed").  Gabby had told Ryan she had bought a new dress for the occasion.  She is ever the fashionista so we were tickled but not surprised when she showed up in this fully sequined animal print dress complimented with holographic bow.    A week out from her seventh birthday she looks so grown up all of a sudden.

The weather was not cooperative and it was looking sketchy if we would be able to make the show.  

We were able to exchange our tickets for the seven o'clock show for tickets to the two o'clock show and we had great seats in the center of the third row.  It made for a treacherous ride home but at least we still got to go. Gabby even got to go up on stage and be a part of the show, although she became a little shy once she got up on the stage.  It was a lot of fun.

So that's what's new around here...  

 

Bumpdate: 36 weeks

How far along: 36 weeks!  Nearly 37 since I am posting this late.  So close to the end!

How big is baby: Fruit and veggie scale says "head of romaine lettuce". 

Weight gain:  I gained a fair amount this past week... oops.  Oh well.

 Sleeping:  Still hit or miss.This morning I woke up at 4:30 and never went back to sleep.     I have been back to waking up in the night and not being able to fall back asleep. My backpain has been worst at night. I do feel fortunate that I have been able to get some rest.  


Food Cravings: Hot chocolate.  And cupcakes!  I even found the energy to whip up a batch midweek.  I've also been drinking lots of lemon tea.

Food Aversions: Anything from the deep fryer still.

Other symptoms: Just a general frustration with being pregnant.  I am ready for it to be over.  Also sciatica: my back pain has been intense and has starting shooting down my leg.  The chiropractor visits have been helping a LOT but part of it can't be fixed because she is just sitting right against that nerve.  It has made getting comfortable very hard. I have heartburn after nearly everything I eat.  I have a little bit of anxiety about my impending surgery (which Ryan makes worse.  He is nervous I could die on the operating table and he will be left a single dad).  The biggest symptom as of late has just been insane mood swings.  Like, really over the top.  It makes me feel like I honestly may be crazy.  Isaac and Ryan both approached me separately and basically said that I am being unbearable and I need to get it together. I really feel like my emotions are completely out of control.  I'm either crying or in a rage. I hope it gets better once the baby is out of me.

Miss Anything? Just being able to move around.  Getting up and down is such a production.

Doctor’s appointment: Weekly visits to the chiropractor and Ob/gyn now. I had the group B strep test last week and this week I found out I tested positive for it.  It isn't a huge deal because I am having a C-section but... still...  We also stopped by the maternity ward after our appointment.  I am delivering this baby in the same hospital where I had Isaac but it has been a while and they have renovated the whole women's suite.  We were impressed with what we saw.  Ryan and the baby are able to stay with me in the room the whole time, so I like that idea. 

Clothes: Beyond bored with my maternity clothes.   They all still fit so far though, which is much better than last time around when I had outgrown half my things by this point.   

Wedding Rings: Off. I was surprised when Isaac commented that other day about me not wearing them.  I didn't think that was something he took notice of.

Movement: Lots and lots and lots and it is visible to people standing across the room. Ryan used to feel sad because it seemed like he never felt her move, and now the movements are so strong he is creeped out by them. 


Best moment of the week: I really enjoyed the breastfeeding class Ryan and I attended at Reading Hospital. I am terribly nervous about breastfeeding but I feel a lot more confident now.  There is a follow up class that is geared toward breastfeeding moms who are returning to work that I think I will take. I also had a really nice baby shower thrown by some of my teacher friends.  It ended up being a random smattering of people who all know me, but didn't necessarily know each other, which could have been awkward, but was actually really fun.  I got some great things for baby, so was much appreciated.  The surprise snow day today was a fun bonus too. 

What I’m looking forward to: Being the only one who lives in my body again.

What I did / Got for baby:  I had my baby shower this weekend and my friends and family were so generous.  We got a lot of adorable clothes, diapers, wipes, towels and other necessities.  My sister also sent a pack and play in the mail, which also doubles as a changing table.  Ryan got it all assembled today.

 

Have a great week!

NEWSFLASH

 

Grumpy pregnant teacher observes second grade assembly....

 

(this picture was from today's local paper)

Bumpdate: 35 Weeks

How far along:35 weeks ladies and gents.  On Friday when I am 36 weeks they will send my chart over to the hospital!  Crazy!

How big is baby: Fruit and veggie scale says coconut.

Weight gain: I only gained a pound since my doctor's appointment last week, which made me feel pretty good, considering Thanksgiving, etc.  I have been having such bad heartburn and indigestion it has been curbing my desire to eat.  I also just have to eat smaller amounts-- there is not much room in there for food.

 Sleeping:  Still hit or miss.  I have been back to waking up in the night and not being able to fall back asleep.  My new thing is I am wide awake at night but then oversleeping in the am.  I am just accepting that a good night's rest is not in the cards anytime soon.

Food Cravings: Hot chocolate.

Food Aversions: Anything from the deep fryer still.

Other symptoms: Moodiness, tearfulness, crying.I have been feeling a tad on the blue side and I am already a bit concerned that I will be at risk for Post-Partum Depression.  I talked to my ob-gyn a little yesterday at my appointment about it.   Mostly I am just tired all the time, with occasional bursts of energy.  I was on the fence about even getting the Christmas decorations out and if we should even bother with a tree.  Even cooking dinner feels overwhelming some days. 

Miss Anything?Just being able to move around.  Getting up and down is such a production.

Doctor’s appointment:Every week now, which makes me laugh every time they ask if anything has changed with my insurance.  I had the group B strep test this past time, which I was panicked about but was really no big deal.  I am still on the lookout for my pertussis booster.  My ob/gyn recommends it but my doctor won't give it to me and neither will two CVS clinics I visited yesterday. The one pharmacist was like "Well, are you pregnant?"  I just wanted to shout "LOOK AT ME!"   I also saw the chiropractor a second time which has been helping with my lower back pain a lot.  I can see her again for "maintenance" if I feel like I need it. 

Wedding Rings: Off.  I am scared to put them on now.  

Clothes:Completely over maternity clothes.  And our (still broken) dryer. 

Movement: Lots and lots and lots. Some of them are really starting to be painful.

Best moment of the week: a nice, lowkey Thanksgiving with Ryan's parents and my parents. 

What I’m looking forward to:As weird as it sounds, our breastfeeding class tonight.  I am hoping it will make me feel more at ease about the whole thing. 

What I did / Got for baby:  I got a cute pink rug at Target for her room.  We also FINALLY were able to order the crib conversion kit that fixes the reason it was recalled, so hopefully her crib is squared away now.  My baby shower is this weekend, so hopefully the last few things on the list will be taken care of there.  

Have a great week!!!

So much to be thankful for

We had a lowkey Thanksgiving.  Really, is there any other kind when you are nine months pregnant?

We had big plans to go into Philadelphia for the big parade but when we heard that the weather was supposed to be extra chilly and possibly so windy the balloons couldn't go up.  So we made the executive decision to skip the parade in favor of have Isaac pile into the bed and watch the parade from under the covers while gorging ourselves on cream cheese covered cinnamon rolls.  

We picked up Ryan's parents and headed out to my parent's house.  Football was watched, pie was eaten, and belts were loosened.  

We checked in with family near and far.  Here is my cute pregnant sister in law and Ryan's brother Patrick.  It is only a few more weeks till my first nephew arrives!

We were completely stuffed and tired when we arrived home.  We had just collapsed in bed, utterly exhausted when Ryan realized we had left his keys at my parents house: keys that he would need for work the next day. Because this is our life:  missing keys.  We called my parents and my dad agreed to meet us halfway, so we didn't have to drive a whole hour back to Leola.  My parents are so kind to us.

Since the meeting spot is a Walmart parking lot and things didn't look too crazy (it was about ten at night) we decided to stop in and see if they still happened to have a deal we had seen advertised.  They were out of Disney Xfinity but they were having a great sale on another item on Isaac's Christmas list, so we snatched that up.  Isaac's shopping is officially done!

It was a good time to relax, enjoy family and to think about all that we have been blessed with.   In no particular order:

• My wonderful family.  Especially my parents who have helped me so much this year (and every year).
• My extended family and in-laws.  Ryan's family remind me a lot of my own-- we are both the oldest of four.  I have really enjoyed getting to know his siblings and parents better this past year.  
• Our cozy townhouse.  Although sometimes it seems like it is positively bursting at the seams, it is the perfect place for us to call home.   
• Two fairly reliable cars.
• Ryan's job.  It was a rough year with a few really lousy jobs.  It is nice for him to have a job where he feels appreciated, that he really enjoys, and where is making good money.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Bumpdate: 34 Weeks

How far along: 34 weeks! Actually, 35 tomorrow, because I am putting this up so late.

How big is baby: Fruit and veggie scale says cantaloupe.

Weight gain: Eh.  Fine I guess.  I feel bigger every day and this was confirmed at my doctor's appointment.  I have gained 4 pounds since my appointment last week.  I did keep my boots on when I weighed myself, so I am telling myself that is why and not because I am eating pints of icecream for dinner.   My mom saw me Thursday and thought I looked bigger than when she saw me on Sunday.

 Sleeping:  I am exhausted and have fallen asleep very early several nights this week.  I am not resting very well but it could be worse.

Food Cravings: McDonald's.  Gross I know but I want it.

Food Aversions: Anything from the deep fryer still.

Other symptoms: Pelvic pressure and achiness.  Braxton hicks contractions.  Absentmindedness (I left a ricecooker on last week and left for Scouts.  When Ryan came home the house was filled with smoke and the smoke alarm was going off.  Scary!).  Weird dreams-- I dreamed one of my parents at school stole the baby.  Moodiness, tearfulness, etc.

Miss Anything? Energy.  Bending in half.  I'm a broken record I know but that is life right now.

Doctor’s appointment: I had one yesterday.  Not too exciting.  I have also started seeing a chiropractor to help with the painful "locking up" thing that keeps happening each night.  She adjusted me and I felt instant relief.  I had some stiffness that night and the next morning but definitely improved-- no more Frankenstien walk.  I go back next week for another adjustment.

Wedding Rings: Off.  I am scared to put them on now.  

Clothes: Same boring five outfits and I don't even care.  Cuteness is no longer a consideration.  Is it clean?  Does it cover the belly?  That's really all I need.

Movement: Lots but it feels more like squirming and less like kicking.  She is cramped.'

Best moment of the week: Lots of nice moments this past week but the best would have to be getting some spa treatments as part of my Pregnant and Glowing spa treatment my sister so sweetly arranged.  It was such a surprise to open that gift card in the mail.  She is the SWEETEST.  The massage and pedicure were heavenly.  I am saving the facial for closer to the baby's arrival.

What I’m looking forward to: some time with family for the holidays and a few days off of school!

What I did / Got for baby:   I got started packing my hospital bag.  It isn't finished, but I could survive off of what I packed I think.  It made it seem a lot more real!  Baby girl will be here one month from today!

Family Blurbs

Isaac came home with this:

which I thought was adorable.  He was so excited and proud.  If I ever end up in third grade again I will be stealing that idea for sure.

Earlier this week Ryan was able to go with Isaac to his Fruit with Fathers breakfast.  It happened to fall on his day off and during American Education week when parents are invited to stay and observe classes.  I have always wanted to go, but obviously, have never been able to make that happen **insert crushing working mother guilt here**.   Isaac convinced Ryan to stay for Social Studies, gym class, and the book fair..   

 I had a nice lowkey birthday.  This was a present from Ryan:

I am still getting the hang of a Droid but I am loving having my own tablet.  We had a nice dinner at Bahama Breeze and then went to a concert.

Megan Tonjes is one of my favorite singers and she was coming through town at a little coffee shop in Ardmore.  We also had a really nice family dinner with my brothers at my mom's house and my Mom and Dad drove in one night and met us at Olive Garden.

I came back from the bathroom to find these two on their phones and talking NBA and Isaac on his iPad.  Definition of a modern family I guess.

 My parents gave me a gift certificate for People's Light and Theater to take the kids to their Christmas Panto.  So of course I pestered Ryan incessantly to figure out the schedule until we were able to book tickets for a Saturday in December.  My parents have always taken us to the theater growing up.  It is fun to keep the tradition alive with Isaac and Ryan's girls.  It does make me feel a bit better that even with me being grossly pregnant, I don't have to miss out on all of the Christmas traditions and I really am looking forward to taking Allison and Gabby.  We don't ever get much holiday time with them, and I am trying hard to think of traditions we can include them in.