Kimba

All Hallows Eve

Caleb and his business partner had a costume contest with their sales reps today. Caleb went as this:

A sleepy little boy. (Which he sort of was, anyway...) He even let me mess up his hair! AND HE DIDN'T FIX IT. For those of you that know Caleb, you know that this is unheard of. Caleb spends a lot of time, uses a lot of hair gel, and copious amounts of hairspray to get his hair "just so". He's let me try and style it on a few occasions and every time he ends up "fixing" it. Meaning he puts it right back where he has it every single day. Not today, though. And I was in shock.

He says the pajamas are actually really comfortable. I think he's hooked.

I went as a mummy. GET IT?! A MUMMY?!?!

Cause Caleb didn't. I had to keep repeating it, "GET IT!??! CABE. A MUUUUUMY!"

Caleb walked into the bathroom while I was putting on the finishing touches and he nearly peed his pants. He said all his nightmares, the ones where I turn into a zombie and he has to kill me, had just come true.

Honestly, he dreams these kinds of things all the time. End of the world, zombies, having to kill either Bear or I...I tell him it's because of all the ZOMBIE and END OF THE WORLD books he reads, but he swears that couldn't be it.

Hope ya'll have a Happy Halloween!

(I'm getting a little scared,  it's getting later and there's still plenty of candy in our bowl....)

That'll do, pig. That'll do.

I opted for short. Not SHORT short, like I wanted. I think my hair dresser was a bit frightened to do The Chop. I had to tell her twice to cut it a little bit shorter. A little more stylized. A little less...muffiny.

I was going for this:

And somehow ended up with this:

(Caleb jumped in at the last second, and that's me, trying not to laugh. I somewhat succeeded.)

Which I like, don't get me wrong, it's just not quite what I had in mind. Or close to what the picture was.

No matter, it will do for now. Probably be easier to manage at first, when showers and makeup will be luxury items. Hopefully by the time Christmas rolls around I'll have the wherewithal to take care of myself, and for surviving the first two months I'll treat myself when I go home with a visit to my favorite stylist in the whole wide world. Oh, how I miss him.

****************

Also? I voted today. My very first Big Election, since I was in Australia 4 years ago and found out about absentee ballots a wee bit late.  I opted to vote by mail on the off chance that I'd go into labor and not be able to get to the polls. So I'm done. And ready for this entire country to be done with it as well, thankyouverymuch. Get out there, vote for whomever you deem the worthy candidate, and let's move on with it. The end.

Baby Bump Wednesday: Week 38

...still pregnant. I know I shouldn't be surprised, or even expecting to have this baby early, but...I've sort of been hoping for it. Partially because of this back ache, partially because I'm a freak who likes even numbers, partially because I'm getting anxious to meet this little guy that likes to squish my bladder and poke my various organs, and who has a tendency to get the hiccups on a fairly regular basis.

He's getting closer to the 7 lb. mark, supposidly gaining an ounce a day at this point. (Another reason to get this kid out of here...) He's as long as a leek, and practicing the art of finger grasping, something I happen to love about babies. All his organs should be developed and ready for the outside world, and ALRIGHTY THEN. I GET IT. BABY IS READY. We're just...waiting...hanging out until he decides he's done roasting.

I hope he decides that it's time soon.

As I've mentioned, oh, a billion times, my back (alright, more like my hips) is becoming quite a problem. I had all sorts of plans to tackle all the million projects we have left to complete and clean the house and organize drawers and so on and so forth now that I'm on maternity leave, but my back has decided otherwise. It started hurting a few weeks ago, but didn't REALLY start acting up until this last week. I have become quite attached to my heating pad, and Caleb has been trying some counterpressure type things that we learned at our birthing class, but there's not much improvement. I talked to my doctor about it at our appointment this week, and she said it sounded like sacroiliac joint pain, common in pregnancy due to the pull of weight from the belly and all the wonderful cocktail of hormones being produced that loosens the joints. Love the description of movements it affects, "walking, standing up, sitting down...". Pretty much any movement, really. My bones, they is loose. And loose bones is painful. And such. But again, I've had it so easy, I really shouldn't be complaining. Except that ow, it hurts. And I'd like it to stop. The end.

So back to my appointment, it was fairly uneventful. I dilated an entire half centimeter more, putting me at a lovely 1.5 centimeters. Woo! Progress! I gained two pounds more, and my belly is..not quite measuring where it should, although that's probably because he's sitting funny in there. When I get Braxton Hicks these days it usually only happens on my right side, which results in one freaky looking belly. At exactly halfway across it will suddenly jut out when it's contracting, and it is honestly the strangest thing I've ever seen. Like a sideways hunchback. That's really the only thing going on, mostly Braxton Hicks, with a few real-ish contractions here and there. Nothing to write home about, yet. 

My doctor had a med student following her that day, and as we were sitting there, post exam, the student said, "Um...I see that your arm is all red and splotchy..."

Riiiight...

I knew where she was going with it, circulation issues and the like. I get it. I'm just so sick of explaining to people that no, sorry, that's just my skin tone, my lovely skin tone that turns a gorgeous and very sought after pinkish, purpleish, whiteish, splotchiness when I'm anything less than the ideal temperature. This was documented (very beautifully I might add) on my wedding day, it had snowed two days before and it was absolutely freezing. My arms were purple. It was so attractive.

My circulation is fine. No cure for pink-purple splotchiness.

We're nearly ready for this baby. Yesterday our crib arrived, and as soon as we finished eating dinner we set to work putting it together. And by we I mean Caleb, I sat in the rocking chair and dictated instructions. Told him things like "I think that side is on upside down", and "I think this is a Swedish company..." and other important tidbits. Behold! Our crib!

 

Minus the mattress and bedding and such. But that's okay, because he'll be spending his early days sleeping in this:

 

A cradle passed around in Caleb's family. Please also notice the sleep positioner, because I'm one of those people. The ones that will lay awake at night wondering if he's breathing. How 'bout now? I don't hear him breathing...what if he's not breathing?! What if he's rolled to his stomach?!?! And then I'd get up to check for the billionth time. This will save me the worry. Hopefully.

I also went to the city yesterday to pick up my diaper bag from Design Public's outlet. Outlet being a very loose term, it was a room inside your typical San Francisco building, old, smelling of mildew, and very cramped. I met the guy in a room stuffed to the brim with boxes. The only way you could even remotely tell it was Design Public were the fancy light fixtures, which looked very out of place when framed with concrete walls and metal shelves.

  

(Enjoy this shot from the website, because I'm too settled with my pillow and heating pad to get up and walk into the next room to take a picture...)

I love it, even more so because I got it for a fabulous deal. I just loves deals.

Next on my list is a haircut. I do this all the time, make the appointment and then spend the 24 hours leading up to it trying to figure out what in the world I'm going to do. I've been trying to grow it out, but every time I get to this point I give up and cut it short. I can't decide which will be easier when I'm wrangling a newborn. Short? Longer? Super short? Either way, I can't handle it at the moment, and if I don't take care of it now it could be months before I get around to it.

Ooh, but then I could book an appointment with my favorite stylist in Salt Lake...hmm...

This just means I'll spend the next several hours browsing images on Google. Trying to remind myself that no matter what I do, I won't LOOK like her...

 

I'll look like this, except maybe a little...deflated. A good haircut will do my self esteem some good.

Showcasing the power of Nixon

Conversation on the way to my doctor's appointment yesterday:

Me: I like that you're wearing your watch, even though the battery is dead. (in Bamboo)

Caleb: (looks at me and grins) I realized I could just look at my phone for the time.

(Long pause)

Caleb: Then I realized that means I'm basically wearing a bracelet. (Rolls it around his arm)

(Shorter pause)

Caleb: Then I decided that I didn't care.

Also good to note, the battery has been dead for at least a month now. He's worn it the entire time and will continue to do so, I'm sure, until we finally get him a new battery. And unless I get super ambitious, that won't happen until we go home for Christmas and take it to my uncle's shop.

This is serious Nixon love.

Loot, or, an excuse to do laundry and get lost in the baby smell

Caleb arrived home from his conference in Utah late last Friday, and he came bearing gifts from home. I have absolutely no idea how he got it all in his suitcase, it's a well known fact that Caleb tends to pack on the heavier side. As in like, 5 extra outfits. He fills his suitcase to the brim and then needs to put a few extra items in mine.

So I was in complete shock when he produced such a huge box from my family, a bag from my sister (birthday gift...thanks Liz!) and a present from my best friend's mother in law (who happens to be the sweetest woman I know, hands down).

My family is just a little excited about this baby, the first grandchild / nephew. They all wrote little messages on the outside of the box, which was better than any wrapping could have been.

(Forgive the terrible photos, it was late and I was tired and really didn't care at the time...)

Liz, with the understatement of the world.

Emily, with a little "help" from Caleb.

My sister's boyfriend. Not quite sure about that Deltoid part. I think it was directed to Caleb...

My mom, the excited soon-to-be Grandma. So strange.

And my Dad, more excited than most, for obvious reasons.

And of course, the loot.

You can't even see it all, it's layered so deep. All manner of outfits, sleepers, socks, shoes (ohmyGOSH the adorableness of the shoes nearly did me in!), blankets, stickers, coupons, bibs, and of course, the homemade burp cloths by the aforementioned sweet mother in law.

This kid is going to be so spoiled.

Get 'er done...

Caleb and I spent the day watching his sister's kids.

Imagine this, if you will.

Caleb and I pull up to a park at dusk, in a van. Out pours a 7 year old, a 5 year old, and a 4 year old. Following behind is Caleb with his arms full of McDonald's food, and me holding a 1 year old, hobbling slowly, because I'm nine months pregnant and my back won't allow for anything but a drunken, one-leg-dragging-behind shuffle.

(Honestly. It's pretty ridiculous. It took me nine hours to make the 50 foot distance.)

You should have seen the other parents faces. It was priceless.

Will now turn that portion of my brain to the "Off" position

Today is my last day of work. I've been looking forward to this day, October 24th, for quite some time but now that it's here, I can't wrap my head around it. My last day? Seriously? Like, Monday morning rolls around and I just...keep sleeping? I no longer have to dread Sunday evenings?

I've been wrapping up things around here and ran across a page I'd scribbled on a few days ago, Monday to be exact. I keep a notepad close by to write down random items throughout the day, phone messages, numbers I need to remember, items to accomplish, etc. In the upper hand corner I'd written a math equation to help me figure out how many pieces of mail were in a specific section so that I could properly fill out the bulk mail paperwork at the post office.

Stay with me people, trust me, it's even more boring than it sounds.

My equation read this way:

191

+ 19

200

And you know what? I went with that number. Didn't see anything wrong with it. Maybe it was the way I scribbled it down, not really caring about correctly placing that 19 all the way to the right...Not even sure why I didn't just do the equation in my head. I don't know. I can't explain it.

As I said before, I was planning on working right up until I had this baby, but now? Now I think it's a good idea that I'm leaving when I am. Who knows what else I've done these last few days.

Another milestone

Belated, but only because I just NOW found the article. Thank you, Clipper.

Last week my Grandma celebrated her 80th birthday. Though this picture was taken YEARS ago, it's still a great representation. She hasn't changed a bit! (Seriously, Grandma, what are your secrets?! ) I was sad to not be able to be there with her, having to settle with a phone call during a party being thrown at my parents house.

I hate missing my family parties.

I was lucky to grow up living near her and almost every single one of my other family members. Consequently, most of my childhood and adult memories include some or all of them, in one way or another. Thousands of get togethers, 4th of July sleepovers, ginormous family vacations, being read to as a little girl, and everything in between. I love it, and it's the main pull both Caleb and I feel to get us back living at home. Family. Sometimes it's hard to be patient.

I love you, Grandma! See you soon!

Baby Bump Wednesday: Week 37

I'm officially lightly browned, al dente, toothpick-comes-out-clean, full term. 3 weeks left until the due date, and this is the first time I've felt like okay, I'm ready. I can be done now. Or I did at least, until yesterday when Caleb left town. Now I find myself counting down the hours and minutes until he gets back, and telling the baby that he needs to stay in there until then. Just a few more days, and then...come on out. No sense in waiting any longer, right?

The baby this week is somewhere over 6 lbs, 19 inches, getting close to if not at the height he will remain at. His lungs should be mature enough that if he were to be born now, he'd be fine. Very reassuring, I have to say. The food comparison for the week is swiss chard, they're obviously going for length here, as I've never met a 6 lb swiss chard. That would be one insanely large salad.

Last week at my appointment the ultrasound showed us that the baby's legs and arms were on my left side, which we'd already figured out, what with the jabbing and poking and stretching taking place. Two days later I was sitting at my desk and my entire stomach pushed out in a smooth, slow motion, and boom. Baby's now flipped. It was the strangest thing I have ever felt, I knew exactly what had happened, and sure enough the poking and prodding are now happening on my right. I'm interested to see how that will affect his position, if he's still as low as he was at the appointment.

This week has been different. I've finally become uncomfortable, and really, I've been so lucky to have gone this far without very many obnoxious symptoms. My back ache has become constant, a sharp pain on my lower left side. I feel it the most when I get up after sitting down for longer than a few minutes, and I end up looking like some sort of stiff mannequin trying to walk while bent slightly forward. Not quite sure why I feel like this will help, but after a few steps I can slowly begin to straighten myself. I've started using a heating pad, took it to work today, which has helped a lot. It's a really great fashion accessory, especially when accompanied by my pillow. So hot.

I also started developing this strange sharp pain in my upper...inner...right thigh. (I promise it's on the thigh, I'm not being coy here.) It happens randomly when I'm standing or walking, like a very quick Charley Horse. If I change positions or shake my leg a bit it stops, but not before I've done this crazy marionette looking dance. I look insane. I assume it's just what happens when your  baby is resting low and putting pressure on all sorts of nerves, arteries, and veins.

Originally I was going to work right up until I had this baby, but partway through I decided to take advantage of California's maternity leave laws and my last day is Friday. As in, two more days of work. Two. That's it. I'm so glad, and not just for the obvious reasons. I've been so exhausted this last week, by the end of the day I'm dragging and have very little motivation to do anything. I'm very much looking forward to having a few days (or...maybe weeks...) to get some rest, and finish the little things we have left to do before we feel ready. Like organizing the baby's room, making the mobile for the crib, creating the baby announcements, and organizing that bottom drawer in the kitchen...

I'm dead serious about that drawer.

The last few days I've started to notice a few of the early signs of labor. Random bouts of nausea, increased pressure downstairs, increased Braxton Hicks, and a few other fun little symptoms. While it doesn't necessarily mean I'll go into labor any second now, it's at least a sign that things are progressing. Which is good at this point. Any progression is good. I'll take it.

Ah, a night shot. For all ya'll who think I'm not that big. Do you see that belly button? Stretched so tight the first thing I think of when I see it (and this is the only way I CAN see it these days) is pursed lips. Sadly, I don't think Caleb is going to see it pop. And he's been waiting so long.

Return of the sleep lines! You totally missed them. I could tell.

Another day, another jet plane

As of 8 am this morning things were normal. By 11 am Caleb was booking a flight to Salt Lake City for a training. He left at 4:30, and I have spent the entire day razzing him for leaving his 9 month pregnant wife at home, alone. I sent him a text message while he was on the plane telling him that I'd had the baby, he was 12 inches long but a healthy 13 lbs, he had a full head of thick black hair, and I'd named him Gustavo.

He wasn't impressed.

Not only is Caleb in my homeland, but he's staying with my family. Chillin' with my parents and sisters, relaxing in my home. Eating my mother's food. No doubt drinking Diet Mountain Dew and eating Gushers with my little sister. When we were dating my mom used to specifically buy Gushers at Costco for them, and Emily was what, 5, 6, 7 at the time? That hasn't changed. Whenever we go home they both snack on YoGo's, Gushers, and Fruit by the Foot together. While playing Guitar Hero.

Anyway.

We Skyped tonight, and I was able to show my family my growing belly (though my mom and sister bypassed the belly and went straight to commenting on the largeness of the boobs...typical...) and give them a virtual tour of the baby's room. And then they all threw Bear for a loop, calling his name and telling him to go find his ball. Bear had absolutely no idea what to think, he'd cock his head at the screen, hear their voices, and then run to the front door. It was fabulous. I love technology.

I just wish it could somehow Skype Caleb's hands out here so they could rub my aching back. Instead, I'm going to take advantage of an entire bed to myself and properly sprawl all over it.

Placing blame elsewhere

I came home for lunch today, something I've been avoiding the last week or so because I get so exhausted at that time of the day (I tend to take late lunches...like, around 2-ish, to trick myself into feeling that the day is shorter...I return to the office and have two hours left! AM SO SMRT!) and it's insanely difficult to go BACK to work when my bed is mere feet away. It's just too tempting right now.

While I was eating leftover soup (I just realized I haven't shared my favorite soup recipe with ya'll and trust me, that will be remedied soon!) I sat down with the Crate & Barrel catalog that came today, the holiday issue. As in THE holiday. And I'm not going to lie, it got me excited. Maybe because of all the pretty things, maybe because I know that I'll be busy with a new baby and should probably start thinking about it at the very least, or maybe just because I can't resist the magic of Christmas. But here I am, excited for it, and Halloween is still over a week away. It's like I've BECOME my local Target, clearancing all Halloween decorations, bypassing Thanksgiving, and diving right into Christmas. Pass me the figgy pudding...

(Side note: What in the WORLD is figgy pudding? Do people still eat this?)

I can already feel The Crazy kicking in. Two years ago we made homemade ribbon candy. Took several batches to get it just right. Last year I went a little overboard taking on a zillion projects, like Caleb's family calendar, presents for both sets of parents (I decided I could make this myself rather than paying for it, and I did, and it was great, despite the hours of sleep lost), handmade gifts for friends and neighbors, Christmas cards, elaborate side dishes for get togethers, handmade wrapping...the list goes on. I swore I'd chill a bit the next year, not take on so many things at once.

I don't usually take my own advice, however. This year is no exception.

I'm once again in charge of the family calendar, I offered to create his family's new blog, I came up with a great idea for his parents that involves craftiness (something I struggle with but continue to force myself to do, resulting in all sorts of OCD rants, raves, and sleepless nights), and I found myself today telling Caleb that uh...I had some great ideas for making some gifts for friends and neighbors.

And this time I'll have a tiny little baby who's going to require quite a bit of my attention.

I'm doing it again, and it's all Crate and Barrel's fault.

And? I was ready for bed, like, three hours ago...

Am currently washing all the tiny little baby clothes, blankets, socks, and onesies we have. Is it possible for labor to be induced merely by smelling  Dreft? If so, I'd better get packing. This stuff is potent. And addictive.

I would also like to take this moment to announce that tomorrow is my last Monday of work.

Well, paid work.

I'm so excited, I don't know if I'll be able to sleep tonight.

Though that might have  nothing to do with it being my last week of work, and everything to do with my growing belly and the baby housing it. He is nice and low like, and I've lost count of the number of times in the last few days that I've nearly peed my pants because of his movements. I'm afraid that one of these times I'm not going to be so lucky.

More goodies

A few of my favorite items acquired and gathered thus far:

Gorgeous blanket knit (this is knitting, right? Knitting, crocheting...it's all the same to me...) by my oh-so-talented best friend, Abby. Matches our decor perfectly, and it's so soft and warm. I can't wait to bundle him up in it!

P.S. Can you wash these sorts of items? Hand wash? No drying? Anybody know? I'm deathly afraid of ruining it...

Another handmade item done by a girl in the ward. Complete with buttons and a drawstring hoodie. I have no idea how people make these things, it's completely beyond me. It's going to be a lovely little sweater for church, because our church is frigid in the winter.

Domo. I saw him at Target and had to have him. I was under the impression that he was just some random Target Halloween character, but then we saw a huge calendar of Domo at Border's. So, he's something, not quite sure what, but he's a cute something. Perfect little stuffed monster.

I saw this at the Baby Gap a month or so ago and totally fell in love. I was just there last weekend with Abby and Bridgette and didn't see it, so I quickly went online and found it was on sale. Sweet! Caleb isn't so sure about it, he wanted me to double check that it was in the boy's section. I love it though, and think it will be a perfect Thanksgiving Day outfit...if he's big, it's a 0 - 3 mth size. Or maybe I'll just shove him in it and let it be baggy. My little Thanksgiving hoodlem.

Baby Bump Wednesday: Week 36

4 weeks. Less than 4 weeks, really, because technically my due date falls on a Sunday. So 3 and a half weeks that I know will fly by, just like this entire last trimester has. We're getting down to the wire, and it's getting exciting. And a little nerve wracking. I think by the time we actually head to the hospital we'll both be in this giddy, wide-eyed, slap-happy frame of mind. Where every answer is "Yes dear!" and "Why thank you!"

Actually that's probably the furthest thing from the truth. I'll probably be silently freaking out, no emotion on my face, and Caleb will be running around like a chicken with it's head cut off. This seems a little more believable.

This week the baby is...bigger. Maybe 6 pounds? 18 1/2 inches? Who really knows at this point. I personally think he's a bit smaller so far, because my weight gain has been on the smaller end of the scale, I've only gained two pounds since my appointment last month. My sisters and I were all under 6 pounds at birth, I was 5 lbs 1 oz., the smallest baby my mom had. Caleb was a healthy 9 pound baby though, so there is that to consider. (And let's be honest, freak out a bit, because holy crap that was nearly twice what I weighed!)

The food comparison is a crenshaw melon. Whatever that is. He's swallowing all sorts of fun liquids in there, and loosing the lanugo (hair) that covers his body. As of Sunday, 37 weeks, he'll be considered full term. Again, exciting and nerve wracking. I read on one of the websites that some scientists believe that the baby himself signals to the mother's body when he's ready to be delivered. That when he's ready his brain sends a signal to the adrenal gland, which triggers the release of hormones that tell your body it's Baby Time. Who knows if this is true or not, but I'm liking the idea. If we could just figure out how to hook up some sort of Turkey Timer device, a countdown clock. A digital woman's voice that announces very soothingly, "Your baby will be born in approximately....3 days."

I could get on board with something like this.

We had my 36 week appointment this morning, and what an eventful morning it was. We first checked his position, and it appears we're all good to go. Head down, bum securely positioned for maximum rib crunching effect, his arms and legs all a jumble on my left side. It was so fun to see him, the last time we had an ultrasound his entire body could be seen on the ultrasound machine. Today we could only see his head, or his legs, or his little man-parts (which is good, because it would be just our luck to prepare for a boy and have a surprise...). It was so interesting to see him move on the screen and feel him at the same time, and it's fun to now know exactly which parts are where, instead of playing the What's That Body Part? game.

Then she did The Exam, which turned out to be not as bad as some people have said. Maybe I'm just so used to it, after doing fertility for so long. She announced I'm officially 1 cm dilated, and properly "softened", a word I prefer over "ripe". She told me I've definitely dropped, something I was surprised about since I haven't noticed anything in that regard, and then commented on how low his head was.This IS something I've noticed, evidenced by the number of times I hit the bathroom these days.

Hearing this was exciting, she predicted I wouldn't go over my due date, but I could see Caleb's face. Pure deer in the headlights. Probably because I was to drop him off at the airport in four hours for his trip to Fargo.

(I know, Fargo?! Don't ask...)

I had to convince him not to cancel his flight, explaining that you could be dilated for WEEKS before anything happens. He felt better, and dropped me off at work.

30 minutes go by and suddenly I have this Feeling. And I head to the bathroom.

Warning: this could get graphic. Pregnancy is not always rainbows and bunnies and fairies. Sadly.

I thought I had possibly lost The Plug. (Advice: please don't search for pictures...just trust me on this one.) Or maybe having my period. Which, ya know, was obviously not happening, but it did bring back many fond memories. I don't think I would have been that concerned had Caleb not been boarding a plane later, I know that sometimes after an exam you can bleed and spot and cramp, and it was probably just that. But. I called Labor and Delivery anyway, just to be sure.  Also, I'd made the mistake of informing Caleb, and he was again talking about canceling his flight, which I didn't think was necessary. After speaking with L&D, we decided it was probably just that, post-exam stress.

There was a few minutes though of What If's running through my head. And I'm not going to lie, there was some freaking out. Some ohmigoshIhaven'twashedthebabyclothes. AND MY TOES! THEY'RE IN DESPERATE NEED OF A PEDICURE. And such. Thankfully we have a few extra days. There's hope left for a pedicure.

We've been slowly making progress, I completed the armoire. That's right! I put this baby together!

 

 

You see that? I installed a LOCKING DEVICE. I USED A SCREWDRIVER. AND SUCH. AND? COMES WITH AN ADORABLE, WORKING KEY. Also, please ignore the hazardous cords there...they will be, uh, dealt with before the baby arrives...

Caleb put together the stroller / car seat for me, and the cradle as well, along with moving the armoire to the other side of the room, bringing up the suitcase to be packed (and then proceeded to take it to Fargo, totally defeating the purpose...), and the two space heaters we have that are so essential during the cold winter months around here.

 

 

Everyone needs a Sock Monkey.

I went through the few clothes we have for him, separating them into sizes, and began to try and decide where everything will all go. I say began, because that's what I do. I stew over these kinds of things for DAYS. WEEKS. Where is the best possible place for the diapers? The blankets? The socks?

Moving nearly does me in.

We also made a trip to Target to gather a few essentials, more onesies, sleepers (which were the wrong size, because who pays attention to sizes these days? PSH), bath essentials, etc. So there we were, standing in the onesie isle, when we're approached by a woman, older, obviously a new grandma. She proceeds to tell us exactly "what we need", what to expect, how to dress him (onesies under his clothes so he won't get cold when you change him! So novel! AM SO GLAD SHE COULD SHARE THIS OH SO WISE WISDOM), and went on to tell me to sleep when the baby sleeps. Then she turns to Caleb and wags her finger, "And you! You let her sleep!"

Later as we were standing in the bath isle she wandered by again and exclaimed "So! What did you get?" and went through our cart, murmuring her approval over this item and that. "Oh! The lambs! I wanted to get this for my daughter's boy, but it wasn't "butch" enough for her."

People are so funny and vocal when it comes to babies. It seems unsolicited advice is a requirement.

I still can't believe he's actually in there, despite the amount he's moving these days. Caleb spends a good 10 minutes each night as we get into bed just sitting there watching my stomach, and feeling it as he stretches an arm or a leg up. Just tonight Bridgette was able to see my belly bouncing around from across the room. Caleb says it moves like a live fish in a bag. And that's pretty much what it feels like.

Shameless Bragging

Finally, after much prodding and pushing and pleading, I convinced my very talented husband to create his own blog that would showcase his love of photography.

First though, we have to get things straight. I was informed today that it is NOT a blog. It's a plog. Or, in his words, a P-Log. I suggested P-Loggy, but he didn't warm to that one. I also suggested that we refer to it as his Photography Website formerly known as a Blog, but he didn't like that either.

Either way, I think you'll enjoy it. He plans to post once a day and then allow people to vote on their favorite at the end of the week.

Now you'll get to see the REAL photos around here. I've tried to steer clear of posting a lot of his on my site for fear of appearing to take credit. I'm just very proud (and grateful!) of his talent. He's been put to work a lot in his family and my own, and he always does an excellent job. There will be plenty of beautifully done photos of our little boy, and I couldn't be happier and more excited.

And he's going to hate me for saying all this. But it's true, Cabe!

So without further ado, I give you...Caleb's P-Log.

Spoiled

On Friday two of my lovely best friends threw me my first baby shower. It was fabulous, as was to be expected, they both happen to be very crafty people. Little Martha's and such.

I have absolutely zero photos of us though, because my brain didn't think that perhaps I'd like a picture of me with them, the three of us all dressed up (them much more than I was, which happens when you wake up from a nap about 20 minutes before your shower starts) and celebrating my baby and their hard work.

However, I was smart enough to make Caleb document their hard work. It was a work of art.

Ribbon sandwiches (made famous by the Lion House), veggies, fruits, (including mini kiwi's, which may just happen to be the best thing invented...or created...you just pop them in your mouth like grapes. GENIUS.) little brownie cups with chocolate cream cheese filling, and these fabulous little cake bites dipped in chocolate and sprinkles. Oh, and a diaper "cake". So clever.

Six people came, of the 18 or so I'd invited from the ward, and while it seems a bit low (that's what happens when you get stuck in Primary forever and know absolutely no one) it was probably for the best. Any more and we would have had to make people sit on the floor.

Also, there was plenty of food left over. And the food was delicious. And we spent the rest of the weekend eating it.

It was cozy, and we all enjoyed talking and sharing stories, everything from Hooters to horrific birthing stories, which is pretty much what you can expect when a group of women get together.

I received lots of lovely gifts, some homemade (to be shown soon), and all of them needed. I was awake the previous night for several hours, way past two am, thinking of all the little things I'd sort of forgotten about that needed purchasing. Like diapers. And baby fingernail clippers. I've been wrapped up in the big things, and was suddenly freaking out thinking that the baby could come any time and I wouldn't have anything for him to wear. Or be bathed in. Or sleep in. Thankfully I can now cross off some of those items.

Thanks again Abby and Bridge, it was delicious, gorgeous, and wonderful. Perfect.

Addendum: I was reminded by a very loving family member (I assume) that I did indeed already have a lovely baby shower this past summer. As evidenced multiple times throughout the past, oh, 9 months, my brain doesn't work as well as it should. My apologies.

Constantly on guard

Squirrel Watch 2008 continues...

Because I can't think straight anyway

Today I have the day off and wouldn't you know it, I couldn't fall asleep after Caleb left for work at 7:30. Most mornings I can barely drag myself out of bed, but the one day I can sleep in? Wide awake. Mind racing. Oh, and I slept terribly last night, probably managed a good 4 hours. SO.....in light of a coherent post, I'm going with a meme. I was tagged by my lovely drill team adviser, Leslie. So here goes:

What I was doing 10 years ago:

1-Entering my last year of junior high, and ready to be OUT OF THAT HORRID PLACE
2-Cleaning Abby's grandma's house every week. We watched Lawrence Welk with her, made apple pie and fruitcake, and created our own meals, one famously titled, "Brain Flames"
3-Taking dancing lessons, and loving it
4-Babysitting my little sister EVERY SINGLE WEEKEND. My sister and I thought we were getting out of the babysitting days, and then my mom had a little surprise...
5-Dreading every single day of junior high....and did I mention I didn't like junior high?

5 Things on My To-Do List today:

1-Start and finish the family newsletter
2-Send out the Halloween package for my sister on her mission
3- Post!
4- Tidy up the house - includes putting away Caleb's toothbrush that was sitting on the kitchen counter, and rounding up the various shoes he's left around the house
5-Enjoy NOT being at work

5 Favorite Snacks:

1- Honeycrisp apples, trying to eat as much as I can while they're in season!
2-Ciao Bella gelatto
3-Cottage cheese on Triscuits
4- Green apples and Adam's peanut butter
5-Right now? Caramel candy corn. Honestly, I have an addiction

5 jobs I have had:

1-Cold Stone Creamery - for many joyous moons
2-Receptionist at Dominion Engineering
3-Bridal Consultant at Abbey Bridal in Sydney, Australia
4-Admin at Oregon State University Foundation
5-Admin at Special Olympics

What I would do with a million dollars:

1-Buy a hacienda in this here Silicon Valley, and since that would take up all my monies, I'm going to have to name alternatives to this instead of what I'd do with the rest. Because there wouldn't be any "rest"
2-Buy a black Cabriolet, convertible, tan leather seats...I have simple but specific tastes
3-Go somewhere tropical - one of those outdoor tiki style huts on the water
4-Invest!
5-Finish college and put the rest in my kids funds

5 Things that made me laugh this week:

1- Caleb, numerous times
2- Elder Wirthlin's talk in General Conference
3- Watching Bear try and get the elusive black squirrel in our backyard...he tries so hard and is nowhere NEAR it
4-The odd guy who sung to me
5-Several conversations with coworkers

And I shall now tag....Kjersti, Liv, Sarah, Miranda, and Stacy.

Baby Bump Wednesday: Week 35

So....5 weeks? Suddenly I'm confused because as of Thursday, the 9th, I'll be exactly a month from my due date. And the last time I checked a month was 4 weeks. So. Whatever. The entire pregnancy counting thing is off anyway, because we say we're pregnant for 9 months, but that we're also pregnant for 40 weeks, which is really 10 months. So whatever, there's not a lot of time left, is all I'm sayin'. Suddenly when I tell people when I'm due I can drop the month, tell them "the 9th" instead of "November 9th". Totally momentous...or something.

Ohmigosh, I'm almost done baking.

The baby this week is over 5 lbs (or thereabouts) and 18ish inches. This is supposedly large enough that they're not able to roll around and do somersaults and all sorts of acrobatics, but I'm here to tell you that this boy is still doing all those things, I swear it. Also, the uterus is now officially under my rib cage and I can also say that yes, yes it is. And he quite enjoys letting me know this, especially after a meal when there's not much room there anyway. If I have to bend forward for any reason, it feels like the food I just ate will slide right back out.  There's been a few times where I've actually tried pushing on him to get him to squish on down a bit, mommy needs a little more room for her ORGANS. There's only so much that esophagus can take, you know? As much as I enjoyed lunch, I'd really love to not have to taste it again, thank you.

The food comparison for the week is a honeydew melon, but I think I'm going to imagine a small pumpkin, because I'm in the Fall mood. This would also help you visualize what it's like to have an arm or a leg stretch your stomach out to one side, just imagine that pumpkin rolling around in your stomach, the stem being their appendage. Sometimes it's strong enough to knock my arm off as it rests on my stomach. I am constantly amazed at how much he moves, and the strength of his movements. In fact, it's going to be strange to not be pregnant anymore, to not feel him moving at all hours of the day. It's comforting I guess, to know he's doing well and healthy, but after 10 minutes of constant jabs, kicks, rolls, and stretches, I'm like DUDE. KID. GO TO SLEEP. And I know, I know, just wait until he's here, then I'll really be saying it.

He gets the hiccups quite a bit now, and they sometimes last for a long time and come at such frequent intervals I start to wonder if he's okay or not. Like, no one could possibly hiccup that quickly and for that long. It must wear him out, because after they finally stop he doesn't move for awhile. Tuckers him right out.

As far as any developments with me, the only thing I can think about is the cankles. They're back, and they're not going anywhere. No amount of water consumption or rest seems to make any difference. My back is suffering, as is expected. I think I'm most bothered by how stiff I feel when I stand up after sitting or laying down for long periods, it makes me feel very old and decrepit. Like I need to invest in a cane and a pillbox. It reaches down into my upper legs, making me limp a bit for a few minutes afterward, especially when I first wake up in the morning.

This weekend we spent all day Saturday cleaning in preparation for the three sets of guests we have this week. By the end of the day I was completely worn out, and it was the first time I've really noticed how much this pregnancy takes a toll on your body. Caleb had to leave for a meeting before we were finished, and I stayed home and mopped the floor. It took me forever because I had to stop every few feet to straighten my aching back and rest. And people, my house is not that big. I had plans to make pumpkin bread after, thinking it would be nice for Caleb to come home to a house that smelled of warm pumpkin bread instead of thirty different household cleaning products, but by the time I finished mopping the only thing I could think of was the tub. So that's what I did. And then he came home and we went and got some Thai food, because cooking was out of the question. (Partially because I couldn't possibly mess up my spotless kitchen...)

Speaking of which, I have a funny little story for you. We'd just finished eating and were walking to our car. We passed by a man and as we got close he sung out, "Sheeeee's havin' a babyyyyyy!" in a very show tune sing song voice, and then followed it with "Congratulations!" including a wink while pointing both fingers at us. I'm not kidding. It was very quick, neither of us stopped, and he finished right as he passed, not even waiting to see or hear our reaction. The funny thing was, I don't think he was drunk, he wasn't crazy, I honestly believe he was being genuine. And that's just one incident. People are always asking me when I'm due, what I'm having, if it's my first etc., it's like an entirely different world when you're pregnant. While California is a pretty nice place as far as the people go, most of the time you keep to yourself. I think largely because there are so many people here from different countries, many of them speaking very little English, but when  you're pregnant that doesn't matter. If they can't speak, they'll make motions to show they're asking about it. It's nice actually, I don't mind it. Tonight one woman told me to always "enjoy the stage you're in". Don't worry about the next stage, or miss the previous one, just enjoy the one you're in because it all goes so quickly.

I'm starting to tell that already, this last trimester has flown by, and I can't imagine how quickly it will go once he's here. I hope I do always enjoy the moment I'm in, the little things that happen each day.

 

Because soon this bump is going to be a baby in my arms.

Searching

Conversation during dinner last night, in which we banter about possible baby names:

Caleb: What about Desmond? Why don't you like Desmond?

Kim: Cabe, seriously, I don't know why you like that name. No! I'm not naming my baby Desmond!

Caleb: Come on! Desmond from Lost is cool!

Kim: If you want "cool", then we'll name him Sawyer. (Also from the sitcom Lost...)

And later that night while getting ready for bed:

Caleb: I heard an odd name today, Kelan, pronounced Kee-lan.

Kim: Oh, can you imagine? "You're KEE-LAN me!"

Kim: Why can't we come up with something? Lots of people name their kids after their favorite author or musician or something...

Caleb: CORMAC!!

Kim: Cabe, no, I already said I don't like that name. It's too old! You can't have a little kid named Cormac! What do you call him for short?

Caleb: ...Corm?

Kim: Exactly.

Caleb: Like the "Corm" of the 12 Apostles! (TOTALLY a church joke...)

And this is pretty much where the discussion ends, because I'm giggling too hard and spraying toothpaste onto the mirror. We are SO not getting anywhere...

Side note: A few people have asked for the website where Caleb bought my bracelet. Sorry I didn't link to it earlier, but uh, I didn't have the business card...It's called The Weekend Store.

One year older

Today I turned 25. A quarter of a century. Halfway to 50. I can now officially rent a car without being charged the underage fee, which is pretty much the last milestone to becoming an adult. First your license, then voting, then drinking (which doesn't mean a thing, since we don't drink), and then renting a car. What's left? Nothing. I just get older. Wee!

Caleb woke me up this morning with my favorite breakfast in bed, eggs benedict, and he even modified the recipe so that it wouldn't contain raw eggs, a big no-no while pregnant. It was  just as fabulous as last time. He also gave me my first present -

 

When our friends were here we went to San Francisco and wandered through the arts and crafts fair across from the ferry building and I fell in love with this stand where a woman was selling jewelry made from old typewriter keys. The woman was at lunch, so I grabbed her card to check out her website later, and gave it to Caleb to hold. A week or so later I asked him where it was and he lied and said he'd thrown it away, didn't think I wanted it. In reality he was saving it for my birthday. I love it.

And here's where my day went back to normal. I went to work today, normally a travesty in my book, but only because I'm taking Thursday and Friday off this week because my dear best friend Abby is coming in to town. Also, our guests are here, Caleb's business partner (and Abby's husband) and their sales rep, and they'd scheduled a dinner with themselves tonight. On my birthday. You should have seen Caleb's face a few weeks ago when he realized what day it was, but I quickly told him it was fine, we'd just celebrate when Abby was in town anyway. And honestly, I wasn't bothered. I told him I'd go shopping, or take a nice hot bath, and do whatever I wanted. It would be nice and relaxing.

But somewhere along the way he changed plans and he walked in the door soon after I got home from work tonight, with a big bouquet of flowers in his hand

 

and told me we were going out to dinner, just the two of us. Then he took me to my favorite restaurant ever, Thea Mediterranean.  I was so excited, the food is amazing.

Let's not compare his photography skills with mine...

 

 

This is the appetizer that we chose, some fancy cheese and some type of tortilla with brandy and other yummy ingredients, and then they light it on fire to burn off the alcohol and as soon as it lights the server yells, "OPA!" loud enough for the whole place to hear.

I love it.

So we've enjoyed our appetizer and are waiting for our entrees and suddenly the waiter walks up to our table and places a small plate in front of me. On it are these -

 

And I almost died.

I LOVE Wicked, heart it, want to pour some chocolate syrup and pecan pieces over it and eat it up. It was amazing, and I never thought I'd get the chance to see it again, had no idea it was coming to San Francisco.

There's only one drawback - we're supposed to be in San Diego on the 29th for Caleb's work convention. Minor detail, slightly overlooked, no worries, Caleb swears he's going to switch the tickets if it's the last thing he does.

Again, you should have seen his face when I reminded him of this tiny little minuscule detail. It was so sad.

He's so sweet, I sort of scored myself a fabulous husband. I like him. A lot.

After we wandered the isles of Borders we came home and found a package on our doorstep. A box addressed to me from Safeway grocery store. In it was this -

 

And this is when I really felt old.

One track mind

We bought Bear this ball yesterday, mostly because the packaging said that it was "bouncy, chewy, buoyant, and minty fresh!". Not sure if you could get much better than that, unless maybe if it morphed your dog into a less hyper, not so needy, regular old dog.

Still waiting for that kind of technology.

He hasn't been without it ever since. We took him on a walk today and left him in the backyard for a few hours after to "de-drool" himself (this is always at my insistence - there's nothing I hate more than stepping in drips of dog drool on my newly mopped wood floor). When we let him inside he searched the entire house for the ball, never relenting, even after we told him numerous times to lay down and chiiiiiiiiiiil already. I finally got up and brought the ball inside. Two minutes later, this is how we found him.

 

And this is pretty much how he's stayed, glued to the ball. If he's not shoving it into our knees, he's methodically chewing it or walking around the house and playing with himself - he'll drop it and then chase after it, drop it and chase after it, drop it and chase after it...until either Caleb or I get sick of the thump, thump, thump, crash! bang! skid! sounds as he chases it under the table, and tell him to, what else, lay down and chiiiiiiiil.

This doesn't stop Bear though, that's the Aussie in him. I have no doubt we'll find him asleep with it in his mouth tonight, which happens when he gets a new ball. Just in case, I don't know, Caleb decides that what he really wants more than anything in the world is a 3 am game of fetch.

Few thoughts on a Friday...

*How come when I pass by roadkill that's been mangled and bloodied and nasty I crinkle my nose and take extra care not to run over it, but if I see something that's been hit and is still intact I feel bad for it? They're both dead. Shouldn't I feel equally bad for both?

*Honestly, how did I not know until JUST NOW how incredibly attractive Paul Newman was? Where have I been?

*Why is it that even as I'm completely and utterly annoyed by the dog I currently have, I find myself searching for puppies online?

*Why are caramel flavored candy corn so utterly addicting?! I can't get enough!

*Why do I feel so satisfied when putting together Ikea furniture? I get excited and insist on showing Caleb my latest progress, like, Look! I DECIPHERED THE PICTURE INSTRUCTIONS! I MADE ARMOIRE!

*They say it's going to rain today. When was the last time it did that? April? May? I can't even remember...

Baby Bump Wednesday: Week 34

6 weeks. Ohmigosh. It's coming up. Six weeks is nothing. A blip! 6 weeks ago we went to the circus. We went to dinner for Bridgette's birthday. That was like, yesterday. I swear it.

This week the baby is 18-ish inches and 4.5 lbs. Or thereabouts. They've now decided to add little disclaimers onto these weight predictions, saying that all babies are different (shocker!) and that these estimations (along with the estimation the doctor will do via ultrasound soon) can be as much as a pound off. A pound. So. Whatever. Baby is growing, as evident by my belly and the force of his kicks and stretches. The food comparison this week is a cantaloupe, a nice firm juicy cantaloupe. With soccer legs. So from here on out there isn't going to be much to report by way of changes in the baby, he's getting fatter and his lungs are developing. End of story.

As far as changes in me, there aren't much to report either. A few sites mentioned that the baby could start to drop anytime after this week, cueing the infamous Pregnancy Waddle, but that hasn't happened yet for me. I even double checked with Caleb the other day while walking into Target - I'm not waddling yet, am I? Waddling? Uh....no....why? Just checking! Now, let's grab a cart... One site even said that sometimes the pressure down there can be so strong when they drop that some women worry that their babies are going to fall out. Like literally fall out. My immediate thought was, I wish it was going to be that easy...

Mostly I'm doing great, and have little to complain about. Sure my back hurts, and sure I'm sick to death of waking up in the middle of the night to pee, and yes I am definitely missing being able to sleep on my back, but really? Peanuts compared to what I could be feeling and going through, I know I've had a fairly easy pregnancy than a lot of women out there. We'll see how I feel as the weeks continue  and he gets larger, he's already decided that digging his feet (or hands? who knows...) up under my rib cage is his new favorite thing. Also, my bladder is his punching bag. Caleb comes home from work every day and asks how the baby is, and if he'd moved that day. My answer is always the same, when did he not move? The kid is constantly kicking and punching and rolling and squirming and stretching and who knows what else. I'm getting fearful actually, we may have an insanely active child on our hands.

We went to our child birthing class on Saturday, an all day session (in case you didn't read my enthusiastic Twitter...) that I was not looking forward to. Turns out it wasn't as terrible as I'd thought, no one was huffing and puffing and moaning and screaming as I'd feared. I was not a good student, I refused to do the breathing practices with everyone, the heeing and the hawing and the puffing, though Caleb hee-ed and haw-ed with the best of them. He was a champion haw-er. He kept trying to persuade me to practice, but I couldn't bring myself to do it, I can't do those kinds of things. Just say it in your head then, he'd say, and I'd nod and then my mind would wander and I'd start reading the posters on the wall or wondering when lunch was.

Right before our lunch break she had us lay down on our pillows and do a "relaxation practice", which I suppose is helpful when you're in the throes of contractions. She turned off the lights and flipped on a cassette (yes, a cassette! They still exist!) where a woman guided us through a relaxation technique. Caleb was asleep almost instantly, and when the 15 minutes were over he jumped up and exclaimed that he'd never felt better. That was awesome! I need that cassette! 

Overall it was definitely a good experience, more so for Caleb I think. He said he was really glad we went, that he learned alot and has a better idea of what to expect and what goes on, and he didn't even flinch (much) when we watched the birthing videos. He got excited actually, seeing the babies and would lean over and tell me how excited he was for it to happen to us. After the class was over he announced that he was ready for the baby to come now, let's go check in and have this baby!! Thankfully that didn't happen, and instead we went and bought our stroller / carseat combo. I think the class sparked a little flame in Caleb, suddenly he was all for getting ready and buying things and packing the suitcase. I had to remind I DID still have 6 weeks left. We didn't need to get it all done that night.

One thing we discussed in the class was having a birth plan. A few people (read: many) have asked me about mine, what I plan to do as far as having the baby and drugs and doula's and such, and I have to say...I really haven't thought of it much. Is that crazy? I think because I've been so concerned with getting the house ready and getting all the necessary baby supplies, and trying to find the right crib and rocking chair and furniture and figuring out where we're going to store all this gear, that actually HAVING THE BABY has hardly crossed my mind. When I actually stop and think about it, about labor, I'm sort of stunned that it's going to happen to me. I know we're having a baby, I've been imagining what it will be like to have him at home,  I've even come up with a little list of items to pack, but I've hardly thought about being at the hospital and the pain and such.

 As far as my plan though, I haven't set anything in stone. The plan is to get to the hospital and deliver a healthy baby, regardless of what it takes. Obviously you don't wish for a c-section, but I'm not opposed to it if that's what's going to be best for the baby. And for the pain? I'm going to see what I can handle and then request the drugs if necessary. I've never thought that having an epidural means you've "failed" at labor and life - I haven't seen any new mother leave the hospital with a letter grade written on her forehead.

One thing the instructor told us was that at the hospital I'll be delivering at they've set up a new system with the epidurals, they're patient controlled.  You get the remote (or whatever they're going to call it - I think remote is a great word though) and can increase the dosage if you need to, or decrease if you'd like to not be completely numb. I like this idea, and one thing I've started thinking seriously about would be to increase the dosage at first, relax and build up some strength, and then decrease it as it gets time to push so that I can be of some service. I'd really really like to not have to use the vacuum or forceps on my little baby, if possible. So. That's my big plan. 

 

My belly button - starting to poke out. Caleb is watching it like a hawk.