Work...

Advanced Warning: After rereading this it came out as sounding a bit angry....I'm not angry, but I'm just going to leave it as is cause I think it's a little humorous that I've gotten so fired up about this - PS, thanks to my favorite working mommy friend who reminded me of some of these things on the phone tonight! :)

I am in the weirdest in between time at work. I feel like I am constantly trying to get things together for my sub (who is still a fake person to me, one day I'll get to meet her) yet still maintain things for the current week. I really have no idea how much to leave the sub, because though I want her to earn her money I also do not want to come back to utter chaos. There is however one thing I can promise you...I am doing NO work during my leave. That means none. That means I'm not going to check to make sure everything is okay, or tell parents they can still email me, etc. NADA. This is Logan's time, and that's just the way it's going to be. For once, in the work and the rest of my life battle, the rest of my life, mainly my wonderful little guy, is going to win. Because guess what? At the end of 12 weeks work will still be there. And Logan will be growing like a weed. Plus, let's face it...I'm giving up my sick days and some unpaid time - the person who is getting paid is getting paid for a reason (so when you hear me worrying about work and my leave is not over, please refer me to this post to remind me).

And, let me just say for the billionth time (not directed towards anyone who actually reads this, just people in real life who keep asking me...), my last day at work will be when Logan decides to come out. Yes, I know some people think this is crazy. No, I do not want time at home to relax before he comes (please, I do not relax well). Yes, I am tired and sore every day. But as long as the doctor says it's fine, I'm still going. I want as much time as possible with the little man, and the clock starts when my sub starts.

So, let's hope my water doesn't break in front of 24 first graders.

There, vent done.

35 Weeks!

Oh my word...my belly has exploded. For evidence of this you should look here.

The last time I wore this shirt in one of these pictures I was 27 weeks, and woah, what a difference. It's been a LONG week, but here we are!

How far along?35 Weeks
Total weight gain/loss: Up 20 total...and I may or may not admit anything after this point. But I think a lot of that is fluid I'm retaining.
Maternity clothes? Yep.
Stretch marks? Nothing new, a few little marks here and there.
Sleep: Surprisingly decent...I think I've just gotten used to not getting a lot of it.
Best moment this week: Getting my work baby shower invitation! :)
Movement: Doing well in this area, hiccups quite often too!
Food cravings: Lemonade and Costco cake - I've actually had neither this week, but my mom says there will be Costco cake at my grandma's bday tomorrow!
Gender: BOY!
Labor Signs: There were some odd feelings in my belly on Wednesday. But I have no idea what it was.
Belly Button in or out? In still.
What I miss: Normal looking ankles.
What I am looking forward to: Breastfeeding class on Sunday, our last class!
Milestones: Today's the big 35/35...35 weeks down, 35 days till my due date. That means full term baby in 14 days, and he will be here in no more than 42 days (if he makes me wait till 41 weeks!).

More Randomness...

I really can never think of a decent title for these posts. Perhaps because I have nothing but really random things to say...here's what I've got today:

• At back to school night last night one of my parents who I adore from having her child previously, said, "I have to tell you a funny story. XXX loves you, but he really loves you when you wear your polka dotted dress. He came home the other day and was so excited, he said mom, she wore the dress again!" Yes, it's cute...but we've only been in school 12 days. Clearly I do not have a ton of maternity clothes that are comfy, do not need to be ironed, etc!
  
• I seem to be growing by leaps bounds. I saw myself in the mirror today and was like oh my word, I am huge! People at school are already guessing on baby weight. My grandmother was worried I was so small, but nobody seems concerned about that anymore.
  
• We took Abby to the vet today for a check up before the baby gets here. The vet was so excited that we were pregnant, I was only about 8 weeks along the last time we saw her so she didn't know. She was the vet who saw us through losing Maddy, so I told her the story of how when we had to put Maddy to sleep I was completely sobbing, but said, "Okay, go find us a baby and send it back to us." We were pregnant the next month. The vet said it gave her chills to hear that. I said no kidding, I still thank Maddy every night.
  
• Peter's sick...so Logan is not allowed to come for the next few days. I need a healthy daddy in the delivery room!
  
• I had a lot of belly pain tonight. I can't really tell you what it was, Braxton Hicks contractions I guess, I mean, it wasn't major contractions, but it was definitely uncomfortable. This baby is definitely getting closer!

All right, that's all the randomness I know...2 more days till the weekend, the goal for this weekend is to finish packing the hospital bag! Logan's bag is all packed, my list is all done and about 1/2 packed...but it'll be done by Sunday!

Colds are gross...

So, I'm in that gross end of cold phase. Head still a little stuffy, still coughing some...but I what I really hate? The dry skin that develops all over your nose from blowing it so much. Let's face it, it's nasty. It just looks like you have all kinds of yuckies hanging off your nose. And it's kind of like peeling a sunburn. The more you peel the worse it gets. So, I'm slathering on the moisturizer in hopes that by the time my son gets here they will be gone so he does not think his mother is a scary alien (since we've already established he has Peter's perfect nose, he will undoubtedly already be afraid of mine...no reason to make it worse).

I think we may get a new refrigerator this week, really this time. It was supposed to come last Wednesday...and it did come, but I got a call from a quite upset Peter on Wednesday afternoon that it wouldn't fit through the kitchen door. HAHAHA. We measured the space it was going in perfectly, but didn't think about actually getting it in the door. This is so the way our life works. We just had a whole discussion after the nursery furniture came about how we never measure for furniture before hand, hence the heated debates after our living room furniture arrived and then the nursery furniture. So, we resolved to be better. And we tried, and look what happens, we still end up having to send the fridge back! Luckily we found one that works and all systems are go for this week. Cross your fingers!

In other strange news, I think I may have found my new love:
Those pancakes in the middle? They're New York Cheesecake pancakes from IHOP. Now, if you know me well you know I really don't like breakfast foods that much. But last night my tastebuds were finally coming back and Peter asked what I wanted for dinner. And I, quite oddly, replied, "IHOP." He looked at me like I had 3 heads. And then I told him why...IHOP is really close to Dairy Queen. So, we go, and I'm not expecting much. I probably haven't been to IHOP in 15 years. And I order these pancakes. HEAVEN. I mean really. So much so that when we were done, Peter asked if I still wanted Dairy Queen and I said no. HONESTLY. They were just so good that I didn't need anything else. So, really odd pregnancy craving, and hopefully I did not start a new phase...I mean, how many times can one go to IHOP with less than 6 weeks left? Hopefully I won't test that one...

34 Weeks, 1 Day

Ugh, it's been a long week. I got hit with a cold on Wednesday, should have stayed home on Thursday but did not, and was basically forced by my husband and well intentioned colleagues to stay home Friday. It is very hard to leave a class the second week of school! Plus, I already feel so guilty about taking off for doctor's appointments and all that that I really didn't want to add another day. But, it helped, a lot. And I'm so glad this illness came at the end of the week so I can have 2 more days to recuperate. The doc okayed some medicine, but I was so nervous about taking it, I was up all night making sure Logan was still moving around in there. Anyway, finally a picture, and the survey! Please ignore the very red face and awful look in the picture...the cold still has control over my body.

How far along? 34 Weeks
Total weight gain/loss: Up 20 total. Clearly the elliptical saved me from huge weight gain in the beginning...now, well, it's piling on. No third tri slow down for me so far. Although, I could be really picky and say that this doc's appointment was at 2pm, the others have been at 8am...that should count for a few pounds!
Maternity clothes? Yes. If you want a funny visual go back to around 26 weeks, I had this dress on then too...I think there's definitely a difference!
Stretch marks? Nothing new this week
Sleep: I slept a ton Thursday evening, and cat napped all day yesterday, still managed a decent sleep last night. But really, the sore hips...really sore.
Best moment this week: Hearing his heartbeat at the doctor's office...never gets old.
Movement: I wish I had a video camera on my belly last night. It was insane. I think his whole body was flopping around.
Food cravings: Ice cream.
Gender: BOY! (I wonder why this is on here every week?)
Labor Signs: A few little Braxton-Hicks contractions here and there.
Belly Button in or out? Still an innie.
What I miss: Taking the cold medicine I know works in 4 hours...but I love every second with this little guy, still hate this question.
What I am looking forward to: Um, trying for the refrigerator again...I shall post about that later.
Milestones: Um, 3 weeks until full term. Crazy.

34 Week Appointment

Hard to believe we just had our 34 week appointment! So crazy. But, a really average appointment. We'll take average. We keep seeing everyone's favorite monotone doc, but he's really getting to know Peter and I, and I think we're becoming his favorites! I still predict he'll be the one to deliver Logan, we'll see.

So, yep, same old drill. Before I got pregnant I never knew they made you pee in a cup EVERY time. I mean, every time. It's to check for protein and other stuff, but man, it's getting harder to accomplish that task with a bigger belly! I got a flu shot today too, and the doc definitely had a different outlook on the H1N1 vaccine this time. He said as soon as it's out they'll give it to me, he wants me to have it, especially with my asthma history combined with the pregnancy. When it's hitting pregnant women hard it's affecting their respiratory system, so that's the concern I guess. We'll see, it's all going to come down to when it's available and when Logan makes his appearance!

I have one more 2 week appointment on 10/1, and then 10/6 we start weekly appointments. I remember thinking back in March that weekly appointments seemed like they would never get here...and it's right around the corner. Today there was a woman in the waiting room for her 6 week post partum appointment and she had her baby with her. My eyes were just glued to the baby. I poked Peter and said, "We're going to have one of those. That is wild."

Now it's off to figure out a way to empty the old refrigerator before the new one gets here between 2 and 4 tomorrow...there's no way it's all going to fit in the cooler, so we'll see what great ideas Peter comes up with...no worries, there is no ice cream that could go bad. If there was I would certainly have an idea for that! :)

33 Weeks, 2 Days

I've been trying to take a picture since Friday, but keep coming home and putting on my ugly comfy clothes before I remember the picture. So, here's to remembering tomorrow after work! Anyway, here's the survey part, for at least a little something interesting!

How far along? 33 Weeks
Total weight gain/loss: Up 18 total.
Maternity clothes? Yes. And fall weather is not welcome here. I really do not want to buy new maternity clothes! I'm going out looking for cardigans to put over my dresses next weekend. Until then, summer can last as long as it wants.
Stretch marks? Nothing new this week
Sleep: Sore, sore, sore hips. Lots of bathroom trips, and a snoring husband...
Best moment this week: Getting the car seats installed! We went and had them inspected at a local police event, and it was great. They're staying in there now, it's so funny to drive around with a car seat base in the car!
Movement: A little quieter the past few days, but he's still kicking around.
Food cravings: Chocolate ice cream with oreos (Did you know Wendy's makes a Oreo Frosty? Plus there's always my Dairy Queen Chocolate Oreo Blizzard...it was a nice back to school treat! Wonder what the excuse will be this week?)
Gender: BOY! (I wonder why this is on here every week?)
Labor Signs: A few little Braxton-Hicks contractions here and there.
Belly Button in or out? Still an innie - shallower still I think, but who knows.
What I miss: I really hate this question because I love being pregnant and am so grateful for this little guy that I really don't want to say I miss anything...but bending down to pet the cat without immense amounts of pain, I guess I'll say that for this week.
What I am looking forward to: Doctor's appointment on Tuesday, our new refrigerator coming on Wednesday!
Milestones: We have car seats inspected and correctly installed!!! They would let us leave the hospital with a baby now! :)

Life is Good

The first day of school is always filled with such anticipation and nervousness. It sets the tone for the year. Though you know a little about each student individually you never quite know how they'll come together as a class. Well, this is all I have to say:

I am one happy teacher! They are a fabulous group, all very sweet and no extreme behavior issues. I say all of this while knocking on LOTS of wood. I have some low babies, but low is very easy to handle when you don't have behavior issues on top of it. I am just counting my blessings! I have a few that are chatty, chatty, chatty, but they seem to respond well to reminders and consequences, so I think all will be fine. Hopefully knowing what a good group they are will make going back after my 12 weeks with Logan a little easier!

That being said, being much more pregnant than when I left has already made a big difference this year. First, I get up right when the alarm goes off. I can't sleep any more, so I figure there's no reason to just lay there. That means I have a little more time before school starts to get some things done, and it's working well so far. My kiddos are really being great about picking things up off the floor for me (hey, it's a long way to bend down, do you know how many things end up on the floor in the course of a first grade day?) and lots of people always offer to watch my class for me to take potty breaks! BUT...good grief do my feet hurt at the end of the day. I don't really realize it until I get home after my 30 minute drive and go to get out of the car and then WOW...sore, sore feet and hips and body in general. I really need to work on sitting down a little more, but that's easier said than done with new first graders.

There is a baby swing put together in my living room...Peter gets things put together and gets so excited. I realized last night that we'll have a full term baby in 30 days. OH MY WORD!!!! :)

Message Received.

So, I think some of you people might be trying to tell me something...

Peter and I have a to do list on our fridge for things for Logan. One of them was "Buy Medicine." Well, it seems the mommies that I know have experience in this area. Yep, we have 5 bottles of baby pain relief from the shower gifts. Don't get me wrong, I'm grateful for every one of them. We can stash them in different places and Logan will never have to feel an ounce of pain. But I really think you guys are trying to tell me that babies do get sick...and teethe, and all of that great stuff. So we now have a whole drawer stocked with every kind of baby medicine imaginable. And apparently saline nose stuff is a big deal too, because we have 4 bottles of that. Now all I need is a nurse to come live with us and administer all the medicine, when Peter and I are freaking out about our sick baby!

In other news, the elliptical is officially off limits to me for the rest of my pregnancy. I know, I've talked about this like 5 times in the past two weeks. Well, this weekend I thought I'd give it one more try. Saturday went great, 30 minutes, no problem. Sunday my heartrate just could not get under control. It was up around 138 after just 8 minutes, which is not good since the goal is 140 or less. So, I stopped doing arms. Didn't help, sent it up to 142. So, I went slower. Needless to say, by 17 minutes in it was at 150, so that was that, I was done. Off to just walking now!

And in my attempts to be domestic I was going to make brownies today, but still cannot find my cake pan anywhere...Peter refuses to believe that it just disappeared (I for some reason, accept this fully as fact), so if you happen to have stumbled upon it from some great baking feat I've had at your house in the past few months, let me know! :)

32 Weeks!

With all of the craziness of going back to school the blog is getting neglected. But I just couldn't forget the weekly photo and survey!

How far along? 32 Weeks
Total weight gain/loss: Up 16 total.
Maternity clothes? Yes, and wearing the same thing over and over gets old!
Stretch marks? Nothing new this week
Sleep: Earlier this week, not so good. But, the past two nights, knock on wood, really, really good. Just up to go to the bathroom, a short 10 - 15 minutes awake, and back to sleep.
Best moment this week: The baby shower was so much fun! Getting to put everything away in the nursery was great. And realizing that A LOT more baby clothes fit in the washer at one time than adult clothes!
Movement: Yes, thank you. I love every thump!
Food cravings: We're back on a Slurpee kick!
Gender: BOY! (I wonder why this is on here every week?)
Labor Signs: None. And I'd like it to stay that way!
Belly Button in or out? Still an innie
What I miss: Moving things around my classroom without having to ask for help - but I do appreciate the help!
What I am looking forward to: Getting the rest of the baby stuff this weekend!
Milestones: We sent in our hospital pre-registration...they'll be expecting us!

32 week appointment

Friday I will be 32 weeks pregnant! Crazy! So, today we went in for our 32 week appointment. We saw the uber-calm doctor, but he was a bit more animated this time. My big question, lovely Swine Flu. I'm terrified that I won't be able to think about anything other than that when I am looking at my 24 first graders next week! His advice was to first get a regular flu shot ASAP...easier said than done, not too many places have them yet. Let me know if you know of somewhere in No. Va that does, I'm still looking!

Regarding the Swine Flu vaccine, he said we'll just have to wait and see. It's really going to come down to a timing issue for me, my due date is so very close to when the vaccine comes out. If it was just me we were talking about, I would get it without a moments hesitation, but seeing as how it will affect Logan too, I'm a bit more worried. I don't want to be a guinea pig! I do plan on getting it after he is born, definitely before I go back to work if all is looking okay with the vaccine.

While we were at the doctor today Peter mentioned to him that I was getting much more uncomfortable and having pains while I was exercising. The doctor said, well, you're headed into the home stretch, you have to listen to your body. So, that's what I'm going to do. We'll just see how it goes. I will say I definitely see a difference being at work all day. My body is much sorer at night, but I am still having a terrible time sleeping...go figure. Last night I was up from 2:15am - 5:15am...not fun at all. I'm going to go give it a try in a few minutes and hope for more success in that area tonight!