Oh, and I forgot (2nd post for today)

Today is a very special day - I forgot to mention that as of today there are 100 days left until the peanut's official due date...(I know the due date might not mean much and not that I am counting). But today is the official 100 day mark - after this it's double digits! Oh and just in case you are wondering why I know this - on my message board I have a ticker (it's just a grapic if you are familiar with web speak) that counts down the days for me and today it says "Only 100 days left until Baby #$^&% is due". The #$^&% is actually our last name - but on here I try to not use to many real names - especially our last name - you can never be too careful :)

What?! I'm Pregnant?!!!?!?

So, people have taken to telling me, "You look pregnant!". Last night at bible study a couple of the girls said it several times, people a church say it to. My mother-in-law tells me almost on a daily basis, but I know she is joking. Some people say it like they are kind of shocked. That's what makes me laugh the most. I am 25 weeks pregnant (6 months for those of you that can't comprehend that when you are pregnant EVERYTHING is referred to in weeks NOT months - men especially can't grasp this concept - especially the ones that I work with). I would think at this point I should most definitely "look pregnant" I have a 1.5 lb. human being and more liquid that I know what to do with in my body. Don't get me wrong - this doesn't make me mad or upset- it just is funny.

That being said I have a couple friends that are about as far as long as me that are being told - "You are huge - are you sure they have your due date right" or "You look like you are about to pop any day now!" etc. I am making it known here and now that those comments, if ever said to me, will be met with a fate much worse then rubbing the belly (which I am getting better with by the way - just forewarn me and don't press your luck - also you must be close to me or related by blood - strangers doing so is still a HUGE risk). Anyway, lets recap: It's okay to tell me I look pregnant - I think it's funny (not saying it might not get old eventually, but at this day and this hour it is okay)...You might get away with an occasional stomach rub if you warn me (exceptions being my husband who I love to have rub my belly and for some reason my mother - she birthed me so she has rights to the belly rubbing)....and finally - any comments in the future about me being huge - or having this baby any day (made before mid-July) will be met with a fate worse than that of a stranger rubbing my belly (I just have not decided what that will be yet!). You've been warned.

On a serious side note: Thanks to everyone that has been thinking of me and these silly stomach issues that I have been having. I think I am getting it under control - but I really appreciate the advice, calls, emails etc. Keep praying for my sanity for the remainder of my pregnancy :) I love you all!

Nothing says relief like Tylenol and Maalox

So Tums doesn't cut it any more apparently. Friday night I made the mistake of having Pizza Hut Pizza - and starting about 3 hours later had some pretty bad stomach pain - woke up Saturday morning with even worse pain. Eventually at some point the pain went away until Saturday night. I thought that whole thing was Pizza Hut's revenge (which I am sure is a part of it). Then Sunday was the same thing - got the pain back any time I ate. So, I decided to go to smaller meals with snacks in between to help with the pain. Yesterday was the worse yet. I felt fine in the morning. The longer the day went the stronger the pain got - made it through the day and drove home. Got home and didn't even feel like eating - just laid down and tried to stretch out so the pain would go away - eventually my hubby was worried and had me call the doctor's office. The doctor on call called back within seconds of my calling. She asked me some questions and eased my fear that anything was wrong and suggested Tylenol and Maalox. Suggested Maalox before eating so hopefully the pain never even starts. Well last night I still had the pain - but I had already eaten and took the Maalox after eating - today I did things the correct way and so far so good (knock on wood). These doctor's are amazing that just with asking me a bunch of questions over the phone she told me just the right thing to do - I could kiss her! Apparently I am at the stage where everything is being pushed around and my stomach is trying to revolt against that. As my mom said last night - it seems like every step along the way your body is trying to prepare you not just physically but mentally as well for having a baby. I guess my good nights sleep may be gone for a long while (until long after the baby arrives), but at least I might be ready for it.

Movement....maybe

This weekend I was trying to get my hubby to feel the baby move. At one point he reacted right it time with the baby's kick, but he is still not fully convinced. I think that soon enough it will be unmistakable as the baby seems to be getting stronger by the day. Tums seem to be my best friend again - that and eating MUCH smaller meals with snacks in between seems to work as well - otherwise there is pain.

Other than that, not much new on the baby front. We seemed to have a lot going on this weekend, but it was kind of nice to be busy. Sometimes, I just think about what our life will be like about 15 weeks from now - not that far off and I am sure there are HUGE changes in store. I can't wait!

1.5 Pounds of Fetal Fun

So the baby is partying this morning. He is getting bigger by the moment. By the end of the month he should be between 2 and 2.5 pounds. Of course this means changes - and things just feeling kind of funny. I love the emails I get that tell me what the baby looks like, what he is learning to do etc. It sounds like the activity is just beginning, but today's email made me REALLY excited about what is to come. The following are symptoms that are not only normal but I am told to EXPECT most of them ( I edited some out for the faint of heart) : Fetal activity, Hearty appetite (steak anyone- I love it right now), Heartburn or indigestion, flatulence (now if that is one I did not edit out imagine what i DID), bloating, constipation, headaches, faintness or dizziness, nasal congestion, abdominal achiness, backaches, leg cramps, stretch marks, swelling of ankles and feet, skin, hair and nail changes, protruding navel (which my dear husband has sworn he will take MANY pictures of - he lives for the moment that my "Innie" becomes an "outie" - he thinks it will be cool. )

The plus is that all of those pregnancy side-effects don't much matter the second I feel my baby move - it all goes away. The other plus - babies are so cute - by the time they are here how can you hate them for what they did to you :) 2 more weeks of the good second trimester and then it's onto the 3rd - if that's supposed to be the worst one I wonder what symptoms await??? Please don't tell me - I think I'd rather be suprised :)

What's in a name?

A lot apparently. We thought we were set on Aaron. I appears that we are both having second thoughts. At the very least it seems that we both have decided we need to reconsider and look at some other names - I still love the name Aaron - but there are other names that I like as well. I guess it's good we didn't get anything personalized - and now I don't think I will until the name is on the birth certificate - I can now see why it is just too easy to change your mind. There are more good names than I thought out there. I can assure you this - out child will not be named after a season, flower, tree, car or month of the year.

Our stubborn boy.

Well, the ultrasound yesterday went just fine. I guess they got a look at what they needed to see. Although, we have a baby that likes to lay face down. Both the ultrasound tech and the doctor we're trying to get a picture of his face for us, but were not able to. For both the 20 week ultrasound and this follow-up he pretty much laid face down the whole time - looks like we have a tummy sleeper. He is now 1.5 lbs. and measuring right on target - due date remains August 4th. So he's got 16 more weeks to cook in there. He has started becoming more active at night - he doesn't keep me awake yet, but they told me he would be gaining about a half pound per week - so I am sure soon enough he will be kicking with more force and keeping his mommy awake. Good training for the night time feedings I suppose. Now today a trip to the regular baby doctor and then that should be it for 4 more weeks. It's weird - there should be 1 or 2 regular 4 week check-ups and then it starts every other week - that should be fun - ha! Other than that things are just fine. Yay!

We are IN!!!

Yay! The move is complete. Josh and I owe a HUGE amount of thanks to everyone that helped us this weekend. We definitely could not have done it without help. My swelling finally disappeared at some point yesterday afternoon. We are even so much further along that what I thought we would be thanks to the help. We still have a couple baskets etc. to go through in the "baby's room" but we will be through all that by this weekend I would believe. THEN, we can turn our focus to getting ready for baby Aaron - YAY!

We had a nice Easter - what a beautiful day - Easter should be in April every year.

Today we go back for what should be our last ultrasound. So we get to see the baby boy again - I can't wait! I just love to watch him. Then tomorrow is my normal 4 week check-up. So this week is a doctor kind of week.

A pregnant woman and a woman with a newborn

Our neighbor (we prefer to call him jackass) decided to throw a rock and roll party until about 1:30 or so this morning. He lives on the other half of the house. Now what he did not know is that he took his own life into his hands. He was dealing with a pregnant woman and a woman that has a newborn at home on our side of the building. Two people that have enough sleep issues and enough hormones racing through them to begin world war 3. I wanted to kill him - I could here our good neighbors talking and the baby crying so I am sure she REALLY wanted to kill him - in fact at one point I heard her yell that she would call the police - not sure if she did or not. Eventually I was able to drift off into some sort of a sleep induced state. Perhaps it was a send of party for us.

Regardless, I will miss our good neighbors and I hope we can stay friends with them - last night she gave me a bag LOADED with baby stuff - not even used or open. Clothes, pacifiers, teething rings, a book and I can't even tell you what else. It was great! Her little boy is about 6 weeks and is already starting to wear 3-6 months. I have been issued the warning now - MANY times to NOT buy too many Newborn sized things - they apparently will not be in them very long. Heck, with all of the gifts we have been given - we may already have enough newborn sized things :)

Tomorrow is the move - I'll update on Monday! Have a Happy Easter anyone that reads this!

This is the end...

Well, as of tonight we expect to be done packing. It's kind of weird - we'll be saying goodbye to our "first house" (don't get me wrong I am overjoyed to be moving on - just sentimental). I realized last night that I have very little pictures of the place or us in it - a couple from move it - a couple from my brother-in-law's 21st birthday and some of our Christmas tree etc - but that's it. I'll take one or two of the outside before we leave for the ol' scrapbook and perhaps one of me in my pregnant glory surrounded by boxes. I am guessing that the place we are moving to we will remember a lot more and have a lot more pictures as a baby will be involved. I've seen how many baby pictures people take :)

The peanut is doing well - he likes to move! Some days I swear he will bruise my insides. I can usually calm him down by rubbing my belly - or at least get him to move to a more comfortable spot for me. I still love feeling him - it is just the coolest thing. Monday we get to see him again - the ultrasound check wanted to see us again in 4 weeks to get a better look at something - doctor said it was nothing to worry about and we didn't complain because we get to see him again - now at 24 weeks! How exciting! That will probably be the last of the ultrasounds, so the next time I see him I will be holding him. YAY! Ultrasounds are so cool - but you can't hug and squeeze and kiss them - well, at least not without looking like a complete weirdo!

Short Fuse

I have felt for about a week now that I am on a very short fuse. What might have five weeks ago, turned into tears, now turns into just straight up aggravation. Little things annoy me - but I try to move past it - or at least hide it and keep it to myself. There is a guy I am working on a project with at work (he is a vendor - not IN my office). He calls a lot right now - yesterday I thought if I had to talk to him one more time before this project was due I was going to scream. He didn't do anything wrong- I am just sick and tired of talking to him. A sales guy that does work in my office - came dangerously close to losing his life today - thankfully now he has started to bug another co-worker - she is a sweetheart and just deals with him. This morning a woman (stranger) came up to me and rubbed my belly. I have decided to institute a new rule. I have gotten a little better about people I know touching my belly - especially the further out it gets - but a stranger is out of the question. I have decided there is one and only one recourse - while I would like to punch them in the face I have decided I would rather not resort to violence - instead...I will just rub their belly - your rub mine and I'll rub yours - maybe it would save future pregnant women from their belly rubbing weirdness. (Note: the rule, again, would only apply to STRANGERS!!!) Hopefully this is all a result of moving and will go away soon - but if not - you've been warned :)

The peanut is ready to be in his new house...

Ok, the peanut might not even really know that we are moving, but the peanut's mommy is DEFINITELY ready to be in the new house - and to start getting the peanuts room set up. :) Well, at first it will pretty much be just the nice clean bassinet that my mom is bringing out - we don't have a crib or any furniture yet - or anything except for the bassinet and clothes. I hope that we are not too far behind.

Regardless, we got a lot of packing done this weekend. My goal is to get in the new place and unpacked ASAP. I can't take living amongst boxes for TOO much longer. I can't take it. I have NEVER been a neat freak - but the dust, the boxes, the bags of stuff- I just can't take it ANYMORE! 5-6 more days. I can't freakin' wait!

A Baby From Down Under

This definitely looks like a baby right? It definitely does to me at least - I just need to verify - because last night I had a VERY weird dream. I gave birth to a bouncing baby kangaroo. It was cute - but it was a kangaroo. Right when the doctor went to congratulate me the little guy hopped away and we never did find him. Weird!

Of course I wasn't going to tell everyone about my dream - but every time I thought of it, I giggled - so I thought I might bring joy to others lives as well. Except well I told my hubby, he says, "UGH! Let's hope this baby gets as many of my genes as possible!" Careful buddy!!!!

In other news - my birthday is tomorrow - we'll be packing - YAY! Not like it's a big deal - 27 seems to be a very uneventful birthday - and due to my "condition" I can't celebrate the 6th anniversary of my 21st birthday. I just can't wait to be in the new place - it will make all of this worth it!

Bladder Dancer or Hiccups?

I have been thinking for a couple a days now that most days either right before lunch or right after and then again around 8:00 at night my baby turns into a bladder dancer. I thought I was feeling a tiny pattern pf peanut kicks. It suddenly occurred to me about 45 minutes ago that these were VERY rhythmic - kick- pause - kick- pause - etc. Now, as much as my Drummer Husband would like to believe that his baby boy is already showing signs of being a fantastic drummer (inside the womb) I would like to ask him to stop dreaming - NOW! What occurred to me is that due to the regular pattern and rhythm perhaps I am feeling hiccups - some how - regardless of how my Dear Husband tries to spin this, I think that it makes MUCH more sense.

Peanut, Listen to your Mommy!!!

The peanut and I are arguing right now, and unfortunately even though I AM the mommy HE is winning. Is it going to be this way for the rest of my life - at some point I do wish to have at least some control :) You see, he likes to lay way down low in my hips. However, he has room up to one inch above my belly button. The problem is when he is down in my hips - when I stand up I get a kick and he has to readjust - you'd THINK he would learn rather than be disturbed to just move up. As I told my mother last night - also since he is way down there, he doesn't much like me in the sitting position - leaning back or laying or standing is better. Unfortunately, I WORK - so about every hour or so if I have not gotten up to stretch I get a couple quick kicks to the hip like he is saying, "Okay Mommy, I need to rearrange - GET UP!!!" And I quickly oblige him. See he IS in control.

You can't be serious - 4 more month!!!

I don't mean this in a - come on baby get here already kind of way - I mean this in a - where the heck did January, February, and March go kind of way. I wrote down the date this morning at work and thought April 4th - August 4th - (April, May, June, July) 4 months - AHHHHHHH!!! Then realized - we're not even LIVING where the baby will call home yet (granted we will be next weekend), but there's a nursery to set up and clothes to wash and things to get. I always thought that I was a procrastinator, but I have realized between planning the wedding and getting ready for a baby I like to be well prepared and I DON'T feel that way yet. I'll get there eventually. In the meantime, the only thing to worry about currently is packing - so I might as well get THAT taken care of. I'll be okay - or at least I'll quit complaining :)

Baby Stuff everywhere...

I seriously can't believe the amount of baby stuff that I have already. Okay, it's mostly clothes, but also a few toys. This weekend my mom and sister and I found a GREAT deal on a bassinet though - which is currently being housed at my mother's house. Last night, some friends had us to their house for dinner and they have 4-5 boxes of things for us. Their son (now 4) was also born in August - so the seasons work out nicely. One box is all 0-3 month clothes, one box is toys and a couple DVD's, one box is 6-9 month clothes, and one box is 12-18 or something like that (that box will just go in a closet and wait a while). She also gave us a snow suit - that will more likely fit him for his second winter. Again, that can go in a box and wait for now. It's great though - and all in really good shape. She said that the 9-12 month or so clothing is missing - but if she comes across it she'll give that to me. The best part is they are hanging onto the boxes until we move - YAY!

Between that, and the other little outfits and toys people have picked up for us "just for fun" we are going to have one well dressed little guy!