Almost 37 weeks!

Honestly, couldn't see these spots on the mirror until I saw the pic!!!

This pregnancy seemed like the gestational length of an elephant for a while there. Getting pregnant at the end of the school year left me sick through the hot summer months and not wanting to be in a bathing suit. Then school started and the "what to wear" phase began. Not quite big enough for full blown maternity and not small enough for regular clothes. Then came E's birthday (and cake,) Halloween (and candy,) Thanksgiving (big meals,) and Christmas (enough said.) Surely, I must have gained more than both previous pregnancies combined!
Anyway, going through all these different seasons and holidays sure stretched it out, but now there is finally light at the end of the tunnel. I'm going to enjoy these last few weeks of feeling that baby move and wiggle, the extra attention from hubby, and seeing my body like this for the last time. I'm excited to see him and hold him, but have to admit to a little sadness over thinking about doing this for the last time.

"Toothless"

Yes, that's right, we lost our first tooth! E's favorite movie is "How to Train Your Dragon" and the dragon's name is Toothless, hence his new nickname from me :)

I am a little ashamed about the story behind losing this first tooth. Our last visit to our favorite dental hygentist revealed that it had "a little wiggle to it," as she put it, but I didn't know it had gotten this loose since. The boys were eating a snack in the kitchen the other night and E came walking in with it in his hand and said, "Look, Mom! I took a bite and my tooth came out!" Honestly, though, I think he must have dislodged it and then pulled it himself b/c there was a little blood on his shirt.
We've waited a couple of days before putting it under our pillow because he wanted to show several people his tooth --- which I have to say, is the tiniest looking little thing! Well, it's going under that pillow tonight. Wonder how much money the tooth fairy leaves for a "first" tooth?

Getting There

With only 6 weeks to go, I took advantage of Monday's snow day to try and work a little more on the nursery. I added this tree to the wall and started his name, but decided I need a different color for the name. Still need a rug, curtains, rocking chair, canvases, etc. Wow! When I make an actual list, it sounds like a lot.

Ch-ch-ch-changes!

Sorry, for the cheesey title, but that's the song that jumps in my head when I think about what we're doing. This past May we painted over the stripes in what had been the "nursery" to both boys as I decided it was time for my little man to have a big boy room. After converting the crib to the full size bed it can become and buying new Star Wars bedding and all that goes with it, I found out I was pregnant again! After much debate on beds, rooms, etc., I made the decision to go ahead and paint again and to get new bedding. After all, this would be the last nursery, right? I've decided to go monochromatic....greyish white against white shadow boxing. As you can see, the room was navy before (which I loved!,) but it just didn't work with the new bedding. And, I just didn't want to paint another shade of blue --again! Here are beginning pics --- one coat of paint, more to come!

Christmas 2010

Well, I made it! That panic that was setting in a couple of weeks ago is gone. Christmas cards were sent out, the house was decorated (although, not as much as usual,) gingerbread houses were made, Christmas programs were attended, and gifts were bought/made and wrapped. Whew! I feel tired again just telling it all! Thank you to my wonderful sister that helped with my boys on Christmas Eve day, while Santa's elves brought this cool, new swing set/fort for the boys. What a surprise on Christmas morning to find this big item in the backyard that wasn't there the day before!
Now, on to Phase II of Christmas break ---taking all this stuff down! Oh, and there's that little project of a nursery that has to be done this week! Yes, that's right folks, we're in week 32 and the countdown to baby is on!

The Panic Is Setting In

As I opened that first Christmas card today, I felt the panic setting in, knowing that I haven't ordered my Christmas cards, yet. I haven't bought the first Christmas present. I haven't even finished decorating. I feel suddenly compelled to make lists ---it's a coping method that makes me feel a little better. And, with only 2 weeks left before teachers get out for Christmas break, I feel even more overwhelmed thinking of what I have to get done at work! Not to mention the fact that there will be a new baby not long after Christmas that I don't have a nursery finished for! Okay, breathe.......I can do this.....tonight's mission ---order Christmas cards!!!

The Best Laid Plans of Mice and Men Often Go Awry

Well, it's Thanksgiving Break and the first week of my third trimester and these were my plans.

Plans for Thanksgiving Break:
1. Clean out closets
2. Put up Christmas decorations
3. Get some Christmas shopping done
4. Work on baby's room
5. Order Christmas cards
6. Spending time with my family

Not in the Plans
1. P having the flu the whole weeek R was in Canada (last week)--still trying to get better.
2. E getting pink eye
3. Both boys missing their school Thanksgiving programs :(
4. Now I'm sick ----going to doc today
5. Not getting ANYTHING accomplished b/c I feel miserable
6. Not sure if I'll be able to join family for Thanksgiving (depending on what I have)

Well, you know what they say...."the best laid plans of mice and men...."

Tell Me Your Favs!

Wow, I can't imagine how someone feels who is having a baby 7 or 8 years after another child. It's been 5 years since we bought baby items (baby #2 came so quickly that we never even put up the other stuff.) I'm not really sure what we need to replace or what is just so cool that we can't live without :) We are definitely looking into a slimmer infant carrier now that we will have to squeeze 3 car seats across hubby's bench seat. Anyway, any advice will be appreciated, so tell me what's hot and share your favs!

Dear Diary.........

I went for my 16 week check-up today (it feels like it should at least be my 30 week visit.) Baby's heartbeat was a little hard to find at first, but then popped up (exhale.) 150 beats per minute. I can't remember which way the old wive's tale says --boys fast and girls slow? Anyway, I have lots of fears this time that I don't remember having with the boys. I talked with my doc about the experiences I had last time with my spinal block. Kind of scary. He wants to set up a consult with anesthesiologist when closer to time. General anesthesia was mentioned and I feel myself being even more nervous. Are these fears completely irrational? I feel panic setting in....help!

Safari --Tennessee Style

Some friends told us about the drive-thru "safari" in Alamo, TN and we decided to give it a try this weekend. We had so much fun! The animals come right up to your car and you can feed them with feed bought at the entrance. Some were a little too close for comfort for me! An ostrich thought some interior parts near the steering wheel looked edible and he kept popping his head in the window. An over-eager bull that Ryan nick-named "Leroy" was a messy eater and had his whole head in the window, but other than that most were timid eaters. At the end, you can park and go up to the petting zoo where you can feed goats, a giraffe, camels and see monkeys and macaws. And, as always, there's a gift shop! If your interested in going, see there website www.tennesseesafaripark.com and check for 1/2 price days.

Don't People Just Say Anything These Days --Take 2

Apparently, I posted the title to this, but never the story. All you moms know how crazy it is! Anyway, here is the story behind the title.

Have you ever had one of those days where you just had to sigh and shake your head because CLEARLY people have no idea how they sound when they comment on you? Well, I had one of those days not too long ago.

A lady at work asked me if I'm having twins and when I responded, "Nope, it's just one!" she replied with, "Are you sure?" As Stephanie Tanner would say, "How rude!"

Then, a FIRST GRADER commented on my hair (which I had just cut off the day before) by telling me that it was "kind of fluffy" and that she liked it better the other way!

Last, but not least, my wonderful hubby, that same night, asked if I've ever tried putting V05 on my hair to smooth it down. You know, like the girls on those commercials? When I told him that, in fact, I had, he had the nerve to ask if I did it correctly?!?

I'm seriously developing a complex about weight and hair!!! Anyway, I apologize ahead of time to anyone that I might ever make a remark to or have made a remark to, that in any way hurt(s) your feelings or makes you feel bad :) Sorry!!!