miscellany monday

This week, y'all get my recap in a possibly more coherent format :) Sorry in advance it's so boring without photos, I just haven't been dragging my camera out lately, and our home Internet is slow while the computer at work is slow, so I need to figure something out ...

{Birthday party}

We went to a kid's fifth birthday party on Friday. I remember when this baby was born - actually, I remember when his SEVEN year old sister was born. How do they grow up so fast?

{Missouri sports rock}

Friday night, the "Wild Card" St. Louis Cardinals clinched the World Series title in Game 7. This was seriously the team that was never supposed to make it to the postseason, much less win the Series. And I stayed up to watch the entire game. Yes, I was proud of myself for not passing out on the couch.

Saturday, Mizzou (my alma matter) which isn't even ranked played No. 16 Texas A&M. And we won in overtime.

No offense to any readers from Texas, but I think that this weekend, we did mess with Texas. Sorry about that.

{making a list, checking it twice}

I am such a Type-A planner (and love to-do lists - mostly because I like marking things off :)) that I've been doing lots of list making lately. We not only crossed off some very important things on the to-do list over the weekend, we also did some shopping so I'll have cute, yet comfy and appropriate things for the hospital, bought Tuff's baby book and a few other things. It's all washed and I just need to finish gathering everything up and throw it in a bag so we're ready.

also, on Friday, I made a list of the things we still need to buy. granted I spent over $100 on a monitor last week, but i was shocked and overwhelmed to see that there isn't much left on the list, the biggest of which being a changing pad and cover, and i'm glad no one bought that because I'm sorta picky as it is. people really love babies :)

soon, i'm going to make a list of the blog topics i still want to address before maternity leave or to schedule for while i'm at home getting used to be a mommy. i know i want to do my birth plan and packing list (so i have them if there is another baby in our future!) as well as a nursery reveal - hopefully one before baby and an update later with all the fun gender appropriate things we do. anything else you'd like to know?

{menu planning}

i used to menu plan like, all the time. then i fell off the wagon but still did a good job of having something on the table every night and having variety. then i got pregnant and we were lucky if we had a frozen pizza in the oven. well, now i'm OK to cook again as long as they are semi easy meals, but i keep forgetting to get the meat out to thaw in the morning! so i decided to make a plan this week. let's see how it goes.

Sunday - Leftover ham and beans, fried potatoes, cornbread
Monday - Pork chops with gravy, mashed potatoes, corn (a fave meal!)
Tuesday - Out to eat (dr appt)
Wednesday - Lemon pepper chicken with oven-baked parsley potatoes, green beans
Thursday - Leftovers
Friday - Taco pizza
Saturday - Leftovers. We'll have a big lunch that day so won't need much.

I think that's it! I don't have any links to the above recipes - I'm kinda a make it on the fly or cookbook type of girl - but if you'd like them, let me know and I'll send.

You Challenge - Week 9 :)

Two songs ....


{1} You Make Me Smile ---- our first dance/what I walked down the aisle to :)





{2} I Swear ... first song hubby sang to me. At 4 a.m. when he was crazy drunk, ha!

Pregnant-isms

• The best compliment you can give a pregnant woman is to tell her that she's only gained in her belly. About a week ago, I was at Aldi and when I walked around to get my cart, the cashier exclaimed "Oh! You're pregnant!" and asked how far along I was. Let's hope I don't get a puffy face in these next 3-4 weeks.
• Stores should be nicer about helping pregnant woman with heavy packages. About a month ago, I was at Wally World and didn't take my case of sodas out of the cart (I never do) and the cashier asked if I needed help to my car. I didn't, but gold star for them. So I figured today when I went to pick up some items I'd ordered site to store, I wouldn't have any problem getting someone to take it to my truck. I asked, and the lady was kinda nasty and like "we'll see if someone is available." Once she disappeared to look for my items, the other associate assured me they would find someone. Luckily, a guy I know came walking in and just plain offered. Not only that, he just walked back and found the third item, which, according to the associates, wasn't showing up in the computer. But according to my account, it had been at the store since Wednesday???
• Is it normal to feel twice as big at night than you do in the morning?
• I'm going to miss "blaming" this baby for everything. Yesterday, again, I was craving cookies. Luckily I had a big tub of the dough from Sam's and whipped up a couple pans. And ate about one. Then proceeded to tell my husband I baked them for my "boys" (we both think Tuff is a boy). And he rolled his eyes. Maybe I can continue to feed Tuff's cravings through breastmilk?
• Being pregnant makes you feel better about and have an excuse for going to bed at the top of the seventh inning when your fave baseball team is in the World Series and behind by two runs. Then rallies and ends up winning in 11 innings, and your husband comes to bed at midnight and wakes you up to tell you about the awesomeness you missed. Sigh.
• There's a girl I know who is due around the same time I am, but has been experiencing lots of contractions. And I was happy (so evil, I know) to learn that she doesn't have any progress yet either.
• I want to kill my husband about 50 percent of the time. The other 50 percent, I am terrified of the day he has to go back to work (he only has four or five days to use) and leaves me alone with this baby.
• When you are with child, you can drop hints about anything to your friends/family and your wish will be granted. I don't know how many times I mentioned I was craving a dish to my mom on the phone, only to tell her to swing by after my next doctors appointment and it's there waiting for me :)
• While in the guy stores with your husband, you find anything to sit on. The other night, it was a display of 50 lb. bags of horse feed.
• For the first time in your life, you are OK with things being all about you. I've been far more of a mom-zilla than I was a bride-zilla.
• These are just a few of my experiences. I'm sure there will be more :)

It's OK

It's OK

... to try and swipe your card in the gas tank of your car instead of the appropriate place on the pump.

... to cry approximately 165741 times a day.

... including when you tell your husband how stupid you felt trying to use your gas tank as a credit card machine, and he cracks up laughing.

... to be dying for an iced sugar cookie at 2 p.m.

... but not give in, and then want nothing for supper. So your hubby makes his world-famous PB&J and a protein shake for you.

... for your hubby to say he hopes his kid comes out with muscles, hence the protein shake.

... to have toothpaste on your shirt the day you have a Chamber of Commerce luncheon, and not realize until you are talking to someone at work and look down.

... to want to go to bed the minute you make it home from work, but know that you can't.

... to only be halfway joking when you ask your husband to bring a pre-mixed margarita (mmmm tequila) or shot of whiskey to the hospital to celebrate the birth of your child. Although you plan to breastfeed. #mommyoftheyear.

... to hope and pray your baby holds off until a certain date so childbirth doesn't get in the way of your haircut/color/eyebrow wax.

... to be excited yet terrified that a witty bitty baby is about to join your house.

... to complain you don't get near enough time to sleep and relax, less than four weeks before said baby is due.

... to spend $1,000 on an awesome DSLR camera and only use it in auto mode.

... to wear sandal-type heels when the forecast high for the day is in the 50s.

... and plan to wear them until you give birth, and not care what anyone says/thinks.

What's "OK" with you today?

What I'm Loving

Sorry guys, I think Baby R has officially taken over my life/mind, so this is going to be filled with things about him/her.

{1} I'm LOVING that we had another good appointment yesterday! I was quite mad because we waited FOREVER (20 minutes in the waiting room and then at least half an hour once we were in the room) but when I found out my doc was with another patient having problems, I felt awful. I mean, I have this healthy little critter growing inside of me and I'm so thankful, but hearing of others in that situation is so sad. Plus my doc/staff was all right there for me when I had kidney stones, so why shouldn't I expect them to be just as dedicated to other patients?

Anyhow, I'm now measuring just a week ahead. Doc had a few minutes as we were leaving, so she felt the baby and guessed about 6.5 lbs. right now. If I make it to my due date and babe continues to grow on track, we're looking at an about 8.5 pound baby - perfect! I also had an internal and a big fat NOTHING when it comes to progress, but that's OK. I'm really not ready yet anyhow.

{2} I'm LOVING that I had the CD of maternity pictures waiting in my mailbox when we got home :) I brought the DVD with me today so I could share a few but my computer won't read it, so I guess that will be a post all in its own. I really love how she gave me pretty much everything she shot that day :)

{3} I'm LOVING grapefruit juice!

{4} I'm LOVING Crock Pots :) They are a lifesaver. And something I am sure I will appreciate even more in the coming months :)

{5} I'm LOVING all the sweet people in my life who have shown so much love to our little munchkin already, and are trying to help keep me sane.

{6} Most of all, I'm loving my hubby, who puts up with my death looks and crazy hormones. Poor guy ... but then again, I am carrying his baby!

Bumpdate - 36 weeks

Today, I turn 36 weeks pregnant! One more week and I am full-term, but I've been trying to talk Baby R into waiting until the second week of November to make his/her appearance, as I have a hair appointment on Nov. 4. Ha!

On to recap Week 35.

According to my pregnancy app, at over 18 inches, Baby was running out of wiggling room (I've felt this way for awhile) and was weighing around 5.25 lbs. Tuffy exceeds both of those figures. The kidneys became fully developed, and his/her liver can process some waste products. For the most part, development is pretty complete, as his/her main job in the next few weeks is to put on weight (and be that cute chunky babe!!!)

I begin my weekly doctor appointments today and should get a good idea of his/her weight and size :) Also today I am supposed to have the Group B strep test.

I'm getting tired easily and swelling most every night. My belly is *very* heavy, and it's sometimes difficult to roll over.

I'm sort of having some "evening sickness" in that I don't really want anything to eat. It's not as bad at the first trimester, but I definitely have times that I have no idea what I want to eat - but that could just be laziness when it comes to cooking!

Still loving my drinks though. This week, it seems to be grapefruit juice and chocolate milk. I'm still trying really hard to get 80-100 ounces of water daily, so I've been going through about a half gallon of KoolAid every two days to help get water but give it some extra flavor.

I also continue to like string cheese, anything pasta, cookies and spicy foods. But I've been getting some indigestion, so I'm trying not to have too many spicy foods.

Although I know my belly is getting bigger and hoping the baby continues to grow, I somehow haven't gained any weight in the past week, and I'm still between 21 and 22 pounds of weight gain.

I'm curious if I'll have an internal today and find out if I'm progressing any - but then again, I don't know if I want to get my hopes up/dashed. I've been having cramps at night (I notice them mostly on my bathroom breaks) for about a week now, and read that can lead to dialating/effacement. I've also noticed a few other things but will spare the details :)

The house is ready for a baby, but mommy would still like a little more time to prepare. The closet in our spare bedroom is now cleaned out, I just need to finish organizing what goes back in and finish cleaning the rest of the room, which I hope I can tackle in one night. Our carpets were re-cleaned yesterday to get the paint out. 

What I'd still like/need to do: put all the baby gear together/back together, pack our hospital bags, wash the coming home outfits (they are freaking adorable!), buy the last few necessities (I think we'll be doing this after next week's doctor appointment), finish the spare bedroom, wipe down the trim/clean under the bed in the master, organize/mop the basement, put together the accent table and bookshelf in the nursery once they come in, get some art on the walls, buy baskets for the changing table, and decide for sure on a doctor. Oh, and have a nice "date night" with hubby, considering how thanks to my hormones, we've been pretty ugly to each other here lately.

That's not too ambitious, right?

No time for a picture last night/this morning. I'll try to update later, even if it is just a cell phone one.

You Challenge - Week Eight :)

Three films ... I could totally duplicate with books!

But to mix it up:

{1} National Lampoons Christmas Vacation. Hands down the funniest holiday movie.

{2} Office Space. Whenever I have a bad day, it always cheers me up!

{3} The Blind Side. What a great message about life! And I love the name Collins :)

Friday randoms

• Why hello there :) I haven't really been on the blog since Monday, as I was working on our main campus Tuesday-Wednesday and getting caught up yesterday. Plus we haven't hooked our router back up at home yet. It's on the weekend list.
• I am the worst mommy ever. I knew Hank dog's birthday was coming up, but was thinking it was the 21st or 22nd. Last night I had the nagging feeling to check when I realized the date, so I unearthed the box with all our files to check out his AKC registration and sure enough, yesterday was his birthday. And I didn't realize it until 5 p.m. I felt horrible. Anyhow, when Daddy got home we sang to him, gave him lots of love and let him go for a ride with us. I may make him a doggie cake this weekend. Last year I did this post about him, and this one to recap his celebrations.

•  When picking crib bedding, I kept going back and forth on using a bumper, but my mom said it should be fine - those concerns were around when we were kids and there was never an issue. Well, this week, there's been so much more talk about it, specifically with the American Academy of Pediatrics saying not to use them. (Article here} So now I have no idea what to do. The bed looks so much nicer with it, but obvs I am concerned about Baby R's safety.
• We all know how expensive babies are, right? Well, I'm super excited about this  giveaway. I could definitely use these products and hope I win!
• This is the first weekend in a very long time that we have no plans. So I think we're going to crash in front of the TV with a big bowl of popcorn tonight and cuddle and do some DVR cleaning out. I'm sure 100 hours of space won't last too long once Tuff begins to make his/her appearance.
• I also plan to sleep as long as I want to tomorrow and maybe even take a nap. Other than that, it's just work on the nursery and clearing out our mess of a spare bedroom that I really want to get accomplished.
• We met with a potential babysitter last night. She seems perfect but ... she's just not me. On the way home we talked about it and I suddenly burst into tears. Hubby asked what was wrong and I said I would never find anyone perfect and I don't want someone else "raising" our kid, I want to do it. At least the first 2-3 years. After he convinced me that living off one income isn't in the cards for us right now (something I already knew) I suggested he just take another job. Not that that is really possible right now either, but I just don't want to leave my babe with someone else and around other kids. Yes, there is a good chance this child will be extremely spoiled, and that's OK. I'm thinking of only having one child, and hubby said if Tuff is a boy, that may be alright with him, lol.
• I'm super sad the Cardinals lost the game in the ninth inning last night. Oh well, there are still five more games to play in the World Series and we only have to win three of them!

• After a week of cool temperatures (more late November-like than mid-October!) I am excited to see 70s in the forecast again for next week. I'm not much of a fan of wearing socks and close-toed shoes.
• Is it really almost November? And my due date is a month from Saturday? Crazy! I am very much ready for this munchkin to arrive, though - just not until November when I am full term.
• Happy weekend :)

  

Bumpdate - 35 weeks

I know these posts have all included some variation of this intro for about the past two months, but I seriously cannot believe I am 35 weeks pregnant! In 35 days, give or take (probably take, according to the doctor) I will have a sweet little baby in my arms and know if I can go crazy buying lots of pink or blue!

Week 34 was productive and miserable - ha! I got my flu shot at the doctor last week and pretty much reacted with every possible side effect. Today, a sinus headache is killing me and my nose continues to be runny. Sigh. I'm sure all that cleaning and stirring up dirt and dust didn't help matters any, either, nor the fact that they are harvesting corn in the field just behind our property.

It's hard to be too miserable with this beautiful, healthy baby growing inside of me though, so I'm going to stick with happy thoughts :) And continue to hope for some good days before munchkin arrives.

Anyhow, babies usually weigh about 4 3/4 pounds at 34 weeks (about an average cantaloupe) but this one continues to be on the big side, as the doctor guessed about 5.5 lbs. at my appointment last week. It amazing how they can just feel and have a pretty educated guess of the baby's size! During last week, fat layers were filling out, making babe rounder, and the skin was smoother than ever! The central nervous system matured, as well as lungs.

Nesting is in full swing, and a lot was crossed off our to-do list last week. I should probably update our list soon. Really, the two most important things at this point are finding a doctor and confirming the babysitter. Oh, and buying a coming-home outfit and finding a baby book.

I feel bigger every day and it's a wonder I don't topple. I don't even want to think about what the largest part of my waist measures - I know it's at least 40 inches - and I am all baby! I'm not really sure on the weight gain ...

A lot of my cravings are still drinks. Which may explain why I've been waking up about three times a night to use the restroom recently. I really hope my love of cooking comes back once the baby is here, because I miss it. Hubby said he misses the yummy smells when he walks through the front door, too.

Anyhow, I am scheduling this post so I took some iPhone pics at work so you can all see how huge I am right now. Sorry for the icky quality yet again. These were taken Monday, so I was 34 weeks, 6 days.

Weekend wrap-up

First off, how are all of you? We unhooked our router last weekend because it was in the baby's room and haven't had the time to start it back up yet, so I've been relying on my iPhone to stay in touch with the outside world and was incredibly busy during fall break. So I haven't read blogs since about noon last Wednesday. This morning I attempted to get caught up but quickly gave up, especially since I have lots to do after 2 days off and will be on our main campus for meetings, etc. the next 2 days.

Anyhow, on to the business of the weekend ...

We started with a 1.5 page to-do list. Which quickly grew to two pages. Originally, I had planned to prepare some meals with mom's help and stash them in the freezer. But over the past few weeks, I've decided my house was a dirty mess and I wanted to deep clean. I can always double recipes a little at a time, I figured, plus I didn't have a lot of room in my freezer.

So on Wednesday night, hubby and I stayed up until past midnight getting things ready in the nursery. We put together the crib (a nightmare!) and set the dresser in place, plus put things back where they belonged, like light switch plates and blinds.

The next morning, Mom arrived and I put in a load of laundry then we went to work in the basement, cleaning out my deep freeze and working on the little items we bought at yard sales - wiping/vacuuming them and cleaning the fabric.

Also that day, we cleaned out the dining room portion of the kitchen, which still had some bags with baby shower items. Then we moved everything and cleaned the walls, trim, windows, etc.! Every nook and cranny, plus about half my cabinets. You really don't realize how dirty things get over 2 years until you start cleaning. We finished up in the kitchen the next day (let me tell you, it was a job and a half!)

We also got all of the baby clothes washed/folded/put away and the other things organized. So many people are afraid Baby R won't have any clothes since we don't know the gender, but let me assure you, he/she has plenty to last until the 6-9 month size hits.

Before Mom had to leave on Friday, we got started in the bathroom and she helped me organize the closet to make a shelf for baby stuff as well as space for the bathtub. We didn't completely finish the room, but I wrapped it up later that night.

Also over the weekend, I deep cleaned the living room, including vacuuming furniture, wiped everything down in our hallway, and J and I finished several other small things, like painting and mounting the fan blades for baby's room, putting together the glider, checking the smoke alarms (that weren't even hooked up!) and more. On Saturday, we also spent most of the day in Cape for the childbirth prep and other classes.

In all, I'd say we crossed about half of the items off the to-do list. And lifted a huge weight off of my shoulders. As I explained to hubby, there are a lot of things left on the list, and while some are necessary (like ordering the monitor) others (deep cleaning the master) are more wants. I think if we just tackle one task a day, we'll be done right at Nov. 1, which is when I want to be all ready. Regardless, if I went into labor today (which I totally don't want to happen!) I would feel a lot better about my house being ready not only for a baby, but also visitors!

Right now, my biggest thing is to figure out what pump is best for our needs, and to clear out the spare bedroom, which has become the catch-all for things that were previously in the nursery.

And I promise a nursery reveal post soon, I just want to wait until everything is in place!

About 36 days to go. EEEEK!!!!

You Challenge - Week Seven :)

...four books ...

{1} Cinderella. My fave when I was a kid. I made my dad read it to me every night and when I was 3 (I think) I could "read" it to him because I had it memorized. Funny story: my grandma's names are Marcella and Drusilla. He changed Anastasia's name to Marcella so they would both be the evil stepsisters. Ha!

{2} Gone With the Wind. LOVE it. I've read it twice. I wish I had more time, I would read it more.

{3} Babysitters Club. I was obsessed with these books way back when. I remember trying to start my own club, haha!

{4} What to Expect When You're Expecting. My lifesaver these days!

Can you give a girl some advice

Two questions today ...

{1} What do I need to have in my hospital bag? Next weekend, a few gals and myself are going shopping and I need your advice!

I'm planning on a couple pairs of cute, comfy pajama pants along with T-shirts and jackets to wear on top while we are in the hospital. A long maxi-type dress or my maternity jeans and a long shirt to wear home. Cute clothes/sock caps for baby. My mom will wash the appropriate coming-home outfit and bring it. My camera. Hair straightener. Toiletries (we have a private bath). Makeup. Pads (icky!!!). Phone charger. List of everyone to call/text/email.

For the hubs: pajama pants. T-shirts and a sweatshirt in case it gets cold. A roll of quarters and some crisp dollar bills for the vending machine. His toiletries. A couple pairs of jeans and nice shirts, since he won't be holed up in a hospital bed.

If you have anything to add, let me know! I've never had a planned overnight stay at the hospital so I will listen to any advice you have!

Also - we are meeting with a potential babysitter next week. Any questions we need to be sure and ask?

What I'm Loving

{1} I'm loving that we had another great dr. appt. yesterday and still have a big, healthy baby. The heartbeat ranged between the 120s, 130s and 140s ... so I'm really thinking boy :)

{2} I'm LOVING that other than a few touch ups, the painting is done in the nursery! Now on to getting the furniture in place.

{3} I'm LOVING that I get a four-day weekend. Yay for fall break!

{4} I'm LOVING that my sweet mom is going to come and help me organize baby stuff and deep clean the next day and a half :)

{5} I'm LOVING the great maternity pictures I've seen. I wasn't sure about doing them, but I'm *so glad* I did and will always have these photos to remember such a special time in my life. If/when there is a baby dos, I will do them again.

{6} I'm LOVING my hardworking hubby, who is busting his booty to help get this nursery done.

{7} I'm LOVING that my alma mater is celebrating its 100th Homecoming this weekend! Cheers to Mizzou, where Homecoming began. I'll be wearing my black and gold :)

{8} I'm LOVING the sweet baby gifts that were left at our house yesterday. A friend went way over the top - I actually commented that she must have won the lottery or something. She not only brought a box of diapers for stinky butt and a lot of gear for the vehicles, but the convertible carseat for J's truck. He was so excited to have a carseat for his vehicle too, and this one goes from infant to a booster seat, so we'll never have to upgrade.

{9} I'm LOVING that I heard back from a potential babysitter yesterday and it looks like we should be good to go! We're meeting with her next week. The best parts? We are sort of related, and she lives about three miles from our house. So even if I work from home or am sick, it's not a big deal for me to still take babe to daycare. And it's much easier for J to pick him/her up if I'm working late - he has a five minute drive from home once he drops off his big work truck, instead of 15 to go all the way back into town.

Bumpdate - 34 weeks

Six weeks to go! And I'm definitely feeling it. I've got the wobble, the swelling and all that.

Anyhow, during week 33, Baby R was about the size of a honeydew, and likely grew about a full inch. Weight at this point is typically around 4 lbs., but doctor said the baby is bigger than that at my 32 week checkup. The bones are hardening, and Tuff's brain is developing like crazy. Skin is becoming softer and losing the wrinkled, alien look. At this point he/she can coordinate breathing with sucking and swallowing.

As of 34 weeks, we are in a pretty safe territory. According to my pregnancy app, babies born between 34 and 37 weeks with no other health problems generally do fine, although they may have some shart-term health problems.

My kidney stones are not bothering me anymore, thank goodness. So hopefully we'll have a good, routine checkup today.

Cravings this week have been mostly in the form of drinks. I've wanted chocolate milk so much that we bought the huge container of Nesquik at Walmart. We'll probably still be using that stuff when Tuff is old enough to drink chocolate milk. Sunny D is delish. And while grocery shopping yesterday, I spotted grapefruit juice in the cooler and HAD to have it. It was so delicious. I've been keeping a glass of water or Koolaid by the bed too, so I can have a drink before coming back to bed after using the restroom.

Speaking of bathroom, I can tell my bladder is being squeezed. I've been getting up 2-3 times at night! I'll tell you what, no one warns you that your toilet paper usage will double when you become pregnant. It seems like I just emptied a 12-pack in the bathroom I typically use, and this morning I ran out of darn toilet paper. Grrrrr....

I'm just under 20 pounds of weight gain. Considering how hungry I was late last week/over the weekend, I'm surprised it wasn't more.

We have our nursing and childbirth/infant prep class this weekend. I'm so excited to be on the road by 7:15 a.m., lol. That's earlier than I am leaving for work most mornings!

I can't wait to finish the nursery and want to hire someone to help me deep clean the entire house.

I've been trying to make a point to spend as much time as possible with my fur baby Hank before we turn his world upside down. I typically try to get him to kiss my belly with no luck. Well, last night I was just sitting in the chair playing on my phone and he walked up, licked and nuzzled out of the blue. Baby kicked - I think he/she already loves big brother Hank.

We had maternity pictures on Sunday and she had a sneak peek posted last night. Here are a few of my faves. If you want to see more, let me know and I'll give you the link to her facebook page.

I changed my Facebook profile picture to the top one, and let's just say people were very surprised! Haha, facebook world - you can't stalk me!

We took a profile shot last night, but I forgot my memory card. And they aren't near as good as the professional ones.

That's it for this week! Fingers crossed for a GREAT appointment today.

Monday randoms

- I wish I had the money to hire a maid. The house is seriously out of control and I don't even know where to begin. Our living room is clean (and still without half the furniture) as is the master bedroom. But this week, I decided I want to try and deep clean it again before the baby arrives. Nesting?
- The nursery is 95 percent painted. All it lacks is the trim on one doorway and the window. I think that tonight, we will tackle that and give the room another good cleaning, then start setting up furniture tomorrow/Wednesday!
- While painting the nursery (literally in the last few feet) hubby accidentally stepped into the paint tray and it made a HUGE mess. Luckily our carpet cleaning friend says he can get it out and will come by later this week. I was in the bath at the time, so hubby dripped paint the entire way to the kitchen. Yes, he is still alive.
- We took maternity pictures yesterday! The weather was great and I can't wait to see them! I looked at a few through the camera and only have one word - LOVE.
- Afterwards, J and I went into town to grab a bite to eat and do a little grocery shopping. When we got home, we curled up on the couch and watched Amazing Race. Sadly, those six hours are the most quality time we've gotten to spend together in probably two weeks. Pregnancy hormones are a b*tch.
- Right now, I crave anything with apples or pumpkin.
- The kidney stone isn't really bothering me anymore. So hopefully it's passed? I'm curious to see what they say at my dr. appointment tomorrow regarding managing it.
- This Saturday, we have a nursing class and a six-hour childbirth/infant care class. I'm ready for a weekend with no plans!
- I may have a babysitter lined up!
- We are still looking for a family doctor. Luckily we don't have to have one in place before we leave the hospital, although it is ideal.
- I worked for 12 hours on Saturday. When I got home my fingers were so swollen it was tough to get my rings off. And I don't even want to talk about my poor feet that were stuck in tennis shoes all that time. Right now, I think all that's still swelling are my calves.
- I have fall break this week :) My mom is planning to come help me get some food ready for the freezer and things ready for/set up in the nursery.
- I'm making arrangements for work events during my maternity leave. It's so weird to know it's so close!
- How is it already Oct. 10? Where on earth did September go? But I'm glad time is passing by quickly.
- Am I the only one upset to see America keep voting Chaz Bono to stay on DWTS, although he is consistently at the bottom of the leader board and basically just stands there/takes a few steps while Lacey does all the dancing?

You Challenge - Week 6 :)

I can't believe this is already halfway over!

For my five foods, I'm going to share some favorites/cravings right now:

{1} Mashed potatoes with (kettle) beef and gravy

{2} Chicken and dressing/chicken and dumplings

{3} A big hamburger, on a sesame seed bun. With lettuce and tomato.

{4} Any sort of apple dessert.

{5} DIP! Specifically this one. I've been craving it for days, but don't have any shredded chicken at the house. And I'm sorta afraid I may eat it all in one sitting. It could be a meal, right? Protein, dairy and carbs - ha!

Bumpdate - 33 weeks and a trip to the hospital

This is two days late, I know. Sadly, I even typed up some notes on Monday, but I've been a bit preoccupied.

I mentioned in Monday's post that I was experiencing quite a bit of back pain on Sunday. Well, it continued on Monday - in the same spot, on my right ribs. And again Tuesday morning. I'm talking so bad it makes you cry pain.

I wasn't really sure what to do. I mean, back pain is normal in pregnancy, right? I was just being a wimp. But I couldn't shake the feeling that it may be something more - after all, nothing would make it go away and it was in the exact same spot. Plus it was making me nauseous and pretty much taking away my appetite.

So I called the doctors office later Tuesday morning and they carved out an appointment time for me. Hubby absolutely could not come with me. So I'm driving 45 minutes, freaking out. Praying that my baby is OK - telling God I can handle this pain another seven weeks so long as Tuff wasn't affected by it.

Luckily, my mom happened to be in the town where my doctor is, as my dad had a doctors appointment that morning. So, I met them and she came with me. It was very nice to have someone there to keep me from googling like crazy.

Once I got into the room after giving my pee sample, it was apparent that I had some sort of infection or problem with my kidneys, as my urine was pulling a lot of blood. I have a history with kidney stones - but never thought the pain could be related to them! - so the doc ordered an ultrasound on my kidneys. They were very surprised I toughed it out 2.5 days before coming to the doctor.

Luckily, my doctor's clinic is a hop skip and jump from the hospital. And they had an opening immediately! So mom and I headed over for the ultrasound. Of course, the technician wouldn't tell me anything. And when I was leaving, she said it would be around an hour until the results were ready! GRRRRR.

Once we finally got called back to see the doctor, she told me I had at least one kidney stone. With a baby in there, it's kind of hard to see anything. So from there, she had to decide whether she needed to admit me to the hospital or let me try to manage the pain on my own - I've never had an infection due to the stones and just passed them with drinking LOTS of water, so she was fine with letting me go home if I preferred pain pills rather than an IV.

This is the part that was really hard for me. Lots of times this pregnancy I haven't even had a Tylenol or Claritan, and here my doc wants to put me on some high-powered pain meds? It took some convincing that the baby would be OK, as I am 33 weeks, and my mom telling me to do it, before I said OK. I'm now on percocet, as that is how I typically treat the pain of kidney stones.

So right now, I am just drinking lots of water, taking as few pain pills as possible (she said 1-2 every six hours, I've been averaging one every 8 to 12 hours) and hoping it passes. We'll talk more in depth about it at my appointment next week.

Anyhow, here's the usual recap:

During week 32, baby's average weight is 3.75 pounds - about the size of a jicama (whatever the heck that is!) - but Tuff is a bit larger than that, the doctor estimated at my 32 week appointment. Right now, I should gain about a pound a week, and roughly half of that goes straight to the baby.

He or she now has toenails, fingernails and real hair. Skin is becoming soft and smooth and he or she plumps up in preparation for birth.

I'm getting to a miserable stage, I believe. Earlier this week, hubby told me that he already has a totally new respect for me after seeing how much pain I've been in, especially with the stones.

I think I already told some of you - but per the doctor last week, Tuff is "very tall" and probably weighed about 4.5 lbs. Average at that time is more like 3.5 lbs. So I guess I am delivering a toddler?

I'm wondering if babe will have hair. I had a ton of hair - my mom was curling it in sponge rollers when I was about a month old - and hubby had some when born too. But I really haven't had a lot of heartburn - even when eating Mexican, my fave - and that's an indication of hair, so we'll just have to wait and see.

I'm also feeling pretty nauseous, which I guess is maybe my belly just running out of room? I pray that Tuff comes as soon as possible to still be healthy. But we do have little talks where I ask him to stay out of my area and that I want her/him to be comfortable, but not make mommy uncomfortable at the same time!

I think I'm pretty much right on with the 1 lb/week weight gain. Hoping that continues, I don't want to have too much weight to lose in combination with the holidays.

I'm starting to have weird pregnancy dreams. And really wonder what the baby will look like.

There is some talk of possible bed rest with the stones, so I'm really on hubby about finishing the nursery now. I have a big work event to coordinate on Saturday, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed he'll finish the painting that day, then start setting up furniture soon. I can't wait to see/reveal the finished product!

My feet/hands were swelling a lot last week, but that seems to have subsided.

I'm drinking even more water - I think I finished off about 100 ounces yesterday! And I'm about to 50 so far today.

I'm loving Mexican food, spaghetti and soups right now!

VERY tired these days - but I know I can blame the pain and meds for a lot of that.

And here I am today. Gotta love bathroom pictures.

I find it funny that even though I'm measuring two weeks ahead, people still say I look tiny. Guess that's something to love about being tall and having a long torso!

Gas station parking lots are dangerous (weekend recap)

Sunday was such a bad day I'm *glad* it's over! It began with a backache and ended with the crunching of some metal :(

First off, I woke up in a really bad mood and back/rib pain started shortly after. I did not feel well at all and totally took it out on hubby. After cleaning the bathroom, I basically decided I was done for the day and was going to relax. Wishful thinking.

Early in the afternoon, I looked out the back window to see one of the horses had escaped his pen. Luckily he was behind the fence and still on our property, munching on some green grass. I couldn't get hubby on the phone but knew he was just down the road cutting/baling hay, so I flew down there to let him know. He easily got Jax back in the pen and the fence all hooked back up. Anyone want a horse? Free for the taking!

Then after I thought I could relax again, hubby showed back up at the house and asked me to drive truck while he and his brother loaded the hay. I figured it couldn't be too bad. Wrong. I was probably in the worst pain I've ever experienced my entire life. I'm not sure if it's a foot or what, but the only way to get comfortable was to lie down. So when it was time for them to unload the hay, I crawled into the backseat.

The guys ended up loading another trailer, but thankfully not unloading into the barn. After I followed hubby home, we needed to go to town to fill my car with gas (I hate doing this in the mornings!), get some deli meat for his lunch and pick up his work truck.

As we were pulling away from the pump, I looked up and saw a Jeep flying through the parking lot. This dude was seriously crazy and pulled right in front of us (as J was driving). I was pretty speechless and we ended up colliding :( My car actually didn't take too much damage though (thank goodness!) and neither did his Jeep. The guys both figured damage wasn't enough to turn in on insurance and they both drive for a living, so now we're looking into getting it fixed. It looks like it's just a light and some paint and a little ding in the hood on my car. Thankfully we weren't going fast, no one was hurt, and it could have been a lot worse.

Let's see, in other news this weekend we were up until about 10 p.m. getting hubby's truck all clean and pretty to drive in the parade Saturday, which went very well. I walked the entire route! That afternoon, we did some work around the house and picked up to get ready to have the carpets cleaned. And my kitchen is still filled with things from the living room now, because Sunday was so busy!

I think that's about it. Lesson learned : be very, very careful in parking lots.

You Challenge - Week 5 :)

Wowsa, I'm seriously halfway through this already? And it's October? The last full month of it just being hubby and I?

Six places ...

{1} Sikeston, Mo. --- where hubby and I met and lived (we're just outside now) before we bought our house. It's also where we work.

{2} Gulf Shores, Ala. --- where we became husband and wife.

{3} St. Augustine, Fla. --- our first vacation together, where we became engaged.

{4} Columbia, Mo. --- BEAUTIFUL town (I hope to live there someday!) and where I lived for four years while I went to college.

{5} Italy --- because J and I have always wanted to visit.

{6} New York City --- another dream destination.

Happy weekend :)