This baby is grounded!

My good friend and former "employer" (the lady I used to babysit for) is a nurse at our local hospital and gave me a tour yesterday of Labor & Delivery (which is where she works).

There was something she told me that makes me just a little anxious. Babies that are born before 34 weeks are shipped down to Denver. Without the mother. Not cool. I know he'd be in very good hands down there should he (Heaven forbid) have to go, but I would probably be committed to the 5th floor (psych ward) before my hospital stay was over. So, I am officially grounding this baby to my womb until he's at LEAST 35 weeks. At LEAST!!

So, if you're the praying type, it would be nice if you could send a few my way. N was born at 35 weeks, but my pregnancy wasn't even close to normal. I just don't want to do that again. It's one thing to have the baby in a state where you don't live, but for your baby to be in a state where you're not, would be horrible. So far, everything's been so normal, and I'm so grateful. It still almost worries me, though. Everytime my life seems "normal", some big trial gets thrown at me. I'm going to ask for a blessing Sunday to calm my nerves (which really aren't SO frazzled, just for peace of mind) and to encourage this little one to stay put for a few more weeks.

On a lighter note:
It was nice to be able to see where I need to go (I didn't even know what floor it was on) and get an idea of what'll happen as I've never had a planned c-section before. We got to see the waiting rooms, recovery rooms, nursery, the outside of surgery, and all kinds of other things. My kids got to look through the windows of the nursery and see two tiny little babins. They were so cute and tiny! I'm so excited! I'm a little perturbed that I won't get to hold mine or really see him for about TWO WHOLE HOURS AFTER the surgery, but I know they have their procedures so I'll try to keep my stubborn impatience to myself. (A little history: When I was "coming to" after my c-section with N, I vaguely remember roughly demanding they let me see my baby... M says I was swearing at the nurse... I remember her being not so gentle with me... LOL But, it worked. Hey, I was out of it, I didn't know I had even HAD my baby. I needed proof!)

Also, since M's a little bit of a hospital-phobe and won't be in the operating room with me (unless they want to clean up M and his puke off the floor) C, my friend, offered to be there with me. I thought that was so wonderful! I love this woman! She gave me the name of a pediatrician, which I STILL don't have, even though we've lived here for almost three years and told me everything I'll need to do to prepare. So nice to know these things more than a day in advance!

It was, overall, a very good, very informative visit and I just can't wait!!! (Ok, so maybe I can.)

Will she EVER stop talking about this???

Nope! At least not for 8 more weeks! (Then the subject matter may change a LITTLE.)

I'm 31 weeks now! Yay!

Went to the doctor yesterday, and everything is still blissfully normal! Blood pressure was 116/70, excellent! Sugars not too high, awesome! Belly measuring where it should be, wonderful! Heart beat strong, baby moving a LOT, not too much swelling... so SO good! And, I've even lost 3 lbs.! I know that's not really something pregnant women SHOULD be doing, but that's normal for me and the doctor's glad I'm not gaining weight as a sign of being a diabetic or something.

And next time, M will get to go with me again and we'll be having ANOTHER ultra sound! Woohoo!

I can't believe it's getting so close!! Yay!!!

http://3dpregnancy.parentsconnect.com/calendar/31-weeks-pregnant.html

8 Things about me... Tagged again!

I read Rosa's, so I'm the lucky one now:

8 Favorite TV Shows
1. House
2. Bones
3. Fringe
4. Lie to Me (Only saw it once so far, but MAN that was good!)
5. SpongeBob
6. Knight Rider (The new version)
7. hmmm... can't think of anymore...
8. Who'd have thought I could come up with this many? We don't even have cable/TV!

8 Things I Did Yesterday
1. Went to the doctor
2. Did the dishes
3. Did some laundry
4. Read some more of my book
5. Had an excellent (UNINTERRUPTED) (GROWN-UP) conversation with my husband
6. Watched Fringe online
7. Showered
8. YW Presidency meeting

8 Things I Am Looking Forward To
1. March 26th
2. Holding my new baby
3. Seeing my husband hold our new baby
4. Seeing my kids hold our new baby
5. Tax Refund
6. My husband's review
7. Our house biggy-sized (I'll get my sewing room!)
8. Warm weather

8 Favorite Restaurants
1. Olive Garden
2. Trail Dust
3. Casa Del Sol (Buena Vista, CO)
4. Applebee's
5. Chipotle
6. Boston Market
7. Woody's
8. The barbeque place in Port Orchard, WA just off the water... mmm mmm!

8 Things On My Wish List
1. No Debt
2. A ranch style house
3. New carpet
4. Home improvements finished and paid for
5. Savings
6. New computer
7. Bigger, better filing cabinet
8. Warmer weather
(I really had to search for answers 2-8... Makes me glad I'm happy with what I have!)


So, in keeping with prior posts of this, if you read this, you're tagged! (muah-ah-ah-ah!)

It's Thursday!

30 weeks, baby! Woohoo! 9 more weeks to go! (But who's counting?)

This was me 12/2/08:

This is me today:

http://3dpregnancy.parentsconnect.com/calendar/30-weeks-pregnant.html

Perhaps I should've posted this instead:

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was represented at inaugural events for President Barack Obama by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, second counselor in the First Presidency, and Elder M. Russell Ballard, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
“Elder M. Russell Ballard and I were very pleased to have been able to attend today’s historic inauguration of the 44th president of the United States of America. In doing so, we represented President Thomas S. Monson and the entire Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,” President Uchtdorf said.
“It was inspiring to be an eyewitness to this peaceful, impressive, transfer of power and the swearing-in of the first African American president. We pray for President Barack Obama’s success in these challenging times and join in his expressions of hope and optimism,” he said.
President Uchtdorf and Elder Ballard attended the swearing-in ceremony on January 20 and will attend the National Prayer Service at the Washington National Cathedral on January 21.
“It is always an honor for the Church to be represented at the inauguration of a new president,” said President Thomas S. Monson. “We send our best wishes to President Obama and pray for the blessings of a loving Father in Heaven to be upon him and his administration.”

If our Prophet can support our new President, so can I. I will pray for him and hope for the best. My husband was watching some of the things he's already done yesterday and was actually quite impressed. Maybe he'll be good for the economy, who knows. As far as yesterday's post on abortion, I really want to thank all those who commented. Especially those who provided info I was obviously too naive to look up myself. A clarification to the email I got is HERE. PLEASE check it out, as it really is good information. I still have to disagree with the whole abortion thing, but we all have our choices to make and will be held accountable. Anywho, check out the link I posted, it's much better than the info I had received.

Can we really make a difference? (A little bit of controversy...)

Sometimes I don't think it's possible, but when it comes to something I believe in strongly and feel that there are others out there who do, too, why not try? This is an email I got this morning:

"As most of you know, last night Obama made a public announcement that he is going to sign the Freedom Of Choice Act, which will allow all types of abortions including partial birth abortions, also allowing babies who are born alive due to botched up late term abortions, to be set aside without any medical care or nourishment and left to die (most of these babies have no medical problems and most of the ones that do, have things like cleft palates, club feet, things that are correctable, still they are murdered in the most cruel and inhuman way. They feel everything that is happening to them. There is more mercy for dogs that are put to sleep). This Bill also will make it mandatory for doctors and nurses to perform this murderous act even if they do not want to do so. This act also allows under age teens to have an abortion, even partial birth abortions, without parental consent. Catholic Bishops have pleaded with Obama not to go ahead with this horrible murder of innocent babies. They have also told Obama that if he persists in signing this Bill which would require even Catholic Hospitals to perform these acts of murder, they will have no choice but to close all Catholic Hospitals. Please let us join with these courageous Bishops who will go to any length to change Obama's mind. Please take a minute to sign this statement and let our voices be heard. This is a great, informative web site. (See below.) You can click on the video of Obama's speech to the Planned Parenthood group where he promised that the first thing he would do if elected President would be to sign the Freedom Of Choice Act. He isn't even in the White House yet and he made a statement last night that he will go forward with his plans to sign this outrageous bill. He still can change his mind because the Bill cannot be signed until he is actually the President. Please let your family and friends know about this Bill and ask them to also sign this petition. Even those who voted for Obama would not want him to sign this Bill. May God have mercy on our country for the sake of the millions who would never agree with this Bill if they fully understood all that it encompasses. Please click on the web site below. It will take less than a minute of your time, doesn't cost anything and God will bless you for standing up for Him and His teachings."

Now, I don't know if signing this petition will do anything, but I signed it anyway. What I would like to know is why can't they modify the bill? I know there are SOME cases where abortion is recommended or even necessary. I don't believe God sends down spirits to be born on this earth at random or by mistake. IF YOU DON'T WANT TO HAVE A BABY, DUMB HEADS, DON'T BE HAVING SEX. Sorry, I had to put that in. Common sense, you know?

"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is that good people do nothing."

http://www.fightfoca.com/

On this blessed, blessed day...

Inauguration day.

I, for one, will be praying for our President... something I've never really done before. (Or is it our nation I should be praying for?)

As an active member of my church (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints), I follow this guide:

"We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law."

On that note, I came across a mixture of quotes all wrapped up in one today that I thought would be appropriate to share... I've seperated them and added bold type and italics for emphasis:

"The laughter of the world is merely loneliness pathetically trying to reassure itself."

-Elder Neal A. Maxwell

"However out of step we (Latter Day Saints) may seem, however much the (our) standards are belittled, however much others yield, we will not yield, we cannot yield."

-President Boyd K. Packer

"The time has come when we must take an unyielding stand. We must shore up our spiritual underpinnings, listen to the prophets of God, and follow their counsel."
-W. Craig Zwick

Yeah. I don't think I need to add to that.

Lesson Learned

Last night, when I went to bed, I debated on setting my alarm so I could be up before the kids... I didn't set it, because it's Saturday and I didn't think being up before my kids was necessary. I could not have been more wrong. Seriously. Crazy thoughts like setting one's alarm on a Friday night should NOT be ignored... it's not just a fleeting thought... it's DIVINE INSPIRATION.

This morning, when I finally did wake up (8 something) I decided to get in the shower, then go upstairs to grace my kids' presence (who, by the way, woke up at 6:48am this morning). While in the shower, I recollected mornings past when I've simply been impatient my kids being kids so I prayed for patience. I don't normally do this because my theory is when you pray for something like patience, you're tested to BUILD said patience. I didn't want this, and made that quite clear in my prayer. (Not my will, but thine, right?) When I got out, I went upstairs in my robe, told them to clean the mess by the time I was dressed or no breakfast... just your typical huge mess including dozens of My Little Ponies and accessories, as well as my daughters make-up that she got for Christmas. (I know this is partially my fault for not being up to supervise, hence my not-yelling-calmness in doing so. But they really should know better... I would think.)

WELL, while I was getting dressed ever-so-slowly (big mistake, by the way... read on...) I heard massive amounts of giggles that lead me to believe cleaning was not their top priority. Then, the giggles stopped. My foolish thinking was maybe one of them is hungry and told the other to clean and so they are. One thing I've learned recently is that when my kids are left to their own design, disastrous things happen. You'd think I would remember this now and dress a little faster. Maybe I was in denial. I don't know.

So, I come upstairs. Toys are still on the floor. The first thing out of my son's mouth is "her fault". The first thing out of my daughter's mouth is "I got it mostly cleaned". I'm thinking they're talking about the toys. Not so. Upon closer inspection, I notice the mostly pink wet wash cloth in my daughter's hand. And this:







Apparently, I wasn't clear in my request for them to clean up. My guess is it sounded more like "throw the toys at each other as soon as I leave the room, including the nail polish some genious got you for Christmas until it hits the table, breaks, and spills all over the floor, chairs and table." I really need to watch what I say to my kids.

Yeah, who said giving a 5 year old MAKE-UP for Christmas was a bad idea?? NO ONE. And if they had, the fool who got it for her (if you haven't caught on by now, it was her MOTHER) wouldn't have listened anyway.

Almost an hour and about 1 cup of bleach water later, the carpet is mostly cleaned, with just a hint of a pinkish hue.





So, what lesson was learned? Not just one, my friends, but several, I'm afraid.


1. NEVER, EV-ER give a 5 year old make-up for Christmas.
2. NEVER, EV-ER pray for patience. (See above theory and how it was proven to be true.)
3. Better listen to mom when she says clean up or no breakfast. Yep, folks, I stuck to my word.
4. When you already know that kids left alone = disaster, LISTEN TO THAT VOICE THAT SAYS SET YOUR ALARM, EVEN IF IT IS A FRIDAY NIGHT, and dress quickly after a shower instead of giving the guilty more time for trouble-causing, even when your intent was to give them more time to clean.
5. Really, I set my kids up for this. How often do I do that? WAY too many times. I'M the one who should know better.


And the most important lesson, which occurred to me amongst my tears & bleach water concoction, prayers are indeed answered. I didn't yell once. Now this could be because I was beyond words, or that if I opened my mouth my kids may have heard words never before uttered in this house... either way, I was able to make my kids finish cleaning up the toys, get dressed and starve all without yelling. How about that?


The ironic thing? While I was in the shower, I was trying to think of things I could do with my kids today... and painting toes was on the list of brilliant things I came up with. Ha ha ha!!


And I thought I wouldn't have anything to blog about today...

Conversation with my 5 year old

Me: What'd you learn at school today?

N: Lots of stuff.

Me: (With lots of enthusiasm) Lots of stuff? So you're the smartest person in the world?

N: (Very nonchalantly) Mostly.


At least she's modest. ;)

Boring for you, exciting for me!

10 weeks to go!!

I'm 29 weeks today... here's the website I love:

http://3dpregnancy.parentsconnect.com/calendar/29-weeks-pregnant.html

Here's what Quin looks like-ish:

YAY!

Ode to Being a Mother

I've had a lot of time for thinking, lately, and one of the things that always is on my mind is what kind of mother I am and want to be. I (like many mothers, I'm sure) have felt a lot of guilt over the years for my failings as a mother. The other night, though, as I was praying (pleading, really) to my Heavenly Father for help in areas where I feel I'm lacking, a thought came to me. I know this thought is not from my own inner workings, and am truly grateful for this answer to my prayers. The thought was that I have been blessed with many talents and gifts, all which are needed to, in turn, bless my children. The things that I haven't been given weren't meant for me. I've been given all I need. Sure, there are things I still need to develop, but one thing I've had a hard time with specifically (playing with my kids) has always made me sad. It just doesn't come naturally to me for some reason, and I've wanted it to for so long. But I was told in this thought to focus on the things that I AM good at doing, which are many, and to let the playing role go to my husband, who just happens to be a pro at it. (I've never seen a man do a princess/gun shooting/puppy/patient/Star Wars dude/tickle monster so well in my life!! He rocks!) We balance each other out as parents, and from that night on, I've been focusing more on the things I'm good at vs. the things I'm not good at and I haven't felt so guilty! It's awesome! Anyway, my point of this post is that I'm so proud to be a mother and know that even though I'm not perfect at it, I'm what my kids need. And I have my Heavenly Father to thank for that!

Here's a quote I received today (that I LOVE) and wanted to share:

"I take great delight in my role as a nurturer, which allows me to express my deepest identity as a woman. I never fail to be struck by the way that women, young women, and even little girls seem to have an instinctive interest and ability in nurturing. It is not only a mother's primary responsibility but also part of our 'individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose'. To nurture is to teach, to foster development, to promote growth, to feed, and to nourish. Who would not shout for joy at being given such a blessed role? The scriptures use the word nurture only twice and in both cases speak of the responsibility of parents to raise their children 'in the nurture and admonition of the Lord'."

-Susan W. Tanner

Two Kids and a Camera

The other night I let my kids have their way with my camera... it was interesting to see the difference in things they thought were picture-worthy. A was quite content with sitting in one spot and taking a picture of the same things (me, N and the TV) over and over again, while N was up and moving around and took pictures of the most random things. Here's some samples:

A took these:

Attempts at N's ear...


A close up of N's mouth... nice. (The largeness is NOT an exageration.)


We were watching a Thomas movie. N is a camera-lover, poser, if you will.

N's band-aid. Like we needed a close up of THAT.

This is the book A's venturing to read... and N's foot.

And these are the one's N took:

Ever wonder what the inside of a subwoofer looks like? And here's proof I don't dust...

Our printer. Here's the awesome calendar we got from M's folks for Christmas!

Thanks again K & D!

M does NOT like legos or Star Wars. And this is our lovely orange heat-saving sheet. We put this up in the entry way to our living room to keep in the heat and our bill went down in just one month! Thanks K & D for lending it to us!

N's little couch and her large princess sticker book.

More un-liked Star Wars paraphernalia... and A. Stinky boy.

So, that's what you get when you mix kids and a camera. :)

You know you have a good doctor when...

He's not there to see you!

I had an appointment yesterday at 4pm and by 5pm when they still hadn't called me back and then told me it might be another hour and a half... I decided to reschedule for Friday morning and leave. So, here's why I know I have an awesome doctor:

First of all, the waiting room and back rooms were full... and people STILL chose to wait. That's loyalty. And they weren't angry, they were more than happy to do so.

The reason he was running behind in the first place is because he had three deliveries (that weren't planned, of course) and was there for all of them. This gives me confidence that I won't be stuck with some doc I've never met when it comes time for mine, if I should go into labor earlier than the set date (did I mention it was March 26th?) and I have to have a rush c-section.

So, that's second of all.

Third of all, he came with MANY a great recommendations from many of his other (did I mention loyal?) patients.

Fourth, he was willing to stay two hours later than normal business hours to see those who couldn't reschedule. AND he's coming in Friday, when they're normally closed, to see those who could.

Fifth, I had only seen him a few times at the office and one day saw him at Home Depot and he recognized me before I recognized him. He knows who I am!! That's such a bonus! (Especially after seeing all the patients he has to remember!) When I was in Washington having issues with my pregnancy with N right before she was born, I wanted to call my doctor and see what he thought we should do... the nurse told me not to be upset if he didn't remember my case or whatever because he has so many patients. Well, when I called, he knew EXACTLY who I was and my situation and didn't need my chart or anything. I loved that. It means so much to me that my doctor now is the same way!

I love it when things that could normally be annoying actually put things into perspective for a person.

Not that I'm keeping track...

I was so excited I couldn't wait till tomorrow to post this....

As of tomorrow, I'll be in my THIRD TRIMESTER (28 weeks)!!! Woohoo!!! I can't believe it got here so fast! This puts me at 79 days till BABY DAY. (If I make it that long.)

Here's the website I've been following weekly to keep tabs on what's up with me these days:

http://3dpregnancy.parentsconnect.com/calendar/28-weeks-pregnant.html

It's been fascinating to see the changes that are occurring right before my eyes (well, below my belly button, anyway).

According to the information I've obtained from said website, my baby is almost the same size my daughter was when she was born (5 weeks early). It still amazes me that everything has been so strangely by-the-book normal this pregnancy. I'm glad for it, too!

Here's what he looks like-ish:

Yay!

Field Trip!

I got to go to the Adventurarium today with N's kindergarten class! It was so way cool! It's a very hands-on learning experience that focuses on just about all areas of science and fun. They had live animals, insects, spiders, snakes, fish, turtles and birds. They had fossils you could dig for, a tornado you could create, magnets of all kinds, musical instruments, optical illusions, books of just about every sort, experiment centers, just to name a few... it was totally amazing! I didn't get to go with A last year when he went because of dumb babysitting, but thankfully this year I got to go enjoy the experience! Here's proof:

The bus ride!


Looking in the funky mirrors!


Making noise!


The shadow room... so cool! They had a wall that absorbed light so when they moved, their shadows were still there... my camera wasn't so hot at capturing the results, but it was awesome!


Playing with the sand pendulum...


Just SOME of the magnets... they had tons!

The seashell table... we could totally hear the ocean. :)

I had to practically drag N to this bear... she was so sure it would come to life.

The class meeting Marshmallow the hedgehog.

Checking things out...

They had a bubble room where you could go to, well, create bubbles... there was a platform one could stand on to be IN a bubble, created by a rope pulley connected to a hula hoop... N wouldn't stand in it for a picture because someone told her she would float away in the bubble. It's funny the things that scare her! It was cool, though.

I wish I could've gotten more pics but we were only there for an hour and there was so much we still didn't get to "experience"... N was mad because we missed the big long neck dinasaur bone... but it was a great experience nonetheless. I'm so glad I got to go and that we have such an awesome school district that does things like this! (And it was all free!)