Celebrating 3 - Emma Kate Style

Emma Kate turned a trio of years on October 2.  For her third birthday, Emma Kate had 2 requests: earrings and Snow White.

We made an appointment to have her ears pierced, but went in without any real expectations.  Emma Kate's ears are so sensitive that she cries when the doctor has to look at them, and to clean them, you have to all but pin her down.  She surprised us all though when she sat in my lap like a big girl, and walked away with a few snubs and big girl earrings.

I promise it didn't take long for this pitiful face to start smiling and showing off her earrings.

And then came the Snow White soiree.  Everything was red, blue, and yellow to match Snow White's dress.

I made the invitation while the banner, favor tags, cupcake toppers, and water bottle labels were made by Toadally Cute Products on Etsy.

How cute is the nutrition label?!

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 The tables had a burlap table runner, and I made these fabric topiaries using scraps of red, blue, and yellow fabric.

For the dessert table, I played up the apple theme that is so prevalent in Snow White.  Other than cupcakes, we had apple cake balls, apple muffins, apple pies, and brownies.  Ok, the brownies don't go with the apple theme, but they are Emma Kate's favorite sweet treat, so we couldn't have her birthday without them.

So, my apple cake balls don't exactly look like Bakerella's, but they tasted yummy!  That's what counts, right?

It might have something to do with the fact that this is what it looks like when cake balls are being made at my house.

The Birthday Girl got just a wee bit shy when we sang to her.  Buuuuut, she quickly overcame when it was present time.

My sweet birthday girl had a blast.  We are so thankful to all our family that helped her celebrate.

 Princess Emma Kate

 Big Sister dressed up as Ariel for the par-tay.

I don't know if I've ever seen a more excited birthday girl.  She kept proclaiming, "This is MY bufday pawty!" and every day since her birthday, "I'm fwee; I have eah-wings; and I'm a big guhl."

Yes, you are, Princess Emma Kate.  You are my big girl.

Reece - 1 month old

Dear Reece,

You turned one month old on September 21, 2011.  If this first month is any indication of how quickly your first year will go, then I don't even want to think about it.  This first month has been challenging at times - namely the times involving sleep deprivation, but it has also been wonderful.  You have fit into our family perfectly, and I can't imagine our family without you.

Precious Reece, you have reminded me what freshly bathed baby skin feels like and how rewarding it feels to provide nourishment and comfort to such an innocent soul.  We are learning what each of your cries means, how you like to be held, and how picky you are about what I eat. :)

This month, you have already had a lot happen!  We came home from the hospital when you were a day old.  The first evening, we had lots of visitors, though I'm not sure how much they got to hold you since they had to compete with your sisters.  That first night, you woke every 3 hours to eat, then fell right back asleep.

Your first car ride, which was home from the hospital was flawless.  You seem to love riding and your curious little eyes seem to try to see all you can.

Your cord fell off at 6 days old, and you got to take your first tub bath.  You weren't quite sure what to think of it, but as long as we let the warm water trickle over you, you were a happy camper.  Of course the big sisters helped with that bath, and pretty much every once since. :)

At one month old, you have pretty much set your own schedule.  You wake about 7:00 each morning, eat about every 3 hours, and are ready for bed at around 8:00 or 8:30 each night.  You are sleeping for about 4 hours at a time at night, so you and I make our trips to the living room twice each night, and though my eyes

are heavy and my body is tired, I cherish these quiet moments shared by just the two of us.

Your arrival has taught us how limitless sibling love is.  I thought by now the enchantment you seemed to hold over your big sisters when you were first born would have surely worn off by now.  But, the reality is that Grace and Emma Kate become more smitten with you by the day.  They are still just as eager to greet you from your naps, hold you, kiss you, and show you off.  They are just as proud of you as Daddy and I are.  I hope one day you will realize how lucky you are to have them as your big sisters.

You are such a good baby.  You love to be snuggled and talked to.  We are all so in love with you, and are so thankful that God blessed us with you.  Happy one month!

Love,
Mama

Back to School

Grace has been waiting on her first day of Pre-K since preschool ended last May.  She has talked about who her teacher might be, what her classroom might look like, what she was going to wear on her first day (and second day, and third day...), and couldn't wait for a new back pack and lunch box.  Pre-K is different she said, because it is "big school".  Pre-K is all day, 5 days a week.  At Pre-K, you eat lunch, take naps, and are in the same building as big kids.

We shopped online for a new backpack and lunchbox, but she didn't see just the right one.  Until we went to the Pottery Barn Outlet.  She spotted what was apparently the perfect set through the store window, ran in, grabbed it, and wouldn't let go.

We went to orientation and learned the ins and outs.  I was the huge, hormonal crier in the group.  I blame the tears on being 8 months pregnant.  I was thrilled to learn that Grace's teacher would be Ms. Carol, our pastor's wife.  We visited her and the super cute frog-themed classroom, shopped for the wish list items, laid out Grace's first day of school outfit, and packed her first lunch.  Grace went to bed the night before the first day with a twinkle in her eye.

Grace's First Day of School Outfit

Ok, ok, so this isn't actually Grace on her first day.  I staged this one the next time she wore the outfit.  Read the next paragraph and you'll understand why.

And that, Friends, is where the excitement ends.  Grace woke up the first day of school with a tummy ache.  She dragged her feet, she whimpered, she even threw up!  When she hugged me around the neck and told me she never wanted to go to school, my heart was nearly torn from my chest.  But, the strong daddy reassured me it was just a case of the nerves.

I had been okay - no more hormonal tears - until we walked in and the administrators greeted Grace.  Then, I saw all the children and teachers, and flashes of Grace as a baby entered my mind.  How in the world have we gone from that bright eyed, round faced baby to a girl who is old enough to be greeted by a principal?  All in a blink.  Suddenly, I felt that I was the one who needed her to hold my hand, not the other way around.  Hand in hand, needing one another, we walked to her classroom.

Once we, I mean she, got settled at her table, she chose a crayon - fuchsia thank you very much - and a smile began to form on her lips.

Apparently all it took was getting settled.  She had a fantastic first day of Pre-k, and couldn't wait to share details of how big kids walk in the hall (hips and lips), the playground, and a book that Ms. Carol read.

Grace,
You learned a very important lesson that first day of Pre-k.  One more important that how to sit on the rug or opening your juice box.  One more lasting than remembering to write your name at the top of your paper.  You learned to face your fears head on.  My little big girl, I will never forget the sight of tears welling up in your eyes as you told me you just wanted to stay home with me.  I will also never forget the way you peered at your new friends, and settled in at your spot.  Nor will I forget the smile on your face that afternoon as you told me all about your first day.  New experiences are scary, but your bravery that first day helped you to realize that new experiences are also fun.  I am so proud of you, my little school girl.

Love,
Mama

A Birth Day Letter

Dear Reece,

Today is your birth day.  There are many birthday celebrations to come, but today is special because it is your official birth day - the day you were born.  We will only have one of these, and I will cherish these moments forever.  As I sit and look at you, only a few hours old, I am still in shock that you are here.  Not only because you decided you would make your debut nearly 3 weeks early, but because we have planned for you, longed for you, and prayed for you for what seems like so long.  To finally see the face we have thought so much about leaves me in awe.  To have you here safe in my arms is an answer to prayer.  You are a miracle, a wonder of God.

I'm trying oh so hard to soak in every detail of your perfect little face.  I know that even tomorrow, you will have changed, and in the days and weeks to come, you will grow, fill out, and shed the freshness that radiates from you on this day.  Taking in your little button nose, the shape of your brow, the perfection of your lips, fingers, and toes, brings tears to my eyes.  I love the picture the Bible paints of creation.  God spoke into existence the sky, waters, mountains, and animals.  All he had to do was breathe a word, and it happened.  He could have done this with man as well, but the Bible tells us that he formed man.  With His own hands, God made man in His own image.  You, precious Baby Boy, were formed by God's own hands.  I can almost see His fingerprints along your perfectly round head and trace them from your sweet full cheeks to your tiny toes.  What a good job He did creating your perfect little body and soul.

Today begins a new journey.  We have gone through the last nine months as one, you and I.  Though we shouted your impending arrival from the rooftops, only I could feel every movement, every hiccup.  But today, I get to share you with the world.  We began a brand new journey in the wee hours of this morning.  A journey I am so excited to embark on.  The journey of life with my little boy.

This journey is filled with the unknown.  We have no idea what your strengths and weaknesses will be, what your likes and dislikes will be.  We don't know what things will make you let out belly laughs, cause nervous butterflies, or incite fear, anger, joy, or delight.

But, there are some things I can promise about life's journey.  I promise that we will have wonderful times as well as disappointing times.  I promise that we will go through each of these times together.  I promise that I will make you mad, embarrass you, lecture you, and cause a few slammed doors.  I promise that I will ask you where you're going, what time you will get home, and who you will be with.  I promise that I will want to know every detail of every school day.

I promise that I will do everything I can to help you grow into a confident, compassionate, and secure boy.  I promise that I will smother you with kisses every chance I get.  I promise that I will care about you, be interested in you, and pray for you.  I promise that I will love you with every inch of my soul and every fiber of my being.  I promise that I will always be your mama, and you will always be my little boy.

Happy birth day, my delicious baby boy.  I love you more than you will ever know.

Love,
Mama

The Birth Story of Reece Paul Bramlett

Baby Boy’s pregnancy was a really good one over all.  Sure, I had morning sickness, anemia, and some discomfort, but for the most part it was enjoyable.  And despite the occasional backache and feeling like I needed a crane to roll my humongous belly over in the bed, I actually felt great up until his birth.

On Friday, August 19, at my 37 week check up, the midwife said I was dilated 2 cm and 50% effaced.  However, I felt labor was no where close since with both the girls, I had dilated early as well.  I figured I still had at least a couple more weeks of being pregnant.  She and I discussed my desires for a natural birth.  After 2 successful inductions, I knew from the get go that I wanted this birth to be natural, meaning I wanted to go into labor on my own, labor at home for as long as possible, and it to be medication free.  The next day, August 20, Justin, my mom, and I worked hard finishing the nursery and I cleaned bathrooms and floors, dusted, did laundry, and some general straightening up.

Saturday night, I took a long hot bath, and Justin and I relaxed while watching tv.   At 10:15, I felt my first contraction, but it was mostly tightening of my belly with what felt like a very minor menstrual cramp. I really did not think it was labor, but it was different from the Braxton Hicks contractions I’d felt sporadically for the last couple of weeks.  Something in the back of my head wouldn't let me dismiss it which is what caused me to even look at the clock when I felt it . I had not packed our hospital bags yet, but that, along with getting the bassinet together and putting the car seat in the car was on our list of things to do on Sunday. While Justin showered, I decided to be productive and get Reece's things together and lay out the outfit I wanted the girls to wear to the hospital. I still felt sure that I was not in labor.  For the next hour, I continued having this type of contraction every 5 minutes. At that time, Justin suggested we to go to bed. It was then that I told him I had been contracting and I thought I would throw a few things in a bag. Not really thinking I was in labor, but still wanted to do it.  Just in case. He thought my nesting was continuing and I was just being as compulsive about accomplishing things as I had been all day and told me no. He said if it was the real thing then surely we could throw some things in a bag quickly. So, to bed we went.

For the next hour, I dozed, but every contraction would wake me up and I would look at the clock. A little after midnight I noticed they were now 3-4 minutes apart. But, still not believing it was true labor, I decided to drink some water and try walking around. I just did not want to go to the hospital in the middle of the night only to be told it was just pre-labor and be sent home. Plus, my due date was still 2 1/2 weeks away. I drank 2-12 ounce glasses of water and walked around the house laboring.  I completely got caught up in laboring and with each contraction, I swayed and moved with it.  I alternated between leaning on the couch or the kitchen counter during contractions.  I was so consumed with the walking, and swaying, and breathing that I didn’t realize that more than an hour and a half had gone by.  The contractions had gone from completely manageable to mind blowing without me even realizing the change was occurring. Looking back, I realize this is probably when I went from active labor to the transition stage.  

Thankfully, during all this time, Justin and the girls all slept soundly.  I went in to wake Justin up, and I got a "hmmm" and a grunt from him and he rolled over. A little perturbed, I went into the bathroom to start getting ready to leave and gather some more things. After I put on mascara and brushed my teeth, I woke Justin up and he says he realized I was leaning on the edge of the bed moaning through a contraction so he jumped up to...wait for it...shave! Seriously, I'm having contractions a minute apart and he's shaving.  I called my mom to come stay with the girls, and I will never forget the sound of my daddy’s voice telling us to be careful. 

I felt pressure on my bladder so I thought I needed to use the bathroom.  When I sat down, I felt my body pushing and quickly stood up. As I did this, I felt an immense amount pressure so I put my hand down and could feel what I thought was Reece’s head.  Realizing that my water had not broken, and I therefore could not be feeling his actual head, I then knew it was the amniotic sac that was bulging. At that point, everyone kind of went into panic mode. Justin grabbed the few things I had gathered.  My mom arrived, and she and Justin helped me to the car.  We left the house at 2:15 am with no car seat and no change of clothes for Justin. 

Because of the pressure, I couldn't sit down, so in the car, I was on my side. With each contraction, I gripped a towel and tried as hard as I could to fight my body against pushing. My hospital is 45 minutes to 1 hour away and Justin said when he heard me praying with each contraction, he knew we couldn't make it. I just did not want to have Reece in the car, so in a split second, we made the decision to not try to make it to Northside Cherokee in and pulled into Piedmont Mountainside which is 20 minutes closer.  We arrived at the hospital at about 2:40 am. 

Justin ran in the emergency entrance, said "My wife is in labor!", and "ok" was the response he got from the receptionist. He told her, "I'm going to get this wheel chair and go get her." When we came in, everyone looked like deer in headlights. No one said anything or would tell us where to go, so I said "I need to push!"  They opened the ER doors, the ER nurse stepped out and asked, "Is she pregnant?"  So again, I mustered, "I need to push!"  Bless her heart, the nurse, in a panicked tone, said, "OH, no! Get her upstairs." A nurse and security guard took me upstairs while Justin had to sign us in. Justin said after he finished signing, all the while thinking he was going to miss the birth of our baby, the receptionist told him he needed to move the car to which he promptly replied, “No.” 

Upstairs in Labor and Delivery, I was met by the most wonderful nurse ever, Kendra. I don’t think she, or any of the other nurses in L&D realized just how close I was to birthing the baby.  Kendra said in her sweet calm voice, "So you think you need to push? Let me check and see how dilated you are." At that point, she yelled out, "She's complete! Call the dr and get the table and warmer!" My thought was who cares about the doctor, where's my husband?

She asked me what my plans were as far as pain medication.  It’s funny how completely focused on the goal I was, but I remember still having sarcastic thoughts.  I recall thinking even if I did want an epidural, there’s no way an anesthesiologist would have time to get there.  She told me to try not to push until the doctor arrived. But, it really wasn't up to me at that point. Kendra was so wonderful though, I remember her talking to me through each contraction telling my what a great job I was doing and telling me that whatever I was doing to stay in such control, to keep at it. I can remember not even focusing on the pain, but being "in the zone." Once Justin got in the room, I remember thinking, it's okay, Reece can come out.

Kendra sat at the edge of the bed because she knew that as soon as my water broke, Reece was coming with it. All of a sudden, with a contraction, I heard a loud pop, saw a splash, and then my body completely took over. The nurses were telling me not to push so hard, but it wasn't even me doing it, if that makes sense. There really was no pushing stage. After the “pop and splash”, I felt excruciating pain, then I knew his head was out.  With another few seconds of that same racking pain, his shoulders and the rest of his body were out.  Within 20 seconds of my water breaking, Reece was born at 2:55 am. He was a little peanut at 6 lbs, 1 ounce and 18 inches long, but if his nursing abilities are any indication, he won't be for long. 

Babies usually have the opportunity to have amniotic fluid squeezed out of their lungs in the birth canal, but because of how quickly he came out, he didn’t have the chance to clear his lungs, so he had to be placed on oxygen in the nursery for a little while.  My placenta was delivered at 3:00 am and the doctor finally arrived at 3:20 am.  She made sure I didn’t need any additional care, then as soon as I was cleaned up, I got to walk to the nursery to really see my little man.  The neonatal nurse, Hayley, and I chatted while she monitored Reece for a little while longer.  Not long after, I got to take Reece back to the room to nurse him.

 We are quite known at the hospital for our interruption to what seemed like it would have been a peaceful night for the hospital staff, and Reece's grand entrance. All the nurses, were super nice and actually spent a lot of time in our room just talking, goofing off, and having fun.  I will be forever grateful to Kendra for delivering Reece and Hayley for taking such good care of him.

When I called my doctors the next day, they got a good laugh out of Reece’s birth story, and then told me with the next baby I should go to the hospital with the first twinge I feel.

All in all, this was a wonderful birth. It was a little scary that he could have been born at home, and I didn't like it that I couldn't nurse Reece right away, but I got to go into labor on my own, labor at home, it was med free and intervention free, and we have a beautiful baby boy to show for it.

Reece's big sisters are completely in love.  They had been anticipating his arrival for months, and it was obvious that setting eyes on him for the first time did not disappoint.

Welcome to the world, Reece Paul.  

The Pregnancy Report

Before the pregnancy report starts, let me say that this blog post was intended to be published a couple of weeks ago, right around my 37 week mark.  I remember thinking it would be a good idea to blog about this pregnancy before Reece arrives and sleep deprivation causes my brain to only remember the sweet little kicks and pregnancy glitz and forget the down and dirty truth. :)  And, as luck would have it, right before I finished, one of the girls woke up and the blog hit the back burner.  Little did I know that it would literally be my last chance to blog while pregnant with Reece.  However, that blog post will come later.

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Here I sit, 37 weeks pregnant, resembling Shamu, Willy, and friends.  Now that I'm full term, things get kicked up a notch.  Soon we'll launch full on into baby mode, so I want to write down the happenings of my pregnancy with Reece.

We found out we were expecting baby number 3 on December 28, 2010 when I was only 4 weeks pregnant. I had been having suspicions that something was happening in my body for a week or so, and with the confirmation of the test, lots of emotions came rushing forth.  I was so excited to see the next member God planned for our family, couldn't wait to share the news with the girls (even though that waited a few more weeks), worried about fitting 3 car seats into our Explorer, and thinking that I needed to get a pre-natal vitamin and increase my water intake. I immediately turned to the internet to find out my EDD and learned that it was September 7.  I remember thinking that September seemed so far away.

Morning sickness set in the next week at 5 weeks, 2 days.  I have had morning sickness with all 3 of my pregnancies, but it started around 7 weeks with both the girls.  I wondered if that was a sign that a little boy was baking.  Oh, and the term morning sickness is a joke.  I had 24 hour sickness.  I even got awakened in the middle of the night with the sickness.

I had my first appointment with the OBGYN at 6 weeks.  This appointment is really just a technicality where they confirm the pregnancy, bombard you with paperwork, and answer any questions the parents to be may have.  I also got some medicine for the morning sickness which proved to be a God send.  2 weeks later, at 8 weeks pregnant, we had our next appointment and got our first look at our sweet baby.  The heartbeat sounded magnificent.  Even with this being our third baby, I was nonetheless amazed at God's handiwork.

8 week ultrasound

At 12 weeks, we returned for another ultrasound to rule out any genetic abnormalities.  It was amazing to see all the growth and development that occurs in just 4 short weeks since our last ultrasound.  The baby was healthy, growing on schedule, and the ultrasound technician told us she was 70% sure a boy was in our family's future.  I wasn't convinced because thanks to Dr. Google, I had read about the development of the spine at 12 weeks and how it can be deceiving as well as early gender predictions and their chance of being correct.

12 week ultrasound

Thankfully, at the end of the first trimester, my morning/all day sickness backed off.  Now, usually around this time, the first trimester exhaustion backs off as well.  I remember with my pregnancy with Grace, it felt like I walked out of a fog.  I suppose thanks to the general exhaustion that comes along with being a mama, I didn't feel that with Emma Kate's pregnancy or this pregnancy.  That could have also been attributed the anemia that was discovered at during my 8 week blood work.

At 16 weeks, I broke out the maternity clothes!  I wanted to make it to 18 weeks like I did with both the girls, but the rubber band trick just wouldn't work any longer.  At my 16 week appointment, I asked the nurse if we could do an ultrasound just for fun.  After my appointment, she snuck me back to the ultrasound room.  Baby still looked perfect and had either a penis or a really big toe according to the nurse. :)  Justin laughingly said that if what we saw was a toe, then the baby had bigger issues than whether he was a boy or a girl.

16 week bump

Finally, at 20 weeks, it was confirmed that Numero Tres was indeed a boy!  Besides obviously being excited, I have to admit a little streak of panic entered my mind.  What was I, the frilly, pink loving, "sparkle is my favorite color", girl raising mama going to do with a dirty, messy, boy?!  And, then all that passed and I decided that I would learn to love tonka trucks and mud pies as much as I love princesses and sparkly accessories.  We had chosen a name for a baby boy several years earlier, and knowing that our little Reece Paul was on his way and seeing how perfect he was on the ultrasound made us so thankful for this little blessing.

Precious Baby Boy - 20 week ultrasound

20 week bump - Happy Easter!

At the midway point in my pregnancy, I felt great.  And really, I continued to feel great.  The next appointment was great as well.  We saw "the spunky dr" in my OBGYN group at the next 2 appointments.  She scheduled another ultrasound to recheck my placenta which had been low lying at the 20 week ultrasound, it turned out to not be a worry (plus we got a bonus look at our boy).  She also informed me that I should pray this baby gets Justin's beautiful skin like the girls have.  They all have this "looks like it came from a bottle" tone of olive skin.  This is also the same dr that told me when I was pregnant with Grace that I should have taken a second look at Justin before deciding to reproduce with him due to me being so petite and him being pretty massive, head included. :)  If I weren't aware of and in love with her spunk, that comment might have offended me.

20  week ultrasound

"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb." Psalm 139:13

By the time the third trimester arrived, summer was here, which in Georgia means humidity arrived. Being able to go swimming whenever the Grace, Emma Kate and I felt like it made the summer not only bearable, but quite lovely.  I'm pretty sure I heard one of the squirrels at the pool whisper "Thar she blows!" but it didn't stop me from donning my ever shrinking swimsuit.  This summer was also the time that the girls asked almost on a daily basis when Reece was going to be here.  They were so excited to pick out items for his nursery and buy anything baby related from clothes to diapers.  Emma Kate's main concern was that we were stocking up on diapers, but not wipes,  Every time we went into a store, she asked if we were finally going to get her brother some!

25 week bump

28 week bump

Around 30 weeks, nesting kicked in.  I can honestly say that for the next several weeks, our house was "company ready".  I cleaned and organized every nook and cranny in the house.  Probably twice.

30 week bump

As summer progressed, my belly grew as did our family's excitement.  My appointments became every other week instead of monthly.  Everything continued to go well.  I was especially prayerful about my blood pressure.  With both Grace and Emma Kate, my blood pressure, as well as some other signs that pointed toward pre-eclampsia made my doctors choose to medically induce me.  Both inductions went well, but I really wanted to go into labor on my own and have a natural birth.  God continued to answer my prayers and with each appointment, my blood pressure stayed in a healthy range.

32 week bump

Our family and friends gave us a baby shower for Reece on July 23, 2011.  It was a wonderful celebration of this new life God had planned.  I am so thankful for all our loved ones who got to come celebrate with us.

At 36 weeks, we saw the spunky doctor's very mellow husband and partner.  I was dilated 1-2 centimeters.  This didn't alarm me in the least since I seem to dilate early.  Work also started back that week, so my plans to pack hospital bags and finish Reece's nursery were delayed so I could work on lesson plans.  I didn't think I would go into labor early, but I wanted to get ahead on plans to make it easier on myself once students started back.  That weekend, we did paint the nursery, and my nesting continued.

At this point in my pregnancy, I was HOT, my back ached, my hips ached, and I was running out of room in my shirts.  But, really, I felt good.  And, I had already forgotten the awful sickness that plagued the first trimester.  I didn't realize how the issues I had with the girls had made me feel.  This was definitely my easiest pregnancy yet as far as third trimester discomfort goes.

The next week, Grace started Pre-K and I scheduled my 37 week appointment for that same day.  I met with the mid-wife that day who I absolutely love.  She is pro natural birth and my appointments with her are always fun and we have good conversations.  We discussed my desires for a natural birth.  I told her I wanted to labor at home as long as possible, so she reminded me to monitor my contractions and when they were 3-4 minutes apart for 2-3 hours, then to come in.  (Those who already know Reece's birth story are probably laughing about now).  She checked my cervix which was now 2 centimeters dilated and 50% effaced.  Again, I didn't think anything of it because at 38 weeks with Emma Kate, I was dilated 4 centimeters.  She told me it would be a great idea to get the car seat and hospital bags ready to go.  No problemo, that along with finishing the nursery were on our to-do list for the weekend.

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That is as far as I got with my pregnancy report.

The next day was Saturday.  We worked all day on the nursery, and I cleaned bathrooms, did laundry, dusted, and straightened just about every room in the house.  I was 37 weeks, 3 days pregnant and it was the last day our family was a family of 4.  I went into labor that night and our sweet baby boy was born in the wee hours of Sunday morning at 37 weeks, 4 days.  Stay tuned for his birth story!

Oh Sweet Summer

I meant to post about our summer time fun earlier, but between me nesting like a mad woman, returning to work, settling back into a routine, oh, and having a baby, it just never got done. Better late than never, right?

Summer is my favorite time of year. For us it means Mama's off from work for a couple of months, no one has school, and routine is thrown out the window.

Summer means bed time is later, wake up time = snuggle time, and naps all around whenever we feel like it. Summer means pajamas all day, or practically nothing all day.

Summer means popsicles are an essential, cartoons at any hour, and painted toenails are a nessessary accessory.  It means we can go wherever we please or nowhere at all.

And summer time means swim time! It means even the 17 months pregnant mama gets to beat the heat donned in a bathing suit by the pool. It means splish and splash are part of our daily vocabulary.  It means floaties, sunscreen, and beach towels go with us everywhere. It means little girls work off their energy by swimming endlessly back and forth, back and forth.

I'm always sad to see summer end because it means work, and routine, and having to choose between more than which color bathing suit to wear. But, the end of this summer means our routine gets interrupted once more with the arrival of Baby Boy!

If You Give a Nesting Pregnant Woman a Bottle of All-Purpose Cleaner

If you give a nesting pregnant woman a bottle of all-purpose cleaner, she will clean all of her kitchen counters.  As she makes her way to the stove, she'll notice the back splash could use a little attention as well.  The back splash will lead to her cleaning a missed splatter from last night's dinner on the wall and a drop of blood that was the result of chopping potatoes for potato salad way too late one night.  For the record, the nesting pregnant woman thought she cleaned all those blood spots when the injury occurred, but nesting eyes can see spots, stains, and imperfections way better than the average eye.

Cleaning the walls will lead to baseboards which will take her throughout the main level of her house.  While she's on her hands and knees cleaning baseboards, she'll notice the floors could use some attention.  So, she'll get a broom and sweep.  Then, she'll mop the floors.  Then, she reasons that since all the hard wood floors are nice and clean, vacuuming won't take much time, so all the carpets will get vacuumed.  While vacuuming, she'll notice several spots in the carpets that could use some stain remover, so back on her hands and knees she goes scrubbing stains.  After she finishes this, she'll notice she's walking with a limp and her sciatic nerve is  literally being a pain in the tail.  So, she'll get out the heating pad and lay down for a bit.

While she's nursing her aching back, she'll look up and notice the light fixtures could stand to be washed.  So, she'll pull out the step stool to start on those.  When she makes her way into the master bathroom for those light fixtures, the nesting pregnant woman will notice that as always, the bathroom needs cleaning.  So, she makes her way through the bathrooms on the main level, and as she's finishing the upstairs bathroom, she starts putting away all the little toys, shoes, and other items that have collected in various spots.  This reminds her that the playroom could be more organized.  After she organizes the playroom and is taking more items to their proper place, she walks by the glass door that leads to the deck and notices it has little finger prints all over it.  She grabs the glass cleaner, and wipes the door down which leads to windows and mirrors as well. 

By this time, the nesting pregnant woman has worked up quite the thirst, so she goes back to the kitchen to fix a glass of water.  As she opens the cabinet, she thinks to herself that the cabinets sure would look nice if they were organized.  Chances are, if she decides to organize a cabinet, she'll notice it needs wiping and reach for the bottle of all-purpose cleaner...

Once she is satisfied with the way her house looks, the nesting pregnant woman will have an aching back, swollen ankles, and pruney fingers, but there won't be a crevice of her home that is not sparkling and organized.  That is, until her husband and other small children get home.