Week 37 and Counting

Here's what I look like most of the time now. Trying to keep my feet up and ride out the last few weeks in the recliner, attempting to find a comfy position with baby's feet up in my ribs. Week 37 and counting!


The second picture is the usual profile to compare belly sizes, and includes my best "happy face" -- which is becoming somewhat strained. You can ask the co-workers... ha! I was just thinking today how I felt sorry for my patients for having such a crabby, pregnant nurse care for them! Oh well, at least my condition tends to be a distraction from their situation.

Three (+) things

Lately, I've been told I've been a little (ehem) grumpy. This last month of pregnancy has proven to be quite challenging with the added discomfort of an ever growing belly and major fluid overload.

So, I've been wracking my brain to think of three positive things about being nine months pregnant. It was truly a challenge to shift into positive thinking about this condition, so here we go.
___________
3. People are generally very helpful and nice to me. I don't know if this is due to pity or kindness, but either way, its nice to have a few smiles thrown my way, or have people offer their seat, or hold a door, etc.
___________
2. The belly serves as a very handy storage shelf when sitting in the recliner watching TV. I've been able to balance dinner, or the remote, or a good book on it (though not all at the same time).
___________
1. It is VERY easy to wash my belly button because it sticks out so far!

New Poll

Hello!
I just want to draw your attention to the new poll on the side of the blog. You can vote whether you think baby will be a boy or a girl. Take your time, think about it, and please, only vote once. You have until Feb. 15th to let us know what you think. After that, we'll see if you're right!

(Can't you tell I'm home by myself, playing around with new features on the blog?)

Can't wait to see what everyone thinks!

Almost Week 36

Here is a picture just 3 days shy of Week 36. At this point, I've totally rounded up and consider myself 4 weeks from delivering. I'd hate to think how disappointed I'd be if my due date came and went with no baby, but I suppose there is that chance. I'll have to deal with that possibility when we get that far. If I must. I guess. (My fingers are crossed, but its hard to type that way).

I finally got a maternity top that has a high neckline. When I saw the forecast for this weekend included temps in the single digits at night, I went on a quick search for appropriate apparel and was very lucky to get a sweater on clearance ($6) -- hip hip hooray for bargain shopping days!

The people at work were kind enough to throw a baby shower for us. Here we are before our big night on the town, and before our social life is completely annihilated by entering parenthood (though I'm still convinced parents get to have fun again at some point...). We had a good time, some good food, and brought home a carload of baby items....onesies galore!

Here's me starting the gift unwrapping. A co-worker was VERY excited about the card that she made and wanted to be sure I shared in her excitement.

January Thaw

Seems we've had a little January thaw recently. Though this morning we have an inch or two of snow on the ground, last week we had rain, rain, rain, and a little fog to go with it. Made me wish for spring...ahhh.

It doesn't appear, however, that spring will be upon us any time soon, as they predict the weather will be quite chilly this weekend, with highs in the teens over the coming weekend. Bummer. Though I'm sure you haven't tuned into the blog for the weather report, I would like to say this has been my warmest winter on record. Generally, I'm fairly coldblooded and have to dress appropriately for comfort, which includes layers of shirts, sweaters, scarves, hats, gloves, etc. This year, I have not had to sport the hat, scarf, and gloves very frequently. Either this is because I'm now a walking furnace with the extra body in vivo, or the temps simply haven't been that extreme. Perhaps even a combination of the two, I suppose. Either way, its been nice to be at the same comfort level as George so there are no arguments about turning up the heat, or getting an extra blanket on the bed. Even at work I've been fine in a short sleeve shirt when in the past I've worn scrub jackets for extra warmth. George is hoping that even after the baby is born, I'll be able to maintain this body temperature. Somehow, I doubt it.

Work has been more and more difficult lately. Its just been making me super tired. On the days I don't work, I've been enjoying sleeping in, with more naps, and a little shut eye. I guess I also figure I won't be able to do this once the baby is here, right? But seriously, I've been trying to work my days two in a row and near the end of the second day its all I can do to finish up my work. Whew.

One more pregnancy complaint before I go: I woke up this morning with incredible carpal tunnel. I've had a few small episodes of numb hands, but today they were almost painful to the touch. Yikes. And last week I had to take off my wedding rings because of the swelling in my fingers. I'm definitely counting down the days until delivery...at my last appointment, my doctor said that at this point, if I went into labor it wouldn't be stopped and they would just let me deliver. Its nice to be at that point, knowing that most likely, the baby would be fine. He also said baby was positioned head down (yay!) -- I could have told him that, with the number of kicks I get up under my ribs.

Over the weekend, George and I got to go see our friends' 3 week old newborn. It was so much fun to cuddle with their little one. In addition, I really enjoyed hearing about how quickly the pregnancy symptoms will subside once I deliver the baby. No more swelling from extra fluid, no more sciatica or carpal tunnel, no more shortness of breath, no more heartburn. Oh happy day, when we get to meet our new little buddy!

Week 33

So, this isn't the most flattering picture of me, but I wanted to get an updated "week of pregnancy" photo posted. It certainly does portray the wear and tear of regular pregnancy on a person. I look like I need a little more sleep. Lately, its become more of a challenge to find a comfy sleeping position, its hard to move around, and I find myself getting short of breath easily as the baby is pushing on my ribs and diaphragm. Unfortunately, sleeping, breathing, and moving around are all activities I like to do on a daily basis! Baby is really starting to cramp my style.

Speaking of cramps, I've also had the joy lately of waking up with a severe charlie horse. I've had leg cramps before and am usually able to stretch it out in my sleepy state. Well, these are a different breed. I have to actually get up out of bed and stand on the leg to release the tetany. Its no wonder my legs are so sore they feel like I've run a marathon. The muscle is actually fatigued by the cramping!

Its a good thing I only have 6 weeks left (if baby comes close to the due date). I'm ready to have my body back!

In other things baby-related, we've been making more preparations at home. My sister, Jennifer, was very generous and gave me two big bags of baby stuff: breast pump, bottles, clothes, blankets, etc. The challenge is finding space for all these things in our little apartment. So, George and I have been rearranging some closet and drawer space to accommodate these items. We've been laughing at the size of the clothes as we folded the laundry. A tiny person is really going to wear this stuff? And who knew something so small would need so much stuff!!?!

Mah Burfday

Charlotte neglected to mention the delicious brownies that she made for me - chocolatey with bits of Andes' mints - these things are amazing in brownies! Yum.

thanks for a great birthday! Yummy!

the following is some advanced blogging, folks...aka, it looks like something a 3rd grader might do...

Happy Birthday, George!

The new year comes with another celebration -- George's birthday! Although, as a trade off for Christmas, I had to work both New Years Eve day and New Years Day, we managed to get out toward the end of the week for a lovely birthday dinner.

George received an email for a free birthday burrito from one of our favorite burrito places in the area. After researching store hours on the internet however, we discovered that several locations closest to us have closed. Not wanting to use the gas to drive way out to the suburbs for a free burrito, we settled for something closer, and were delighted by what we found.

Recently, George saw a sign for Burrito Mundo and wanted to try it out. We started with their soup of the day, creamy corn and poblano, which was so sweet and creamy, then hot and fiery in your mouth all at once! We also had a nice serving of "green goodness" aka guacamole. For the main entree, we split an order of Mahi Mahi con Mango: Pan-roasted, achiote seasoned Mahi filet over Mundo black beans and rice, topped with mango salsa and plantain chips. It makes my mouth water just talking about it!

If anyone is familiar, in the Boston area there is a restaurant that has been high on George's favorites list called "East Coast Grill" -- Burrito Mundo was like a mini version, with the flavors we like (tropical fruit - mangoes, plantains, etc. combined with seasoned meat/fish dishes). In other words, a tango for the taste buds!

So for the next 3 months, George and I are the same age. Until March, when I, once again, become older and wiser!

A Christmas Story

George and I just returned from church a little while ago and as we sat right in front of the manger, I was reminded of the comments Julia made at Christmas Eve mass and wanted to share the story.

Part of the processional to begin mass included a short "posadas" where Mary and Joseph went knocking from door to door for accommodations. The congregation replies, "no room at the inn" each time. Mary was carrying the statue of baby Jesus, but it was difficult to really see that very well because of the blue scarf around her head and neck. Julia strained to see what was going on throughout mass and was most interested in "baby Jesus" throughout the celebration. Right after mass, she wanted to go up to see baby Jesus. So Jennifer took her to the manger scene. When she came back, she was actually quite disappointed to see that there was only a statue of baby Jesus lying in the manger. Apparently, she asked Jennifer if Jesus was real (still expecting a real baby to appear...) Jen's response included an explanation about how he lived a long time ago and the statues are reminders of the story of his birth. Then Julia asked, "did the dinosaurs eat him?"

Hhmmm. I'm thinking its a good thing Easter is right around the corner to clear up some of this confusion! Maybe next year she'll catch on to a few more details about the Christmas story. Even Santa didn't cause too much excitement as she was the first to wake up Christmas morning, but simply played in her room until a few others were awake. One thing is for sure. She has the unwrapping of Christmas gifts down pat. Even the ones that aren't hers.

I have to admit, it was fun to carry out the Santa story this year. Its been a long time since the holidays have included believers!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas from the Leydons! And a very Happy New Year to all!

We hope that your holiday season is filled with family and friends and that blessings abound in 2008.