39 Weeks!!!

39 Weeks!  Could I BE any bigger?  This belly has officially taken over my life.  And you thought I was complaining before....

I had my 38 week appointment last week and Dr. B let me know I'm at 1.5 cm dilated and still 70% effaced.  Basically she felt bad for me and gave me the half cm to make me feel better.  So needless to say we're still in the same boat.  I do have another appointment on Tuesday coming so we'll see where we're at this week.  Tuesday's a big day, not only do we have our Dr's appointment but Lindsey and I have Donnie and Marie!  As Lindsey says, "We'll do dinner, the show, and then I'll take you to the hospital cause you're going to go into labor!"  Gawd, I can only imagine telling  my future daughter the story of her birth.  She'll know once and for all her Mother is a huge Dork!  Hopefully she can stay put till Wednesday since I'll be back to work on that day.  Mine as well get paid one more day. 

My Starbucks gal goes, "You're still pregnant?"  and then asked "Are you getting sick of hearing that?"  I just laughed as she's not the only one who's noticed.  I feel like the comments used to be sweet and nice.  You know like, "Wow you're so tiny for how far you are," or "Oh my you're all belly," and "From the back you can't even tell you're pregnant!"  (I'm putting these in for my own self esteem benefit).  Now the first thing I hear is, "Holy cow you're about to pop!" and "Wow, can't be much longer now!"  It's like, really?  I mean I'm standing right here.

 Tim had a great dream about delivering our baby.  He said, he had a dream that Sheri and I came to Denver to visit and I went into labor.  Sheri, who was apparently my midwife at the time?? passed out so it left Tim in charge of the delivery.  (Is there no hospital where you two live??)  Then his daughter Harper woke him up so he didn't get to help me and finish the dream.  I should've asked him what day this all happened on?  Maybe I need to make a trip to Denver.  The funny thing is, is his daughter, Harper, was born on my birthday, August 13th of last year.  Well Tim's birthday is December 8th, it could happen!   I'd prefer sooner then that but I guess it's up to gravity and Mother Nature. 

In other news, we still have no name picked out.  Justin told me to pick my top 5 favorite names and that he'd pick from that list.  I gave him my top 5 names.  His response, "Give me 5 different ones."  As you can see we're making progress....

Dearest little one, it appears you will be born into a year where the ASU Sun Devils hold captive the legendary Territorial Cup.  Since your Mom attended the U of A this is rather disappointing.  Although it was a great game she had big money riding on the outcome and lost it.  She and Uncle Dave have had an on going bet since 2003 each year.  I'm ashamed to say your Mom has lost $1 and bragging rights for the entire year.  I promise we'll do better next year.  Know that which ever school you choose in the future, yes you are going to college, we will support you.  Just not necessarily your football team.    

 

The Nursery & We're Dilated!

The Nursery is finally complete!  What a great feeling!  A mix of Pottery Barn Kids meets Babies R Us and a touch of Buy Buy Baby.  I hope she likes it! 

 "Twirl & Love"

 I love this!  Found it with Mom while at Pottery Barn Kids.  Can we talk for just a minute how ridiculously priced that store is?!  I was like, Whhhhaaaat?  And then I handed them my credit card because of course I had to have it all.  The pictures, the lamp and this came from there.  I guess I could've done worse.  Just my luck they had a purple room on display so, naturally, I wanted everything in it.  

 The greatest chair ever!  Not only is it super comfortable, it also reclines.  I have a feeling I'll be spending some time in this seat.  The curtains are blackout and they really do keep the room dark.  LMNO hear me now, Sleep = Good.  

 Crockett is technically not allowed up stairs.  But ever since we began working on this room he can't seem to stay away.  This has been one of his favorite toys to play with.  It'll be interesting teaching him which toys are his and which toys are hers.  Something tells me they'll all be his...

 The funky thing on the left is a diaper holder just above the diaper pale.  I had no idea that's what it was for.  And the thing in the middle that splits the wall is a toy holder.  Who'd a thunk?  The green thing is a hamper and the pink caterpillar on top of it lights up to show the stary night sky.  Obviously every kid needs one of these.  Duh! 

 We've got Sophie's!  Once she starts teething she'll be able to say she chewed on $30 teether!  Thank you Aunt Jessica and Lennar! 

 Smile & Dream above her bed.

I went to see Dr. B today and was startled when Soshie, my usual nurse didn't come to get me.  Instead some chick named Amber called my name.  I was like, uh?  You're not Soshie.  Poor girl was like, Soshie will be in soon I just need to take your vitals.  Once you find out your pregnant you see your Dr. every 4 weeks.  Then as you get closer to your due date it's every 2 weeks.  I'm now coming in on a once a week schedule.  The point is, you get to know your Dr's staff.  So when I was leaving Dr. B goes, here's Soshie!  She came up and gave me a big hug.  We laughed and made fun of poor Amber again.  Bottom line, no one replaces Soshie! 

Dr. B gave me some interesting news today.  I'm 70% effaced and 1cm dilated.  I got so excited and then was like, wait, what does all of that mean?  Effaced is when your cervix (the thing that blocks baby from falling out - kinda, not really but it's just the easiest way to explain it in blog terms) begins to thin.  Basically I have 30% more to go.  As for dilation, you can't deliver until you are 10cm, therefore I have 9 cm more to go.  So needless to say I have an exciting start, however it doesn't really mean much.

  I called Lindsey, my go to for all things baby, and I'm all excited on the phone as if I got an A on my chemistry test and want to brag. Her reaction, "well...that's great but that doesn't really mean anything."  Apparently, majority of times dilation and effacement, as important as they are, are kind of a mute point until either your water breaks or your contractions get closer together.  A lot of times women will be 3cm dilated for 3 weeks straight with no progress, or 80% effaced and 4 cm and still won't have the baby for 2 more weeks.  So I guess we'll be sitting tight until something further happens. 

My plan is for my water to break all Hollywood style.  You know, be yelling at Mr. Big and telling him I curse the day you were born!  And then boom!  Water breaks!  Hail a cab!  Or maybe more realistic shopping casually at Target, when I bend down to pick up a loaf of bread and Oop there it goes!  Clean up on isle 6!  And the store manager has to drive me to the hospital.  Actually it'd probably be one of the starbucks girls, they're like family to me.  

(Let's face it, I'm either at Target, work or home so this scenario could totally happen) 

Then I'll barely get there in knick of time to get the epideral and then deliver 5 minutes later.  Now that's what I'm talking about!  You hear that LMNO?  You make this happen and I'll make the your next 18 years absolutely fabulous!  This kind of scenario will be way more fun to tell at your rehearsal dinner anyway.  We're going for dramatics here.    

So this is 36 weeks...

36 Weeks = Go Time! 

Per Dr. B if the baby decides she's coming at this point then we're not going to argue with her.  If it's up to me I'd prefere her to make her grand enterance into the world anytime after December 1st.  This would work best for my schedule.  In fact, LMNO, if you could just text me your estimated time of arrival I'll check my schedule and have my people get back to you.

  It appears I get the most contractions when I feel stressed.  I never thought of myself as one who feels the effects of stress but apparently that's not true.  There's been a few instances at work where something happens and then instantly I'm all cramped up until I get home.  I'll text my husband and say, Uh, keep your phone on you, not sure what's going on.  And then the second I walk in the door, boom, it's done and all is fine and dandy.  So I've decided my body isn't a fan of stress or my kid isn't a fan of work.  Either way I get it.  

One of my customers told me LMNO will be born the year of the Dragon and that this is considered very lucky.  So naturally, I googled it.  It appears the year of the dragon only happens once every 12 years.  With the help of new medical technologies many people, especially in the Asian cultures, will try to time their pregnancies for this particular year.  How crazy is that?  So already my soon to be baby is already considered lucky!  Since Justin is 17% part Chinese this has to be extra true right?  Obviously I have no Idea what I'm talking about in regards to astrology but we'll roll with what they have to say and believe everything as 100% fact. 

 

"Year of the Dragon, and since the Dragon is said to be a deliverer of good fortune and a master of authority, those people born in Dragon years are to be honored and respected. The dragon is one of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar, and it is the only animal that is termed 'legendary'" 

Did you read that?!?  She's already legendary!  I mean I figured she would be, after all, she's related to me.  Oh and looky there, her list of personality traits and 'conceited' is one of them.  Yep, she's her Mother's daughter already!

Meet LMNO's future peronality traits:

- Enterprising

- Quick-tempered

- Tactless

- Self-assured

- Brave

- Passionate

- Conceited

- Flexible

- Scrutinizing

- Unanticipated

"Persons born in the Year of the Dragon are often described as free-spirited creatures who believe that rules and regulations are for other people. Naturally confident and very fearless, they are usually very successful, however, due to their extrovertness and enthusiasm, they can sometimes end up feeling tired and unfulfilled. Always ready to lend a helping hand to those who need it, a Dragon's pride can mean that they are often unwilling to ask for or accept help from others."

Based on this I'd say she's a perfect mix of her Mom & Dad.  Look out teen years!  The word difficult is in my future!  Make sure there's extra wine on hand and I'm sure I'll survive.   

A Surprise at Work...

I pee'd myself 3 times today.  Okay maybe a little too much information but I feel its necessary to document all of my big accomplishments throughout this pregnancy.  With under a month to go I've lost all hope of being a normal, attractive, smelling good person.  It's just out the window and frankly there is nothing I can do about it.  You know the lady in the movie, "What to expect when you're expecting?"  The one that has the perfect pregnancy, she's in high heels the entire time, make up done, hair perfect, and her labor consists of sneezing and out pops her kid?  Yeah, I'm nothing like that character.  I'm starting to morph into her sister in law in the movie, the one that's an absolute mess, constantly sweaty from hot flashes, always in pain from her back being so sore, falling asleep everywhere, and you guessed it, peeing herself.  Yep that's me.  This is what my life has amounted to... joy.

Last night I must've gotten up 8 times to go to the bathroom, no exaggeration.  Every time I rolled over I'd instantly awake and oh what do you know, yep, time to go to the bathroom again.  By my umpteenth time of walking back and getting into bed I began thinking of my next blog posts.  Mine as well make some good use of my time on the toilet.  I can't wait to see what I think about tonight!   

The funny thing is I'm ssurprisingly awake each time, but still able to konk out instantly when getting back to bed.  Everyone says, Oh it's just natures way of getting you ready for feedings every 3 hours.  If I could sleep for 3 hours straight that would be a miracle!  The way I see it, I'll get more sleep once this kid is off my blatter.  Tick Tock Baby let's get going!

The general consensus is that LMNO will be arriving early.   Probably because I started the rumors.  Please let me be right!  People have started taking bets.  Lindsey and I have tickets to see Donnie & Marie's Christmas Special at Gammage on November 27th.  Yes, I paid real money to go and see this.  Lindsey says the next full moon is November 28th, so she's predicting I'll go into labor that night and deliver on the 28th.  Can you imagine, sitting in the middle of the row in that ginormous theater timing contractions to Jingle all the Way?  Or even better, having my water break before intermission!  Oh boy!  Something to look forward to I guess.  Get ready Lindsey!     

We had our Sales meeting this past Wednesday at our corporate office.  I always sit closest to the door so if I need to I can jump up and run to the bathroom (shocker).  When the meeting was wrapping up behind me in comes Jessica with a bag full of goodies and 30 cupcakes with little diaper pins to share!  I was so surprised!  Everyone was of course looking at me and I instantly had tears in my eyes.  So many great surprises happening lately!  All the new home consultants, the President of the AZ division and his fabulous assistant Gail chipped in!  Jessica spear headed, Operation Work Baby Shower Surprise, and did all the shopping. I opened baby clothes, socks, $160 in gift cards, pacifiers, a swaddle and Sofie the Giraffe teethers.  It was such a great surprise!  I'm so lucky to work at such a great company where they care so much for their own.  I can't wait to bring LMNO by to meet everyone once she arrives.  

   

Uhhh....Is this normal?

I am so not impressed with the 3rd trimester.  As if the constant peeing wasn't already enough, now you're going to throw Braxton Hicks contractions and back labor into the mix?  I mean really!  A girl could only take so much!

Braxton Hicks are normal and from what the internet says, cause everything's factual on the internet, it says it's your body's way of preparing the uterus to eject the baby.  Okay so that's not the medical definition but you get the jist.  Imagine you're entire stomach tightening up all at once and becoming rock solid.  It only stays that way for about 15-20 seconds and then goes away.  However those 15-20 seconds make you stop doing what you're doing and pause.  These come and go as they please but lately I've been getting more and more of them.

The newest thing I've recently discovered is what my Dr. calls, Back Labor.  A few days ago I was in a lot of pain.  It seemed to keep coming and going throughout the day.  I had braxton hicks plus my back was killing me.  It's the weirdest feeling.  My back feels like I'm wearing a girdle, one of those that you tie from the back.  But imagine someone standing behind you and pulling the strings tighter and tighter. Then add the contractions in the front and your entire middle half of your body is solid as a rock.  It worried me so I went in.  The Dr. explained what was happening and told me about 'back labor.'  She said since it comes and goes and isn't constant it's nothing to worry about.  I just need to keep and eye on it and take it easy.  She told me not to go back to work but I had to write a contract so that went out the window.  

I now have a heating pad for when I'm home and on the couch, my wonderful sister who's coming over to help me with the manual labor of house hold chores, and great co-workers who will greet customers because I'm contracting at the moment and can't move.  I guess like all the other fun pregnancy symptoms that everyone failed to mention, we'll take this one with a grain of salt.  I keep telling myself that I won't forget any of the many awful inconveniences being pregnant has brought to my life, but everyone says, Yes, you will.  Jessica has offered to remind me when the time comes.

Best Friends Shower

Call me the luckiest girl in the world!  Baby shower #2 for LMNO!  Sheri, Sarah and Lindsey hosted the shower at one of our favorite spots, Keegan's Restaurant.  We had the entire patio to ourselves.  It was set up so nicely.  Great food, drinks and Sheri's famous cupcakes were enjoyed by all.  

 My crown for the afternoon!  "New Mom" apparently we made Lindsey wear this at her shower 4 years ago.  She'd been waiting all this time to make me pay.  Well played Lindsey.  

 BIGGEST SURPRISE EVER!!!  Those of you who know my best friend Spaulding, aka Brittany Martin, know she lives in Colorado.  So when I got to the shower Lindsey asks me, "Would you like to open your present from us?"  She then says, "Well actually you don't have a choice, we need you to open it now."  So I'm like okay, whatever?  Then they turn me around and out walks Spaulding!!  I was so surprised and happy I started crying!  You could call it pregnancy hormones but I think I would've cried with or without the hormones.  I was shocked!  The funny thing was, is that early that morning Mom had asked if she would come out.  I told her of course not, it's just a baby shower!  Why would she fly all the way down here for that?  I almost called her on the way  to the shower to let her know I'd been thinking of her and wished she'd been there.  Low and behold, as it turns out you really do get what you ask for!  Such a great surprise!  Well done ladies!  Well done! 

 The Dixon Gals.  

 LMNO's first Panda Bear!  When I was a kid I was obsessed with Panda Bears.  So much so that my room back then was black and white.  I'm sure she'll like it too.  

 My smile's a little on the scary side here but when I opened this super cute outfit I immediately said, This looks like something I'd wear!  Some of these outfits are just too much!  I can't wait to dress her up in everything.  

 Only my Mom would have a present wrapped in Christmas wrapping paper at a Baby Shower.  Her first grand daughter has to have a stocking!  She also received her first ornament, a bib that says, "Who needs Santa when you have Grandma?" and a Christmas outfit to wear for the big day.  I'd say she's all set for her first big holiday!

 How cute is this?  And it's so small!!

 Susie is famous for her baby blankets, but this one takes the cake!  If you look closely there's animals around the border.  So detailed and beautiful.  So much talent! 

 Future Aunt Nicole and Me. 

Liz brought her baby girl, Charlotte, aka Charlie to the shower.  Naturally my Mom got a hold of her.  Sometimes I think I'm having this baby just so my Mom can be a Grandma.  I know she'll be the best one around so I guess it's worth it.  

 Spaulding and Harper met me at Seattle Espresso the day after the shower so I could say Hi to Harper. I can't believe how much she's grown! 

 All that hair and such a vibrant personality.  It will be so much fun to watch her grow up.  Thank you for coming out with your Mom & Dad to surprise me, Harper! 

The best girlfriends a girl could ask for!  I should also mention super stylish as well!  Man we look good!  Did we plan the height thing and the outfit thing?  I didn't get the memo but we sure did pull it off!  Thank you again Sheri, Sarah and Lindsey for a truly unforgettable shower!   

We've Been BOO'd!

Happy Halloween at Layton Lakes!  

One of the many, many reasons I LOVE living here.  I came home from work to find this little treat on my door step.  It says, You've Been BOO'd!  A cute little poem attached tells you what to do and how to spread the Halloween spirit to another neighbor.  Once you've been BOO'd you place a little note, also attached, that says, We've already been BOO'd.  That way more and more people can have the same joy.  

 Inside were some super yummy brownies with little pumpkins on top.  I took out the goodies and added some Halloween cookies.  The poem says to spread the cheer and drop off at least 2 other homes.  The theory is that by Halloween a bunch of neighbors will be able to partake in the joy.  So I made 4 others, not as cute as the one dropped off on my house.  But, it's the thought that counts right?   

How much fun is this!  I saved the poem so LMNO and I can continue the tradition.  Such a great idea!  I still don't know who BOO'd us but I'm glad the did.  Totally made my Halloween! 

My First Baby Shower

What a treat!  Mom to be & LMNO's first Baby Shower!  Hosted by Mom & McKenna.  I can't even believe what a great job they both did.  The house, the decorations, the food, and every last detail was absolutely perfect!  Thank you both for making my day so very special! 

 I had no idea Mom knew what Pinterest was but look what she found for inspiration and then made a buggy out of baby diapers!  So cute!  LMNO's first diapers are ready for her. 

 These cute little baby shoes are filled with little candies.  Whomever has the most pink baby candy in their little baby shoe wins a prize! 

 Mom had a breakfast brunch to die for.  Complete with two egg dishes that were excellent, the best potatoes I've ever had, salsa, salad, fruit cups and miniature desserts.  I think everyone went back for seconds.  YUM-O! 

 My favorite!  LMNO spelled out on new born onesies hung up on a close line.  So creative and extra adorable! 

My family.  Soon to be a Mother, an Aunt and a Nana. 

 Grandma came for the festivities to celebrate.  

 Kristin and Carter.  This little guy had no problem with the amount of estrogen at the shower.  He held his own just fine.  

 Grandma and Lolly.

 Lindsey & Mary.

 My Sister, McKenna and I.

 Pam flew in from San Francisco to be a part of such a great day.  I was so excited she came out.  She and Mom came over so she could see the nursery, still a work in progress.  My very first baby sitter, Pat Davis.  I couldn't believe she came!  It was so good to see her.  She still tells stories of me up through the age of 5 and all the funny things we did.  I can't wait for them both to meet LMNO. 

 Sarah & Jaci (aka Mamaw).

 Show Stoppers!  Miss Sedona & Miss Ashlyn. 

 My Aunt Julie.

 My 3 little helpers.  I've never seen such enthusiasm for taking tissue paper to the garbage.  These 3 rocked it like champs.  I'd like to think we'd still be sitting there without all their help.  They were little rockstars! 

 Miss Layne DeGraff.  She's already volunteered to babysit.  Layne, darling, be careful what you wish for.  I will take you up on this! :)

 Miss Heidi Ann. 

 Greatest Gift EVER!  The gift that keeps on giving to Mom's all over the world.  I'd never heard of this before but apparently they make little tester strips for your breast milk.  The testers tell you how much alcohol is in your milk, that way you know whether or not to pump and dump or feed normally.  Yes, it's slightly disturbing how incredibly fabulous I think this is but better be safe in the long run.  Based on what everyone's telling me, I'll be too tired to drink anyway, but something tells me I'll have a use for these strips.  Maybe not right away but definitely in the future.  Thank you Layne and Heidi for knowing way more about babies and breast milk then me!  You're a life savor! 

 Priceless reaction!  Miss Ashlyn is so charismatic I'm glad we got this on film.  You'd have thought I'd opened a million dollars in diamonds the way she reacted to this hat.  Yes, Ashlyn it is a pretty fabulous hat.  I do agree! 

 So many stylish outfits and goodies!

 Mom had the biggest gift of all.  The travel system!  Whoohoo!  Can't wait to break in the new stroller and car seat.  

 Lolly in deep thought about what to put on her bingo card.  Great game!  Guests fill in their own bingo card as to what they think you'll open and as gifts are opened you get to mark off a square.  The first one to bingo wins!  

 Mamaw got LMNO's first golf set!  Justin just cracked up when I showed him.  Like Daddy like daughter she's all set for her first time on the green.  

Such a nice day with great friends and family.  I'm so grateful for each and everyone of you who've been a part of my life.  LMNO's already coming into the world the luckiest girl ever.  She has no idea the amount of love she's about to experience.  Thank you again for such an amazing day!