Today I am officially 39.5 weeks. Which in pregnant woman terms, means I'm completely miserable. To be honest though, my body is holding up quite well. I don't really have much swelling to speak of, not much pain, I'm sleeping okay and I can move around pretty decent. But mentally, I'm starting to go down the tubes. I'm beginning to feel like she has made a permanent home inside of me and will never come out. Scott and I were trying to remember when I wasn't pregnant, and neither of us could. It's silly...and dramatic. But that's where I'm at. I'm to the point where dressing in any sort of decent looking clothes is so uncomfortable, I'm instantly grumpy. There are always lumps or rolls that shouldn't be showing, but are, in every item of clothing. The simplest movements become ridiculous, painful and/or comical. Bending over, rolling over, putting a seatbelt on, you name it. Food has lost all flavor and I really would prefer to not cook or eat for a few weeks if I can help it. My sleeping comes in shifts throughout the day and night. 4-5 hours here, 2-3 hours there. I'm sleeping, but not consistent. I have no desire to leave the house at all, but I go stir crazy if I don't do anything. My friends that are all pregnant and due around my date have pretty much all delivered early. So here I am, venting. :) We are all prepared here for her arrival. Clothes are washed, her corner in our room is set and the carseat is in the car. The kids have been practicing pushing her stroller around in the house and making faces at the pretend baby in the car. So she's welcome to come annnnnyyyyytiiiimmmmeee.
In other family news, the kids are continuing tumbling and piano. Grace spends 75% of her day doing cartwheels around the house in between any activity. Down the hall, to the kitchen table, to the bedroom, from the car to the house. It's enough to drive me crazy, but I feel as though I was the same way. Tucker has only increased his obsession with Lego Star Wars and is sure to tell me everyday, which new set he would like for his birthday, Christmas or any day really. We're still working on that whole sense of entitlement thing. He is losing teeth left and right and is certain to make the tooth fairy broke these next few months. Scott is busy with work and church, although thoughts of the impending arrival of baby occupies most of his time. He's been sure to get all of his guy time, desert driving, coyote watching in before she comes so he can focus all of his attention on waiting on us hand and foot when she comes :) He celebrates his 30th birthday in 2 days and I was lucky enough to be able to pull off a surprise party for him without a hitch last weekend. All of his best buddies came and we celebrated with pizza and games. Scott was clueless and his reaction was priceless. A few weeks ago, my good friends threw me the cutest baby shower and I had a blast. I am overwhelmed with gratitude as people have showed us their love and support for our family. We're so grateful for good friends!
We're blessed and happy to be able to welcome our babe to the family soon. Lots of changes are coming our way!
Friday, March 1, 2013
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
The Birds and the Bees
I woke up this morning, got the family off to school and work and finally decided it was time to blog. I woke up with a little more energy and a little less grumpiness than usual lately and figured it might be a good time. In reality, I should be updating on what our family did 2 months ago for our cute Christmas, or 3 months ago for Thanksgiving, or really any significant time in the past 6 months. But I really start to resent blogging if I felt a need to update so frequently. Maybe that's why I have unfinished scrapbooks from high school. Ya, that's probably it. Instead, I feel the need to document an uber important conversation with my kiddos, one that every parent dreads-The Birds and Bees. As my pregnancy has trucked on, Grace and Tucker have randomly asked little questions about where she lives, how she got there, etc. After giving many vague answers for the past 9 months, Grace finally pinned me down for an answer and I promised her I would give her one. So here it goes:
**warning: this post may contain use of the proper terms for certain body parts, making us all feel uncomfortable. me included.
I told Grace I would give her an answer in a few days. I prepped Scott for the occasion, searched the internet (very carefully) for some help and even raced to the library for a little guidance. What I came up was a hope, a prayer and 3 books from the 80's discussing storks, the human body and how you were born (complete with cartoon illustrations).
Monday night we sat down for our usual Family Home Evening. I tried to plan a "gospel" theme around this subject so as to not make it so weird. I was sweating bullets (not so unusual for me right now anyway). Scott had no idea what to expect. We began by talking about the Plan of Salvation and what Heavenly Father's purpose for us on this life is. We read out of Genesis about "multiplying and replenishing the Earth." We talked about our bodies being a gift and what the purpose of them was here on Earth. That was all fine and dandy. Then, I posed the question to them of "Have you heard of the word SEX?" I was terrified of the answer, but expected Grace might have been familar with it. Instead Tucker gave me a confused look and Grace responded with "Well, I've heard of SEX-Y." I was surprised and unsure of whether I should be relieved or not- I knew we were starting from scratch here.
We started discussing body parts. Now, in our house, I have never used the scientific words for body parts. I feel weird having my kids use those terms when they are so young. In fact, I feel weird using those terms myself, even in my profession. It always makes me want to giggle. I thought I should maybe correct this when I took Tucker to the doctor for his 7 year check up in December. When the Dr. talked to him about his "penis" Tucker stared at him with a blank look on his face with no idea what he was talking about. So, we started with a very basic understanding of what parts boys have and what parts girls have. We started with boys. After the penis talk, I asked if the kids knew what testicles were. Tucker piped up with "that's what holds your penis to your body." Feeling uncomfortable enough to fully correct him, we went with that answer for the time being. When asked if they knew what a vagina was, Tucker again responded "ya, that looks like a line." From a child's perspective, I could see that way of thinking, so we went with that. We talked about what the basic parts were used for and addressed how our bodies were filled with all sorts of cells. I pulled out one of the books from the 80's to show them cartoon pictures of sperm and eggs. The kids were fascinated by the cell pictures and even Scott, who had been silent and fighting laughter this entire time, was intrigued. All of this was build up to what we had yet to discuss-SEX.
After we looked at the cell pictures, I asked the kids if they knew how the sperm gets into the woman's egg. They had no clue. So then I had to say it. "The penis goes into the vagina." Grace looked confused and slightly horrified. "I don't get it, HOW does it do that?" she asked. Feeling overwhelmed myself at that time, I gave a vague description of what how the actual activity occurs and described it as "sort of a hug." I stumbled over my words, looking to Scott for help, and emphasized how special and sacred the act is and it's only something to be done in private. My favorite comment for the evening came at this moment. After my explanation, Grace responds "So, it's like after the kids go to sleep and you guys just look at each other and say Soooo, you want to do it?" At this point, I could have cried from laughter, but trying to be the responsible parent in the situation, I skimmed over her question and emphasized that yes, it's something done in private. I struggled to hide the book with the seemingly innocent cartoon picture of a woman and man in bed with covers over them and their feet sticking out. The slight sketched in "lines" around the cartoon blanket to emphasize the blanket rustling just about put me over the top. Scott, bless his heart, spent the entire conversation with his hand placed firmly over his mouth and avoiding eye contact with anyone. He knew if I addressed him at any moment, he might break into awkward laughter. He was super helpful. But at this point, I knew the worst was probably over. I could breathe a somewhat sigh of relief. We finished off by discussing how the baby actually comes out of the mom and the kids seemed so excited talking about the baby, they forgot what we initially were discussing. I asked them over and over if they had questions. We finally wrapped up with the same speech over and over. We talked about how special and private this subject was and absolutely Do NOT talk about this to your friends. If you have a question come to us or your grandparents, aunts, and uncles, etc. Tucker added "Ya, we'll ask aunts and uncles only IF they know about it...." So yes, I sincerely hope mine and Scott's siblings know about the above topic. I don't know if I can handle this conversation again for another 8 years.
All in all, the conversation went great and the kids were actively involved and not crying from embarassment like I did when I was younger. Since then, we have had continuation of the topic by discussing whether you know an animal is a boy or girl, what a "sack" is (thanks to the pre-teen boys at that park) what the word "sexy" really means, and whether Grace is old enough to wear a training bra (whaaaaatttt????). All uncomfortable topics, but I would rather give them the answer than their peers.
When did I get so old to be dealing with this?
**warning: this post may contain use of the proper terms for certain body parts, making us all feel uncomfortable. me included.
I told Grace I would give her an answer in a few days. I prepped Scott for the occasion, searched the internet (very carefully) for some help and even raced to the library for a little guidance. What I came up was a hope, a prayer and 3 books from the 80's discussing storks, the human body and how you were born (complete with cartoon illustrations).
Monday night we sat down for our usual Family Home Evening. I tried to plan a "gospel" theme around this subject so as to not make it so weird. I was sweating bullets (not so unusual for me right now anyway). Scott had no idea what to expect. We began by talking about the Plan of Salvation and what Heavenly Father's purpose for us on this life is. We read out of Genesis about "multiplying and replenishing the Earth." We talked about our bodies being a gift and what the purpose of them was here on Earth. That was all fine and dandy. Then, I posed the question to them of "Have you heard of the word SEX?" I was terrified of the answer, but expected Grace might have been familar with it. Instead Tucker gave me a confused look and Grace responded with "Well, I've heard of SEX-Y." I was surprised and unsure of whether I should be relieved or not- I knew we were starting from scratch here.
We started discussing body parts. Now, in our house, I have never used the scientific words for body parts. I feel weird having my kids use those terms when they are so young. In fact, I feel weird using those terms myself, even in my profession. It always makes me want to giggle. I thought I should maybe correct this when I took Tucker to the doctor for his 7 year check up in December. When the Dr. talked to him about his "penis" Tucker stared at him with a blank look on his face with no idea what he was talking about. So, we started with a very basic understanding of what parts boys have and what parts girls have. We started with boys. After the penis talk, I asked if the kids knew what testicles were. Tucker piped up with "that's what holds your penis to your body." Feeling uncomfortable enough to fully correct him, we went with that answer for the time being. When asked if they knew what a vagina was, Tucker again responded "ya, that looks like a line." From a child's perspective, I could see that way of thinking, so we went with that. We talked about what the basic parts were used for and addressed how our bodies were filled with all sorts of cells. I pulled out one of the books from the 80's to show them cartoon pictures of sperm and eggs. The kids were fascinated by the cell pictures and even Scott, who had been silent and fighting laughter this entire time, was intrigued. All of this was build up to what we had yet to discuss-SEX.
After we looked at the cell pictures, I asked the kids if they knew how the sperm gets into the woman's egg. They had no clue. So then I had to say it. "The penis goes into the vagina." Grace looked confused and slightly horrified. "I don't get it, HOW does it do that?" she asked. Feeling overwhelmed myself at that time, I gave a vague description of what how the actual activity occurs and described it as "sort of a hug." I stumbled over my words, looking to Scott for help, and emphasized how special and sacred the act is and it's only something to be done in private. My favorite comment for the evening came at this moment. After my explanation, Grace responds "So, it's like after the kids go to sleep and you guys just look at each other and say Soooo, you want to do it?" At this point, I could have cried from laughter, but trying to be the responsible parent in the situation, I skimmed over her question and emphasized that yes, it's something done in private. I struggled to hide the book with the seemingly innocent cartoon picture of a woman and man in bed with covers over them and their feet sticking out. The slight sketched in "lines" around the cartoon blanket to emphasize the blanket rustling just about put me over the top. Scott, bless his heart, spent the entire conversation with his hand placed firmly over his mouth and avoiding eye contact with anyone. He knew if I addressed him at any moment, he might break into awkward laughter. He was super helpful. But at this point, I knew the worst was probably over. I could breathe a somewhat sigh of relief. We finished off by discussing how the baby actually comes out of the mom and the kids seemed so excited talking about the baby, they forgot what we initially were discussing. I asked them over and over if they had questions. We finally wrapped up with the same speech over and over. We talked about how special and private this subject was and absolutely Do NOT talk about this to your friends. If you have a question come to us or your grandparents, aunts, and uncles, etc. Tucker added "Ya, we'll ask aunts and uncles only IF they know about it...." So yes, I sincerely hope mine and Scott's siblings know about the above topic. I don't know if I can handle this conversation again for another 8 years.
All in all, the conversation went great and the kids were actively involved and not crying from embarassment like I did when I was younger. Since then, we have had continuation of the topic by discussing whether you know an animal is a boy or girl, what a "sack" is (thanks to the pre-teen boys at that park) what the word "sexy" really means, and whether Grace is old enough to wear a training bra (whaaaaatttt????). All uncomfortable topics, but I would rather give them the answer than their peers.
When did I get so old to be dealing with this?
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Baby business
I have spent the past week cleaning out closets, making piles of things to get rid of, stressing over which corner of our home to make the baby corner,making lists, registering for baby items I'm in desperate need of and watching hours of The Business of Being Born and its sequel. I think its safe to say I'm in full nesting mode right now. Baby is due in 8 weeks and I feel like I'm just now realizing how ill prepared I really am. Although secretly this is my favorite time to be pregnant because I once had dreams to be a professional organizer someday.
At 32 weeks I am:
-feeling abnormally large, although the Dr. said baby is measuring perfect and don't let anyone tell me otherwise.
-missing the 2nd trimester high sometimes. 3rd trimester brings on the aches, pains and exhaustion. again. zzzzzzzzzz.
-finding a love for a bubble bath all of a sudden. i have never liked baths and although i had a nice big bathtub in my last house,i never used it once the whole year. i am currently making up for lost time.
-still at a loss for a name. we have a few we're throwing around but haven't decided yet. in fact, i haven't seriously thought about it in several months. i got too tired.
-feeling the baby move constantly. i mean to the point where i am exhausted. i specifically remember crying towards the end of both my pregnancies due to the constant kicking. yay! (but really i am grateful)
-really slacking on my motherly duties. it's kind of good and bad my kids are at the age where they're so independent. i had big plans to do fun things on christmas break with them, when in reality i laid in bed and they played all day on their new ipad.
-crave mexican food and/or sweets constantly. i mean, this is nothing new, but it's only been seriously heightened by being pregnant.
-realizing i haven't written anything in my kids baby books in years, and i'm beginning to feel guilty about it. wondering how long i'll last with this child's baby book.
-clocking in at roughly 3 hours of sleep a day after i work a night shift. baby wakes me up at noon like clockwork no matter if i go to sleep at 8:30 or close to 10 am after a long shift. she doesn't care. i'm super fun to be around after that too.
-planning my departure from my job shortly. and i've been saying that for way too long and yet i'm still there. dang bills.
-feeling the urge to have "the talk" with my kids. and freaking out about it.
-excited for baby boo to come out and play. but really i'm terrified at the same time. i haven't done this in 7 years people. yikes!
-thankful scott still loves me and is cool, calm and collected although his life has been completely turned around in the last 8 months. he doesn't even make me feel bad for randomly crying when he has no idea what its about...and neither do i. it's awesome.
-a bit overwhelmed with all i have to be thankful for right now. life is crazy and stressful, but good.
Sunday, December 23, 2012
Christmas pics
As always, kudos to one of our favorite photographers Nick for these sweet pictures and fun ideas. We had a blast.
Thursday, December 20, 2012
It's been awhile
I haven't been in the blogging mood lately. Thus the reason for the absence. It just seems like too much work-although that seems to be the case for most things right now. I'm REALLY milking this pregnancy thing.
In August, our Gracie girl made the big decision to be baptized. Don't get me started on the "I can't believe she's that old!" I've already cried over it. We're so proud of her and the smart, beautiful girl she's become. She was baptized by her grandfather and confirmed by my dad. Tucker and Grace sang "I am a Child of God" and I gave the Holy Ghost talk. It was a beautiful baptism and I just love her so. Thanks to my sis-in-law Selena for capturing some beautiful photos afterward.
In August, our Gracie girl made the big decision to be baptized. Don't get me started on the "I can't believe she's that old!" I've already cried over it. We're so proud of her and the smart, beautiful girl she's become. She was baptized by her grandfather and confirmed by my dad. Tucker and Grace sang "I am a Child of God" and I gave the Holy Ghost talk. It was a beautiful baptism and I just love her so. Thanks to my sis-in-law Selena for capturing some beautiful photos afterward.
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Baby boo
Here's baby belly at 16 weeks. I figured I should write a few things down on how things have been going for posterity's sake since I haven't kept a journal in 10 years. My bad.
I found out I was expecting early on at 3 weeks. Since science hasn't quite caught up to a a female's intuition, $45, 7 pregnancy tests and a week later, we finally had a absolute positive to what I already knew was true. We were both thrilled. I (too) quickly made an appt and we ended up at our first dr.'s appt at 4 weeks. Since baby was so tiny, they couldn't actually see it on the ultrasound or hear the heartbeat. Two weeks and another ultrasound later, we were happy to finally see little peanut and its heart beating strong. I started showing pretty much immediately. So much so, that we had to tell the kids a little earlier than planned because they thought it was fun to keep telling me how I really looked like I was pregnant and won't that be fun!
I can't complain too much about first trimester. Just the typical narcolespy, nausea and plain exhaustion. Thankfully at that point, I was in between jobs so I could take 5 naps a day, not do anything around the house and still be ok. Scott was patient with me and since we're still newly married and he doesn't know any better, he felt sorry for me.
Once the 2nd trimester hit, I've had smooth sailing. Feeling a lot better and a lot less tired. We decided to switch doctors and at 16 weeks we found out baby boo was a GIRL! After the shock wore off, I did what any mom would do and headed straight on a shopping spree.
So far, we spend most of our days taking naps, eating, growing a baby, randomly crying and drawing detailed sketches of what the baby's (non-existant) room is going to look like (Grace). We are happy.
Monday, September 10, 2012
Post-wedding
Since the wedding, we've been a little busy around here. Here's a quick update of the past 4 months.
--we returned from a week in Colorado from our honeymoon
--the kids got out of school for the summer
--we moved into a new house a few blocks away
--I ended my full time RN job at a local hospital
--I started a new RN position at a new hospital working pool (part time)
--Grace turned 8 and was baptized
--We were called as Nursery leaders in our ward
--We found out we are PREGNANT!!!!!
We're still continuing to adjust to all the recent changes over here but feeling so grateful for the blessings we've been given.
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