week 37

I know what week I am in :) So funny as I spent most of this pregnancy not knowing, remembering, etc... But as I sit at my local coffee shop (I mean local NOT Starbucks!*), I remember right away. It's probably because my anxious and excitement level has reached an all time high.

It all started last Friday. I went in for my weekly appointment and my doctor was surprised at how far along I was in the "body prep". That's what I call it!!! I was a "generous"(his exact word -- love him) 3CM and 80% efface. Hooray I said. See our goal was to try for a VBAC, since double l's birth resulted in an emergency c-section. And my chances of a successful VBAC depends (much) on how big this little one is... Because my doctor was very clear with me if this baby is bigger, or in any position (in a head tilt) other than head down/ready to go, I will be having another c-section. So since Friday, I have been washing, folding, scrubbing, dusting, and a lot of praying. My bub finished the furniture, so now we wait for the crib to be delivered next Tuesday. However, little one will be in my baby cradle (used 35 years ago when I was born -- Love it) for at least the first month. We still need a light feature and window treatments, but we have clean onesies, sleeping gowns and diapers and frankly that is all we need right now. I pick up her bedding today and I just know it will be perfect.

Double l has been reading his big brother book, kissing my belly, and referring to his "sista" by her name. It melts my heart and I just can not wait for them to meet. He is so big now. I just realized I am so behind on uploading photos. Clearly I need to get my act together!!!

At any rate, we are in the waiting period. Lots of contractions (same as before) and a doctor's appointment tomorrow.

Hope all is well with you...

*don't get me wrong I still heart starbucks, I just adore our local coffee shop and am trying to support all local businesses.

I love the Dragon Tales

I heart the Dragon Tales. Why you ask? Because Max, Emme, and their wonderful friends allow me time to take a hot shower, dry off, put lotion on my dry skin and very large belly and get dressed!!! Their 20 minute On Demand episodes are perfect for double l to hang out in my room while I get ready for the day. So, thank you Dragon Tales ~ you afford me the luxury to bathe!

P.S. I am not the biggest advocate for giving into the TV love that toddlers have, but during the nebulizer days and either bathing at 5AM or 7PM, I have made plenty of exceptions :)

Bringing smiles and tears

I totally was not planning to post today. Hello, its an office day. Nobody tell!!! But I had to share. I found myself with a "tentative" headache waiting to happen, lots of issues at work, but still pleasant. I mean its not even noon (I think). And I received an email that just ensured today was going to remain a good day. Regardless of the "issues", the endless meetings, YIKES the late meeting (its Friday people!), the sore moods around me, today is going to remain a good day.

Look at this adorable picture...



My bub emailed me this picture after his team through him a surprise baby shower. He labeled it a sampling of the beautiful things purchased and given to us for our little girl. How sweet is this... How generous and thoughtful. I just felt so special inside, so happy that other's our thinking of our little one and wanting to share in our happiness.

So, here I am tearing up at my desk, ignoring work emails that just list issues, and feeling very thankful and blessed.

I can not wait to meet my baby girl. And this weekend, we will get "crackin'" preparing for her arrival!

Hope you all are enjoying your Friday and have a fabulous weekend!

MIA mommie...

First and foremost to my wonderful blogging friends that have emailed me, I am so sorry for my delayed response. I have fallen so behind, but for all (or most) good reasons.

#1.) Working on my marriage - no worries though. My bub and I are doing great. I just think its important to be prepared for our up & coming life changing event. I must admit when double l was born, we went through a tough time in our marriage. Due to sleep deprivation, the stress of being new clueless parents and my emotions running high - we found ourselves mad and bickering. Not wanting to go back in time, I started a wonderfully thought-provoking bible study, Wise Wife, and I am reading 'The Power of a Praying Wife'. Both have invoked a much needed self-evaluation and much prayer for the wisdom and patience needed not just when our little one arrives, but everyday! Also, I just read a great article in the latest issue of Fit Pregnancy, called 'Managing Your Moods'. I recommend it to all you pregos out there!

#2.) Hanging out and playing with double l - He is growing up so quickly and at times it brings tears to my eyes. I can not believe he isn't that little baby anymore. He has full conversations with me about his day, his friends, his likes and dislikes. I love it! He has completely become his own little man. With that, he has his own opinion about potty training, candy, and running freely through stores. But we are working on boundaries and trying to enjoy every minute of it.

#3.) Baby Preparation - I don't know why I am even listing this as a distraction as to why I have been MIA. We are nowhere near where we need to be, but I must report the room is painted ~ no thanks to me and many thanks to my bub. But I have been reading, 'Attached at the Heart'. I am almost finished the book and can say that it was beautifully written and will help me in my parenting.

#4.) Home Improvements - Our basement is almost complete. All the construction is done, now we have some electrical updates needed, clean up and decorating, and the arrival of my new washer & dryer. Ah, I am so happy! Our air quality has improved. Our foundation is sound. And mama is getting her front loaders - WOO-HOO!!! -

#5.) My job! - Now that we are down to just "weeks-to-go", the stress level and workload go sky high. As always, I am just trying to keep it all into perspective, but find myself working beyond my "part-time" status!