31 Weeks!

I'm back! Did you miss me? Well, I missed you.

Total weight gain/loss: I don't even care anymore. I still feel really small for how far along I am, so I figure numbers don't matter.
Maternity clothes? :-)
Sleep: I didn't sleep at all this past week at my parents'. I just couldn't get comfy. So I slept REALLY well back in my own bed last night. It felt great!
Best moment this week: A whole week at home with my mom's cooking. No work. Nothing that had to be done.
Other best moment this week: A third shower! My mom's friends are the greatest.
Movement: My little sea serpent is writhing around in there almost constantly. And she's finally letting Hubby feel all her rolls! So actually, here is the Best moment this pregnancy: Hubby's face lighting up like a Christmas tree when he felt her move a few days ago. Now I know that he was lying to me about feeling her all those other times I put his hand on my tummy. A good sport :-)
Food cravings: M&M's (the Christmas ones are out!), hamburgers, milkshakes, salad
Gender: GIRL!!!
Labor signs: I've had some tightening, usually when I really have to pee. But nothing painful, nothing regular, and nothing lasting.
Belly button? Still not completely popped out...
What I miss: This past week, I was missing pumpkin beer. But I also still miss bending over. And SLEEP.
Weekly wisdom: Eat what you want. What does it matter in the end anyway?
Milestones: Daddy felt his little girl!

31 Weeks!

I'm back! Did you miss me? Well, I missed you.

Total weight gain/loss: I don't even care anymore. I still feel really small for how far along I am, so I figure numbers don't matter.
Maternity clothes? :-)
Sleep: I didn't sleep at all this past week at my parents'. I just couldn't get comfy. So I slept REALLY well back in my own bed last night. It felt great!
Best moment this week: A whole week at home with my mom's cooking. No work. Nothing that had to be done.
Other best moment this week: A third shower! My mom's friends are the greatest.
Movement: My little sea serpent is writhing around in there almost constantly. And she's finally letting Hubby feel all her rolls! So actually, here is the Best moment this pregnancy: Hubby's face lighting up like a Christmas tree when he felt her move a few days ago. Now I know that he was lying to me about feeling her all those other times I put his hand on my tummy. A good sport :-)
Food cravings: M&M's (the Christmas ones are out!), hamburgers, milkshakes, salad
Gender: GIRL!!!
Labor signs: I've had some tightening, usually when I really have to pee. But nothing painful, nothing regular, and nothing lasting.
Belly button? Still not completely popped out...
What I miss: This past week, I was missing pumpkin beer. But I also still miss bending over. And SLEEP.
Weekly wisdom: Eat what you want. What does it matter in the end anyway?
Milestones: Daddy felt his little girl!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Dinner last night was great. And now I'm sitting at my parents' kitchen table. NOT writing my 20 page paper that's due. Nor am I writing my 15 page paper that's due.

I need some sort of wonder cure for procrastination...

Happy Thanksgiving!

Dinner last night was great. And now I'm sitting at my parents' kitchen table. NOT writing my 20 page paper that's due. Nor am I writing my 15 page paper that's due.

I need some sort of wonder cure for procrastination...

A few days off

Hello from my parent's family room! I am happily off from work for the WHOLE WEEK!! No work, no school.

Well, a little school... I have two papers to research and write while I'm here! So if I'm a little quiet over the next few days, it's because I am enjoying my time away from the computer... and possibly doing a little of my long-neglected homework.

Things I am excited for:
TURKEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!
BABY SHOWER!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'll be sure to post about the shower sometime next week :-)

A few days off

Hello from my parent's family room! I am happily off from work for the WHOLE WEEK!! No work, no school.

Well, a little school... I have two papers to research and write while I'm here! So if I'm a little quiet over the next few days, it's because I am enjoying my time away from the computer... and possibly doing a little of my long-neglected homework.

Things I am excited for:
TURKEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!
BABY SHOWER!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'll be sure to post about the shower sometime next week :-)

Two Down!

I have now been celebrated at TWO showers! My coworkers gave me the sweetest little shower Tuesday afternoon. Pink cupcakes and all! With all the showering going on, Lulu and I have been feeling very special.

Because we are special. :-)

We are also making out like bandits! You should see all the loot filling Lulu's room. And there will be more after next week! My mom's friends are throwing me yet another shower when I am there for the holidays!!

And did I mention I'm taking all of next week off from work? I can't wait. I so desperately need a few mornings to sleep in! Well, that and the time to start the two papers I have due at the beginning of December. I'm in denial over them.

Two Down!

I have now been celebrated at TWO showers! My coworkers gave me the sweetest little shower Tuesday afternoon. Pink cupcakes and all! With all the showering going on, Lulu and I have been feeling very special.

Because we are special. :-)

We are also making out like bandits! You should see all the loot filling Lulu's room. And there will be more after next week! My mom's friends are throwing me yet another shower when I am there for the holidays!!

And did I mention I'm taking all of next week off from work? I can't wait. I so desperately need a few mornings to sleep in! Well, that and the time to start the two papers I have due at the beginning of December. I'm in denial over them.

Lulu is one lucky girl, with a very talented grandmother!
My mom painted the mural on the wall based on the fabric she found to handmake the curtains, bumpers and bedskirt. I am so impressed by how it turned out! I could never have made the room look half as good as my mom did!

Lulu is one lucky girl, with a very talented grandmother!
My mom painted the mural on the wall based on the fabric she found to handmake the curtains, bumpers and bedskirt. I am so impressed by how it turned out! I could never have made the room look half as good as my mom did!

Go me!

Even with my strict all-sugar diet, I only gained two pounds in the last three weeks! The nurse today let me see my starting number and current number, so I did out the math.

+23 pounds total!

Go me!

Even with my strict all-sugar diet, I only gained two pounds in the last three weeks! The nurse today let me see my starting number and current number, so I did out the math.

+23 pounds total!

29 Weeks!

Total weight gain/loss: Not a clue. I have an appt tomorrow...
Maternity clothes? :-)
Sleep: It's terrible. I lie awake for hours, and just get a little dozing in before sunrise. My back aches.
Best moment this week: Lulu's room is decorated! My mom made all the bedding with the cutest fabric - red stripe background (looks pink), with blue medallions with images of monkeys and giraffes. I LOVE IT! And since my mom is so talented, she painted the little scenes on one of the walls of the room! It looks amazing.
Other best moment this week: My first shower! My wonderful sister-in-law flew in from afar to host a shower in my honor with all my friends. It was at an adorable tea house the next town over. We received some really wonderful and thoughtful presents - and enjoyed delicious scones and cakes!
Another best moment this week: Hubby telling me that I need to ask for help more often. I quote: "Hun, I'm really glad you are staying so active. I don't want you to slow down, because it's good for you to keep doing things. But PLEASE, would you ask for help a little more often? It's ridiculous that you are trying to do SO much, when there are people around (me) who want to help!"
This is a big change from his usual, cavalier, you-can-do-it, self!
Movement: SOOOO active, it's nuts. And she even showed off a little for my mom (but still won't for her daddy).
Food cravings: M&M's (the Christmas ones are out!), hamburgers, milkshakes
Gender: GIRL!!!
Labor signs: No thank you!
Belly button? Getting closer to the surface...
What I miss: Bending over. It has gotten to the point where scrunching my tummy is really uncomfortable. And I'm having trouble sitting and then getting up again. And I got stuck when I thought I could squeeze through a spot and couldn't. This is all new in the last few days...
What I am looking forward to: My coworkers are giving me a shower on Tuesday! I'm very loved :-)
Weekly wisdom: Stop bending over. It's now time to ask for help - even for the silly little things.
Milestones: Lulu has a place to sleep whenever she decides to make her debut! (Hopefully not for another 8 to 11 weeks!)

29 Weeks!

Total weight gain/loss: Not a clue. I have an appt tomorrow...
Maternity clothes? :-)
Sleep: It's terrible. I lie awake for hours, and just get a little dozing in before sunrise. My back aches.
Best moment this week: Lulu's room is decorated! My mom made all the bedding with the cutest fabric - red stripe background (looks pink), with blue medallions with images of monkeys and giraffes. I LOVE IT! And since my mom is so talented, she painted the little scenes on one of the walls of the room! It looks amazing.
Other best moment this week: My first shower! My wonderful sister-in-law flew in from afar to host a shower in my honor with all my friends. It was at an adorable tea house the next town over. We received some really wonderful and thoughtful presents - and enjoyed delicious scones and cakes!
Another best moment this week: Hubby telling me that I need to ask for help more often. I quote: "Hun, I'm really glad you are staying so active. I don't want you to slow down, because it's good for you to keep doing things. But PLEASE, would you ask for help a little more often? It's ridiculous that you are trying to do SO much, when there are people around (me) who want to help!"
This is a big change from his usual, cavalier, you-can-do-it, self!
Movement: SOOOO active, it's nuts. And she even showed off a little for my mom (but still won't for her daddy).
Food cravings: M&M's (the Christmas ones are out!), hamburgers, milkshakes
Gender: GIRL!!!
Labor signs: No thank you!
Belly button? Getting closer to the surface...
What I miss: Bending over. It has gotten to the point where scrunching my tummy is really uncomfortable. And I'm having trouble sitting and then getting up again. And I got stuck when I thought I could squeeze through a spot and couldn't. This is all new in the last few days...
What I am looking forward to: My coworkers are giving me a shower on Tuesday! I'm very loved :-)
Weekly wisdom: Stop bending over. It's now time to ask for help - even for the silly little things.
Milestones: Lulu has a place to sleep whenever she decides to make her debut! (Hopefully not for another 8 to 11 weeks!)

Apologies!

Sorry to have not posted for so long. It's been a busy week! Good busy, but busy nonetheless. I should have some great stuff to post tomorrow or Monday :-)

Apologies!

Sorry to have not posted for so long. It's been a busy week! Good busy, but busy nonetheless. I should have some great stuff to post tomorrow or Monday :-)

28 Weeks!

Total weight gain/loss: I'm still saying +26. My scale at home has been saying the same number for weeks (+20). And appears to be about 5 lbs lower than the scale at the Dr. I like my scale better.
Maternity clothes? :-)
Sleep: I would love some.
Best moment this week: Hubby mopped the kitchen for me before I even woke up Saturday morning. He's the best.
Movement: SOOOO active, it's nuts. I love watching her wriggles and rolls.
Food cravings: M&M's (the Christmas ones are out!), hamburgers, milkshakes
Gender: GIRL!!!
Labor signs: No thank you!
Belly button? Getting closer to the surface...
What I miss: Having time (and motivation) to get my schoolwork done. By time, I mean that OMG the end of the semester is rapidly approaching!
What I am looking forward to: My mom is coming this weekend! With furniture for Lulu's room!
Weekly wisdom: Deep breath. It'll all get done. And if it doesn't, it'll be ok.
Milestones: Third trimester! 12 weeks to go!! (At least, hopefully no fewer than 9 and no more than 12 - let's be on time, Lulu!)

28 Weeks!

Total weight gain/loss: I'm still saying +26. My scale at home has been saying the same number for weeks (+20). And appears to be about 5 lbs lower than the scale at the Dr. I like my scale better.
Maternity clothes? :-)
Sleep: I would love some.
Best moment this week: Hubby mopped the kitchen for me before I even woke up Saturday morning. He's the best.
Movement: SOOOO active, it's nuts. I love watching her wriggles and rolls.
Food cravings: M&M's (the Christmas ones are out!), hamburgers, milkshakes
Gender: GIRL!!!
Labor signs: No thank you!
Belly button? Getting closer to the surface...
What I miss: Having time (and motivation) to get my schoolwork done. By time, I mean that OMG the end of the semester is rapidly approaching!
What I am looking forward to: My mom is coming this weekend! With furniture for Lulu's room!
Weekly wisdom: Deep breath. It'll all get done. And if it doesn't, it'll be ok.
Milestones: Third trimester! 12 weeks to go!! (At least, hopefully no fewer than 9 and no more than 12 - let's be on time, Lulu!)

Feeling Better

I am not sure what I would do without To-Do lists. They make me sane. On the other hand, sometimes To-Do lists are exactly what triggers my outbursts of panic and insanity. I think that the three-page (typed) To-Do list, partnered with Professor Devil Incarnate are what set me off the other day.

Thankfully, I have the best Hubby in the world. Before I had even crawled out of bed yesterday morning, he was halfway through mopping the kitchen. With white tiles (not my choice), a big dog, and red clay soil, mopping is never an easy feat. And he got those tiles whiter than I have seen them in years! Must be from pouring undiluted bleach directly onto the floor... Don't worry, I hid upstairs with the windows open until the house aired out a bit!

Hubby continued his greatness by dusting the downstairs (again, dog + red clay soil = disaster), cleaning our room, bathing the dog (see above), and doing 4 loads of laundry.

I added by finally getting Lulu's room completely emptied out and vacuumed. And with that, an enormous portion of the To-Do list is done!

I still have three papers left to write. I originally had four, but I realized that the one paper doesn't have a due date (a rewrite for my programs writing requirement), and that I was being unrealistic and unfair to myself to think I could have a draft ready to take to the writing center by Wednesday. I'm going to cancel that appointment, and hold off on further drafts until I get the other three done.

Part of sanity of staying realistic.

Please remind me of this lesson in a few months when I'm trying to be Mother of the Year, and am left weeping at 4am with a crying baby.

Feeling Better

I am not sure what I would do without To-Do lists. They make me sane. On the other hand, sometimes To-Do lists are exactly what triggers my outbursts of panic and insanity. I think that the three-page (typed) To-Do list, partnered with Professor Devil Incarnate are what set me off the other day.

Thankfully, I have the best Hubby in the world. Before I had even crawled out of bed yesterday morning, he was halfway through mopping the kitchen. With white tiles (not my choice), a big dog, and red clay soil, mopping is never an easy feat. And he got those tiles whiter than I have seen them in years! Must be from pouring undiluted bleach directly onto the floor... Don't worry, I hid upstairs with the windows open until the house aired out a bit!

Hubby continued his greatness by dusting the downstairs (again, dog + red clay soil = disaster), cleaning our room, bathing the dog (see above), and doing 4 loads of laundry.

I added by finally getting Lulu's room completely emptied out and vacuumed. And with that, an enormous portion of the To-Do list is done!

I still have three papers left to write. I originally had four, but I realized that the one paper doesn't have a due date (a rewrite for my programs writing requirement), and that I was being unrealistic and unfair to myself to think I could have a draft ready to take to the writing center by Wednesday. I'm going to cancel that appointment, and hold off on further drafts until I get the other three done.

Part of sanity of staying realistic.

Please remind me of this lesson in a few months when I'm trying to be Mother of the Year, and am left weeping at 4am with a crying baby.

OM FREAKING G

Babies are forever. You can't give them back at the end of the night and get $20 in return for your services.

And they don't just stay babies, either. They become children who talk and do things. And you still can't give them back.

I'm seriously freaking out.

OM FREAKING G

Babies are forever. You can't give them back at the end of the night and get $20 in return for your services.

And they don't just stay babies, either. They become children who talk and do things. And you still can't give them back.

I'm seriously freaking out.

The Worst Class Ever.

I'm a graduate student. I'm not sure if I had mentioned that before. But yes, working full time, growing a person, and taking two classes a semester. I must be nuts.

For the most part, graduate school has been a good experience. I have enjoyed my classes, met a few great people, and have learned a lot. Enter one of my two classes this semester.

EPIC. SUCK.

Besides having absolutely no relevance to anything at all, this is the worst class I have ever taken in any of my many years of schooling. The professor is completely self-righteous and egotistical. He spends all class (two hours once a week) rattling off his accomplishments in the field (a field that doesn't exactly exist, I'll add). We are not being tested on any of the "lecture" material, and nothing he says can add any substance to the 20-page paper we have to write by December 2nd.

(And here's where I get to the meat of my frustration):
He does, however, reserve an entire 10% of our grade for "class participation." I'm not sure exactly what he means by this. He doesn't ask questions and there's no chance for anyone to pipe up during lecture anyway. Does class participation mean showing up? Then I get a solid A.

He did specifically invite us to comment during last night's class. So, when Professor Fullofhimself said something blatantly wrong last night, I poked my little hand into the air. He saw it, I know he did. He made eye contact with me! A full five minutes later (I'm a clock watcher), he finally called on me. I said a whole 5 words of my thought - and he completely interrupted me! Blatantly cut me off mid-sentence and started explaining why I was wrong.

Why ask for opinions if you're not going to listen to them?

I was so angry, that I completely shut off for the remainder of class. And by the time I got home (at 10pm), I burst into tears. AND realized that I pay $3,000 for a class that has absolutely no value. I couldn't sleep last night. And I'm still seething this morning.

And here's the thing of it. I'm not a confrontational person, but I actually DO want to confront this professor about his behavior. But I'm so afraid of hurting my grade (because that's the kind of jack ass he is), that I don't feel that I can say anything to him at all. So I'm going to spend my morning drafting a calm but heartfelt email to send to the head of the department.

No one should ever feel this way about a class or professor, no matter how much they are paying in tuition.

The Worst Class Ever.

I'm a graduate student. I'm not sure if I had mentioned that before. But yes, working full time, growing a person, and taking two classes a semester. I must be nuts.

For the most part, graduate school has been a good experience. I have enjoyed my classes, met a few great people, and have learned a lot. Enter one of my two classes this semester.

EPIC. SUCK.

Besides having absolutely no relevance to anything at all, this is the worst class I have ever taken in any of my many years of schooling. The professor is completely self-righteous and egotistical. He spends all class (two hours once a week) rattling off his accomplishments in the field (a field that doesn't exactly exist, I'll add). We are not being tested on any of the "lecture" material, and nothing he says can add any substance to the 20-page paper we have to write by December 2nd.

(And here's where I get to the meat of my frustration):
He does, however, reserve an entire 10% of our grade for "class participation." I'm not sure exactly what he means by this. He doesn't ask questions and there's no chance for anyone to pipe up during lecture anyway. Does class participation mean showing up? Then I get a solid A.

He did specifically invite us to comment during last night's class. So, when Professor Fullofhimself said something blatantly wrong last night, I poked my little hand into the air. He saw it, I know he did. He made eye contact with me! A full five minutes later (I'm a clock watcher), he finally called on me. I said a whole 5 words of my thought - and he completely interrupted me! Blatantly cut me off mid-sentence and started explaining why I was wrong.

Why ask for opinions if you're not going to listen to them?

I was so angry, that I completely shut off for the remainder of class. And by the time I got home (at 10pm), I burst into tears. AND realized that I pay $3,000 for a class that has absolutely no value. I couldn't sleep last night. And I'm still seething this morning.

And here's the thing of it. I'm not a confrontational person, but I actually DO want to confront this professor about his behavior. But I'm so afraid of hurting my grade (because that's the kind of jack ass he is), that I don't feel that I can say anything to him at all. So I'm going to spend my morning drafting a calm but heartfelt email to send to the head of the department.

No one should ever feel this way about a class or professor, no matter how much they are paying in tuition.

The Class

So... I went to the breastfeeding class by myself on Sunday. It actually was fine that Hubby wasn't there, so thanks for the support!

The class itself was informative, but not exactly the most earth-shattering 2-hour session I've been to. The teacher talked about how to get a proper latch, and how to tell if the baby is not latched properly. There was a video to help show this - which was very helpful. Some information on what to do if ___. Some information (I expected this) on why breastfeeding is the best thing in the world and how can you love your baby if you don't do it.

Let's be realistic people. I want to breastfeed my baby. It is good for the baby. It is good for the mom. It is less expensive (in the long run). And so many other things. But if my baby isn't getting enough food, I'm going to give her some formula! And once I go back to work, I have no idea if I'll be able to keep pumping. I work in a very supportive environment, so I'd like to think that I'll be able to pump. But I keep wondering where said pumping might occur! Definitely not at my cubicle (where I happen to be on the end. with a window onto a busy hallway). Definitely not in the file room (the only place near my desk with a door - and no cameras!). Definitely not in either of the glass-walled conference rooms. This leaves the bathroom. Where there is no place to sit. So we'll see.

Things that I did get out of the class? A very heartwarming feeling about the hospital at which I will be delivering. I have wanted to have Lulu placed on me all slimey and wonderful immediately after her birth. I have wanted to be able to hold her for as long as possible before the exams and bath. I have wanted to feed her as soon as possible.

And the hospital fully supports and encourages these actions. Insert relieved smile.

The Class

So... I went to the breastfeeding class by myself on Sunday. It actually was fine that Hubby wasn't there, so thanks for the support!

The class itself was informative, but not exactly the most earth-shattering 2-hour session I've been to. The teacher talked about how to get a proper latch, and how to tell if the baby is not latched properly. There was a video to help show this - which was very helpful. Some information on what to do if ___. Some information (I expected this) on why breastfeeding is the best thing in the world and how can you love your baby if you don't do it.

Let's be realistic people. I want to breastfeed my baby. It is good for the baby. It is good for the mom. It is less expensive (in the long run). And so many other things. But if my baby isn't getting enough food, I'm going to give her some formula! And once I go back to work, I have no idea if I'll be able to keep pumping. I work in a very supportive environment, so I'd like to think that I'll be able to pump. But I keep wondering where said pumping might occur! Definitely not at my cubicle (where I happen to be on the end. with a window onto a busy hallway). Definitely not in the file room (the only place near my desk with a door - and no cameras!). Definitely not in either of the glass-walled conference rooms. This leaves the bathroom. Where there is no place to sit. So we'll see.

Things that I did get out of the class? A very heartwarming feeling about the hospital at which I will be delivering. I have wanted to have Lulu placed on me all slimey and wonderful immediately after her birth. I have wanted to be able to hold her for as long as possible before the exams and bath. I have wanted to feed her as soon as possible.

And the hospital fully supports and encourages these actions. Insert relieved smile.

27 Weeks!

Please excuse the bad picture - I took this with my phone!

Total weight gain/loss: I'm gonna throw out +26 and be done with it.

Maternity clothes? :-)

Sleep: Terrible. I just want to sleep on my back or right side. Back is out, since it's just plum not allowed, and right side is out because my ribs are freaking killing me on that side!

Best moment this week: PASSING THE GLUCOSE TEST!!!

Movement: My little wiggle worm... I just wish she'd find someplace other than my ribs to kick!

Food cravings: Last night I would have killed for a pizza with gummy bears and ice cream. But in general, I really love cheeseburgers and milkshakes.

Gender: GIRL!!!

Labor signs: No thank you!

Belly button? Getting closer to the surface...

What I miss: Sleep. On my back. And on my right side. And in any form that doesn't make me more tired when I wake up.

What I am looking forward to: Third trimester! Almost there!

Weekly wisdom: Try not to eat every piece of candy in sight. And if given the opportunity to eat FOUR WHOLE CUPCAKES, try to limit yourself. The sugar crash isn't worth it.

Milestones: Third tri in T-minus 6 days!!

27 Weeks!

Please excuse the bad picture - I took this with my phone!

Total weight gain/loss: I'm gonna throw out +26 and be done with it.

Maternity clothes? :-)

Sleep: Terrible. I just want to sleep on my back or right side. Back is out, since it's just plum not allowed, and right side is out because my ribs are freaking killing me on that side!

Best moment this week: PASSING THE GLUCOSE TEST!!!

Movement: My little wiggle worm... I just wish she'd find someplace other than my ribs to kick!

Food cravings: Last night I would have killed for a pizza with gummy bears and ice cream. But in general, I really love cheeseburgers and milkshakes.

Gender: GIRL!!!

Labor signs: No thank you!

Belly button? Getting closer to the surface...

What I miss: Sleep. On my back. And on my right side. And in any form that doesn't make me more tired when I wake up.

What I am looking forward to: Third trimester! Almost there!

Weekly wisdom: Try not to eat every piece of candy in sight. And if given the opportunity to eat FOUR WHOLE CUPCAKES, try to limit yourself. The sugar crash isn't worth it.

Milestones: Third tri in T-minus 6 days!!