He is Here!

Jake Hudson Kelley made his appearance on Friday, April 13, 2012 at 12:25 PM.  I began having contractions Thursday morning around 11 AM.  Rocky went to work and I went about my day.  They came and went, not really getting closer together, but getting a bit stronger.  By 7PM I was starting to breathe through them and by around 10 I decided we should probably go to the hospital just to be on the safe side.  We decided not to call anyone right away because we expected to be sent home.  They monitored the baby and I for about 4 hours and at 3AM the doctor decided to admit me.  Being almost a week overdue, she felt it would be risky to send me home.  I checked in and immediately was hooked up to IV fluids and monitors.  The nurses encouraged me to go ahead and get my epidural so I could get some sleep so I decided to go for it.  Once everything was taken care of, Rocky and I settled in to try and get some sleep.  Yeah right.  I dozed in and out, but had that anticipation feeling you get before the first day of school.  Around 8AM the nurses let me know that my doctor was in surgery at another hospital so one of her partners would be consulting until she arrived.  They checked my dilation periodically, but I wasn't progressing very quickly.  Eventually, the doctor came in and broke my water hoping to speed things up.  It worked.  At the next check I was completely dilated and things began to move fast.  The nurses converted my bed into a weird birthing contraption and I began pushing.  Throughout the pushing, Jake's heart rate began to drop.  After about an hour, the doctor came in and determined there were complications and an emergency c section would be necessary.  After that everything moved very quickly and I was rushed off to the operating room.  The c section went quickly and Jake was delivered without any issues.  As it turns out, his umbilical cord was tied in a knot and with every push it tightened and cut Jake off.  But once out he was beautiful with big plump lips and chubby cheeks like his mommy.  Overall, he looked just like his daddy though.

All in all I can say that it was all worth it.  He is perfect and we are totally in love with him.  I mean look at that face.

I Think I Have Something on the Calendar for Today...

My thanks to everyone who called, texted, or emailed to remind me that today was my actual due date.  I woke up this morning and thought today was special, but it wasn't until the storm of reminders that I remembered it wasn't my chiropractor appointment, but actually the day the alien in my body was suppose to remove itself.  I would have been pretty upset if I had missed that one.  I'm joking.  I appreciate the enthusiasm... However, statistically only 5% of women actually deliver on their due dates so everyone is going to just have to keep their panties on and give me a little more time.  I promise everyone will be notified in a timely manner when he actually does make his appearance...assuming I know before anyone else.  I found out yesterday that apparently I have been having contractions.  I wish the person selling this would have called and let me know so I could have alerted my uterus.  As of now, all is quiet on the home front...just to clear up any nasty tabloid rumors going around.

It isn't from my lack of trying I assure you.  As of today he is weighing in at 8 pounds so believe me when I say I want him out.  My knees, back, feet, and even fingers want him out.  I have walked about 50 miles in the last week, bounced on my ball for at least 5 hours, been to the chiropractor 4 times, eaten entire jalapeños (again), eaten watermelon, pineapple, and papaya, and made herbal tea.  This weekend I washed both cars, walked 4 miles, cleaned the entire house, and climbed stairs. Frankly, I'm exhausted so now I am going to sit on my behind and chill...well, after I get a pressure point massage tomorrow.   And for the final  belly pic at 40 Weeks!

On a different note, my husband's pregnancy cravings are out of control.  He actually left the house last night at 8:00 to drive to Cheesecake Factory for a piece of carrot cake cheesecake.  He's been talking about it for a few days, but I guess it finally got the best of him.  We currently hold steady at weight gained this pregnancy: Rocky 28, Shalinda 25, Aisha 8.  Now the race to see who can lose it fastest...

A Brief Glimpse at a Softer Side

It's easy to get caught up in the moment and lose sight of the big picture.  It's easy, at least for me, to be overcome with my thoughts and emotions in any given situation.  I obsess, I overreact, I over analyze, I freak out.  That's just me.  It doesn't happen all the time.  Most of the time I feel pretty easy going and can take things as they come (the influence of my husband), but in those other moments things get hairy.  And it isn't just pregnancy.  It's just my life.  For example, I've been frustrated with a situation in which someone is constantly discussing me with others.  It isn't necessarily spiteful or nasty, but it's uncalled for and gets under my skin a bit.  Some things I like to keep private.  I would like the option of sharing with whom I want to share.  Instead, I get, "Oh -- told me..."  Annoying.

All that to say that I was reminded this weekend of what is really important.  I woke up Sunday morning to an Easter basket and my husband urging me to "go find some eggs."  I have to say I had a blast hunting all over the house for my candy filled eggs (and I'm pretty sure I had eaten a several of them before the hunt was even over).  Then, I found the last one and opened it.  It was not candy filled, but instead jewelry filled.  Rocky bought me a baby charm for my bracelet... my "push present."  And for the 100th time this week I was reminded of how lucky I am to be married to such a wonderful person.  Not because he buys me presents, but because he remembers to remember me (even when I'm not being loud and obnoxious).  He takes time to call me during the day, he text me silly messages, he makes me call him when I get to work because at 9 months preggo he worries about my focus, he makes me laugh every single day.  It's all the little things and I understand now how you can love someone even more than you did the day before.  When you take the time to appreciate the little things, you can't help but be just a little more connected.  There is no doubt in my mind that we will grow old together.  I can't imagine going on this adventure with anyone else...and when you find someone who puts up with your crazy and loves you anyway, you really should hold on.  Now if we could just find a way to get this baby out!

Good Friday

So Thursday was my last day of work!  I am more than a little excited.  I have also decided that it is fine if Jake wants to be a little late (it would appear he is taking after his two aunts and uncle in the punctuality department) ... but I'm looking forward to sleeping in a few days before his arrival.  Yesterday I made a visit to the chiropractor who fixed me up!  After one visit my back pain is minimal and I slept better than I have in months!  I should have been doing this all along.  I'm going for daily visits until baby for some work on my hips which should help with labor and delivery also.  Now if he could only do something about my achy feet!

My Good Friday was spent cleaning.  I figured I should give the house one more top to bottom cleaning before it is neglected indefinitely.  I had to stop in the middle for a nap:) but now everything is put away and shiny clean.

I'm going to visit my other favorite doctor this afternoon for a natural approach toward treatment of my pesky gall bladder.  My ob is talking surgeons and since I don't really trust her with my who-ha, I'm pretty sure I'm not going to take her advice on having an internal organ removed.  Seriously.

I did, in fact, skip the doctor this week so I don't know officially that we haven't progressed any, but I'm going to go ahead and say we haven't.  This baby is lazy.  My contractions have all but stopped and I think he's settled in for the long haul.  At this rate we're going to have to hire a tutor to go up there when it's time for him to start kindergarten.

Tonight, Rocky and I are going to dinner and a movie... probably our last for a little while.  Maybe to see the Hunger Games.  I loved the book and have heard really good things about the movie so we shall see.  Because I really want o see it and enjoy an evening out (in addition to sleeping in for a few days) Jake will probably make his appearance tonight... just my luck.  

Strange Things

First off, my ob is stupid and I hate her.  It's a little late in the game to switch doctors so I'm just avoiding her and I have told the baby he has to come on a Thursday because that is her day off.  I would rather have a complete stranger deliver my baby than my ob and that's saying a lot.  I think she has forgotten that she is treating emotional pregnant women, not farm animals or men.  I appreciate her straight talk and no nonsense approach.   That is what made me stick it out with her in the beginning, but at this point I am a little over her bedside manner.  Just for that, I am not going in next week for my appointment.  The baby is doing great and I'm pretty sure I'll survive one week without her sticking her fingers up my vagina while insulting me.  After delivery, I will schedule all my appointments with my original nurse practitioner whom I love and hopefully never see her again.

Anyway, off that rant.  So last night, after an annoying doctor's visit, Rocky took me out to eat at our favorite hole in the wall.  In the spirit of trying to induce labor, I decided I should order something spicy since that is an old wives' tale I haven't tried.  There wasn't anything on the menu so I hesitantly ordered a side of jalapeños with my meal.  They came all diced up which I decided made them easier to pile on each bite.  After a few bites I complained to Rocky that the stupid jalapeños weren't hot at all and the experiment was a bust.  He piled a few on his enchilada to see for himself and had barely chewed when he grabbed for his water, his face turning bright red and his eye tearing up.  "Those are really hot!" he tells me.  "Maybe I just got a few bad pieces," I reason, although I had eaten half the bowl already.  He begins to fork specific pieces onto my plate.  "Try this one," he says as he passes me one full of seeds.  Down it goes.  Nothing.  He tries a similar piece at the same time and downs half his glass of water in seconds.  We go back and forth like this a few times until he finally declares my taste buds jacked up and surrenders.  It was the weirdest thing because I am usually super sensitive to spicy food.  Maybe the baby is sitting on that nerve ending...

Get this Baby OUT!

It's been a while since I posted!  Partially because nothing too exciting has happened and partially because I am too tired and lazy to actually log on and put two sentences together.  For those of you interested, here is the week 36 belly picture in all it's glory.

And here is the week 37 baby picture! Poor guy has his mom's cheeks!  But I do have to say he looks much cuter than his alien picture at 18 weeks.  What a fatty!  He currently weighs 6 pounds 11 ounces.  I'm pretty sure he's going to be an 8 pounder, which is fine.  I'm good with anything below 9!   

At our last check up I was 50% effaced and only dilated to a 1.  This is very discouraging, but there's little we can do but wait.  But that didn't stop me from trying out a few old wives tales.  Yesterday I hit a whole new level of  miserable so I spent part of the afternoon googling.  

After work Rocky and I went to dinner at Maggiano's where I had Eggplant Parmesan which several women on one baby blog said did it for them.  I also read cleaning the kitchen floor on your hands and knees can do it.  I assume it is more the position and motions so I cleaned the bathtub instead and then look a long hot bath.  I spent the last part of the night bouncing on my exercise ball.  Exhausted I finally went to bed hoping to wake in the middle of the night to labor.  

Instead, I woke up at nine o'clock having slept better than I have in months, but still pregnant.  On today's agenda: primrose oil, a long walk, and high heels.  

What's Wrong with Your Belly?

I work with older elementary students for a reason.  Not necessarily because they have more common sense, but because those little ones scare the bejeezus out of me.  Today, both worlds collided.  My morning started off in the front office where I ran into a friend from last year who is now in 5th grade.  I see this kid regularly in the halls, it's a very small school, but apparently he hasn't noticed me in a while.  A long while.  As I stand there talking to a teacher someone mentions something about the baby and due date, blah blah blah.  Out of no where my 5th grade friend (who is in the office waiting to go to in school suspension) yells out, "Mrs. Kelley!  You didn't tell me you were having a baby!"  I look at him and I am about to make some sarcastic comment when I see his face.  He is visibly hurt that I kept this secret from him for 8 whole months.  I walk over and sit on the bench with him.  "I didn't tell you?" I asked him.  "Are you sure?"  He is shaking his head before I finish my sentence.  "No.  You didn't, " he tells me.  Honestly, I should be touched by his concern, but it was all I could do not to laugh out loud.  Instead (because I am a fantastic teacher who always considers students' feelings...please hear sarcasm) I apologize that he is the last to know and confirm that I am indeed having a baby boy.  This soothes his hurt feelings and we are apparently on good terms again. 

I leave the office and head down the first grade hall toward my classroom.  There is a line of about 6 first graders standing in the hall, one of which I see every single morning when I check  him in for our behavior program.  I stop for a second to remind them of hallway expectations because they are a little rowdy and their teacher hasn't made it out of the classroom yet.  As they get in a line and turn their voices off my little behavior friend points and says, "What's wrong with your belly?"  I look down and he is pointing at my large almost 8 months pregnant belly.  Without thinking I say, "Nothing is wrong with my belly.  There's a baby in there."  Seriously.  This was my response to a seven year old.  They all start to giggle and whisper.  I'm regretting my decision to stop and reinforce hallway behavior expectations at this point.  "A baby?  How'd you get a baby in your belly?" he asks.  I realize my mistake and look for an out.  There isn't one.  They are all looking at me expectantly.  I grab the first out that comes to my mind.  "We are not supposed to be talking in the hall!  Those are the rules.  Get in your line and wait for your teacher." And with that I all but sprint down the hall (which of course, is breaking another hallway rule. 

One Hot Mama

When I started telling people I was pregnant, everyone kept saying, "Oh you're so lucky you won't be pregnant during the summer because your hormones will give you hot flashes."  Well I have spent the entire winter freezing my butt off (and yes I know it's Texas so it isn't that cold) waiting for these hot flashes to kick in.  I sat in my pitiful little classroom in an uninsulated portable building from 1978 wrapped in a snuggie wondering when I might feel my fingers again.  I cranked up the heater at home before Rocky got off work and sipped hot cocoa just to take the chill off my bones.  I slept in pajama pants and long sleeves snuggled under the covers all night and took hot showers the next morning trying to store up some heat for the long cold days.  I put on layers of clothes, scarves, and jackets before facing the day.  Finally, I decided that my internal heater was broken, and I gave up hope of every lighting the pilot.  

Be careful what you wish for.  About a week ago, I woke up one night sweaty and gross so the next night I slept in a tank top and shorts.  Again, I woke up sweaty and gross.  We tried turning the air down, but I still woke up sweaty and gross in the middle of the night so I stripped off my pj and tried sleeping al naturale.  My husband was pretty excited about this approach, but it didn't work.  Nothing worked.  This continued night after night so I decided last night I would stopped sleeping under the covers all together.  I piled them at the foot of the bed and fell asleep.  This morning... I woke up sweaty and gross.  So, it would seem that my heater did finally turn on.  Now, does anyone know how to turn if off?     

I Stole Milk from a Kindergartner Today

So I officially have a problem.  I've mentioned before that I crave milk in a ridiculous way.  Rocky jokes that we should buy a cow because it would be cheaper.  Last weekend we bought 2 gallons at Costco and although we were out of town all weekend, they are still long gone.  So I stopped at HEB yesterday afternoon to buy another gallon and I noticed this morning that it is more than halfway gone... and Rocky is out of town so it is all me.  Still, I wasn't too worried about it until this morning when I realized I have hit an all time low.  This morning I hijacked a couple of kindergartner in the hall who were returning the breakfast bags to the cafeteria.  "What's in your bag?" I asked the first one.  "Breakfast," she answered, clearly confused.  As a teacher I should know that it's the breakfast bag.  "I know, but do you have the food bag or the milk bag?"  Without waiting for a reply I rip open the top and find a bag of individual cereals.  I dismiss her and move on to the second kindergartner who isn't sure what to think about the crazy teacher raiding the breakfast bags.  I don't even bother to talk to her about her bag.  I just pull it open to reveal a bag o' milk.  "Bingo!" I announced as I snag a milk.  I barely make it around the corner before it is open and I am chugging straight from the gross little cardboard box.  My only regret was that I didn't grab more than one. 

What's Your Sign

Since this little guy is constantly moving, I thought I would check out his astrological sign and see what we are in for once he arrives. I definitely don't live by the zodiac, but I have found that the descriptions of the signs are interesting and usually pretty accurate. If he arrives on time, he will be an Aries.

"Aries are fire signs and those born under this element are regarded in astrology as adventurous, active and outgoing. Aries is a uniquely naive sign. Although they are independent, outgoing and assertive they are also surprisingly trusting, often innocently walking into the lion's den at times. No matter what upheaval, challenge or triumph they confront - an Aries has a wonderful ability to bounce back. Their faith in life and the future remains untouched by hardship. Their gift is that they are always children at heart and the world is always a magical place for them. Many famous sports people are born under this sign. Aries is regarded as the most physical sign and because of its Mar's rulership it is also one of the most highly charged masculine energy signs in astrology. For the Aries male, a woman has to be a real woman to deal with him, because he is looking for many balancing component traits (his true feminine side) in his partner.

Aries people are 'doers' rather than 'talkers'. They are the impulsive, act first, ask questions or have doubts later, sign of the zodiac. That's why their lives are often filled with many dramas and sometimes even accidents! Their ability to live life close to the edge provides them with a wealth of 'real experience' to call upon. When an Aries person talks about something or somewhere they've usually done it or been there, rather than simply read about it in a book. Being active people Aries can't adapt to any kind of restriction, particularly possessive relationships. They often travel to escape any feelings of being stuck or possessed. Aries people love challenges. In fact, if everything is running smoothly, they are quite capable of going out and doing something (sometimes quite foolish) to rock the boat. Aries love to race in where angels fear to tread."

According to the Chinese calendar he will be a Dragon.

"The Dragon is one of the most powerful and lucky Signs of the Chinese Zodiac. Its warm heart makes the Dragon's brash, fiery energy far more palatable. This is a giving, intelligent and tenacious Sign that knows exactly what it wants and is determined to get it. Dragons possess a certain natural, charming charisma that ensures they can always influence their peers and often find themselves the center of attention in social situations. Its ego can get in the Dragon's way, but even so, this larger-than-life creature has a knack for initiating projects and keeping the troops motivated. According to Dragons, it's their natural born right to lead the way -- because who else could do it so surely and so well? The role of leader is the only one the Dragon wants, the better from which to give orders and be king of the hill. They make solid leaders, too, knowing instinctively what needs to be done to stay on top. Crossing the Dragon is never a good idea -- this beast can singe! A valuable life lesson for this clever creature would be to absorb the principles of flexibility, compassion and tolerance. If Dragons can learn to balance their quest for success with an appreciation for the little things, their life will be more than worthwhile."

So regardless, it sounds like we are in for some trouble with this one. 

He has nipples, let him do it...

We finally attended our breastfeeding class and being that I'm really not that modest, I didn't think anything about it until we arrived.  There were boobs everywhere and frankly it made me a little uncomfortable.  Boob posters, rubber boobs, boob handouts, even knitted boobs.  Then there were the weird boob contraptions: nipple shields, pads, tubes and of course, the videos.  To make matters worse, our instructor kept demonstrating with her own boob which was weird on a whole other level.  It was like porn for babies.  Rocky and I giggled through the entire class, clearly demonstrating our maturity as parents.  And if I need boobs as big as the ones in the video, our baby is going to starve.  Those things were huge!  She literally could stand at the side of the crib and hang it over into the baby's mouth.  Dear Lord, please don't let my boobs get that big.  I don't think I could support them.  We also established that absolutely NO ONE will be allowed to stay in the room at feeding time once Jake arrives.  Holy cow!  I can do without the audience now that I know what a production the whole thing is.  In fact, I think I'll let Rocky handle the feedings.  He has nipples, let him do it. 

Pineapples, Butter, and Peeing

The belly now qualifies as ginormous!  Holy cow.  I can't get up off the couch without a push from Rocky.  I have to roll out of bed and I'm trying really hard to teach Aisha how to tie my shoes.    

Belly at 31 Weeks (in a different tank!)

I have entered the bargaining phase.  I have offered this baby just about any and everything if he will make his appearance during spring break.  37 weeks... perfect timing.  My new craving is fresh pineapple.  I eat about 1 every few days.  I am polishing one off right now as I type one handed.  Interesting because I just received and email saying my baby is the size of a pineapple.

This pineapple is apparently taking up so much room there is none left for my bladder.  I got up a whopping 4 times last night to pee.  I pee and then when I stand up to pull up my pants, I already need to pee again.  I try to keep my eyes closed while peeing so that I don't fully wake up, but then I start to wonder if I am actually peeing in my bed in some kind of dream, which completely wakes me up.  I now  also have to limit myself to 2-3 squares of toilet paper each time, otherwise we'd go broke just buying toilet paper.  

Oh and then there is the nipple cream.  As if having to put "belly butter" on every day wasn't bad enough, I now have to lube up my nipples to prepare them.  Prepare them for what?!  I'm pretty sure no amount of attention is going to get them ready to turn into utters.  They are already pornographic, but now they get to be shiny and smooth.  Arg.  I need a full time assistant just to slather on all the butters and creams I have to put on in a day.  And while they're at it, maybe they could run the vacuum.

Sneak Peak

We weren't scheduled for another ultrasound, but thanks to a pesky gallbladder I went in this morning for a quickie.  I was bummed to find out that there were  no doctor's orders to get measurements on the baby so we were just looking at my organs.  However, my super cool tech took pity on me and gave me a little peak.  He was sound asleep (probably because he was up all night moving and kicking) and we got a pretty good shot of his little face.  He has definitely put some weight on and no longer looks like a little alien.  In fact, it looks like he has chubby little cheeks already!

TMI

So I put off blogging about this topic for a while hoping it would subside, but that is not the case.  And in the interest of full disclosure as I vowed when I began this blog, it is necessary I now discuss a new topic. 

Apparently, carrying a boy actually turns you into a boy.  I like to think that I have manners and am somewhat refined when it comes to social niceties, but all that has gone out the window.  Specifically in regards to farting.  I have never in my life had so much gas! 

A few days ago I was walking the aisles of Hobby Lobby, minding my own business when one just came out!  I didn't even know it was coming!  And they aren't quiet.  The days of silently letting one go and then walking away are over.  No, they announce their presence loudly, like a fog horn.  I'm pretty sure the lady on the next aisle over heard.  At first I was mortified, but it is becoming so common I almost don't even notice anymore.  I'm like an 80 year old man!    

Last week, I was sleeping soundly and farted so loud in bed that I woke myself, Rocky, and the dog.  I'm surprised it didn't blow the covers off the bed.  And yesterday, sitting at my desk, I let one go that was a good 10 seconds long.  Thank heavens my portable mates weren't there. 

It is so bad that last night I rolled over to get comfy in bed and I backed up to Rocky to get warm.  This is something I do on a regular basis only this time he didn't snuggle.  He sat up and yelled, "Don't point that thing at me!" 

Again I say... this better be one cute baby!!

More of the Same

This has been the week from hell quite literally.  I find myself slammed at work all of the sudden due to someone else's mistakes which is always fun.  So, as of Monday, my co-worker Amanda and I have taken over a fourth grade classroom full time in addition to our regular duties and responsibilities.  Good times. 

On an upside, I have made some progress with the nursery, although I am still waiting to see if my special project is going to work out or not.  I have some wall art and ideas coming together.  And, my sweet husband tweezed my hairy belly for me!

We are officially 29 weeks... only 11 to go!  The belly continues to get in the way.  It has a mind of its own now and jiggles and jumps all day long.  The doctor says he is head down so hopefully he will stay that way.  I do wear other outfits other than these pants and tank, but I thought it would make it easier to see change if I wore the same thing.  However, the pants are not as comfy as they once were and my belly hangs out the bottom of the stupid tank now.  So much for the LONG and lean tank.. thanks Target.

28 weeks 

We traveled to Houston this weekend for our second baby shower.  It was a lot of fun and we got some great gifts.  The most interesting part of the party was the onesie craft.  I have seen it done on TV, but I have never been to a party where everyone painted a onesie for the baby.

It was quite interesting with this colorful group... let's just say Jake will not be able to leave the house in most of them.  Even Rocky got in on the action and put a lot of thought and effort into his.

I now have a lot of baby laundry, which for some reason is more fun than normal laundry.  I anticipate that changing in about 2 months.  

Nursery in Progress

We have been hard at work on the nursery in the past few weeks.  Not really wanting a "baby-ish" theme we opted for brighter colors and simple bedding.  This is making decorating a little more difficult because I am having a hard time finding my vision.  I lost it somewhere between coats of paint, but I am diligently searching for it with the help of some very good friends (thanks, Tiff and Ryane!)

So the room started off a camel color from when it was the office.  Rocky suggested we (he) put up chair rail so we had to decide on the bottom color.  We went with a dark green from the bedding.  Once painted, I realized it looked a little bit like a camo color scheme and freaked.  I painted the top white (which looked terrible) only to discover I actually liked the original color. 

The room was a disaster and we had to try and maneuver around all the furniture in the middle of the room.  Just as luck would have it, the recliner came in that week, too, adding to the jumble of stuff.

Rocky used a nail gun during the process and the loud noise drove poor Aisha insane.  She started popping the door knob on the garage door (meaning she wanted to go out) so I opened it and she ran out and sat between the cars.  She refused to come in and spent about 30 minutes out there by herself, despite the fact that I left the door open for her. 

She finally came in once the noise died down, but she was a mess.  She stayed under my feet or in my lap the rest of the night.  I had to cook dinner with her sitting between me and the stove.

The colors looked a little less like hunting gear once the chair rail was up.  Rocky did an amazing job at cutting and installing all the pieces.  He is turning into a regular handyman!

The next step was to hang the wooden alphabet letters I have been working on.  They take up an entire wall and it took me forever to figure out how to arrange them.  They went a little high, but I had to consider little hands grabbing at them from the changing table.

The main thing left to do is add some decor.  I am focused primarily on the large blank wall right now.  I am considering a wall decal or a series of canvas paintings.  It's driving me nuts.  I also want to put up some shelving which will be a nightmare.  I just need to do a little more shopping... Rocky will be so excited!  



Random Updates

Well, things are moving right along.  We have made considerable progress in the nursery and once it is finished I will post pics for all to see.  Rocky did a great job with the chair rail.  I am currently trying to organize the massive letters of the alphabet on one wall.  I don't know if my OCD is helping or hindering the process...

My nesting, if that's what you want to call it, has been contagious.  Either that or my constant nagging and the growing pile of "stuff" that needed to go in the attic.  Rocky spent all day yesterday up there flooring it in so that all that junk would have a home since we lost an entire closet of space overnight thanks to Jake.  I also came across a blog full of great household ideas, one of which I implemented with great success.  The idea is to do one major chore each day (max 15 minutes) and in doing so your house is clean all the time.  I was skeptical, but I worked out a schedule (and yes, I printed and posted it in the laundry room) and I started following it.  I have been pleasantly surprised at how great it works out and it allows me to have my weekends open for relaxing rather than cleaning the entire house.  I highly recommend it!

On the belly front, I'm pretty sure my boobs grew another few inches.  I think they attribute to 50% of my weight gain.  From what I can tell, the baby spends most of his time upside down with his feet in my ribs.  I have a constant uncomfortableness that is making me nuts.  And I'm pretty sure I can out fart my husband at this point.  Sometimes they sneak out and I don't even know they're coming and it's getting more and more difficult to convince Rocky it was the dog.

We started thinking about child care for August and it is a lot more unsettling than I expected.  Best case, we hire a nanny which is WAY out of the budget.  If we could find another family and do a "nanny share" it would be perfect, but so far that isn't working out.  We are weighing out options.

On the bright side, this little situation did motivate me, however, to get on top of a project I have been putting off for a while.  For several years I have played with the notion of creating a teaching website full of resources that could somehow make me money.  I originally thought it could just be spending money, but now I really want for it to take off and allow me to work from home, at least part time.  I started researching because I really didn't want to exploit teachers.  We are all doing the best we can with what we have and sharing ideas and resources among colleagues shouldn't cost money.  I'm hoping that by sticking to my morals I have some good karma coming my way.  I am now diligently building this website from the ground up (which is really a big pain because I know precious little about HTML) in the hopes of making something amazing out of it.  Cross your fingers, say your prayers, and anything else that might send a little luck my way.  It is a lot more work than I thought it would be in the beginning, but it is starting to at least take shape so we shall see how it goes.

The Hair "Down There"

We made it to 26 weeks!  The belly seems HUGE now, but I guess it's all relative.  Jake is about 2 pounds now and around 14 inches long according to the baby books.  He definitely moves more and more these days and it is very noticeable.  Yesterday he was sticking out of my side under my ribs.  Good times. 

25 Weeks

The newest development is my extremely over zealous hair growth.  My sister has had to stay on top of my haircuts to prevent me from looking too shaggy.  She gave me a really cute cut last month and within a week it had grown out beyond recognition.  I just went back in over the holidays to have it thinned and it still takes a half hour to blow dry.  My leg hair needs to be shaved about three times a week, but bending over isn't as easy as it used to be so we average about once a week.  I'm sure my bikini area is out of control, but I haven't seen it in about a month, so we'll just have to guess on that one.  I'm considering scheduling a waxing appointment soon just to keep things tidy.  The most entertaining hair growth, however, has been the new ring of hair growing around my belly button, which is still an innie, but just barely.  You know when you are out running errands and you see that one guy at the store with random hairs sticking out of the top of his T-shirt and you are a little grossed out... well that's my belly.  It looks like Random Back Hair Guy.  And just for fun, I'm going to show it off.  I'm finding the farther along I get, the less dignity I have, so for your viewing pleasure...

I feel like I should be driving an 18 wheeler, eating a corn dog and drinking Natural Light at a rest stop somewhere in Tucson.  I wonder if I can have my belly waxed when I go in for my bikini area...