Labor & Baby Stanley!

On Tuesday, January 10, 2012, I found myself at Admissions in the Labor and Delivery.  I did NOT think that is where I'd be that day; nevertheless, I was happy that my transition from pregnant (FAT) lady into a Mommy would be taking place soon. 

I checked in and got hooked up to some fluid.  They started me on Pitocin, and I asked for my Epidural right away.  I wasn't about to miss that Epidural! 

I went through 3 bags of fluid VERY quickly.  I was beyond dehydrated.  I was feeling contractions, but I didn't think they were that bad.  Although...I'm a very tough biotch.  After I'd been in there awhile, it was time to get my epidural.  Now, I've seen people on these reality shows get these epidurals.  They cry....they complain... they say "OUCH!"  So, I really braced myself for the pain.  OK...let me just tell you about this "painful" epidural.  IT WASN'T PAINFUL AT ALL!  If you've never had one, don't EVER stress out about this.  You feel a prick when they numb the area.  THEN, you feel some pressure when the epidural goes in, BUT that is it.  There was no reason to complain of pain AT ALL!  Hell...when the nurse put the IV in my hand, it hurt worse.

So, I now waited for these contractions.  The wonderful part about the epidural is.... you don't feel a thing!  I didn't feel any contractions.  Hell, I couldn't feel my legs.  Seriously, I would touch my leg and it's like it wasn't even my leg.  I couldn't even move them.  I started to feel like a paraplegic...and immediately felt for anyone who couldn't feel their lower half. 

I had checked into the hospital at around 12ish-1ish.  I knew it wouldn't be a short process, but after a few hours....I WAS STARVING!  Absolutely famished!  I had only eaten a small bowl of Cheerio's that morning around 6am.  When the nurse gave me ice chips, I thought it was the best thing in the world.  They kept telling me to eat them slowly, because I could vomit if I ate them too fast.  So...that pretty much ruined my "pig out on ice chips" idea.  I kept dreaming of a cheeseburger.... french fries...donuts... Mt. Dew... anything at all would be fine!  I just had to grin and bear it.

MY OB came in the room and eventually broke my water (well...what was left of it).  And...there wasn't much there.  However, five minutes after he broke my water, Stanley's heart rate plummeted.  All of a sudden, my OB was in the room....my nurse....and 6 other nurses rushed into the room.  One gave me a shot in the arm, others rolled my on my side, and one gave me an oxygen mask.  The only thing I heard was..."This oxygen isn't for you...it's for the baby."  I couldn't focus on one voice.  I had no clue what was going on.  Brian told me later that one nurse said they had the Operating Room ready for me.  Apparently, Stanley had the umbilical cord wrapped around something (possibly an arm or leg), and it was cutting off his blood supply.  He became stable very quickly, but for those minutes....I had no idea what was going on.  SOMEHOW...I kept it together.  I didn't cry...although I was fighting back tears.

I kept the oxygen on for the rest of the time...except to eat those special ice chips.  I felt like I couldn't move or something horrible would happen to him.  My neck was very uncomfortable the whole time.  AND...what happens to me when my neck is uncomfortable??  A MIGRAINE!  I could feel the pressure building in my head.  An emergency C-Section was never ruled out after that.  I was completely ready to do whatever I needed to do to get him out safely. 

Around 1am on Wednesday, January 11, 2012, I developed a small fever.  Although, I must say...it felt like my temperature was 110 degrees!  I used cold towels to feel better.  This did nothing for the migraine that had been building.  At around 2am, I was fully dilated and ready to push.  The nurse did some pushing with me at first.  The epidural was wearing off so I could actually feel contractions and could push to the best of my ability.  The whole time I kept thinking....HOLY CRAP!  I am about to have a baby!  You see people have babies on TV...you hear the stories of everyone else...but when it happens to you, it's a whole different animal.  I pushed for awhile with the nurse, and then it was time for the big event.  My OB came in...the nurses came in... and it was time.  I didn't have to do a ton of pushing, but whatever I did was not painful at all.  I felt pressure, but it wasn't painful at all.

My last push was the main event.  At 2:38am, Stanley's head came out....and I could feel it.  It was a massive amount of pressure, but nothing I couldn't do 80 more times in my life.  I waited to hear him cry, while the rest of his body was still inside me.  The moment I heard him squeal...I lost it.  Tears were flowing, and the rest of him was quickly out.  They put him on me, and I got to see his face for a moment.  I could only get out, "He's so cute!"  They took him away to clean him up and get measurements.  It was over.  This whole LABOR thing was done. 

SO.... why the hell do people go on and on about how painful it is?  I kept telling people it couldn't be worse than a migraine.  AND...let me tell you.... I WAS RIGHT!!  Migraines are sooooo much worse.  People tell me that I had it easy, but I fully intend on having more kids after that.  I'll weigh in on the pain factor on my next one too.  Yes, I had an epidural which I can't imagine not having.  BUT... birth with an epidural was easy in my opinion.  It wasn't like I had imagined.  I didn't cuss or get mean at all.  I was facebooking...texting...and having some laughs. 

People told me that having a child is the absolute best thing, and I heard them but never quite understood.  And it's not something you can understand until you go through it.  As I sit here and watch my sweet baby boy sleep in his swing, I get it.  I understand fully what those people were talking about.  It's a club...it's exclusive to those who have walked in this path.  I'd do anything for that little man.  He is more precious to me than anything.  I can't take my eyes off him.  It seems so surreal to think I'm a mommy.  As I navigate through this whole Mommy thing, I can't help but feel extremely lucky.  I cherish every single day with my baby angel.

38 Week Check-Up = In Labor!

It's been awhile since I've blogged, but I've been super busy!  So...let me catch you all up on my baby adventures.

My 38th week appointment was on Tuesday, January 10, 2012.  I was really looking forward to seeing if I had dilated anymore and to see the ultrasound (I wanted to see how big my peanut was).  I was set to be induced a week later, so I wanted to get as much info as possible regarding this whole labor thing.

I get to my appointment, and there was no ultrasound scheduled for me.  I was so bummed.  So, I saw my OB, and he said I'd dilated a little more.  Everything looked great.  So, I asked if we could get an ultrasound ... just to see how big my punkin was.  He said..."SURE!"  Somehow it just slipped through the cracks that I was supposed to get one.  My mom had already arrived in town, so this would be the first ultrasound she attended.  We were excited to see little Stanley.  During the ultrasound, the ultrasound tech (who is usually super talkative about how cute my baby is) wasn't saying much.  She was measuring things on the baby, and I didn't know what was going on.  It was completely different.  I thought....well maybe she's having a bad day.  Immediately, she started asking me what I had for breakfast.  She asked me if I've had any leaking.  She asked if I lost my mucus plug or had been dehydrated.  I immediately got nervous.  I HAD been dehydrated (the week before I was super sick - fever, chills, contractions, and much MUCH more).  I had had a three day migraine and my meds for that tend to leave me VERY dehydrated.  I thought...well hell...I can go drink some water!  She said, "Okay, I'm going to check this for the third time...and it will be the tie breaker."  I thought...WHAT?!?!  What are we checking?  She said there wasn't a lot of fluid around the baby, and it was very possible my water had already broken and instead of a gush it was a small trickle.  OMG!! I had read about that...and honestly I always thought it was a possibility, but I always forgot to tell my OB!  CRAP!  I asked what would happen if he didn't have enough fluid.  She said, "Then...Happy Birthday, Stanley!"  The ultrasound ended quickly after that.  I was told to wait in the waiting room again.  I heard the ultrasound tech talking to my OB and his nurse.  I was immediately asked to come back into the hall where they were.

My OB said, "Well there isn't a lot of fluid around the baby.  He's full term and healthy...so let's just go ahead and have this baby today."  Shocked....I said, "well, I mean maybe I'm dehydrated from my Imitrex (med I take for my migraines)."  He said, "I don't think so.  I think your water has been broken for awhile."  SO... I was told to go to Labor and Delivery as soon as possible.

I left in shock.  I couldn't believe I was about to have a baby!!!  I mean...I never wrapped my head around the whole labor thing.  I thought I had a week or something to dwell on that.  I never let myself get too worked up about it.  BUT...my life was about to change forever.  I immediately called Brian's cell phone.  No answer.  I called and called and sent text messages.  NOTHING!  I freaked out!  I called his secretary, Pam, and told her that I needed to get ahold of him ASAP since I was going into labor!  She said she would get him immediately.  He was apparently in a meeting with 30 people.  She walked in and handed him a note just as he was about to begin a presentation.  He told everyone, "Well...I have to leave.  I'm having a baby!"  Hope that meeting wasn't too important! :) 

Brian and I (and my mom) met up at our house.  We grabbed our hospital bags, and we were out the door.  When we arrived at Labor and Delivery, I was still in shock.  It was all happening so fast.  I didn't have time to freak out about the whole labor thing.  Stanley was coming...and there wasn't even time to dwell on the horrible things that could happen. 

Labor? Flu? Waiting?

OK...I left off my last blog with going to the Labor & Delivery.

NOW...I didn't really think I was in labor, but I was super concerned I was getting a horrible flu.  The last thing I'd ever want is to get a horrible flu and make him sick!  The minute you go to L&D everyone assumes you are going into labor.  I didn't honestly think that.  I was having contractions, but I just assumed they were Braxton Hicks.  I get them all the time, so I wasn't that concerned.  I WAS concerned with having taken two Tylenol and still feeling like I had a fever.  I mean...was I having a stroke?  Was my blood pressure sky rocketing?  Was Stanley hot?  My face was as red as a beet.  My whole body ached as if I were some 105-year-old grandma.  I was pretty sure I was getting some flu.

I get checked into L&D.  I get my gown on and hooked up to a fetal monitor and a monitor to track my contractions.  They checked my blood pressure and constantly monitor my pulse.  My blood pressure was a little higher than that morning, but it was still very normal.  My baby seemed to be doing just fine...heartbeat 150bpm.  Stanley constantly kicked the monitors on my belly.  His kicks are so accurate...it's like he can see through my stomach.  And... tracking my contractions would take awhile.  The nurse immediately asked me if I was nervous.  I said, "why?"  Apparently, my heart rate was in the 120's.  I thought I was pretty calm, but I guess I was wrong.  It went down to 101 at some point, but it would shoot back up when I would freak out over something.  AND... I didn't have a fever.  So... 15 minutes into my L&D trip, I had found out zero about my flu!

So, there I was....hanging out in Labor & Delivery.  Brian was texting my mother, who was all in a tizzy thinking she was going to miss the big moment.  If she doesn't see her grandson 5 minutes after he leaves my body, she'd never forgive herself.  I kept telling Brian I wasn't going to have the baby, and he kept getting excited at the thought I was going into labor.  He was monitoring my contractions, and I was more concerned with the thought that I was getting a horrible flu.  My mind started going crazy.  Brian picked up the paper tracking my contractions, and he was pretty sure I was having my baby soon.  I hadn't really paid much attention to it, but I looked over and those damn contractions had definitely started a pattern.  It was as clear as day.  I thought we could be mistaken though.  The nurse came in and the eyebrows went up.  She said, "Well, you're definitely having contractions."  I said, "Well, yeah, but they are Braxton Hicks and all over the place, right?"  She said, "Umm...no..  they have started a pattern, and they are real contractions."  I immediately freaked out.  Was I ready to have my baby right then?  I mean... I started getting a little teary-eyed.  My OB scheduled my induction on the 17th...which I had found out earlier from my mother that it was kind of a special day.  That was my grandparents wedding anniversary.  Since they are no longer here, I thought it would be kind of cool that he arrived on that day. 

The nurse checked to see if I had dilated any since that morning at my OB appointment.  AND....nope!  I was still the same.  She called my OB, and he suggested I go home and take an ambien.  She said that even if I was getting a flu they couldn't really do anything.  They just let it run its course.  So, I was a little relieved.  I wasn't exactly mentally prepared to have my baby at that moment...especially since I wasn't really there for labor....just a flu!?  I called my mom and updated her on my condition.  She booked a flight for the next morning.  She decided she wasn't going to miss this....any of it.

So, here we are...5 days later.  My body aches finally went away yesterday evening.  I did eventually get a fever, but I was able to keep it down.  The chills would come just as easy as the fevers.... hot and cold for days!! BUT... that has gone away.  The mild headache is gone.  However....My back aches are still hanging out in full force.  And...let's just say I have one more issue that HAS NOT gone away...but since guys read this... I am not going to get into that.  ;)  You're welcome, men!  So.... do I have the flu?  My OB didn't think so...he thought this was just my body entering the first stage of labor.  I still think I have the flu.  Regardless, my little boy is still super active.  He loves stretching those feet and leaving them out for the world to see.  His legs and arms are sooo strong.  It's to the point where I can't walk when he's awake....he flails his limbs everywhere, and I double over from the punches.  My mucus plug is gone so I'm thinking that is a pretty good sign.  AND...if you don't know what a mucus plug is, I would implore you to NOT look that up. 

So... baby watch 2012 is still happening.  He will be here soon.  I hope I feel better when I actually have to go through labor, but we can't pick and choose these things.  At this point, I'm extremely happy my mom came in town.  It has become very difficult to get around and just make food for myself.  Since Brian is at work all day, she gets to do all that fun stuff.  She is probably bored out of her mind, but I can't help being a fat, sick blob. 

I don't know....maybe I will feel better tomorrow.... maybe my water will break... or maybe it will be just another boring day on the couch.  Waiting is not my forte.

My 37 Week Appt, Horrible Grocery Trip, and Labor?!?!

The countdown is officially on!

On Tuesday (1/3/12), I visited my OB for my 37 week appointment.  All went rather well.  The baby had dropped and his head was pretty far down.  Now, I'm guessing he still has a bit more to drop, but I think he's working on it.  I am 2cm dilated (with a little help from my Dr).  My blood pressure was awesome (as usual), and I hadn't gained a pound in 3 weeks!  I didn't get an ultrasound to measure the baby or check his weight (that will be on Tuesday the 10th), but my OB thinks he will be a teeny tiny...perhaps around 7lbs or so.  Since I am pretty over the pregnancy thing, my OB decided we can induce me on the start of my 39th week.  We went ahead and booked my room at the hospital for January 17th at 6am.  SO... In ten days (or less if he decides to come), I will have my little Stanley cup!  :)  The stork is circling the neighborhood!!

Now, I left the appointment in a great mood.  Who wouldn't?!  I mean I was a little shaky and dizzy because I hadn't eaten lunch yet.  I just figured I'm a fat pregnant woman who needed food....so I decided to stop by my home, eat quickly, and then get to my other errands.  I called my mom and let her know the countdown had begun.  I sent Brian a text, because I refuse to be that wife that bothers him during the day when I know he's busy working.  Everything was wonderful.  I got home and ate...and then... I started feeling a bit horrible.  Every muscle in my body started to ache.  I was cramping.  I felt seriously fatigued.  I felt... weird.  So, I did what any normal pregnant housewife does... I went to the grocery.

While at the grocery, I was walking around very slow (perhaps with a bit of a waddle/limp).  Every person in the damn grocery got on my nerves.  I went to get some apples, and some bitch would be hogging the whole apple section taking her sweet ass time.  I went to get bread, and some bitch was standing right in front of my brand I needed.  I tried to get through aisles, and some dumb bitch would park her cart in the center of the aisle and walk away from it.  When I got to the Lean Cuisines (hey - my husband likes them), some fat bitch was taking over the WHOLE Lean Cuisine area!  Cart in front of the frigid doors and her dumbass looking for something "good."  Meanwhile, I just went through the whole grocery doing some form of Lamaze breathing because the pain was getting too uncomfortable.  I had to squeeze my pregnant ass around her every move to get the exact Lean Cuisines my husband prefers while you could tell this was her first time getting ANYTHING low calorie (such a first timer).  I got the boxes after 5 minutes of fucking around with this idiot, and at that precise moment....I'd had enough of the grocery store people.  People don't judge me...I was highly agitated.  SO...I decided the best thing for me to say was, "Why are you even trying?  It's too late for you!"  Yes, I'm a horrible bitch, but for fuck sakes...I ALWAYS get out of the way when someone else is looking for a product, and I'm taking up the whole area.  Be aware people!  Look alive!  So...whatever... I don't regret saying it.  I made other comments to people that day..like, "Yes, I see you are the ONLY person in the world today."  BUT...it just wasn't as bad as telling someone (in a round about way) they are fat and it was pointless to try to lose weight.  I don't feel that way.  I mean I watch 'The Biggest Loser'...it's NEVER too late!  She didn't say shit to me, but I'm sure she thought it was the pot calling the kettle black.  :) 

I managed to get home and get everything put away.  Of course, I was whimpering the whole time.  Nobody could hear my whimpers, but I continued them anyway.  I imagined the heavens would open up and hear my pathetic sounds and take the discomfort away.  However, I DID just basically tell a bitch she was fat, so I didn't exactly plan on being rewarded.  AND...damn...  I wasn't. 

The body aches got worse.  A small headache started (YES, it was a headache...not a migraine)...so it was 100% bearable.  The cramping got worse.  I could feel contractions starting.  AND...I started to feel feverish, but I had some serious chills.  Was death upon me??  Am I really being punished for being a pregnant bitch??  OR....was I in labor???  By 5:30pm, I sent Brian a text "BRIAN, YOU GOTTA COME HOME RIGHT NOW!"  In which he dropped everything and came home.  Then, we decided....it was time to visit Labor & Delivery..... 

(I'll continue the saga in the next blog)

35 Week Update!!!

35  1/2 week update.....

I'm due on January 24....which means I have 33 days left!!  Of course, I'm not a fool to think I will actually deliver on my due date, so I can just say that Stanley will be here soon!  Here is what's going on....

(1) Good-bye sleep: I haven't had a good nights sleep since I actually got pregnant.  The endless waking up in the middle of the night to pee (2-4x's a night), the uncomfortable weight in my mid-section that keeps me rolling around all night, and the awesome nasal congestion (Rhinitis) makes for a sleepless concoction.  And...the kicker...I finally have dark under-eye circles!!!  THIS is the most recent thing, and it makes me crazy!  NO amount of makeup will cover these under-eye circles.  They aren't bags...just dark, thick rims that hang out under my eye.  I am hoping to GOD this goes away after pregnancy....or at least when I can start getting more sound sleep.  Otherwise, my ass will be running to the nearest Dermatologist as soon as Stanley gets here for cosmetic procedures.  I understand that pregnancy is not a glamorous time, but I refuse to go downhill that f'n quickly.  I can't wait to get these wrinkles filled in... I'm starting to look like a fat, wrinkled grandma. 

(2)  Hair Issues:  My hair came in super thick when I got pregnant.. as if this horses tail actually needed thickening.  The only problem is the shedding.  I shed like a German f*ckin Shepard.  There are blonde hairs EVERYWHERE!  You could seriously make a quilt with the hair I lose everyday.  I'm starting to think Brian wants to make a toupee out of all this hair.  If I were him, I'd probably wonder why some people have sooo much while others have sooo little.  Ok...I'm joking.  He could care less about hair.  Thankfully, my parents have ridiculously thick hair...so no matter how much I shed... I still have a thick head of hair.  I just have to carry lint rollers with me wherever I go. 

Now...everyone knows I dye this mop.  I am not really sure how light or dark my natural hair is because it started to darken in middle school, and I've been doing the roots ever since high school.  I also started doing high-lights years ago...to give my hair that extra pop of blonde.  The problem: My hair doesn't exactly like taking hair dye now.  Yes, I still dye my hair.  I know some ladies stop when they get pregnant, but I haven't.  I know PLENTY of people that dye their hair during pregnancy and nothing ever happens to the baby...I consider it an old wives tale that you can't dye while pregnant.  Anyway... my hair doesn't exactly look super blonde anymore.  It's more of a strawberry blonde... golden... brassy color.  And..it looks dull.  Some folks warned me this could happen.  Apparently your hormones go crazy, and the dye doesn't exactly take the way it did before.  This also irritates the sh*t out of me.  How am I supposed to look like a decent fat woman when my hair is all different colors??!?  Ok..ok.. it isn't that bad, but I notice a different and it irritates me.  I'm thinking about going straight platinum after the baby gets here....I'm ready to see some serious BLONDE!

(3) Contractions:  Ahh... the amazing contractions.  I started getting Braxton Hicks contractions weeks ago.  They, of course, freaked me out, but I had no idea how bad they would get.  And by bad I just mean intense enough for me to think I might be going into pre-term labor.  They don't hurt...well at least I don't think they do.  They are accompanied by cramping (something like a horrific menstrual cramp).  I never had a lot of cramps with my periods, so this is all new.  I have noticed these contractions are an everyday thing.  I get tons of them.  I read somewhere that if you have a lot of contractions in your third trimester it's actually a good thing.  Your body is not only getting ready for big day, but it won't be as difficult while in actual labor.  I'm hoping the latter is true! 

(4) Did I mention how tired I am???  Caffeine, my old friend, I miss you.  I know we see each other for a little bit every day (I have a can of diet soda every day for lunch...so sue me)...BUT it isn't enough.  I miss seeing you allllllll throughout the day.  I promise we will hang out much more when the baby comes.  Until then.... my heart bleeds for you.

**I still think my pregnancy has been fairly easy compared to some of the horror stories I've heard.  I'm just ready to see my little man and get into a rhythm of every day life with my new best friend.  I'm ready to work out like I used to.... I'm ready to have this back pain come to a halt... I'm ready to have MY body back to being just mine... I'm ready to not look like such a bloated, nasty animal... I'm ready for my new life to begin.

Hospital Bags Packed????

When to pack a bag....

So, I've heard of pregnant women that pack their hospital bag at 30 weeks, and I've heard of women that pack right before rushing out the door after their water breaks.  I've decided I will pack this week...35 weeks sounds pretty good to me.  Now, I have a list of everything I'm going to pack for me, Stanley, and Brian.  Yes, I will unfortunately be packing Brian's bag too.  If I left it up to him, he would pack everything he didn't need and forget the essentials. 

I feel I have such a long list of everything I need to pack, but I'm wondering if I'm really going to need all of this stuff.  AND....I've heard people tell me that they forgot things that didn't appear on any "Things you should pack" list. 

So....my question to all the mom's out there...  What was the absolute essential top 5 things you needed, what were the things you absolutely didn't need, and what would you tell a first timer to bring (perhaps something that gets overlooked on these lists)????

I would appreciate the feedback!!  Either comment on this blog or write to me on fb!! :)  All you mommy's have been super helpful this far!!

The Best & Worst of Pregnancy Coming To An End...

For the past couple of weeks, I've had the absolutely best and worst time being pregnant.  I thought I'd save the best for last.... so here we go...

Worst: It's impossible to sleep.  Sure, I get a couple of hours and wake up.  Go back to sleep....and then a couple of hours later I'm up again.  I have permanent eye bags.  My friends that have newborns assure me that I will get more sleep when he's actually here.  Sure...he won't always sleep through the night (blah, blah, blah), but at least I can go back to sleeping on my stomach and getting comfortable enough that when I do get in bed...it's all Zzzzz's!  I still get up every 2 hours to pee.  My OB says I need to cut off the water intake around 6pm.  However, I get so thirsty at night.  So..I usually end up drinking a bottle or two of water prior to bed time.  Whatever...I'm thirsty.  I can't help it.

As far as my weight, I've somehow managed to really pull out a big win during my third trimester.  (Weight gain or stability will always go in the "worst part of pregnancy" category, since it isn't losing pounds!!)  A lot of ladies have told me this was their real "gaining weight" trimester.  Luckily, my weight has seriously stabilized.  I literally have to gorge myself just to stay at the weight I'm at.  My body really wants to lose pounds.  He's gaining and is healthy so that's all that matters.  I've really had no food cravings, and I've not really been interested in eating.  I only eat because I feel he needs it.  My baby bump appears to be somewhat small to what I figured it would look like at this point.  Yes, I still have a belly button.  My boobs are massive, but I've let that issue go.  They are milk machine's for my new best friend....simple as that.

Back pain. Ahh...the amazing back pain.  It isn't severe every day, but it is most days.  Getting up out of bed..... getting up out of a chair.... rolling around in bed... PAINFUL!  It's like little Keebler elves are inside my lower back just shredding it with knives.  It's a pain that I've grown to deal with.  Yes, I look like an old woman trying to get up and get moving, but I figure it won't last forever.

A little more anxiety has floated my way.  To me, it's so surreal that I'm pregnant... I am having a baby boy... and I'm going to be a mom.  I am going to be in serious charge of someone for a VERY long time.  His survival is up to me.  I have to get him from baby status to man status.  Whoa... that is a huge task.  Yes, Brian and family will help me get him from point A to point B, but I always tend to think I have to be prepared for anything...and to do it on my own.  I mean seriously...what if something happened to Brian??  Or my family???  I would have to be able to deal with whatever comes my way.  I've always considered myself a bit of an overachiever.  I've worked my ass off for practically every damn thing I've achieved, so I just have to keep telling myself... I CAN DO THIS!  I think a little self doubt can be a great tool in achieving great successes in life.    

Enough of the worst part....on to the BEST PART of pregnancy....

BEST: The absolute best part of my day is when Stanley is up and moving around.  I'm convinced this child doesn't need a lot of sleep, because he tends to be awake more than asleep.  When I walk on the treadmill, he thinks it's time to walk too.  His legs stretch out at the top of my abdomen, and they start a walking motion.  He flails his arms about and punches my bladder to the point I double over.  If he wants to work out with his mommy, then I'm okay with that!!

He has incredibly strong legs.  At night time (and certain parts of the day), he has really gotten into stretching out his legs.  I turn over on my side so he doesn't kill my top abdomen....the part that has NOT wanted to stretch out at all.  The cutest little boy in the world stretches his feet out so I can rub them.  One night...he popped out a good two inches.  You could absolutely tell it was a foot hanging out...and omg... feeling those baby feetsies is something I can't even describe.  I LOVE those feet!  Brian, of course, seems to always miss his feet.  He is either out of town, sleeping, or working.  I don't think Brian thought it was possible to see these feet so clearly until for ONCE he saw them for himself.  Two nights ago, we hosted a Holiday Dinner for his company.  After we got home, Stanley was up and ready to stretch.  For once, Brian was up and was able to see a baby foot come stretching out the side of my stomach.  He could NOT believe it.  He got to rub on his little feetsies... in complete disbelief.  I love every kick and every stretch...I can see that being the only part of pregnancy I miss.

My feet!!!  Now, I hear a lot of women complain their feet got huge when they were pregnant.  Some women say their feet grew so much they never went back to the same shoe size (aanndd they have all these shoes they can no longer wear).  Thankfully, my foot hasn't grown at all!!  My little foot is still a little foot!  I wore my black party heels just the other night... who says pregnant women can't wear heels?!?!?


So... I really don't have many complaints.  I get acid reflux here and there... I don't sleep... I'm large... BUT I believe these are just temporary issues.  The reward at the end of all this (just 5 weeks away) is worth sooo much more.  I can't wait to see him and hold him...and I'm ready to rub those feet in person.

CPR Class....with attitude!

T-minus 7 weeks...and counting!

So, Tuesday night I finally went to my Childcare CPR class. I was super excited because I've never taken a CPR class. Since I'm a new mom and more than likely going to be a freak about everything, I decided that I should prepare myself for everything and anything. CPR is a GREAT step!
The hospital only holds the class during the week (Tues) from 7-9pm. I didn't exactly like the evening time, but I figured it was worth it. The class is basically dedicated to all things necessary to keeping your child safe in the world around us. Here's how the class went...

I got there like 10 minutes early, because I'm just one of those excited parents. I quickly realize that I'm an early bird, while the rest of the class rolled in late. (side note: We had to start the class 10 minutes late because of the slow creatures slithering in). Anyway...I had to sit in the front because I get excited about all things knowledge. As we begin the class, it was beyond obvious that I was the ONLY pregnant lady without her spouse…and there were 10 couples!  I immediately felt all eyes on me....ya know, people wondering what the deal was. I was thanking GOD I wore my rings. My engagement ring is getting a little tight so I don't always put it on. Thankfully, I squeezed it on before I left. When people tend to see a pregnant lady without a wedding ring, they start thinking weird things and assume the worst. (Side note: My husband was out of town for work purposes; otherwise, he would have absolutely been there with me).

The class started out fine.  I was pretty aware of everything the instructor was telling us.  I think a lot of it is common sense, although common sense isn’t that common.  It’s really nice to reconfirm I’d make the right decision in case of an emergency with my child.  We were going over different scenarios of problems that could arise in daily life…..doing the “What-If” part of the class.  I’m great at this section because my mind always runs down crazy scenarios anyway.  I thought I’d ask a bunch of questions (ummm…I was the only one asking questions).  I just figure the instructor is there to answer anything I want to know…so I ask away!  There was only ONE Q&A issue I had that made my head spin!

SO… The instructor was talking about car seat safety.  She was going over how you are supposed to put the car seat in the back of the vehicle and in the middle seat.  Well, I’ve heard this before, but I had some issues with that.  I asked the instructor, “My husband has an SUV, and there is no middle seat in the second row.  So, do we put the car seat on the left or the right?”  She said, “Well, do you have a third row that has a middle/full seat?”  I said, “Yes.”  She said, “Well…do you really want to know the answer to this question?”  I thought…No, I was just asking to hear myself speak.  Idiot!  I replied, “Well….yea.”  She said, “You will have to put the car seat way in the back in the third row…in the middle.”  I thought…ARE YOU KIDDING ME??  Who does that?  I mean… my husband is expected to crawl all up in the back of his SUV just to get our baby in a damn car seat?  I’m little and that would be a huge task for me to complete.  SO…this brought me to my next question….

I asked the instructor, “Okay, I have a car and am I really supposed to put the baby in the middle seat?  I mean what if I’m in a parking lot and struggling to get in the back of my vehicle just to secure my son…and some person comes along and robs me at gunpoint because I’m focusing on my child and not paying attention to my surroundings??  Am I really supposed to do all that?”  The class started laughing a little because I think it was a valid and yet bordering ridiculous question.  So… the instructor says, “Yep, you gotta do it.”  She didn’t answer the gunpoint question.  (shitty face).  THEN (here is the point where I got crazy)… some ugly-ass bitch from across the room says, “Well, looks like you need a new car!”  I asked her to repeat herself in which she did.  And…the whole room started to chuckle at the whole scenario.  I immediately got PISSED!  I said, “Are you kidding me?  I drive a JAG!  It’s brand new…I don’t think I’m going to be giving that up anytime soon.  I mean would you give up a Jag?”  The men in the room all said, “No! NO!  I wouldn’t give up no Jag!”  Well…fuck no!  It’s a very reliable car…it’s not like I’m driving the BMW Z4 two-seater convertible anymore.  I had to give up two-seaters for family life.  So…what was her reply, you ask??  She said, “Oh.”  OH?!  That was the best thing she should say?? Oh?!  Bitch stepped to me as if I was some peasant rolling around in a broken down piece of shit…and she says OH?!??!  I WANTED to say, “Bitch, what the fuck do you drive?  From the looks of your haggard face and clothing, I’m guessing YOU probably need a new car.  You probably drive a clunker that breaks down every five minutes.  It’s probably one step up from a Schwinn Bicycle. Ya dumb bitch!”  Thankfully, I didn’t say all of that, but I didn’t understand why she thought I needed a new car based on the fact that I was just asking questions.  

Overall, I enjoyed what I learned in the class, and I’m glad I decided to take it.  I feel super confident I can give CPR to a baby/toddler/adult.  We must always expect the unexpected.  And…I learned that if someone makes a ridiculous comment to me…I’m able to bite my tongue (AS MUCH AS I DON’T WANT TO).  After class, I got in my Jag and sped off...hoping I'd run over the haggard bitch.  

Happy Thanksgiving!

I wanted to wish everyone a HAPPY & SAFE THANKSGIVING! 

I'm very thankful for my husband, Stanley, family, and friends.  I have been unbelievably blessed in life.  I hope everyone is thankful for every single blessing in their life.  And please remember:  The things we don't recognize as blessings might just turn into a blessing down the road.  I can't tell you how many times I felt down on my luck... unhappy... or like I made a poor decision in life.  There was a time when I didn't feel overly blessed.  You must always remember that trying times get us to where we need to be down the road.  SO....always be thankful... even if you're going through a tough time.  What doesn't kill you makes you stronger.  Be thankful for trying times and rocky roads.  Be thankful for what you have...not what you don't have.  Be thankful for every single person in your life.  Be thankful for being YOU! 

Now.....go eat some TURKEY  .... Gobble Gobble!! :)

Update: 31 weeks!

Update: This is nothing major....just updating on my current pregnant condition. 

I'm 31 weeks into my pregnancy. First thought: WOW...this has gone so fast!!  And...I assume it doesn't intend on slowing down, since the holiday's always seem to speed everything up!  I can't tell you how pleased I am with that!

Belly Button: Yes, I still have a belly button!  I think it's trying to disappear, but it's still holding very strong.  I have 9 weeks left, so I'm wondering when it's going to disappear (if at all).  I don't think at this point I'm in the running to be one of those ladies with the "poking out" type of belly button.  Not that any of that really matters, but it's like a small victory in my mind.  And what is up with the belly button ring question??  I can't tell you how many freaking people have asked me if I had to take my belly button ring out.  I HAVE NEVER EVER had a belly button ring...nor will I ever.   That was never my style....because frankly I don't show my belly unless it's bikini season.  Now, with that said, if you DO have a belly button ring... good for you.  I'm not saying anything negative about belly button rings.  Lord knows...Everyone gets so offended by shit I say.  I like piercings just as much as I love tattoo's.  AANNDD... a very large majority of  my friends have all kinds of piercings: belly buttons, nipples, tongue rings, and everything else you can imagine.  So, no need to flip out because I say they aren't for me.  MMMMMKKKK.

Weight:  No...I will not be telling you my weight.  I will tell you my weight AFTER I lose it all.  All I will say about it.... I haven't gained a pound in almost 3 weeks.  My Doctor thinks my weight is perfect...and my child is very healthy.  Will I bitch about  my overall weight gain??  Absolutely!  A year ago I'd bitch if I was over 100lbs (sad but true).  It's my thing.... so don't judge me.  People have already said, "Do NOT get as skinny as you were before you got pregnant!"  Plus, they add a weight they think would be perfect for me.  I appreciate your concern or opinion; however, I GOT THIS!! Shooot.... I worry about my weight more than anyone ever could... so before you say anything...I ALREADY KNOW!! :)  My first priority in life is my child....not my weight.  Even though I won't be letting myself go, like a certain person told me (obviously this person is no longer my friend...lol), I still intend on being just as healthy as I always have been.  NUFF SAID!

Appearance: Weight is one thing....my overall appearance is another.  Yes, I have added some extra chunk, but IMHO I don't even resemble the person I used to be.  I NEVER get a manicure anymore.  I NEVER get a spray tan.  I NEVER wear cute clothes (kind of hard at this point anyway).  I RARELY wear makeup.  It's like...what is the point?!  Being tan, properly manicured, and dressed up is NOT going to make me look that much better.  It's a mess.  I usually wear my husband's PJ's around the house, because they are so large.  I honestly prefer them over anything else.  And...I don't even own makeup for this pale of skin.  My husband tells me to go out and buy a bunch of maternity clothes... pj's... makeup... whatever I want.  BUT... everyone who knows me already knows...I'm a huge cheapskate.  I don't see the point in buying a ton of maternity clothes when I won't be staying this size.  Yes, I've purchased some clothes because I can't wear my husbands pj's out of the house...but overall... I just refuse to buy a bunch of clothes that aren't really my style anyway.  I've always hated spending money on clothes...I never saw the point.  You're either a good looking person or you aren't....expensive clothes aren't going to make anything better.  I'd rather spend my time buying my child clothes...ya know... clothes he will be growing out of pretty much as soon as he arrives.  :)

Topic of Conversation:  I want to talk about Stanley...and then I want to talk about Stanley some more...and THEN after that...I would like to continue talking about him.  The number one topic on my mind is my child.  Yes, I will talk to my worst enemy if they want to discuss how cute my child is.  Absolutely!  Yes, I can't wait to go to the doctor because it's all about his health.  Yes, even though I am the biggest cheapskate in the world, I have no problem dropping massive amounts of money on anything that has to do with him.  I don't even think twice about it.  If you get me on the phone, I will tell you about his kicks and how cute he is.  I got those 4D ultrasound pictures over a week ago, and I'm still not done talking about them.  I always wonder if it gets annoying to people.  I never got annoyed or get annoyed when other people talk about their children.  I love hearing stories about kids... they say and do cute things!  Who wouldn't want to hear about that?  I honestly try to dial it down....I don't want people to think I only care about Stanley.  I can't help it though... he already does cute things...and I want to talk about it all the time.

What's Stanley up to??:  Well, he kicks pretty much allll day.  Sometimes I wonder if he doesn't need naps.  The child is constantly moving.  He pretty much stays balled up (I know because I can feel where his powerful legs are).  Certain times throughout the day he does like to try the stretching out thing.  His feet go right to the tippy top of my stomach....and he pushes his foot out and leaves it for awhile.  It tend to make my whole body move...so I jerk a lot.  Yea, it looks like I'm going through something.  He sometimes hits the top of my rib, which I think tickles.  He just started kicking at my ribs on the side which pretty much sucks.  It's like a sharp pain... it's not my favorite... but totally bearable.   I can't be mad at him for trying to stretch and grow.  I do have a very short torso...so it's not like he has a ton of room.  We're getting our 2nd 4D ultrasound in 2 weeks...so I'm hoping he keeps his hands and feet out of his face.  I just love seeing his sweet little face.

Other Topics:  Acne is all gone...thank GOD!  The boobs are still massive and getting bigger, but I've gotten over bitching about them.  I just see them as milk tanks for my precious angel.  They won't be there forever... I'm ready to be an A again!  Swelling...I have been extremely lucky in this department.  I only swell when I travel....and my Doc has told me I'm done with traveling!  So, my fingers tend to swell a little ... that engagement ring is getting a little tight.  I can still wear it, but some days it's a little tighter than others.  I usually just wear my wedding ring with my right hand diamond ring.  My left hand and right hand ring fingers are different sizes.  As far as my ring fingers go.... Left hand sizes in at a 4 1/4... my right hand sizes in at a 4 1/2.  So I just leave my gorgeous engagement ring in a box...and the right hand ring goes to my left...it looks a little like I'm trying to create a diamond ring sleeve on my left ring finger.  Back pain...unreal.  It feels a little like someone is trying to slice my back with a sharp knife every-time I try to lift something or get up or turn over in bed.  It doesn't really bother me as long as it goes away when my lil punkin gets here...otherwise I am gonna have trouble lifting him.  I also see ladies having issues shaving when they're pregnant, but I haven't had any issues with that yet.  I have 9 weeks left, but the shaving is just as easy as it always was.  Perhaps we shouldn't believe everything we see on TV! :)