thankful

I'm thankful for my husband, and my son, and this tiny baby whom refuses to come out of me.

I'm thankful for our home.

I'm thankful for my job and all of the rewards that come with it.

I'm thankful for our family who help us when we need it.

I'm thankful for living.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

so this just happened...

We'll see what Eric says when he gets home. 

Muah ha ha. Or, is it ho ho ho?

number 2 [week 38]

Symptoms: My belly looks so low. I tried to pose for my belly picture in a way that it would be noticeable, but it's not as clear in a photo when covered. My energy level spiked a bit at the end of the week after a few days of sluggishness at the beginning. Everything else is pretty much the same; I'm still pregnant. I'm officially the most pregnant that I've ever been!

Cravings: Tacos! I've had them 4 times this week. Thankfully they're low in carbs!

Aversions: Nada. This mama's been hangry.

Missing: My hunger has led me to recent daydreaming about all the things I'm going to eat once this kiddo is out: Subway's Cold Cut Combo, sushi, corndogs, and Olive Garden are at the top of the list.

Mood: More and more irritable the longer I remain pregnant. I'm way over it at this point.

Sleep: It's back and forth. Cramps haven't been prevalent, but insomnia wrecked my Saturday night. My wonderful husband let me take a nap the next day. Oh, how I wish I could sleep on my tummy or on my back.

Dreams: I finally had a dream related to my pregnancy! Of course I can't remember the details, but it was cool to dream about something realistic. I do recall that I was this far along and not in labor... VERY realistic, eh?

Movement: Wesley continues to wiggle about his womb. I wish he'd wiggle his way on out of it!

Best Moment: Simon knows that we are waiting on Wesley's arrival, and he continues to be supportive and excited. While tucking him in the other night and struggling to bend down to hug him, Simon offered to sit up to reach me and I thanked him and assured him that his brother would be coming out of my tummy soon and then I wouldn't have trouble bending over anymore. Simon lit up with happiness, and then asked me how Wesley would be coming out of my belly. I decided to answer honestly but briefly and simply said that I'll have to push him out. Simon looked at me with worry and asked, "Does that mean my brother will break your belly?" Smiling out of awe and hilarity, I reassured him that Wesley would not break my belly and sidestepped further questions of how exactly Wesley would be coming out by telling Simon we'd talk more in the morning. I'm just amazed by his little mind and never want to forget the wonder and intrigue Simon experienced while waiting for his brother to come.

Pregnancy Purchases: I found a new nursing bra at Motherhood Maternity while at the mall with Simon, Jen, and Bliss yesterday. I spent more than I wanted, but I really needed a new one in my correct size which is hard to find.

Other News: Over the weekend Eric and I organized our garage storage room and cleared out over half a dozen boxes of junk that mostly went to Goodwill or in the garbage. Today I prepped the house for Thanksgiving with lots of cleaning, dishes, laundry, and reorganization of the kitchen. Clearly nesting is back in full force, but I am beginning to run out of things to do. My head and my heart are ready for this baby, I wish my body would hurry and catch up.

Looking Forward To: Thanksgiving dinner. Grocery shopping is done, and our plans are set for Thursday. We'll see if everything goes according to schedule!

9 random facts about me

I once was bored, suffering from insomnia, and accidentally liked a post similar to this on Facebook and was assigned a number to complete my own post. I'm finally blogging this now to get it out of my Drafts listing and knock out today's NaBloPoMo post.

9 random facts about me:

1. I can eat an entire full-size bag of microwave popcorn by myself because it is my favorite food. I could probably eat two, but I've never allowed myself that much gluttony.
2. I've been self-conscious about my body since I hit puberty, which happened early. I know this is completely normal for women, but I feel like my list is miles long.
3. I wish I were more artistic or crafty, but I feel like I make up for it with my organizational skills. My mommy side has been attempting more "farts and crafts" as of late. Yes, that says farts. My crafts have less skill of art and more skill of fart.
4. I've been known among my oldest friends to have the best memory, but it's been shot since my first pregnancy and has potentially gotten worse.
5. I never thought I'd be the type of parent who'd be such an advocate for breastfeeding, co-sleeping, baby wearing, cloth diapering, and some other hippie mumbo jumbo, but I am... and I am proud of it.
6. ^ I will talk about pregnancy or breastfeeding with anyone. ANYONE. Watch out.
7. I wish we had closer relationships with our immediate families.
8. I was in high school when I finally got why it's called Men's Wearhouse instead of Men's Warehouse. So embarrassing.
9. It was difficult for me to admit, but I think that I struggled with postpartum depression after having Simon. I wonder how my experience will be different with Wesley and if I will have similar feelings. It's important to talk about, although far too many women never do.

This was supposed to be comical, but got pretty deep at 2:00 in the morning. I'll have to attempt another one when I'm not feeling so much angst! (Again, another joke.)

it's beginning to get closer to Christmas

Wesley's stocking is officially en route to our house, and today I purchased his First Christmas ornament for our tree. It amazes me how on top of things I am with this child, especially since I didn't even purchase Simon's First Christmas ornament until after his first Christmas (but don't tell him that).

I had it all planned out that we'd put up our Christmas tree last Friday evening, specifically because it was the kick-off of my Thanksgiving break. Then when the time came, it felt way too early for a Christmas tree. Eric even agreed, which wasn't much of a shock at all.

Now it's Monday night, I'm officially on break, and I'm still pregnant. I'm kind of feeling ready to put up the tree now, but just the tree and the lights for the time being. Eric looked at me like I'm crazy, and I assured him that I'm not exactly asking him to pull the box out of the garage... yet. I just feel like I should be doing anything and everything productive around here until this kid comes out!

We'll see how far I make it... which will make a debut in this house first: Wesley or our Christmas tree? Taking bets now (probably best to put them on the stupid tree).

I decided

Remember my great stocking debate?

I settled on the polar bear one!

Of course when I asked Eric for his opinion he voted for the penguin one, and then immediately looked at me and said he felt like he picked the wrong one.

Like I said before, I don't think I could stand another mismatched stocking. I'm even considering replacing Eric's and my stockings with ones that go with the Woodland Collection by Pottery Barn. Do I dare? And, do I buy an extra for a future child just in case?

Seriously getting ahead of myself over here. I need help. Or to give birth.

number 2 [week 37]

Symptoms: Still pregnant over here! My contractions continue to be next to nonexistent. Heartburn is still prevalent in the morning, except for when I substitute my regular fried egg muffin with cheese for a small bowl of Pumpkin Cheerios. I've noticed that my hands and feet have hardly been swollen at all throughout this entire pregnancy, which is such a difference from when I carried Simon. I don't think I'll have to take off my wedding ring this time around!

Cravings: My sweet tooth is still in full force.

Aversions: Honestly, nothing, I want to eat everything, even the stuff I can't have.

Missing: Comfortable sleep, which has just become a cruel joke at this point.

Mood: Up and down. I keep thinking that this baby is coming any day now, and yet here he still gestates. My positivity toward claiming that Boyfriend will come early has turned into negativity in believing that this kiddo is staying in utero until college.

Sleep: As mentioned above, it's not been so great. Restless leg syndrome is back, and foot cramps have returned two nights in a row after an approximate two-week hiatus. Everything is just so uncomfortable. Insomnia has been an issue, too.

Dreams: I'm daydreaming about going into labor everyday, that's for dang sure!

Movement: Wesley's frequency in movements are less, which is completely normal as he is following longer patterns of sleep and less waking time. When he is awake I'm rattled by either his super strong hiccups or his super strong, stretching kicks and rolls that leap in all different directions. He also sometimes feels sideways, which makes no sense, and it's expectantly uncomfortable. I'm reminding myself through the discomfort that all movement is good movement.

Best Moment: Jen and I got "prego pampered" last weekend. We met for a belly date for manicures and pedicures. It felt wonderful doing something special and relaxing for myself while hanging out with Jen. She is due with her fourth--a second girl--about a week before me, so we'll see whose baby makes an appearance first!

Baby Buys: I found curtains for Wesley's room, and now the nursery is officially complete. I can't stop walking in there to enjoy the sight! Photos to come soon.

Other News: My official 38-week prenatal appointment was on Tuesday. I wasn't super excited having to be there, but Eric and I were eager to find out what kind of progress I'd made in the last two weeks. My doctor's exam found that I am dilated 3 cm, effaced 70%, and carrying an approximate 7 lb. bundle of joy. She was surprised that my contractions have slowed down so much, but assured me that it won't be too much longer (because ya know, he HAS TO come out). Even though I've experienced so little swelling, my doctor suggested that I take off my toe ring to avoid the possibility of needing it cut off due to potential swelling in my feet during active labor. I'd forgotten all about my toe ring since it hasn't caused me any discomfort thus far, but with Eric's reminder I obediently took it off that night just to be safe.

Looking Forward To: Do I have to say it? MEETING WESLEY! I'm so ready for you, darling. Please, just come on out to meet us. 

interview with a 2-year-old

At some point, I knew I'd phone it in with another old draft that was never posted. (And I'm running out of them, too!)

I originally made up this interview with Simon back in April 2015 when he was just over 2 years old. These were his answers, which blew my mind since he was so young at the time. I blogged his responses so I'd always remember the smart boy I had at such a young age. By no surprise, his smarts and whits have only grown with him in the time since!

What is your favorite color? Blue  

What is your favorite animal? Courage and Riley 

What is your favorite letter? A 

What is your favorite number? 13

What is your favorite song? Frozen 

What is your favorite shape? Square 

What is your favorite character on Sesame Street? Big Bird 

What is your favorite food? Dinner 

What is your favorite movie? Frozen, Olaf the snowman 

What is your favorite book? Sleep Tight 

What is your favorite toy to play with? Book

What is your favorite show? Signing Time 

What is your favorite game? Music

school's out!

Well, I made it all the way to Thanksgiving break. This last week was filled with, "You're still here?" comments which, believe me, I was asking myself as well.

I wrapped up as much work as I could before leaving for break. Part of me feels so pessimistic about when I go into labor that I'm expecting to be back at work on the 28th, only to be met with more loving harassment and maybe some voodoo chants to get this kid out of me. I'll take whatever I can get at this point.

I know I'm not late yet, but after my 36-week prenatal appointment I didn't think I had this long left to go. Clearly, Wesley is rocking to his own beat instead of Mommy's time clock. We had a feeling this child was going to be stubborn.

oh boy

I never imagined I'd be a 'boy mom.' When I was little, I always saw my adult self married with a daughter and a son. That's how the typical, All-American dream looks, right? I think it's normal to imagine this nuclear family model, as it's what we see everywhere we look in the media.

When I found out Simon was a boy, I was happy to be giving Eric a son. I think on some level many men want a son to carry on the family name, and many women want to grant this dream for their partners. I know this is not true for all couples who plan a family, but it was how I felt. I also felt that I'd be more nervous to try for Number 2 wanting a daughter so badly. While I love Simon immensely and wouldn't change a thing about him, it was hard seeing three friends of mine have baby girls just months within my giving birth to my boy, not to mention the handful of friends who already had older daughters and no sons.

This time around is like deja vu. I have five friends pregnant with girls while I'm pregnant with my second boy, and Jordon and Brianna have already had their daughter, Allison. Again, I am surrounded by a sea of pink and alone in my bubble of blue. The love I already have for Wesley is extraordinary, but I'd be lying if I didn't admit that being excluded from the girl crowd hurts. It's like this cool club that I'm not allowed to join for some reason, never destined for bows and lace and a greater clothing and accessory selection at every single children's store known to man.

Maybe I won't be a "boy mom" forever. I honestly have no idea if we will have another child; I really don't know if I'll want to be pregnant again. And of course, having a third baby leaves no guarantees for a baby girl. What I do know, however, is that I'll love my boys tremendously and will do everything I can to have close, meaningful relationships with them forever. After all, they say that the first girl a boy will love is his mama.

failing

I'm failing at life with this NaBloPoMo thing. I promise I'm still trying! This whole pregnancy situation is seriously throwing off my game.

Baby, get OUT!

oh well

I didn't blog all weekend. I was just way too tired.

I'm not feeling like I'm getting much rest at night. I just want this baby out of me. Pregnancy has worn me out, and I'd like to be done.

How is November already almost halfway over? I do kind of wish I hadn't missed posting on Saturday and Sunday, but maybe I'll find an opportunity to make up those two days. With my weekly pregnancy posts you can technically say that I'm actually posting more than once a day this month. Statistics like this are why I like math.

The plan is to write my 37-week pregnancy post tomorrow. If I find myself inspired by something else along the way then I'll try to schedule it for one of my make-up posts. Until then I'm going to just continue taking things day by day. You can only plan so far ahead when you're on baby watch.

Come on, Wesley!

the perfect stocking

I started writing the following post about three years ago. I never finished it, and I can't remember why. It could have been a factor of time, or just forgetting, or just plain laziness. It could have been that after I wrote so much about such a trivial topic that I felt silly finishing it and posting it for fear of being made fun of.

I was reminded of this post today, because I'm finding myself in a similar--yet less dramatic--predicament now. Reading through my words written as a first-time mom during the holidays, I still find this post lighthearted and comical, which was the intended purpose of it all along. I think it's time to share this silly story from 2013 so I can come full circle with how to face this repeating quandary this year.

Being a new mom, there is honestly very little that I obsess over regarding Simon. I won't buy something just because it is 'trendy,' it's not important to me that he has all the toys in the world, and not everything about my parenting style is exactly mainstream. But, as a lover of everything spirited and celebratory, there is one thing that I have been freaking out about getting just right as the Christmas holiday quickly approaches:

The Perfect Stocking.

What's perfect, you ask? Well, to me, 'perfect' would've been me being smarter three years ago and purchasing this entire set of carnival character stockings sold at JCPenney rather than only two for Eric and myself (his is the penguin, mine is the snowman) so that we'd had a matching set for our future children. These stockings are no longer available, so our family won't have matching stockings due to my lack of thinking. Is this a huge deal? No, it's really not, and I've since let it go. But, Simon still needed a stocking, so my new hunt began.

As with many things, the search for Simon's Christmas stocking was superseded by the millions of other more important tasks that take up my day; like work, and laundry, and breathing, and CARING FOR MY SON. Eric and I were able to hit up a few stores on Black Friday, but nothing I saw seemed special enough or fit in with the style of our stockings. Jen suggested getting a "Baby's First Christmas" stocking for just this year if I couldn't find anything I liked, which was a plan I was keeping in my back pocket. But still, I didn't want a stocking that wasn't personalized for Simon's first Christmas. I didn't want to give up on finding something while there was still time.

Eric probably thought I was making a bigger deal out of this whole stocking thing than I needed to, and maybe I'd built it up in my mind to be this huge, important thing that really isn't what Christmas is all about. And now that I think about it, I am probably sounding a little materialistic. But I promise, materialism isn't what it's about at all.

My favorite thing about the holidays is traditions. We don't have many holiday traditions in my family; as a kid, the holidays were great when it was my mom, dad, and me, but we didn't always do the same thing. I think I was kind of older when I started opening a gift on Christmas Eve, but we didn't really have any other traditions put in place. Then after my mom passed, my dad and I had small, nice Christmases together, but still we celebrated differently year to year. Eric and I have begun some holiday traditions in the years since we've been together, and we are still in the process of starting new ones as a family. I decided that I wanted Simon to have the same stocking for every Christmas, starting with his first one. This stocking would be the stocking that would be hung in our home every year, for every Christmas, through his childhood and into adulthood. And from 10 months to 10 years to when he's in his 40s, I will stuff his stocking with holiday goodies when he is home for the holidays. I will do this for all of the children we will have, and they WILL always have to come home for Christmas, because Mom might have stuffed the stockings with cash this year.

That's my dream, and I promise myself to begin and continue this tradition for as long as I am living.  But, the tradition cannot begin without a stocking, and on the inside I was kind of starting to freak out about finding one in time for Christmas.

It was getting dangerously close to C-day, but with little hope that I'd find something I'd love in a store I decided to do another Internet search (I'd done several before Thanksgiving with no luck). If one matching our set was no longer an option, the next best thing an even better stocking for Simon would be one with an owl. For some magical reason, I finally found THE STOCKING. I knew it was it from the moment I saw it, and it was just perfect in every way for my son. I began to imagine his future Christmases with it, eager to find what treasures Santa Claus left inside. And then, my heart dropped when I saw three little words of doom on the website:

No Longer Available.

This is when I pulled my chin up off the floor and typed eBay's site address as quickly as possible. To my surprise, I found a listing for an auction that would end in just over 24 hours. Don't tell Eric, but I probably would've been willing to pay an ungodly amount of money (that we don't have) to win the auction, but I told myself that I'd have to let it go if the highest bid exceeded another $10 before the end of the auction. I set an alarm on my phone and checked back the next day just 15 minutes before the auction was set to close, and the bid had not changed! It was like it was meant to be, as I waited until one minute was left in the auction to place my $1 bid increase to make it mine. I'm typically more of a 'Buy It Now' kind of girl, but there was something so satisfying in winning that auction. I felt badass. And excited!

So that's a far as I got with my silly story. In a nutshell, the stocking came, I figured out my own way to personalize it with Simon's name, and Christmas was saved. We've used it in the years since, and it's served its purpose perfectly. Yes, he loves that there are owls on it, but he would love it regardless of how it looks because it's his Christmas stocking, and what kid doesn't love their Christmas stocking? I'm laughing at myself now, but I think it was completely normal of me to worry about trying to make my first baby's first Christmas 'perfect.' I'm human and I love him, and that's about as much as I'm guilty of.

here's how it turned out, by the way

But now... I've got another child on the way, and he needs a stocking, too. So, what do I do here? Bend over backwards do a simple Google search to find a stocking with a penguin on it, or order another stocking like Simon's so the two match? I've already gotten over the fact that Simon's doesn't go with Eric's and my stockings, but could my OCD really handle a third eyesore on our mantle? (Totally kidding there!)

Here are my options:

penguins, not matching Simon's

polar bears, matching Simon's

I do know that it's totally not that big of a deal whether Wesley's stocking has penguins on it or not. He's the second kid, so we don't care about getting it as right as we did the first time, right? NO. But, I'm human and I love him, and I want to be just as guilty about that, too. He will have the perfect stocking, too, simply because it will be his.

what in the actual crap

I wrote a great little post via that new Blogger-compatible app, and for some reason the entire thing disappeared. I'm pissed and not even about to recreate it right now.

Here's a funny picture of Simon to distract from the utter stupidness that is that dumb app.

one and one make two

Today I asked my parent friends on Facebook for advice regarding the transition from having one child to having two children. Lots of sweet people chimed in, and I thought it would be fun to share some of the helpful responses.

"Foster good feelings between them, make time for Simon amid the sleepless nights..." 

"... just realize you are mom, not super human. Do the best you can, know that you have support..." 

"... make sure there aren't a bunch of people around when [Simon] meets [Wesley] for the first time. Make it a special time for just your little family"  

"Get a wine delivery subscription..."

Well, maybe not that last one, but I appreciated the humor.

I know you can never exactly be prepared for the dramatic changes that a new baby brings, but I'm trying my hardest to be as ready as I can be. I'm nervous, but I'm also so incredibly excited to meet my new son and introduce him to his big brother. The bond they will develop and share will be so fascinating to watch and learn from, and I feel so lucky to have the opportunity to become a mother of two.

We're waiting for you, Wesley. Come out to meet us soon.

number 2 [week 36]

Symptoms: This baby has gotten lower, and I've upped my waddling game. I know it's not possible, but sometimes it feels like he could fall straight out. Bonuses to my dropping belling include more ease in bending and moving, as well as the ability to walk faster when it doesn't feel like he's so deep down in my pelvis. My contractions have slowed waaaay down, and my energy level has been extremely high over the course of the last 5 days. Don't quite know what to think of that.

Cravings: I have been all over Simon's Halloween candy like white on rice (or brown, I should say, since I've switched due to its lower glycemic index).

Aversions: The junky candy, of course.

Missing: Non-maternity clothes, specifically jeans. By means of some kind of witchcraft, they all feel too big now.

Mood: I've been really hormonal lately, especially toward my poor husband. Maybe because I've been stressing to get everything packed and ready, and he's been joking and silly. I feel bad, but it's hard to control my whirlwind of emotions.

Sleep: Some nights I don't move an inch, others I wake with insomnia. I'd love to just sleep comfortably for an entire day before this baby comes.

Dreams: I had another sort-of break up dream, but it didn't follow its regular pattern. It was dumb regardless.

Movement: Wesley has dropped so much that now he kicks me in my elbow when my right arm is down at my side. He's also traveled inches away from my ribs, thank goodness. It's so strange feeling his movements so much lower in my belly!

Best Moment: Getting labor ready! We got both car seat bases installed in both cars (the infant seat went into my car), and I packed my hospital and diaper bags. I also pulled out all of Simon's newborn size and 0-3 month size clothing, receiving blankets, towels, and wash cloths and got them laundered and put away in Wesley's room along with all of his new items. My dad finished painting and installing the shelves and bedroom door of the nursery, and I began decorating and organizing. All that's left is to put up the curtain rod and the replacement trim piece over the top of the shelves. It's almost all finally together!

Baby Buys: Over the weekend I made some exchanges and got clothing in different sizes, purchased diapers, ordered the rest of the linens needed, and bought all of my postpartum care items for my hospital bag. Shopping is so fun, and I even got to get out of the house on my own!

Other News: I went to my 36-week prenatal appointment on Thursday, and my doctor performed a physical exam to see if this show has gotten started. Wesley was head down, and I was dilated 1 cm and effaced 50%! At 36 weeks with Simon I was also dilated 1 cm but didn't mention anything about effacement, so I'm taking this as a sign that maybe I'm a little further ahead with Wesley. I also had my Group B strep test done and already found out that I'm negative. And, to my astonishment, I learned that I've only gained 0.6 lbs. in the last 4 weeks. I was dumbfounded since I have been a lot less stressed out about carbs but still eating healthy, but my doctor wasn't concerned about Wesley gaining weight. Maybe I'm actually still losing weight with my new diet, and Wesley's taking it all?

Looking Forward To: Going into labor. Wait, did I just say that? I did. I'm ready for Wesley to be here! 36 weeks was as far as I got in documenting my pregnancy with Simon, as I went into labor at 38 weeks before I was able to write my week 37 post. We'll see what lies ahead from here!

remember, remember the 8th of November

November 8, 2016 is my 31st 1/2 birthday.

November 8, 2016 is the 19th anniversary of my mother's passing. 

November 8, 2016 is going to mark one of the most historic presidential elections our country has ever experienced.


November 8, 2016 will not be the birth date of my son, Wesley.


If labor hits tonight, I will lame-duck it all I have to to make it past midnight. Mark my words.

just a little swing

I've mentioned how much my dad has been helping with Wesley's room while Eric and I navigate our busy schedules with work and Simon (and let's be honest, he's by far the handiest of us all). The baby swing has been in pieces on the floor of the nursery for a few days, and my dad decided to help start assembling it back together. Simon noticed it partially constructed and asked me what it was.

I pulled up the above photo from his 1-month blog so Simon could get an idea of what the swing will look like and how it will work. Looking at this photo of my first-born, wearing a pair of pajamas that I just washed and hung up in Wesley's closet, brought so many emotions and realizations. In a matter of what could be only days I am going to have another little boy who may look exactly like the one pictured above, wearing the same jammies, swinging in the same swing. I don't know if it's nostalgia or deja vu, or a little bit of both, but reality is hitting hard.

I'll have to try to remember to snap a shot of Wesley's first ride in this swing to compare the two. If I'm really coordinated he'll be in those same footies, too.

number 2 [week 35]

Symptoms: It's difficult to tell from the picture, but my belly has dropped. It wasn't until others began pointing it out to me that I examined my unclothed belly in the mirror at home and found my bump resting in a lower position. I didn't notice it myself because I haven't felt like I'm breathing easier or experiencing less heartburn, but gravity has made an effect. I'm trying to stay active--doing as much as I can around the house and even sometimes walking a little bit during the end of my lunch break.

Cravings: French fries. I did indulge. It was amazing.

Aversions: Salads and I still aren't friends. I don't think Eric believed me when I told him I was done.

Missing: NOT having heartburn!

Mood: I'm still happy as a clam, excited, a little hormonal, and tired. A pretty good mix of normal pregnancy emotions.

Sleep: It's been rough here and there some nights. I've woken with horrible cramps and not gotten enough rest. I'm craving naps.

Dreams: I don't know if I've even slept well enough to dream. There was probably something random about work or friends, but my brain is too jelly to remember.

Movement: This little boy continues to feel bigger. He's all over the place, quite literally. Kick counts remain solid.

Best Moment: So many to choose from; I was showered with gifts and love at my work baby shower, Eric and I spent a wonderful night away for our belated anniversary celebration in Lake Tahoe, and Simon enjoyed his 4th Halloween dressed as Rocky from Paw Patrol. It was such a busy week, no wonder I'm exhausted!

Baby Buys: My generous coworkers gifted us an Arm's Reach Co-Sleeper. It wasn't the exact co-sleeper that I wanted, but we're going to try it out and hopefully make it work. I am so thankful for their kindness!

Other News: Eric and I attended our Preparing for Childbirth class offered by Kaiser. We were the only second-time parents there, but there was still a lot of valuable information to be reminded of and learn about. We never took classes when I was pregnant with Simon since I planned to ask for an epidural. Ending up with basically a non-medicated delivery left me with no idea what to do or how to breathe and a serious lack of control. In the class we found a lot of value in learning the different labor positions that can be used during a non-medicated labor, as well as several different types of massages that Eric can perform to ease discomfort and relax me. We feel much more prepared, and I am so glad we attended the class.

Looking Forward To: The end! I want this babe to fully cook, but I don't think we're going a full 40 weeks. We shall see!

my work baby shower

our Tahoe getaway

Clark Kent, Winnie the Pooh, & Rocky

daylight savings

Daylight Savings can completely suck it.

We "fell back" this morning, and it pretty much wrecked Simon's day. He didn't take a nap and was a complete nightmare before bed.

I take partial responsibility, as I didn't make a plan to gradually put him to bed earlier throughout the week leading up as I did when we "sprang forward." Maybe I thought he'd just roll with it since his sleep schedule has been a little flexible lately.

WRONG.

Lesson learned. We're all tired, and it's stupid. And, I hate eating dinner in the dark.

testing testing

Ok, I am test-posting via mobile with a new app called BlogTouch. It's described as "The #1 Blogger editor for your iPhone, iPod, iPad and Mac!"

All I really need is this thing not to crash mid-post, and I'll be happy. 

I'm so proud of myself for doing my homework!

 

eeek

This is harder than I expected. Not only am I exhausted, but my pregnancy brain is firing on all cylinders. I think about what I'm going to blog about for the day, and then my booty hits the bed and I am done for.

My weekly pregnancy posts have also been a challenge. I like to wait until progressing to the next week before writing about the previous one. I also like to read the newsletters to Eric that I receive from Baby Center and Kaiser before sitting down to blog. Depending on how our evenings go, this can take up to several days, pushing out the completion of a previous week's post until I'm over halfway through the next week. There have also been weeks that I've had to double up on posts just days apart because I'm that far behind. How do you think that memory works with less brain cells?

Maybe committing to daily posts during my final month of pregnancy was a silly idea, but I still want to attempt to stick with it as best as possible. If I could find a more reliable app to use for Blogger, I'd have more convenience in posting via mobile. I'll try to do some research on that and report back tomorrow... at least that takes care of my next blog topic!

I'm tired

Maybe no one else has noticed lol.

almost fail

It's only Day 2, and I already almost forgot to post!

My mind is so consumed with other to-do tasks. Install car seat bases. Wash newborn laundry. Pack hospital bag. Organize items for exchange. Fold Simon's laundry. Pack up Halloween decorations. Clean the toilets. The list is never-ending.

I'm trying to accept that my house just might be a complete wreck when I go into labor. And that'll mean that I'll be bringing my newborn son home from the hospital to a house that's a complete wreck. It'll be chaotic, but of course chaos will ensue with a brand new baby regardless of the state of my house. I'm a control freak, and it's hard to let some things go; at least I know that about myself.

All I can do is try to prioritize as much as possible in the time I have left. It would also be super nice to just nap a bunch, but then nothing would get done. I'd maybe be less tired though, and that's enticing.

As my eyes begin to feel heavy, I think I'll head toward Sleep Town just this once.

NaBloPoMo!

I have always wanted to participate in NaBloPoMo, which stands for National Blog Posting Month. The challenge is to post every day during the month of November. Every year, my issue has been forgetting to begin on November 1st, realizing I forgot on November 2nd, and accepting on November 3rd that since I've still yet to start it's clearly not going to happen.

Since I've been blogging weekly about my second pregnancy, I've tried really hard to plan to post for NaBloPoMo on the first day of November and look, here I am! I'm hoping to be able to stick to this challenge all month and not let anything--you know, like having a baby or something--get in the way of posting daily. We'll see how I do!

Weekly pregnancy posts will continue for as long as I'm still pregnant, of course. Until then, enjoy whatever additional ramblings this crazy lady comes up with this month!