The Busy Brush

Delivers big time again!  I just love Ashley Keylor from http://thebusybrush.blogspot.com/ and she has painted 2 of the prettiest and most perfect paintings for the babies room!  They are so beautiful that pictures don't really do them any justice!  They look great in her room and these mark the 5th canvas paintings I have ordered from her and I can't wait until I need another one!  She is so easy to work with and also has 2 little kids (girls) at home.  She donates at least half of the profits from her work to Amazina (see the link on the right halfway down the page) and I am so happy to have gotten to know her just a bit!

39 Weeks Baby!

WEEKS: 39 weeks!

BABY'S SIZE: 20 inches, 7 lbs, the baby is the size of a small watermelon....small (ya right! : )

TOTAL WEIGHT GAIN: 37 lbs now which I blame on laziness!

SLEEP: Sleeping has been interesting this week.  Either I am sweating or just can't get comfy.  When I sleep on my left hip it feels like my bladder is going to burst even right after I go and when I sleep on my right side my hips feel like they could crumble at any moment.  Regardless though I got some really good sleep in Friday not waking up once until 4:00 when Riley man called out for me.  I had told him that Mommy would be home in the morning and to call for me instead of Daddy and he did!-just a bit too early so after a snuggle and a kiss on the cheek from him (he is such a lover!) it was back to bed until 8:00!  Sunday I got up at 5:15 (BOO) and couldn't wait for the guys to arise! 

MOVEMENT: We have been playing a game this week.  She stretches out her little leg as far as she can until my skin feels like it is going to rip and I gently push her foot back down to where it should be.  Seconds later her little foot it getting dangerously close to breaking through my skin again and I push it back down and we do this multiple times everyday and it's crazy weird and completely fun!

SYMPTOMS: My belly is like a bowling bowl in consistency.  It is hard as a rock and painful to the touch at times.  I know she is coming soon because I remember this phase with Riley!

WHAT I MISS: I am just going to enjoy this last week and I am not going to miss anything from my pre-pregnacy days because Lord knows we have no idea and cannot 'plan' a pregnancy so it might be awhile before we are preggo again.

 CRAVINGS: Salty and sweet anything!

MATERNITY CLOTHES: I have once again discovered Derrick's clothes and I am LOVING the comfiness and roominess (did I just invent a word or two? or did I just grossly misspell them and make it look like I invented them?!) of them. 

WHAT I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO: No brainer=due date in 6 days!!! and the Superbowl of course!

PROGRESS: Today's appt I am still sitting at 4 cm dilated but am 100% effaced and she is at 0/-1 station and continues to be head down! 

We just realized that we are due on Superbowl Sunday and we are a f-ball loving family who plans out special appetizers and treats to enjoy while the games are being played so if our little one decides to make her debut and we are stuck in the hospital my dear sweet husband will be bringing in special delivery style Jimmy Johns and if I am really lucky (yep, pretty sure I am) maybe a small crockpot of chili cheese dip.  So we will make it special even if we do have to watch it on a tiny TV but the trade-off couldn't be any better...tiny TV for a tiny newborn and I/we will take the newborn everytime!  P.S. Go Packers because we have no border hatred and because Aaron Rodgers is freaking awesome and after all the Brett drama it would be fun to see his old team take the glory. 

We spent a quiet weekend running lots of errands to stock up on paper towels, TP, food, water and more.  It looked kind of like we were stocking up for the apocolypse!  We did sneak out for some fun on Saturday night with our good friends for Red Lobster...yum!  Our kids do so good at restaurants and giggled to eachother across the table in between bites.  Little Leah turns 1 on Thursday and could have to share a b-day with our little lady, but she is so sweet that I don't think she would mind!  Riley got to show off his fishing debut video to Sorin and Rach and I really should have recorded his reaction to watching it with new people because the boy was hilarious!  He ran commentary on the whole thing and laughed like a goon!  Thank you Rach for the cutest baby girl clothes and for borrowing me all the books and the doppler!  I hope you win big in Vegas and have a relaxing and fun time even though it will be hard to be away from Leah for 4 days! 

I was asked at Sunday School if I was a professional photographer (ha!) and I have been thinking about donating an hour session to the silent auction for Riley's school but have been dragging my heels about it. 

For one, everybody out there thinks they are a professional photographer and with dSLR's being so cheap anyone can afford them now.  My mouth pretty much dropped open when I saw how cheap my camera was this summer but so it goes with technology eh!? 

For two, I love my job and love how much time I spend with my family so do I really want to start an endeavor that would take me away from that especially with another baby on the way?

For three, I provide the insurance for our family and will have to do that for the forseeable future so I will have to work at least 24 hours a week at my current job to do just that and I just had another awesome review stating "leadership quality employee" and "will be in a leadership role with PN soon" along with a "you are coming back after baby right (hint hint I am begging you please come back)" so I would like to see where I go when I come back from maternity leave. 

For four, I could still enjoy taking pictures for friends which I have been doing for a few years now and be happy at doing it except that it is aLOT of work...

so the dilemma continues...to be or not to be that is the question : ) 

At least I have kept my promise to D and not paid for any professional pictures of our Riley for a very long time!  A little creativity and you can take wonderful pictures of your family even with a point and shoot! 

But onto more important goings on in our household...

We showed Riley his baby book last night and his U/S pictures.  He was in absolute amazement of them all! His response was "that me in Mommy's tummy!?"  He put his hands and feet on the stamped baby hands to compare sizes and he marveled over every picture of everyone holding him in his little hospital cap.  He is excited about this baby and although he probably doesn't understand we have prepared him the best we know how to and we have no doubt that he will be great with her and that we will have enough love to go around.  He also has now kept his big boy cotton unders dry for over a week with NO accidents!  We still put him in a pull-up for naps but he continues to wake up dry and go pee pee as soon as he gets up.  Way to go buddy!  We did go sledding quick after work this week to take advantage of the longer day hours and I was sad I couldn't go but watching D climb up and down the hill made me tired so I was happy to sit in the Tahoe and keep warm!

 So here's to my last 4 days of work and to being patient and calm as we await the arrival of our second little miracle. 

Dear Riley,

Did I ever tell you that I have loved you since I was 2.5 and my sister came home from the hospital?  26 years ago (almost to the date, Happy B-day on the 23rd Katie) I knew exactly what I wanted-YOU!  My first cabbage patch doll was a boy (Arley), when we got triplet dolls for Christmas one year I always wanted the boy doll and when I looked at the Sunday ads and cut out the carseat, crib and baby clothes I would buy for my child they were always for a boy.  You my son, were the culmination of many dreams and hopes.

Did I ever tell you that Daddy was really worried about what would happen if we found out you were a girl?

I never doubted that you were a boy so I can honestly say that his fears were unfounded and indeed I would have loved any baby that came our way but I felt it in my bones...YOU were the boy I had always seen in my arms.

Did I ever tell you that going back to work 12 short weeks after having you was one of the most devastating events for me and that at work when I look at your pictures or think of the day you are leading without me I almost certainly get tears in my eyes and miss you with an ache so deep that I have to take a walk?

Did I ever tell you that I lay awake on Saturday mornings (recently :) and cannot wait to hear your diapered little bum come walking into our room?

I dreamed about you for 9 months, I rocked and read in your nursery while we awaited your arrival many nights, I painted your bedroom years before you were discussed all the while knowing that one day I would have a purpose for the 'blue' room.

You are my first little love and you can only understand a small part of my love for you.  I can stare at you and just be happy watching you be my 'all boy.'  I love to play ball with you in the house and even though I act concerned when you knock a picture off the wall with a grand slam style hit~ I am secretly proud of your natural athletic ability.

I am so proud of you and I know that your sister loves you already.  She can hear you squeal with joy and belly laugh and I am pretty sure she is laughing in there and bouncing around happily as she usually has the hiccups after a particularly loud Riley encounter.

Your Daddy and I dote over you every night after you fall asleep.  We cover you up and leave with smiles of contentment on our faces as we retreat to bed and whisper how perfect and wonderful you are. We are like teenagers in love when we talk about you at night in all your dreamy, sleepy perfection.  You see even if you have been a bit naughty, once you fall asleep and your long eyelashes are still with slumber all is forgiven and the day is put to rest as we look forward to the next time we see your little figure looking up at us with trust and love.

Our family of 3 will soon be 4 and this new addition is something important that you get to be apart of this time.

You will get to dote on her and love her to no end.
You will get to protect her and keep her safe.
You will get to teach her how to throw a ball and hit like a pro.
You will get to take her fishing and build her safe forts to hide in.
You will get to tell her how you helped build her dresser and plan for her.
You will get to be her big brother.

You are special Riley and she will love you for all the same reasons we already do and together we will show her how much love we have to share and have already stored away for her.

You were my firstborn, our beginning and the start of something bigger and more beautiful then I could have imagined. I have cherished these last 2.5 years of special memories we have made.  I promise to love you all the same and to make more memories with you.

You are my very special boy and nothing will ever change how I feel about you.  


I love you with all the fibers of my being and just carrying your sister around for the last 9 months has made me remember and reflect on how special of a beginning you were.

Love, kisses and bear hugs,

Your Mama Mia

38 Weeks!

WEEKS: 38 weeks!

BABY'S SIZE: 19.5 inches, 6.8 lbs, the baby is the size of a small watermelon....small (ya right! : )

TOTAL WEIGHT GAIN: 35 lbs now which I blame on laziness!  

SLEEP: Sleeping really great with a few bathroom interruptions.  

MOVEMENT: She is really liking her new space and kicking up a storm now!  

SYMPTOMS: Herniated belly button, the waddling has started and constant bathroom trips are taken everyday! 

WHAT I MISS: Fitting nicely in my scrubs and not having them fall underneath my belly.  

CRAVINGS: Salty and sweet anything!  

MATERNITY CLOTHES: Here and there but mostly just wearing comfy shorts/sweats after work.

WHAT I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO:  A quiet weekend with no plans!  

PROGRESS: Today's appt I am sitting at 4 cm dilated, 80% effaced and she is at 0 station.

We had a fabulous weekend of lazy mornings, snuggles and putting a few last minute touches up in 'her' room!  Riley wore big boy unders all weekend and his cute little cotton underwear stayed dry ALL WEEKEND LONG!!!  We even braved him wearing them out to eat and the poor boy didn't want to wet his pants and dragged us to the restroom 4 times in an hour!  He earned himself a sundae and lot's of high 5's!  We celebrated Katie's b-day on Sunday and I even squeezed in the best pedicure I have ever had!  We are getting super excited and I am patiently counting down my last 9 days of work for the next 12 weeks!  The paintings I ordered for 'her' room should be here this week and I can't wait to show you how cute they turned out!  I also hit up Old Navy and got the cutest clothes for under $2 an item!  It is super weird to shop the little boys and little girls section but even D started getting into it when he saw the deals to be had (ha)!  Here's to enjoying the heat wave we are experiencing today!  

Relief...

comes at a price!  A sore, time consuming, anxiety ridden price but one well worth taking!  We checked into L and D on Tuesday and Derrick quickly checked right out-puking as he left!  Poor D was so sick and really wanted to be there for his girls so he made the trip down but only lasted about 5 minutes before he was vomitting and curled over in pain.  I sent him home (and am glad he made it in his condition) and played the waiting game on my own.
They hooked 'us' up to the fetal monitors and for 3 hours nothing happened.  There were 2 Mommies on the floor delivering that took the Dr's attention so I was bumped back and didn't actually have the procedure until 1:30 after an IV was started and an injection given.  I realized that I should probably check in with D and his frantic text's made me feel awful about waiting so long to check my phone! 
After the injection I felt miserably jittery and my heart was pounding which were the appropriate side effects but after you add that to 3 hours of waiting and no husband I thought I was going to lose my mind.  Dr Schaeffer was so nice though and my nurse Cindy and medical resident Maggie were absolute life savers.  Dr Schaeffer used the U/S machine to determine the position in which baby girl was laying and Maggie kept the doppler on my girl nearly the entire time and her heartbeat never waivered.   The Dr was able to successfully turn her by picking up her back end and then gently pushing her head at the same time and almost immediately she flipped herself back to breech.  It looked like she was going to break through my belly and it made me almost want to vomit watching her in slow motion turning back to breech knowing that we would try to turn her again...
(to be honest it hurts and is very uncomfortable but I kept focused and had a great support team and a very kind Dr.)
The second time the Dr was able to get a better grip on her back end and move her (ever so painfully slow) and she held her head down for a few minutes and finally our girl miraculously stayed down after figuring out she had so much more kick room when she was positioned the correct way!  I was so relieved it was over and we just stared at her on U/S as she happily kicked away and got used to her new space.
I was hooked up for another hour to the monitors and finally was discharged at 3:00 completely worn out and tired.  I was shocked at how much more comfortable it was to have her in the head down position-I have been uncomfortable and it has been almost painful when she moves and it had a lot to do with her being in the breech position (I thought I was just working too hard and carrying around a 2 year old too often).
I came home starving after fasting for 18 hours and exhausted but a personal pan pizza and cheesy bread helped give me some much needed energy-D on the other hand looked horribly sick and was miserable.
I slept pretty hard that night and very comfortably and made it to work on Wednesday a little sore but grateful that everything was back to 'normal'.
I just got home from a biophysical U/S and another UAR (uterine artery ratio) and she is perfect.  She is so active and still in the head down position (Hallelujah!) and although the UAR is still high they are not at all worried about it after they measured her breathing rate, heartbeat and movement for 30 minutes.  It was a great U/S and it was fun to just sit back and watch her move about without them having to take measurements.
WE ARE SO HAPPY and SO READY TO MEET HER NOW!  Hopefully we continue to avoid a c-section and everything progresses naturally.
We now are just patiently waiting and excitedly anticipating the near future.
Thank you so much for all the texts/phone calls/emails/prayers and posts of encouragement.  It really meant a lot to us! and take it from us-try not to 'google' everything because every situation is different and other people's opinions can make you more anxious than you need to be!

Anxiety

In ultrasound yesterday we found out that the baby is breech and that my UAR (uterine artery rate) was high by a bit but after waiting to speak to the Dr the radiologist called and said it should be fine and that we would check it again next week.  However the breech part still concerned me and of course about an hour after the appt our Dr. called to say that she just found out the baby was breech and that she took the liberty of scheduling an external cephalic version on Tuesday at 10:30.  She explained that I would be given some muscle relaxants and that it can be painful but could work if I want to avoid a c-section and I/we really want to avoid a c-section.  She did say that because I already had a high UAR that the version could cause more stress on the baby and cause that number to go higher and in that case the baby would be born c-section emergently and immediately.  Of course this all went down on an evening when D was sitting an appt in Eagan so I took to the bathroom and cried and cried.  I had not expected a breech presentation.  I had expected the same (I would take near same) delivery as when Riley entered the world.  It was nothing short of perfection.  I am/was gladly looking forward to my water breaking, contractions starting, walking the long hallways with my hubby, the epidural numbing, pushing and sweating until finally a slippery little one was placed on my chest as D and I cried in awe.  We rocked labor and delivery and had no doubt that we would again but I guess our path is a little different this time so we will check into L & D at 10:30 today and pray to God that this external version works with little to no pain/bruising and that she stays head down.  If it works we will have another U/S next Monday to check the uterine artery rate and to make sure she is still head down.  If it doesn't work we will be scheduling a c-section with the Dr who does the version.  I am nervous, D is a wreck of nerves, we didn't sleep well last night, I cried with Riley who wiped my tears away and handed me his lovie to help comfort me, I cried with D, we discussed our options, we googled everything, we finally gave up and had ice cream and french fries while we watched crap TV.  We are going to just ask lots of questions before the procedure and hopefully go home with happy, relieved smiles to enjoy a huge late lunch since I can't eat anything for 8-10 hours before the procedure!  OUCH!   If it doesn't work out then we will come to terms with a c-section and pray for a lower UAR level next week.  In the end the only thing that matters is that our girl is healthy...so here we go baby girl you certainly are quite dramatic already!  It's funny that only about 3% of all babies end up backwards and ours is quite possibly going to be one of that small number.  Makes us second guess not naming her differently then previously thought because of the meaning 'ill omen' or 'unlucky'.  She just might be trying to tell us something here! 

37 Weeks! Full Term! : )

PREGNANCY HIGHLIGHTS:

WEEKS: 37 weeks!

BABY'S SIZE: 19 inches, 6.5 lbs, the baby is the size of a stalk of swiss chard!? Seriously where do they come up with this crap!?

TOTAL WEIGHT GAIN: 33 lbs now which I wholeheartedly blame on the Holiday season ; )

SLEEP: Hips are pretty sore/loose now so sleep is only happening when I am laying on my left side.  MOVEMENT: She is exploiting my herniated belly button and kicking the crap out of it...OUCH!
SYMPTOMS: Herniated belly button and the waddling has started! 

WHAT I MISS: A steady gait with hips that don't feel like they could crumble : )

CRAVINGS: Being skinny again! : )

MATERNITY CLOTHES: Here and there but mostly just wearing comfy shorts/sweats after work.

WHAT I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO: Our ultrasound this afternoon and then girls night on Saturday with an ice cream buffet, munchies and Eclipse!  I haven't seen these girls for awhile and can't wait!  Plus the boys are going up for a quick (and probably the last until D-day) fishing trip to meet G'ma T's new dog, Huntley!

PROGRESS: Today's appt I am sitting at 3 cm dilated, 50% effaced and she is still at -1 station. 

We stayed pretty active this weekend with a fun family night out at Pizza Flame (where Riley danced happily as he devoured his pizza and cheesy bread), a DQ visit and then back home to watch Despicable Me.  Cute movie and fun family of 3 memories.  We also headed down to the Sportsmens Show at the Excel on Saturday and Riley got more 'owies' (lures) that he was so happy about!  Seriously all that boy needed for Christmas was a few lures and some fishing line because that is all he does all night long.  We watercolor paint alot and when I fill up his little cup with water for the paints he without a doubt has to pretend to ice fish from the Dixie for a couple of minutes.  He is so creative in his play and after making him a fort on Friday I had to sit and 'deer hunt' with him for over 35 minutes.  Let me tell you that a small fort + hard flooring + nearly 37 weeks pregnant left this Momma feeling very sore so we had to move onto flashlight hide and seek which is another one of his faves.  What the heck did we do/talk about before our little squirrel came along?  Only 14 days left of work and I will not miss driving in the nuisance snows every other day! 

36 Weeks

PREGNANCY HIGHLIGHTS:

WEEKS: 36 weeks!

BABY'S SIZE: 18.5 inches, 6 lbs, the baby is the size/weight of a crenshaw melon!

TOTAL WEIGHT GAIN: 31 lbs now which I wholeheartedly blame on the Holiday season ; )

SLEEP:  Getting up multiple times every night to go to the bathroom and then just laying there feeling her swim around.  Nature is definitely getting me ready for sleepless nights to come.  

MOVEMENT: She is a mover and a shaker who gets hiccups all the time now!

SYMPTOMS:  Hard to get off the couch and floor otherwise moving around pretty good and no waddling yet! : )

WHAT I MISS: Taking long walks outside and enjoying the sunshine while at the parks!

CRAVINGS: Holding a snuggly and warm baby.

MATERNITY CLOTHES: Here and there but mostly just wearing comfy shorts/sweats after work.

WHAT I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO:  Getting over this cold and seeing our girl on ultrasound again this week.  (Baby is measuring a tad small so we get to see her on U/S again just to check and make sure everything is a-okay!)
PREGNANCY PROGRESS:  At today's appt was I was 2 cm dilated, 50% effaced and baby girl is head down and sitting at a -1.  So after calling in and being sick last Thursday, Friday and throughout the weekend it was time to kick it into high gear.  In just a few short hours I have washed and sterilized all the bottles, nuks and pump supplies.  Washed and ironed her sheets and blankets, packed the hospital bags and scrubbed the bathroom thoroughly.  (The BR just really needed a good cleaning!)  We are ready to meet this baby and have decided that my last day at work is Feb 4th that is if she doesn't come any earlier so here's to my last few weeks at work and enjoying the small things!  

Pride.

Riley needed his flu shot.
I was putting it off and then decided it could be put off no longer.
I made the appt and even thought of cancelling because of exhuastion.
After much wallowing I picked myself up off the couch, drove to get Riley man and proceeded to the clinic Tuesday afternoon.
I had told Riley we were going to the Dr's office and he was so tired from naptime he just didn't care-that is until we parked.  His sweet little voice called out to me "Mommy owies?" 
I thought twice about lying to him and or ignoring his question but finally said "Yes, sweetheart just one owie this time." 
He looked up at for a minute while I got him out of his seat and seemed to ponder his options. 
We made our way into the line, checked in and stared at the pretty fishies in the tank. 
We got called back and he cheerfully said "hi" to all the nurses along the way. 
I just kept waiting for the ball the drop and for him to take off running in the opposite direction but then he saw his Dr, Dr Rzepka who he loves now.  Rzepka asked him why he was here and his answer surprised us both.
He replied "one owie," and proceeded to follow the nurse, pull up his little pant leg, sit on my lap and not cry one tear.  He looked at me after seeing the needle and repeated his mantra "one owie mommy, one owie, wight?" but never uttered a whine or shed or a tear.
He got a sticker and a sucker for being such a big boy and I walked out with my mouth wide open.
After the nurse made me feel like the worlds worst mother for opting for the shot instead of the nasal spray with the live (yes living, real, actual) flu bug I questioned my decision but after already telling him he was here for a shot I thought it best to stick with the plan and follow his brave lead. 
I.am.so.glad.I.did. 
He surprised the heck outta me and I couldn't wait to tell Daddy/G'ma/G'pa-anyone that would listen-that my 2 year old made me so proud. 
You are a very big boy indeed Riley and we couldn't be more proud of you! 
Love you Little Man and thank you for teaching me a new lesson nearly everyday!

And he has started calling me Mama Mia all the time because D sings alot and 'oh mama mia' is one of those songs he can't get out of his head.  It is so nice to hear "Me miss you mama mia," when I get home everyday!  

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Jan 2nd ushered in another year to celebrate for D and Riley was so excited that it was his Daddy's b-day.  He insists that D is two and that he is now tree!  We had a 2nd b-day party to go to on Sunday before Christmas and Riley was so confused after just celebrating Owen's 2nd year, celebrating Daddy's day and now Logan's 2nd b-day, the poor boy was calling Logan-Owen and Evan (who we saw at Christmas) remained nameless as Riley just didn't even attempt to keep it all straight anymore.  At the last minute I decided we would send Daddy away for the weekend of Feb 19th for the annual Duck's Unlimited Fishing tourney which just a few days before I had laughed about even considering saying yes too.  I really didn't want him going away merely 13 days after she is due but then I figured I could
a. rally 
b. actually accept help that is offered
c. remember that all babies do is sleep and that if I can't make it 24 hours on my own I am doomed for when Daddy get's busy at work again! 
d. Keep calm and carry on! 

So I collected money from my bro-in-law and signed the duo up after receiving confirmation that others would also like to go and from here D is in charge of organizing-like he always is. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DADDY!  We love you more than you realize.  You are our rock.  You are so easy to love and I aspire to be more like you (when I grow up of course ; ).  I am sure our newest little will be enamored with you just like Riley is and soon when you walk in the door you will be showered with double the hugs and double the squeals of joy and excitement.  Thank you for always putting us first and picking us up when we falter.  You are the most patient and loving person we know.  I did not know I could love you anymore and then you proved me wrong.  I can't wait to see you hold our new baby and I can't wait for her to get to love you also.

P.S.  This Daddy took his big boy ice fishing for the first time last week and he was so excited about it!  Riley did awesome according to D and even caught his very first perch.  D dutifully caught the whole thing on camera and the video is so freaking cute I can't hardly stand it!  Riley is sitting in a tiny little fold out chair jigging his pole like a pro and answering "no yet Daddy" when asked if he has a bite.  When he finally did get a bite he reeled it in like a pro and held it up proudly with no trepidation.  D has been so excited to take Riley out and enjoy the hunting and fishing like he did growing up and didn't expect to be able to do it with Riley being so young but he CANNOT wait to take him out again and we will likely be aquiring a fish house before the end of 2011 hits! 
I on the other hand normally enjoy a night off but missed the boys tremendously and just couldn't wait to get them home this time.  My time alone with just the 2 of them is coming to a close and I just want to soak it all in while I can. 

35 Weeks! Oops yesterday again!

Pretty sure he is saying "Ahhhh, my mommy is getting big!"

                                                               

                                                         PREGNANCY HIGHLIGHTS:

WEEKS: 35 weeks!

BABY'S SIZE: 18.5 inches, 4.5 lbs-5.5 lbs, the baby is the size/weight of a honeydew melon!
TOTAL WEIGHT GAIN: 29 lbs now which I wholeheartedly blame on the Holiday season ; )

SLEEP: Sleep without my guys home on Thursday night was not easy and then Friday I was up all night with hip and back pain which led into Saturday night where I heaved from midnight on...not a great weekend of sleep!  Good thing it was a long weekend off and thank the Lord for Tylenol PM which knocked both me and baby girl out from 7:20-3:50 a.m. Sunday night! 
MOVEMENT: She is making sleep interesting these days.  Nighttime is her tumble time and it feels like she is going to bust right through my stomach!  I will switch positions trying to get us both comfy and she just keeps rolling around furiously.  She has also had hiccups alot these last few nights and it doesn't make for a real restful sleep when your belly is jumping every few seconds.  Gotta love nature's way of preparing you for the no sleep zone to come! 
SYMPTOMS: Starting to feel like a whale.  : )  I woke up Monday morn to no pregnancy rash so finally the ammoxycillun 3 times a day is working!  Woo hoo!  I hate being stared at!
WHAT I MISS: Taking long walks outside and enjoying the sunshine while at the parks!
CRAVINGS: Holding a snuggly and warm baby.
MATERNITY CLOTHES: Starting to wear maternity jeans more regularly, although I wore the most uncomfortable ones on Sunday!  How did that happen?! 

WHAT I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO:  Relaxing all week long and taking my time with chores and laundry.  I just want to sit and be still after 2 busy weeks with the Holidays and parties.  We are all dragging just a bit!