Unfounded fears

I've been threatened with my life if I every post pictures of another blow out. I'm not posting pictures, just posting about it! :D The bambino and I went to to Wally-World today to get some much needed groceries. If you were to open my fridge, you'd see...1) milk...2) that's about it. So yeah, it was a much needed trip. Anyways, I knew it was the bambino's naptime, so I took my Moby wrap, which I pretty much love, and slid him in it to do our shopping. In spite of the cart that would not steer straight, I managed to get almost done before BamBam started to stir. He made his little grunting noises, then I heard it.

*insert suspenseful music here*

He pooped. And not just any poop. This poop was all the poop since Sunday some time. He's gotten in to this bad habit of saving his poop for several days then letting it all out at the most inconvenient time (to be changed and cleaned up). A wedding rehearsal, Wally-World, Sunday school...yeah, not so cool. Anyways.
I spent about 2 minutes hoping that it wasn't a lot, just like, the overflow (graphic I know!). However, the smell....need I say more? The smell made it clear that it was not, and could not be contained in a Huggies size 2 diaper. My 11 1/2 week old son will not be deterred by a mere diaper. Oh no! I peeked at the fabric covering his back, *whew* nothing was showing on the outside layer. I lifted that one up, uh oh...I saw some wetness...not good. I skipped right to looking down the back of his shirt. OH MY GOODNESS!
I should not have done that...the smell was worse than the sight! I calmly replaced all the fabric and decided to finish up shopping. I mean, he was already dirty, it had already leaked out and on to my wrap. It's not like I was going to save something from getting dirty, was I? *shrugs* I think my imagination went into overdrive after that. Every little look from other shoppers was a "ew, what's that?!" Every little laugh was "she's got poop leaking out!"
I was trying to remember if I had some clothes in the car that would fit him, and all I could think of was this "super baby" out fit under his seat. It was, well, still is, a new born size. Yeah, I don't think he'd enjoy being stuffed in that so much...so then, I was at Wally-World, right?! They'd have some clothes on sale that I could use to get him home in. Yeah, not so much. NOTHING! It was either way too big (think 24 month or 4T) or way too small (think preemie). Or, it was girls clothing. I wasn't THAT desperate yet...I found nothing.
Well, in the end, I wrapped him up in a receiving blanket so he wouldn't get any residual poop on his carseat. We came right home and I dumped him in the tub. He was probably thinking, "wait, it's not bedtime yet!"

You know, I almost *almost* didn't bring a diaper bag. *almost*

Oh, big news! This wedding I was at this weekend, I was a bridesmaid in it. I hung out with the bride and the other maids, so I left the bambino with my parents a lot. Thursday night was the rehearsal and dinner and Mark wasn't going to be in town yet, so I left the bambino with my parents for the night. That night HE SLEPT THROUGH THE WHOLE NIGHT! Did you catch that?! Oh, you missed it!? He slept through the whole, entire night! It was probably about 9 or 10 until 6. Yeah, he was up at six, but that's ok (my parents are early risers) because he didn't wake up to munch at 2 or 3 or 4! Sure, he wouldn't do it for me or his daddy, but he'd do it for gramma and grampa. I was happy, but concerned that it was a one night stand thingy. It wasn't he continued to sleep through the night even when I stayed with him. That's the big news! My baby is sleeping through the night! Right before I went back to work. I had nothing to worry about, I guess!
Another milestone we reached was my first day back at work. It was a good day to start on. I only had 5 patients, two of which left the floor before I got there. One of those never came back, the other didn't come back until 1130. I was hoping things have changed for the better. Not so much. There were two new people (at least two) hired since I've been gone. One just got off of orientation; the other is still on it. But it wasn't as bad as I worried it would be.
I guess this post is long enough, besides I have to go start dinner else we might end up eating pancakes...AGAIN! :)

What big teeth you have!

Today was BamBam's one month check-up. I knew he was huge, this appointment confirmed it. He's 12 pounds, 8 ounces, 23 inches long/tall, and his head is 15 inches around. His weight has him passed the 100-percentile, and his length in the 95 percentile. Which means (I'll admit it, I still have to think about it this way). He weighs more than 100% of babies his age, and he's taller/longer than 95% of them. I guess all that spitting up he's doing isn't harming his growth. He didn't get any shots today, they come next month. I hope he doesn't scream bloody murder, the way he does when I pull something over his head to dress him.

*rabbit trail* I just got a whiff of my shirt...yuck...BamBam spit up on me. Suppose it comes with the territory. I was going to change it, but I fell prey to the But-First Syndrome. I was going to change my shirt, but first I should do the laundry so I have clean clothes, but first I should nap while the bambino naps, but first I need to update my blog so my husband doesn't do it for me, but first I should find something to make for dinner, but first I should read my emails and blog readers...and on it could go. So, I found something for dinner (I think, if I'm adventurous to make it), I read my emails, my shirt still smells like spit up, the laundry is sitting in the basket staring at me, and I'll be falling asleep about 8pm tonight. Don'tcha love it?

Blondie has gone off to a real live college this fall. Last year, she stayed at home and went to a community college and worked. This year, she's out in the hills?...mountains?...lands! of Tennessee. I clicked through her pictures on facebook, and was surprised to see that she's already made quite a few friends-several guys too! She had her arms around one, she and another girl were kissing another guy's cheeks...and this is a "Christian" college? I mean, I'm not all for the BJU style "absolutely no touching, don't even think about touching to push him out of the way of a falling piano" strict, but I think this college is waaay over on the liberal side. Know what they told her about clothes? Her shorts have to have at least a 6 inch inseam. AT LEAST 6 INCHES?! That's like, what, just enough to cover your butt cheeks? I just had to get that off my chest. I'm good now.

Back to family news. Thing One is headed up to NY with Dad to check out a merchant marine academy. He's been trying to get someone to go since I went off to college! I'm not sure what the merchant marines are/do/is, but I've always imagined that they all work on mast ships selling and traded wool and stuff like that. I mean, the name is very dis-leading. Merchant-why not say clerk or cashier or something else that gives that impression? Merchant--like, Hello, I'm a shopkeeper from the 1700's. Nice to meet you. Then there's Marines. I think of tough, dirty, buff soldiers, don't you? No hair, thick muscles, decked out in BDU's or something. Those two words just don't mix, like Microsoft Works. No it doesn't. Heh, I made a funny!

Forget what I said about falling asleep at 8, I'm propping my eyelids up with toothpicks right now. So I'm gonna go take a little snooze while the bambino is sleeping, maybe he'll sleep for longer that 45 mins. That's been his going rate these days. Crying is good for the lungs, right?

Wordless Wednesday

We, meaning mom-in-law, Melinda, the bambino and I, headed out to the NEW! Target. It was a nice experience. The store still had the new, clean smell. All the racks were nicely organized. Everything was fully stocked.

This one, we hadn't gone anywhere, except to send a letter and check the mail. I put him in the sling in the first place because he wouldn't sleep for more than 20 mins by himself. He slept in the sling for about an hour and a half. Enough time to go visit the office people who were dying to see him again, and to put BamBam's clothes away, and to make some cookies. But as usual, the cookies cooked a little too long...oh well. Maybe one day, I'll be a good cookie maker.

I have a wrap too. I even got a picture with BamBam in it, but I'm not sure where that picture is. It might be on my camera, but my memory card reader went kaput the other day, so it'll just have to sit there until I can find another reader. While the bambino is sleeping, I think I shall take a nap too. It's time.

new belly button and babies

MCM's mom left today. The bambino and I took her to the airport. It's just us again. I'm kinda hesitant to see how we'll do. I haven't cooked or cleaned or done laundry since she arrived two weeks ago. I tried to make dinner last night, french toast, but Brendon decided it was time to eat before I could finish. I think we can do this though. I mean, we aren't the first, and won't be the last. Our friends, Cory and Leah just had their baby last night. Miss Baby Girl was born at 11:51pm, weighing 9lbs and 9 oz, and 21 1/2 inches long. She's as big as Brendon is NOW. BamBam was a week and a half late, and Miss Baby Girl was two weeks early. I just realized, of our three babies, Bee, BamBam, and Miss Baby Girl, they've just gotten bigger and bigger: 7.2, 8.4, and now 9.9....I think Devon, who's due in January had better watch out!! Leah's blood pressure was super high, so they induced her labor. I'm planning on headed over to see her this evening. I have to wait till MCM gets home to watch BamBam, cause hospitals don't let outside babies on L&D floors. Cory and Leah hadn't decided on a name for their little girl yet, but I'm excited to meet her anyways!

Here's a cute picture of BamBam sleeping in his moses basket that Aunt Shannon sent for him. I don't have to worry about him flinging himself off the couch. He's go

tten good at scooting himself around in bed or on the couch.

When I lay him down, I put his feet by the back, and in about 15 mins, he'll have wiggled so that his head is where his feet were and he's practically smooshed his face into the back crack of the couch. Silly boy!

Saturday, my baby boy's cord stump fell off. It was looking pretty nasty, and it was bleeding every now and then, not much, but enough to be gross. Then Saturday morning, I took his PJ's off and there it was! It was sitting on his diaper just staring at me. And there was his precious belly button...well, it will be precious when it heals up. It's almost there. So Saturday night we gave him his bath. I think he tolerated it well. He didn't cry. It looked like he might have once or twice, but he didn't. The look on his face when I

lowered him

into the water was priceless. Kinda like, "What the--?!" MCM took the pictures, and he did a good job. Then we swapped; he got the baby and I took pictures of them. He's so good with BamBam.

That monkey and this giraffe are from the Virginia Zoo in Norfolk. We went Saturday morning. It was kinda boring. Definitely geared to the younger population. Half of the exhibits were closed :( and it was super hot and humid. BamBam did good though, until his tummy said he can't wait any longer to be filled. Then we came home and we all crashed on the couches/beds in the house.

Well, I gotta go make something for lunch and go meet MCM at work.

of epidurals, birthing and donuts

Ok, the epidural. I have a very vivid imagination, and I was 'concerned' that I would be imagining horrible things going on back there. Uh yeah, I wasn't counting on the contractions taking up my every thought. Well, maybe there was a little bit of space left to think about the shakes I had. Wow, you would have thought I was *freezing* with all the shaking and chills I had. They got my feet all the way up to my teeth. I couldn't stop them, even if I tried tensing up, they still came. And even after the epidural they still came. My legs didn't shake, but I'm sure they would have if they could.

So the epidural was a welcome relief. 18 hours of labor and no sleep since Thursday night. You can bet I fell asleep. It wasn't really a deep sleep, so I could hear them talking about me. Saying things like, wow, she's sleeping through a contraction. Um, I think that's the point of it.

Some time after that, the nurse came in to hang pitocin since the contractions were quickly leaving. She asked me to lean to the left (nurses like PG women on the left side, supposedly gets more blood/oxygen to baby). As soon as I did, she left. But she came in like 30 seconds later, not panicked, but more purposeful and focused. I heard the monitor dinging, but it did that a lot. She had me roll on my back, checked me (now I know she was making sure no cord was hanging out), and stuck an oxygen mask on my face. I don't remember if she went out and got Lois before having me flip over to my hands and knees or after. But I did. I was scared, I'll admit it. I glanced up at the monitor as I was moving-which was surprisingly easy even with the epidural. My heart jumped and I got really worried. Brendon's heart rate as in the 50's. Mine was in the 90's. Normal heart rate for an newborn/unborn is from about 150-110. They like it to stay above 100, love it to be above 120. So 50 caused some excitement. I started to cry and told someone, anyone, "Go find Mark, please!"

I made him go get something to eat. The poor guy hadn't eaten practically anything since a bowl of cereal since before we left for the hospital. Maybe he had one or two munchies, but he was hungry. Lois came in and put a scalp electrode in Brendon's scalp. It's two thin wires twisted together with a small sharp cork-screw on the end that basically, screws into his head. It only goes under the top layer of skin, much like putting a safety pin in your finger. It did leave a bruise, but I guess that's a small price to pay to be able to ensure his heart rate was being followed.

After all that excitement, they had me laying on my right side. If a PG woman lays on her back, there's a chance of the huge uterus compressing the major blood vessels and preventing adequate blood/oxygen from getting to mom and baby. Side is better than back. Anyways, you know how gravity works? Well, not only does it work to pull all the blood to your head when you're standing on it, but it also works to pull all the fentanyl in my epidural space to one side when I'm laying on it. I could still feel the contractions, as a pressure, but then I started feeling stuff in my back, but just in my left hip area. For a while, someone pressing on it really helped. Then it started following the contraction patterns. Oh my goodness, did it hurt! I think the drastic difference in that one spot, about the size of MCM's fist, and the rest of my lower body was just astounding. Then my toes stopped tingling. That's when I realized "hmm, I bet my epidural is flowing down to my right side." I called my nurse in, and she got the anesthesiologist to come and give me an extra boost. I really just wanted to be able to move a bit.

We tried going back to the left side, to even things out, but his heart rate dropped again, so that was out of the question. We guess that he has his cord on that side and would compress it with some body part. I did lay on my (shh) back to get things straightened out. And it worked. And so did that extra boost. I was completely numb from my belly button to my toes. I could only wiggle the toes on my left foot. Talk about weird.

I think about 6ish I was dilated to 10 cm. That's when things picked up. My nurse was very thorough, she did a lot of stuff. Can you tell I don't remember much? Lack of sleep will do that to you. She pulled the stirrups up and MCM and Mom were given the jobs of holding my legs and only that. Mom tried to text people, but I set her straight :) Like I said, my legs were completely numb. MCM got the picture and held my leg good, but Mom...she had some learning difficulties. LOL, I think she let go of it once and it just flopped. Then she got on the bandwagon and held it good. I had no sensation of where or when to push, but my nurse helped with that. She cheered me on, she counted to 10, she watched for contractions. She did a good job!

As the pushing went on, we talked-well, my family talked, I was given the task of breathing slow and deep with the oxygen mask-about what time he'd be born. Some guessed 615, some 630. My brother, Marine (he called to talk to us) guessed 730. Hang on, it was not even 5 when he said that, but I wasn't pushing yet, because I remember being devastated that someone would even *think* it'd last that much longer. But anyways, I breathed and pushed and rested and breathed and pushed and rested. For about an hour and 15 minutes I pushed.

Mom and Bekah watched his head start to crown. They brought in a mirror so I could see the fruits of my labor (LOL pun totally intended!!) As he was crowning (meaning head coming out) they told me to touch him. I was a little hesitant, but Lois was instant. She knew it would be good for me. She said, "Mom, that's your baby, touch him" she wasn't mean, just knew it would help me push better. I touched his head. It was covered in dark hair. It felt kinda mushy, but, oh, so soft! In between pushing, when his head was right there in the middle of it, Lois commented, "I wonder what's going through his head right about now." That made me laugh, still does.

Finally his head popped out, they suctioned it, and another contraction and another push, and his shoulder was out. Lois said, "Bring your hands down here, reach down and catch your baby, mom." I did. I grabbed his shoulders and with little effort pulled him from my body and brought him on to my stomach. WOW. I still cry then I think about it. It was amazing. A true miracle from God. The nurses rubbed his body with the blankets and he cried. It was so...there are no words, just amazement. MCM was offered to cut the cord, he declined, so Mom did it. He told me later that he was a bit dazed by it all.

Brendon Archer McMillen. 8 pounds, 4 ounces. 19 3/4 inches long. His head measured 13 1/2 inches. Born July 18, 2009 at 7:33 pm.

I got stitched up, he got wrapped up, and everyone else took pictures. Brendon stayed awake for a long while, probably about 45 mins. I could be off, but it seemed like a long time. MCM followed Brendon and his nurse to the nursery. My mom and sisters made the appropriate phone calls. I got my donut that I had been fantasizing over since early that morning.

Imagine the hardest thing you ever accomplished. Well, I totally outdid you. It didn't "go" as I planned out in my head, but now, looking back at it all, I don't think I would have changed anything. It was my birth experience, and I'm glad at how it turned out.

Since this is already plenty long, I'll do a different post with pictures.

Brendon Archer McMillen

Friday night, MCM and I went on our last pre-parent date. We went and saw a movie....I forget what movie. I'll come back to that part if I remember. MCM's brother-in-law sent us a text saying that this was our last date. Being fully confident and pessimistic, I replied back that nope it wasn't, we're going to have a full weekend. Ha. Little did I know what it would be full of.

Another round of contractions slowly started about 10pm-ish. I'm not sure of the time, but it was around then. We took it slow, put on a movie, and MCM fell asleep. These contractions were pretty intense, but nothing that I couldn't cope with. After the movie (yeah, I don't remember what it was either), I took MCM out for a walk. We stayed around close to the house, but quit after two contractions came because I couldn't walk through them. I wanted to stay home as long as I could, but soon we left, soon being 1am.

I got a wheelchair ride this time, and being checked in and situated to the room happened a whole lot more quickly than a few weeks ago. They hooked up their monitors, and check my dilation. SURPRISE! I was 5-6cm dilated! Yeah, no way they were going to let me go home (but now thinking of it, I could have gone home and come back with plenty of time!!) I convinced them not to put an IV in my hand, but in my arm (my hand was going to be kinda busy...). Once we knew we were staying and having this baby, we texted and called the appropriate family member and friends.

My mom, my sister Blondie, and Thing 2 came down (they didn't get there till about 5 or so). I got up and walked around, sat on the ball, breathed through contractions all morning long. It was kinda boring all morning long. I think I got up to 7 cm by 8am or so. Yes, it was going really slow. The contractions really just felt like really bad menstrual cramps, I get some pretty bad ones, but they were worse than those. The nurses and midwife encouraged me to not stay in bed and to move around and get in different positions. I was very active, well, as active as I could be with an IV and the monitors. About 11am, Lois, the midwife, came back in and it seemed I had hit a plateau. My water hadn't broken, and my contractions were slowing down.

So they popped the balloon. Oh my goodness, I thought they were digging for my belly button. Nevermind the fact that I was lying down and trying to go through contractions with her fingers inside. Then she popped it, and...nothing really happened. No gush, maybe a trickle, but no gush. I was post-due, so they wanted to be prepared for meconium at delivery (there wasn't though). The first contraction that came with my waters broken was like comparing a flash light beam to a stadium light. Oh my goodness! And on top of that, every contraction brought a gush. Every laugh (and my sleep-deprived family was pretty funny) brought a gush, and each gush brought a little laugh--it was a never ending cycle. We got pretty good at changing the pad in 2 minutes between contractions.

I know sometime I asked for some pain medicine. I don't know when it was, but I'm sure it was after I had my water broken. They gave me stadol. Now, I still was aware and felt each contraction, but it's like sleeping and realizing that someone turned on the light, but being so tired that you don't care. Oh, and the dreams I had. I remember something about a dragon, flowers, and something else. I could hear them talking about me. Someone said something about it being like Antarctica in the room, but I was sweating and almost said something, but didn't care enough to. I remember the contractions coming and being more aware of them. They were still not as bad as before, but because I had a little break from the intensity, they seemed stronger.

The stadol wore off, and the contractions tapered off AGAIN! Lois didn't want to go as far as pitocin just yet, so she suggested nipple stimulation. I think this about 1 or 2pm Saturday afternoon. Everyone else left the room, so it was just MCM and I. I tried to relax against him, but the contractions got stronger and closer together (it seemed that way to me), but I know that was the point. I was exhausted, I just couldn't cope with it any more. I really wanted to try natural, but knew I couldn't. And I was still at 7cm, stuck again.

Everyone was so wonderful, they were cheering me on, telling me how good I was doing. MCM was wonderful. He kept whispering to me I was doing so good. Maybe he wasn't whispering, but that's how it seemed to me. I think the anesthesiologist was in the room within 3 minutes of me asking for the epidural. I had to endure two contractions while they were doing their stuff. MCM held my head and rubbed my neck (that really helped me stay still) and soon my toes were tingling and the contractions were fading from my senses. It was a weird sensation, the epidural. Think of your legs falling asleep, but not quite there (still in the tingly stage), being able to fully move them--at least in bed, but not able to bear the weight--yet, not feeling anything but deep pressure.

I think I got the epidural about 2 or 3pm. I'll be back to finish later, I need to feed the baby.

Is that a light at the end of this long, long tunnel?

Let's be honest. I'm glad the end is in sight rather than just some foggy future. Midwife doesn't think I'll last the weekend, but they had to be prepared just in case. The earliest they could get me on books for an induction was this Wednesday, but they also put me on the 'on call schedule' for Monday. Just in case someone else was lucky enough to have her baby before then. About 5 this evening, I got the call. A spot opened up Monday for me to slide in to.

At the office, they were sure I was in early labor with some contractions I was having. I was 4 cm dilated, still at 70%, and his head still down at -1. So I guess because of all that, "they" are saying I'm not going to last the weekend. But I have my doubts. I will be very surprised if my labor starts on it's own. I just have the feeling it won't.

There you have it. Monday is the day. Monday at 5am is when we'll be showing up at the hospital. I'm sure they won't even get around to starting all their stuff until 8. That's just how hospitals are, always running late. And besides, there's going to be other women who's labor started spontaneously, and they take precedence over us inductees.

This weekend will be filled with lots of raspberry tea, pineapple, walking, and "other stuff" to try to get things going.

Some times no news isn't good news

I'm still cooking this child. I have another appointment tomorrow, and I might be able to be persuaded to be induced, *MIGHT* I haven't hit the nesting phase yet, at least where I clean and clean and clean. I've organized our new TV stand with our DVD's, BlueRays, XBOX games, and such. I think it looks pretty nice :D We're getting rid of this huge wooden entertainment center that was a hand-me-down, and we're giving to one of MCM's friends. We're also giving him our most comfy recliner *sniff* It was also a hand-me-down. But Alan is ecstatic to get anything for free. I mean, his whole family hoards junk like nobody's business! They'd rather keep and try to fix it, no matter what it takes, than buy a new one. They keep *EVERYTHING* But anyways, to each his own.

I just have to find a place to put our pictures and such that sat on top. I was thinking maybe those wall shelves. But then I'd have to make holes in the walls, and I don't think I have enough time before the baby comes.

I did get asked today when my baby's due. I looked at her, smiled and said "Yesterday." The lady checking out in front of me laughed that knowing laugh. *sigh* I'm not looking forward to the questions at church. Don't know I could citizen-arrest them for harassment?!?!

I just realized, while I was shopping at WallyWorld, that since I'm out of work for a while, I can do my nails all fancy and with tips :D I liked them the one time I had them, but they tore up my nails. I did pick up a french manicure kit. That's really all I like on my fingernails. Anything else gets distracting. and when it chips or gets scratched....drives. me. up. a. wall.

I might see if I can convince my wonderful loving husband to get Taco Bell for dinner. I really want one of those new bacon burritos. I'm excited about it because I don't think it has beans in it :D

The days seem so long, the weeks forever

Saturday, the 4th of July brought about a sleepless night. We had attempted to make big party plans, because everyone knows that if you make plans assuming you won't go into labor, you will, right?! Anyways, everyone we tried to invite over couldn't make it or was going out of town-we got shot down quite a few times. We did manage to wrangle one couple in to coming over for lunch. And we had a great time. They got here about 12, and didn't leave till like 6! I really had no clue it was that late.

Anyways, the evening brought...contractions with it....I finally started timing them about a quarter till 8. They started about every 10, then got down to about every 6. MCM and I went walking. We walked and we walked and we walked. I think we walked for about an hour or so. We kept saying, lets wait one more hour. Finally about 1, I called my midwife...but she wasn't very helpful. She said, well if you think it's the real thing, come on in. I could have decided that. Anyways, we waited another hour, and headed to the hospital about 2. The contractions themselves didn't hurt as in pain, they were squeeze-y and made me have to stop and focus. But what was different was all the pressure I kept feeling "down under." So off we went.

You know, I should have taken some contraband pics of the room. Whatever. I got all dolled up in my back-less gown with the monitor stuff on my belly and waited. The nurse came in about 230/245ish am and did her nursey stuff. She checked my dilation, called me a 2, and gave me the impression that I should be writhing in pain with these contractions. Whatever. The midwife came in about 4am (she was delivering a few babies), and checked me, called me a 3, said if I get to 4cm and my contractions stay good like they were, about every 4-5 minutes, I could stay. She strongly encouraged me to get out of bed and I jumped at the chance. MCM and I walked the halls. He begged off to go try to sleep. Poor guy, he hadn't slept at all. So I walked and breathed and contracted. He tried to sleep in this recliner chair of sorts. I don't think it worked so well for him.

Back in bed about 530, they checked me again, said 3-4cm, not quite 4, but it seemed as if the contractions were tapering off. I tried walking again to get them going, I tried the birthing ball, but he kept twisting his head down on my nerves and such that it was just too painful to move my legs. I climbed in to bed about 7am with my contractions that were now about every 10 mins again and tried to sleep some cause I knew I was probably going home. How true that was. I had signed my papers and on my way home with my pregnant belly by 8am.

I was really disappointed, really disappointed. I honestly thought that when I left, we'd have grown to a family of 3. *sigh* Needless to say we didn't make it to church that day. Besides who would like to have to answer the question, "You haven't had the baby, yet?" when clearly *looks at my abdomen* I haven't. I know it's rhetorical of sorts, but can't you just come up with a different comment. One that doesn't seem to imply a condescending message. How about..."you look so good for how far you are" or "I love what you've done with your hair. I bet it's quick to do in the mornings." Something like that would be so much more appreciative than "You haven't had that baby yet?!" or "You've been pregnant for years/ever/a long time!"

I have two days of work left. Tomorrow, an 8 hours shift, then on Friday, a 12 hour shift. Although, I'm not sure how good I'll do on Friday. Will you come rescue me if I need it?! Please? And I'm supposed to be team leader. I hope with all my heart that we will have at least 5 if not 6 nurses, cause I will *NOT* be able to take 6 patients AND team leader AND secretary AND everything else they decide to through in my lap. I turned down team leader when I come back from maternity leave. I wasn't really given the option to do it, just kinda thrust into it because I have the mad skillz needed, and I probably would have taken it anyways. But it's nice to be asked. Right?!

Now, back to baby news. I had another appointment today. Let's see. They estimated he weighs around 7 pounds 2 ounces, although it could be off by a pound or two either way. They can tell he's not 'overly chunky' as the ultrasound tech put it. I've lost 2 pounds, but since he's gained, I've actually lost more than that, but *shrugs* oh well, I'm still healthy. I think my uterus is measuring about 37-38cm, which is good. Then came the depressing news. Remember how waay back up there ^ they called me a 3-4 cm? Well, Doc came in (Midwife was busy at the hospital delivery every one else baby but mine!!) and called me 2cm. TWO CENTIMETERS!! *TWO* and he said that was being generous, that anything else than that would be insulting. I was literally devastated. When he left I turned to MCM and just...cried, practically. So I have another appointment next week Thursday. The receptionist was nice about it. She's like, see you then. I replied back (firmly believing) "I hope not!" But I'll probably be there. McMillen babies like to be about a week and a half late. I was on time, so maybe it'll just end up being a week later, rather than two or so.

Ok, I can rest easy now. That is, if I can find my tums...

Still pregnant, still kicking

37 6/7ths weeks...it sounds so...forlorn when said that way. Just round up, can't you? It's 38 weeks, sheesh...

I was sitting on the exam bench, "waist down" with a paper sheet waiting for Midwife to come in (they're words, not mine). I had shifted a few times to keep from getting stiff, and realized that the paper covering the vinyl bench was stuck to my butt. Not only did it stick to me, it ripped when I tried to unstick it. It ripped because I was sweating buckets in that room. I just knew that if I tried to stand up and re-arrange the paper, Midwife would come in when my bare behind was to the door, I just knew it.

Fortunately, she didn't, and I was able to peel my skin from the sticky vinyl. I searched in desperation for a vent to point my way, but I couldn't find one. Eh, I survived anyways. So Midwife comes in, looks over my chart and read "37 6/7 weeks, looks big." I was hoping she meant baby, and not me. It's one thing be to be insulted by strangers "oh wow, you're so huge. I *never* got that big!" But it's a whole 'nother story when someone who has seen the other end of you says, "Oh my word, you look like you swallowed an elephant!" Makes you feel like it's book report day and you have to admit you haven't even finished the book yet. *hangs head in shame*

She said she wished they had put me in an ultrasound room to make sure the baby is head down (which, I'm 99.99% sure he is. I know his toes *love* to play my ribs). She did some weird thing where she basically pressed on where his head/neck most likely would have been if he was head down, and he kicked my ribs, like she said he would if he was head down. But next week, I was told, they'd do the ultrasound. Midwife measured my uterus height, said "measures good." They always say that, never an exact number, always "good."

Then I got the good news that he's still at -1 station, but I'm dilated 2-3 centimeters. Then I got the bad news that she didn't think I'd go early. I was disappointed. I'm ready to have this kid and move on to another stage of life. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy being pregnant and I love it (most days), but isn't enough enough?! *sigh*

It'll get here soon enough, I know for sure I won't be pregnant for much longer. It's just the waiting that's getting to me. I'm not a patient person by any means. Midwife did say that they (Doc and Midwife) are on call tomorrow night and Thursday night. They're on each day, but share nights with The Center for Women. They have every fourth weekend and normally Mondays and Thursdays. However, today is Doc's anniversary so they swapped to let him go buy flowers for the Mrs. Doc.

MCM's Uncle Doug is in the hospital. He had a huge heart attack, one that made it necessary to be shocked several times, have an emergency heart cath, be transfered to a higher acuity hospital, be intubated and sedated for several days. He's still intubated and sedated, and they thing he came down with pneumonia from aspirating some time during those activities. So if you would, pray for him. MCM's mom (Doug's sister) and Shannon are down visiting, showing support and making his house ready for his return. They haven't been able to get a hold of the doctor, as of this afternoon. Maybe tonight.

Unbelievable!

So yesterday, MCM and I were headed out to our last class. Scrounging around the room for something to wear, I spotted a pair of pre-preggers jeans I was *sure* would still be wearable. Of course I'd have to use my little tummy band to keep them up and closed, but I could do that. The reality? I couldn't pull them up past my butt. Did you hear that!? My hips are growing?! EEKK!

Thankfully, I found a pair of preggers jeans right in front of my face, so I wore those. And guess what. THEY. STILL. SAG. I give up, I cannot win here. I'll just have to live in my PJ's and MCM's shirts.

And speaking of his shirts, that was the other half of the ensemble I wore out. MCM's long sleeve T-shirt he never wears. And if I kept the sleeves pulled up, it didn't look too big. With the sleeves hanging past my knuckles, it was hard to pretend it was my shirt.

Sad isn't it?

In other news, we got our stroller and carseat (Thanks, Mom and Dad!) put together. We do have to get it installed and checked, but I'm really not in a big rush to be driving around with an empty carseat in the back.

Thing One took this picture at BabiesRUs while we were getting the stroller. I'm not sure what's up with my face....but you can see my ever-expanding belly.

I'm 34 weeks in that picture. Now, I'm 35 weeks, 1 day. I've got a Doc visit coming up on Monday, and I think after that I go every week.

I've got my FMLA paperwork filled out, and today is the day I can submit it. For some reason I can't submit it earlier than 30 days. Whatever.

I finished Bobbie Jo's quilt, the star one. It looks pretty cool. I only made it half the size that the pattern was, and it's bigger than his quilt, but not so small that it won't work on a twin bed when he moves out of the crib.

There you have it, an update. And at the rate I'm going at, it'll be the last one until: "Going to the hospital!"

Now all we need is the baby

This weekend has been great. MCM and I haven't had a weekend where we've both been home and off work, at the same time. He frequently goes into work on Saturdays for a few hours. Not today. We went on a shopping trip *gasp* I know! I had gift cards to both Target and BabiesRus, plus something to return to BabiesRus.

After we came back and settled down from our galavanting, I went to work putting things together in Brendon's room. I emptied a ton of junk out of his crib and put a sheet on the mattress. I have to take it off to put the mattress pad on, but that won't take long. This kid isn't even breathing yet, and he has more blankets that I have shoes! That yellow one is from my mom and sisters. There's a little silky sitting in the corner from Paul who can't wait to play with Brendon. Literally, play with him as a football. He told me so himself...I'm going to have to nip that in the bud though.

You can see the stars, but you can't really see the nifty little swirlies that make this material a perfect with the quilt I'm working on. MCM's mom made them. She's quite talented in that area. They really brighten the room up, since the dark blue is so...well...dark.

I only showed half the dresser, cause the other half still had some junk on it. I got the lamp on clearance at BabiesRus the other week. Auntie Blondie gave me that Willow Tree figurine for a special occasion. I think my birthday, or anniversary...or Christmas. It's been a while. 

I just have a few more things to get straightened out. I have to find some place to put all those diapers from TWO diaper cakes. I have to return some baskets I got for the changing table shelves...they're two inches too tall. And take out all the trash that's accumulated from presents and such. 

I really just started this post tonight cause I couldn't sleep. Now I'm having a hard time holding my head up, so mission accomplished.

And I lived happily ever after

Can I just say that her hands were amazing?! Sure they were aged, not as strong as they used to be. Perhaps a little thinner, but they did a great job.

I went for a prenatal massage today. Blondie gave it to me for a baby shower present. Actually, she gave me 2 prenatal and 2 postnatal massages. Today was the first *sigh*

I had to drive through The Tunnel to get there, just me and my apprehension. I mad sure that I had my music, water and cell phone just in case something happened. It wasn't that bad actually. Traffic flowed nicely and I made it out the other end before I could be swallowed whole *whew*

I got there, "signed in" (their words not mine), entered the bathroom/locker room/shower room. It was pretty much plushy plushy. I had a robe, slippers, disposable underwear, and as many towels as I could use at my disposal. As big as my belly is, the robe still swallowed me up. Heh.

When my masseuse came to get me, I really hoped she was just the go-fer. She looked really frail and...old. But, boy, oh, boy, could she massage. She found this one spot, a muscle with a knot that I didn't even know I had. The muscle, that is. She rubbed and kneaded and pressed and oiled and kneaded some more *melts at the memory of it*

I hope she didn't mind my legs. They're not exactly hairy, but I wouldn't call them smooth, either. They're almost a cross between sandpaper and cacti. Know how legs get when you put lotion or oil on them...and if there's the slightest bit of growth on them...it becomes awful like...porcupine prongs. Or is it prines? Or prickles?

The drive back...of course there was a "disabled vehicle" in the tunnel. But really, I only spent about 15 minutes or so extra, waiting on the vehicle to be towed away. Yet again, the tunnel let me slip through it's jaws unscathed.

*sigh* I love happy endings.

Week 30

Yeah, it's time. Here's some pictures from today. I've had to revert to wearing regular t-shirts, rather then the in-style baby doll T's. They just don't cover the belly. And this one is getting tight. *sigh*

I keep on getting asked if I'm ready to have the baby...NO! I'm not! I'm happily pregnant, feeling great, and usually can pull of the cute preggers look! There are times when I feel huge, when my back hurts, and I just want to lay around like a couch potato.

I had another doc's appointment this week. Guess what!? Doc didn't mention my weight; and when he did the fundal (uterus) measurement, his non-verbals indicated I was smaller than he had anticipated. Meaning??? This low-calorie stuff they have me eating is too low-calorie. But he would never ever say that, cause that would mean he was *gasp* wrong or something.


I've been able to schedule my work hours differently. Instead of working three 12-hour shifts, I only work one 12 and then I have three 8 hour shifts. I like that a whole lot more. Yeah, I have to go to work more often (thus getting up earlier more often than not), but I don't work as late. I have a whole lot less stress at work, though too.

Yup, that about sums it up.

Too Big, Too Small...I'm confused

So, I was reading in this one baby book a friend lent me. It was telling me all about the 28th week, what tests the docs would do, what's developing in the baby--everything you'd expect to find in a baby book. Then I read this sentence..."Your weight gain should be between 17 to 24 pounds by now." Seventeen to twenty-four...I'm like right in the middle of that. I guess because I started small, I should be closer to 17 than 24, but I'm smack in the middle of it...why would Doc decide that my weight gain is too rapid? That's what she said, "We (as if she's going to be working on it with me) need to sloooow down on the weight gain." I know I'll be gaining about a pound every two weeks for the last two months or so (and by me gaining the weight, I know it's really Brendon), but I feel like I'm right on schedule.

And to make matters worse, no one can make up their mind if I look too small or too big. I know they all feel like they just *have* to say something, but couldn't they all agree?!? Like today, I was talking to Gwen at work, and she's like "You're so tiny, look at the bitty baby bump." Then I mentioned how I feel so huge (cause I do!!), and she's like "don't you dare starve that child!" And then I told her how Doc wants me to slow down on the weight gain, and all. She said

My mind just blanked. I *hate* it when that happens. Hang around, it'll come back...I hope.

Oh yeah. She asked how much further I have, and when I told her 12 weeks, she goes "Oh yeah, you'd better slow down on the weight." Talk about mixed signals!?

Then we discussed how that if this child has the genes to end up huge, like his great-grandpa (a 13 pounder), then there's he's going to do it. And in the next breath, she says you'll need a C-section for sure. How does she know what my inside measurements are?! I learned in school (from an experienced OB nurse, Wuanita) that just because a woman has a small frame, does not mean she cannot handle a 10, 11, or 12 pound baby; and just because a woman is "large boned" doesn't mean she won't get stuck trying to push out a 6 or 7 pounder.

But whatever, I am going to eat healthier, like cut back on the sweets (sugar cereal, fruit juice, and sugary snacks) so that at my next visit I can say I'm trying it. I am currently drinking a vanilla coke, though, but that's only because I can feel a huge migraine coming on (something I haven't had since about week 15 or so) and it's the only caffeine in the house.

But I guess the bottom line is listening to Doc (cause they do this sort of thing every week), but also listening to my body and not starving little Brendon.

Oh, on a good note, I had my 1 hour glucose test yesterday. My glucose was only 123, so I'm good for not having gestational diabetes. My hemoglobin was 12, they also told me, which is on the low side of normal but I don't have to take iron pills. And my blood type is still B negative. Glad to know it hasn't changed since my blood donating days :D. That also means I have to get a shot tomorrow, RhoGAM, and another at delivery so I don't make antibodies to this and subsequent babies' blood.

Baby Update

I finished up the last, the truly last bit of painting in the baby's room. And I even cleaned up the mess that was left. Then I was tired, so I sat in the glider for a while. Man, that thing is comfortable! I really don't have anything specific to write about, but I know it's time to update.

I'm having a hard time putting my socks and shoes on, the bean bag is in the way :D I did manage to paint my toenails about a week or so ago. I don't know if I'll be able to change it myself though...wanna come have a pedi-party??

Brendon is really learning his moves in there. I think his favorite spot to poke some appendage out is right around my belly button. I can almost always find him there. My co-workers are really excited about my pregnancy. They rub the belly for luck, for a good shift, for any reason really. And he kicked Renea. He also likes kicking my badge. I have a beaded necklace that I wear it on. It ends up sitting right on top of my belly. It is kinda heavy from the stuff I have on it, so when he kicks, it bounces back. I think he can feel it, because he'll do it once...then do it again....then again, just right there. Kinda funny, no?

I'm starting to get excited, like really, really, really, really excited. But the more I get excited about having him in my arms...I also get more and more apprehensive about the birthing part. Like, what if I forget everything I've learned and I freak out?!


I just saw this scroll across the bottom of Discovery Health. "Drinking three or more alcohol drinks daily may result in involuntary muscular movements, says Spanish researchers." Maybe they're on to something???

My little project/Wordless Wednesday with a post

My mom and sister came down for my ultrasound and stayed to help paint Brendon's room. This first wall is done, except I just threw those stickers up there. I'm going to move them to the top, like a border. That way, it'll keep the busyness away from hitting you in the face.


This is the wall opposite the other stripey one. We ran out of tape...twice...and time. But Mom and Blondie really helped to get it going. I just have to pick up one more roll of tape, finish the stripes, and paint the other two walls. They're going to be solid. I'll show you the finished thing when it's done.


Oh, these are the letters I'm painting for his name. They're going to go above the window on a solid wall.

Oh Baby!

I'm participating in a....something. Here's my baby pics I had laying around my computer

At first, I thought this was the only one I could find, but then I found others. I don't know if those are my bangs or if they're attached to the headband...

My first Christmas

Let me tell you, this shirt...I think my two older brothers wore it before me. And probably my younger sister and brother wore it after me...if it was still available. It's seen lots of years. Hey, if those two hands are there...who's taking the picture and in what weird position did they have to get it...
"Move your head back a bit more"
"No, you move your armpit out of my face"
I don't think I want to know.

Don't my happy looking face fool you. This doll is the creepiest thing. She's bigger than I was!! But I must say, my ruffles outdo hers any day!

And because no post would be complete with out my baby's picture. This is at 24 weeks and 1 day, right at the beginning of month 6. Speaking of the baby, I had a doctor's appointment yesterday. Apparently, Dr. Know-It-All, thinks that my gaining 15 pounds in 6 months for this baby is WAAAAAAAY to much. He's like "I'm not going to say your weight in front of these people (my mom, sister and husband), but it's too much!" I just nodded and okayed him. My mom...you would have thought he was talking to her. She rolled her eyes and huffed at him. I just brushed it off. I mean, I do still fit in to my pre-preggers jeans, mostly. I can't button them, duh, and my hips are spreading, but it's not fat, it's because my uterus has no place else to go. Whatever. I haven't changed my eating habbits much. I eat breakfast more often now, and I have a snack between lunch and dinner. That's about it. He'll get over it; I'm not going to worry.

Okay, I'm done ranting. The ultrasound went well, those spots on his brain resolved, and he's still a boy :D We saw some really cute 3-D picture of him, but they weren't worth 12 bucks for a CD with 3 pictures on it. And the pictures the tech did print out for us are all blurry and really bad looking. Whatever, he'll be here soon enough and I can take all the pictures of him I want.

Wordless Wednesday (with a post)

I did a lot of work on the quilt I started a while ago. Unfortunately, I don't think it'll go good for a boy or the bedding that MCM and I picked out. But if I just quit now, it'll be added to another pile of unfinished projects. Besides, I can't go buy more material until I get this out of the way.

And I did some work on the garden today too. I walked out to check the mail and I really didn't want to go back inside. And then I remembered that my dad had dug up some bulbs and I still needed to plant them. So I did that, and got a good dose of warm weather, sunshine, fresh air and dirt. At least, when the cold weather sets back in tomorrow, I'll be at work running around keeping warm...heh..

I bought myself some flowers. Not for any reason, certainly not because MCM does, cause he does :D I just though that the dining room looked better with fresh flowers in it. When my tulips bloom, I can add those. I won't have any greenery though, besides the leaves...oh well...

I think Bobbie Jo has invited a friend over and forgot to tell me. He bumps on one side of my stomach, and immediately bumps the other side, while occasionally kickboxing with my bladder.

Then, and then, and then, and now

I thought I was so big in December. Now Bobbie Jo is kicking and rolling and I'm bigger than I thought I'd ever be. And I know it's only going to get bigger!! Here's my journey. It starts in December cause before then (as you can see, there was nothing to take a picture of).

December 2, 2008
December 18, 2008
January 19, 2009

February 2, 2009
February 23, 2009
March 6, 2009

My timer has popped slightly...maybe it's just cause the weather has been so warm, poop Bobbie Jo has become confused thinking it was time to meet Daddy. I'm starting to get excited! There's still so much left to do. I need to find some sort of dresser to keep his clothes in...right now, they're all sitting in his crib. I invited my mom and sister down for my next ultrasound at the end of this month. Blondie is coming for sure, but I'm not sure if Mom will. I hope she will. I mean, how often does your first daughter have her first baby??

I've had a lovely stretch of days off from work this week. I painted my dresser to match MCM's (I painted his a while ago, like when it was still summer). I think I did pretty good, although I did obsess about it a bit. I did laundry *gasp!* I know!! I'm sure there were other things I did, but I can't remember.

Bobbie Jo had the hiccups the other morning. I was laying there, as MCM was getting ready for work, and it felt like the baby kept kicking me-hard and fast. Then I realized, and I shouted down to MCM, "He's got the hiccups!!"