Dad's Advice

Well if you knew my Dad well in the least you'd know a couple of his favorite sayings.  First, "Life isn't Fair" -- those were always his words when we complained how it wasn't fair that so-and-so got to do ABC and we didn't.   But second was this, which my Mom reminded me of just yesterday:  "Nice guys always finish last."

OK it's not like my Dad was Negative Nelly all the time, but those were two of his favorite comments which were always sparked by some sort of life incident that had happened to him.  His life wasn't easy, and it turns out he wasn't far off on his wisdom.  He was the man who did everything for everyone else and got no thanks in return... and... he left this earth at 51, which certainly wasn't fair.  He definitely reminded us that life had it's curves, and we were going to have to face them.

33 years and some host of unfair situations later, I realize that it's not me that has come in last...It's their loss, and the gain of those people who are patient, loving, and supportive during the twists and turns life has to offer.

So this week, a GIANT Thank you to my incredible friends who showered me with a most generous baby shower -- full of wisdom, advice, gifts, and love.  These are some of the most strong and dedicated  Mothers, Wives, and Professionals I know... all of whom have supported me without ever judging... accepting me for who I am... and loving me for the faults that make me unique.    Thank you ALSO to my coworkers who surprised me with an impromptu meeting all about Baby Bug... complete with tons of thoughtful and generous, GENEROUS gifts, and of course a yummy delicious cake to feed our fetish.  (It wouldn't be a department get together without cake...)   I am so fortunate to have these wonderful and kind folks surrounding me in my daily life.

So Dad, I hear ya.  Life isn't fair.  But sometimes, the good guy DOES finish first... it just takes awhile to realize it all.

Down to the Wire

And here we are with 5 weeks left to go before D day.  So much to do, it feels like, but really... what is there?  We have everything we need AND MORE thanks to such generous friends and family.  The energy level is deteriorating and the 22 pounds have definately left their mark.  Ohhhh to be able to do my beloved pilates again! 

We have successfully kept Baxter out of the crib thanks to my friends at Reynolds -- Aluminum Foil lining the mattress has scared him to death.  One try in left him IMMEDIATELY out, and never tried again.  Let's hope to keep that up, Boo!  He has, however, taken a liking to wrist rattles.  Hmm..

Now if we could just agree on a name.........

Ocho! Huit! Acht! Osiem! EIGHT!

Yeah you heard me.. EIGHT weeks left.  Unbelievable, really.  While Chris thinks this whole thing is "dragging on" (his words, not mine!)... I have to disagree.  I can't believe how fast it's gone.  Such a whirlwind, really.  I will never forget that day at the doctor's office when I was informed of what was about to happen in this belly of mine... and for so long, I had no symptoms so I just "couldn't drink" and was bummed about it. But then.. slowly... things started to change....

...and then there were cheese-it's and cheese-it's alone.  (It was all I could eat for a number of days.)   I think I packed an entire box on a business trip.  And then came the repulsions.  Get anything BBQ or Honey Dijon OUT of my way.. Barf!!!!!!!!  That gave way to the worst allergy/sinus/nonsense ever.  A box of kleenex a week, are you kidding me?  Clearly not.  I slept all day and sneezed all night -- Chris even said "I hope this isn't a sign of what the rest is going to be like.."  I remember waking up in the middle of the night sneezing.  In hotel rooms.. In our own house.. anywhere.  It was the most ridiculous thing ever. 

Second Trimester yielded nothing but a nagging pain in my ribcage when I attempted to lie on my left side which unfortunately has NOT gone away.    My sinuses gave me a break.. my energy level peaked.. and I was feeling alive.  Most days, barely pregnant!  Until of course I tried to sleep........ and that belly got in the way.. or that pain made me remember quite vividly what was happening.

And now, with 8 weeks left, I still hate BBQ and Honey Mustard...   AND cheese-it's, for that matter...  I STILL have a nagging pain in my left side... but I have a whole NEW set of things to think about.  Like, Swelling... contractions... getting up 5 times a night to pee...and feet sticking out of my abdomen. 

Dragging on!?!?!?!  I don't think so.  This is the miracle of life.... Feet sticking out of my abdomen!   He's just jealous.

 

Moving Right Along

Time Flies when life is happening around us.

On Tuesday, March 16th, 2010, our newest nephew, Joshua Thomas entered the world.  We finally met him last weekend when he was just four days old.  We absolutely loved snuggling with him -- such a Blessing to finally meet his sweet little face.   Big Brother Alex will surely be a big help in showing Josh the ropes.  We can't wait to watch them grow together... along with their new cousins -- Baby Trent arriving any day now, and Baby Bug.  :)

The same weekend also marked our big 3-0... 30 weeks!  Already!?!?!?!  CHOPCHOP... time to get MOVING into high gear.  We don't mess around -- we now have a fully painted and patched nursery, ready for furniture delivery next weekend. Yeah!  The decor may take awhile, but we have ideas for at least ONE wall.  Ha!!!

Today we were fortunate enough to experience a shower hosted by Chris's family.  What amazingly generous family we have.  We are truly lucky to be surrounded by such fabulous people.  Daddy was so excited he put together the swing as soon as we got home!!!!!!  (And without cursing!)  Shockingly, Baxter & Sammy haven't really cared much about it -- we'll see how that goes.  (Baby Alive is currently occupying the swing along with some pillows to keep nosey kitties out.  I'm fully expecting to find one of them snuggling next to her in no time.  Grr...)

So, here we are at 31 weeks along... amazed at how quickly this journey is moving right before our eyes.

Baby Bug Visits the O-Chun!

We all needed a break from the gloomy Michigan winter, so we hopped a plane to West Palm to relax, relax, RELAX and hopefully soak up some SUN instead of gloomy clouds!  We spent some time with Grandma & Grandpa which was fun since we hadn't seen them since Christmas, then headed over to the family condo on Jensen Beach.  What an absolute joy it was to see the sun, blue skies, and beautiful, beautiful ocean.  We never grow tired of the view while sitting in a chair on the balcony!!!  (which, mind you, is also the same balcony where we got engaged...)

Mommy read a book & took naps every day while Daddy got to do some fishing -- Yeah apparently someone was feeling kind enough to let that happen. 

Little Bug enjoyed his trip.. at least we think.. He kicked with excitement every time we went near the water.  He ALSO kept his foot out of Mommy's rib the entire time and afforded her the best sleep she's had in 6 months.  This may be a sign we need to move to Florida...

We miss you already, Florida.  See you soon.. next time, with a babe in tow.  :-)