3 Weeks

8/29/09 3 weeks (3 2/7)

I wanted to take a picture of him in the belly mask, but he wouldn't fit! And he's growing so fast that I couldn't wait until our professional shoot. I wish I would have done it sooner! Who would've thought he would grow so much in just 3 weeks!?!

3am "diary" from the worst 'blogger' in history...

WARNING! RAMBLING about labor, contractions, birth, and such!

Don't I start every post by saying that I haven't been here in a while?

Last night I slept restlessly through contractions that weren't unbearable, but that were intense enough to wake me up a bit each time. They were 7 minutes apart through the night, but not progressing.

Tonight, though, I cannot lie down. I'm a little opposite from many women. When I take a contraction lying down, it becomes almost unbearable. When I am upright they either subside (if it's "practice" labor) or they become much more bearable (in my birthing time).

So I'm sitting here at 3am, trying to figure out if these contractions are going to go away or progress... they're just kinda staying the same, for the last 4 hours. Too strong to sleep through, but not strong enough to 'act upon' (when upright).

Do I begin to bake the cinnamon rolls and cookies I've prepared for the nurses? Or is my body fooling me, and then I'll have a bunch of sweets to eat by myself? And another SLEEPY day. I just want to sleep! OR, even better, have the baby!!

It baffles me how different each pregnancy and labor/birth has been. I did not expect this!

My last birth was so quick and easy, no questions, SROM (Spontaneous Rupture of Membranes), and 3 weeks "early". So I expected a similar type of story from this little guy. But not so!

If this is my early birthing time, then it's beginning in the same way that Jake's did, which lasted 39 hours (as compared to Austin's 9 hours.)

This baby is floating in too much fluid and keeps flipping all about. (Borderline Polyhydramnios and Variable Lie.) Because of this and my anterior placenta (inserted in front), I often don't feel movement for extended periods of time. His head was down (& fairly low) and suture lines palpable (Dr was able to feel scalp bones) 1 1/2 weeks ago, and this last week he was floating high and she was feeling his hands and fingers. So I've been trying to remain active to get him to engage. I don't want ANY other presenting part besides head! But the decreased perception of movement, the excess fluid, and the floating baby all makes for a momma, nurse, & Doctor who want the baby out!

So I can't believe I decided to break the silence here with a rambling 'diary' of my labor-thoughts. Lovely!

But I'm here with these persistent, moderate contractions... (until I lie down, and they rock my world again)...

Praying for either progress or sleep...

And for baby to come, healthily and naturally, and in God's time.

Oh, how I want to sleep!!!!

(P.S. that makes me laugh, knowing the sleep-deprivation that is around the corner for us!)

I would like to say that if you don't hear from me soon, that means I've had the baby. But knowing me, it is very likely that life can go on normally and you still wouldn't hear from me soon!

Like I said, worst 'blogger' in history.

Are you Swimsuit Ready?!?

...me neither!

This is the *only* circumstance under which I would ever post a photo of myself in a swimsuit anywhere!! heehee It's just such ROUNDNESS! I don't know how I fit into that suit, but I managed to somehow, and then my dad comes around the corner with a camera! HA!

But it's the baby belly... and it looks so HUGE! Especially in the picture below with the towel... and I had to keep them. They make me laugh! I love baby bellies! It's amazing that our bodies can do this, and then shrink again afterwards. (fingers crossed, could I be so lucky three times in a row?)



So there we have it... my most recent tummy pics! Above, taken 7/1/09 at 34 1/7 weeks.

And below: ~33 wk (32 6/7)



AND... since this is a pregnancy-related post, I have some wonderful news! I found out about a week ago that the baby has TURNED! I wanted to update since I posted here about the breech situation. What an amazing relief that was! However, I'm praying that he is still head-down, because right now his movements and positions are really confusing to me! I did lots of home interventions to encourage him to turn: positioning, exercises, massage, cold & music placement, hypnobabies 'turn baby turn', acupressure, moxibustion, and lots of prayer! I'll find out this Wednesday if he's still behaving.

I'm just about 36 weeks, so his arrival is feeling so close and I can't wait! Early this week his bassinet came, which is now waiting for him at our bedside. Yesterday our new bus stroller came in the mail. It's absolutely huge and standing behind it makes me laugh. It's pretty ridiculous! I hope we use it! We got the Joovy Big Caboose Stand-On Triple. (Thank you Mom & Dad!)

A baby will be born...

Look at those chubby little cheeks!!!! So cute, I just wanna kiss them over and over again!!!

If you know me, you know that I think giving birth is one of the most powerful and awe-inspiring experiences ever. Whenever I think about the possibility of this being my last child (which is hardly ever, because I don't want to get sad!), one of the first things I get sentimental about is the idea of this being my last time to give birth!

So today when they told me that baby is in frank breech position, and that there's a very good chance that I will need to have a C-section, I have to admit I was pretty bummed. I allowed myself about ten minutes of being sad, and even cried about the potential C-section and the idea of never having another natural birth again... and then I made myself move on.

On to incredible thankfulness for another healthy pregnancy and baby, for the two beautiful natural births that I have had, and for the time that I have left in this pregnancy (in which I will be doing positioning exercises and praying for a somersault!)

Those of you who have had C-sections, I know how extremely petty I sound! I know it occurs often, and that it is still birth, just by a different method. I know that it is still the most incredible day ever, being the day that you meet and hold your baby for the first time, and I definitely don't want to take anything away from that. I have just been extremely fortunate to to experience and enjoy my two vaginal births, and I had just allowed myself a moment of 'mourning' the idea of not having that chance again.

But the moment is over.

"Be still and know that I am God..."
-Psalm 46:10

I have hope that he may still flip, even though it's late. But mostly, I am resting in the knowledge that whatever happens, it is all part of His perfect plan.

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
-Romans 8:28

I know that it's not a big deal either way; all I can ask for is a healthy baby and that will be the greatest blessing ever, regardless of which birthing method brings him into our arms! How reassuring to know that God is in control-- my faith in Him fills me with peace. Not just regarding my pregnancy and birth, but also in my marriage and in raising our children. All the things that sometimes weigh on my heart, they truly have no power when surrendered into His loving & capable hands.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
-Philippians 4:6-7

I am sooo thankful!!!! He washes away our worries & fear and fills us with peace & joy!



Still... you can know beyond a shadow of doubt that even as I'm in this happily pregnant state, full of acceptance and peace regarding the baby's position and his upcoming birth, I will most definitely be cheering him on under my breath until his birth-day:

"Turn, baby, turn!" "Turn, baby, turn!" :)

A girl can hope!!

I don't know ANYone who doesn't excited about THIS!!!

Look what arrived today!!!!



(BTW, the delivery guy *THREW* it over our gate and stucco/brick wall onto our cement patio. Didn't knock or ring the doorbell. I was shocked!! You may not reuse a car seat if it are involved in a motor vehicle accident, but what about the not-so-gentle shipping and handling?! Jeez!!)

Anyways, as my title says, I don't know ANY one who doesn't get excited over the arrival of a brand new infant car seat!

Including these two little guys!



Austin was especially excited. When I took it out of the box and put it on the table, he immediately ran over, saying, "Baby? Baby? Baby?"

It was so cute! Then he sat in it for a moment and played with the straps. He is so sweet with babies. Which is surprising, since he is *rough* with just about everything else!

Hope this post didn't fake anyone out... the car seat is, indeed, empty! Hopefully it stays that way for at least another month or two!!!

More Contemplations on the Sweetness of it All

We are in the midst of potty training again! Thankfully (and to my great surprise), it's going way better than it did last time-- I am so proud of Jake!!!

And, since I linked to that old post above, I thought I would just provide a little house update as well. I am happy to say that it is off the market! We decided to stay here and add-on after the baby comes. If that doesn't work out, we will deal with it at the time. But we're happy with our decision for now. Our house is tiny (the boys already share a room!), but we love our yard, neighborhood, and town. We have room to add two bedrooms and still have some yard for the kids & BBQs, so that seemed a better option. We'll see what happens!

And, keeping with the theme I guess, here are some more photos of the boys playing with Kevin. He works so hard during the week, that I just absolutely love seeing him with the boys on the weekends. They are so cute together, and these boys adore their "Dada."

Kevin pulled out the T-ball gear and played some ball with the boys. Austin was so cute... every time he hit the ball (with Kevin's guidance), his face lit up and he got a huge smile... laughed a great big belly laugh, and went running after the ball. I want to imprint these moments and sounds in my memory FOREVER!!!!

And sweet Jake loves playing ball with Dada too... I can't believe how well he catches!!!

Sometimes he holds back his smiles in a way that reminds me so much of Kevin, the mysterious & seemingly shy Kevin that I met in High School. Jake will be smiling all over, but then pulls himself back inward a little, sticking his tongue behind his lower lip and quietly giggling. It makes me a little sad because I want him to smile and laugh freely! I've been telling him how much I love his smile and when he laughs. And I've also been more cognizant of how I sometimes don't smile or laugh as freely in the moments with my boys. Sometimes I'm so tired or preoccupied with other things (making meals, changing a diaper or disciplining (er, teaching), or whatever), that I give my "half-there" smile or laugh. Oh, it has felt sooo good to realize this, and live more fully in the moments!!! I can't get over the sweetness of it all!!!!

And a little bit of GUY-time in the yard... there was plenty of rolling laughter as they rough-housed around in the grass, rode on Daddy's shoulders, kicked the ball, and ran back and forth around the house.

I hope these boys always know just how loved they are by their Mommy & Daddy. We have been talking about it a lot lately... just how it is so beautiful, these boys. And how excited we are to meet and hold and love our newest addition. He is already so precious to us.

Sorry for the mushy-gushy posts lately! Well, kinda. Because when I make my blog into a blurb book, the kids might read it and feel a little bit happy. I know I will!

Oh, and before I go... here's a peek at what I've been up to last night and this afternoon. Birthday invitations! (Ignore the squiggly white lines, my attempts at hiding my personal information.) It's been so much fun to pull out paper, scissors and adhesive again.

This project inspired me to organize my photos (again). I got some really cool monthly dividers at Office Depot today on clearance... Office supplies truly make my heart sing... Markers, white out, and, OH! Those little colored sticky tabs and sticky notes? Pure joy!

For me, NESTING ALWAYS BEGINS WITH PHOTOS!!! I start out organizing photos, making lists of outstanding scrapbooking layouts, and then embark on some major catching up. Because you have to catch up before you have another human being to document the life of!!! The nesting quickly moves to the address book (both computerized and handwritten), then to lists of emergency contacts, allergies, etc. And then to the home... where it settles indefinitely until baby comes. This is one of my favorite parts of pregnancy.

Enough randomness for the evening. I'll try to write a post that's not about ME some time again in the future. haha

Baby Love

Baby Love


26 1/2 weeks


Today my boys went to Sea World with family and I stayed home and spent time with the itty bitty. He was kicking so much this evening, doing somersaults I think! I took a few pregnancy photos (tried...) I have hardly any-- though, being alone in my backyard taking them felt a little goofy, but here are a few anyways.




This sweet baby is such a blessing and I have so much love for him already, I can't wait to hold him in my arms! It's pretty incredible to try to imagine bringing another baby into the mix, and even more incredible to realize that in a few months we won't be able to imagine it without him! (There's a confusing midnight contemplation, does it make any sense!?! ... why am I awake?!?)




Sweet, sweet baby~*

Details...

I forgot to mention...

IT'S A BOY!!!!

(We found out a few days ago.)

Off to make breakfast, but after posting that long bully post, I realized I never did make the gender announcement. Another sweet boy!!! If I can get my computer to read the DVD, I'll post a 4-D video clip of baby doing some water-dancing.

I'VE BEEN KEEPING A SECRET!!!

But the "secret" is finally OUT!

CLUE #1 - Another photo of our stocking's this year-- take a moment to count them!



CLUE #2- A closer look at the contents of the "extra" stocking:



Inscription: 2008 Jake Austin Baby



Yes, We are expecting our third child!! (Scary picture, am I really putting this on my blog!?!)

So anyways, sorry for posting "Christmasy" photos in January... Hanging a small stocking and an "expecting" ornament have been traditions with the other pregnancies, so I couldn't bypass them this time around... I just had to "hide" them (and the ultrasound photo from the fridge) when we had guests. What an ordeal, to keep such a precious secret!

It's also been hard to keep the exciting news away from this little blog of mine!!! But we had some very special & important people to tell before I could start talking freely about it.

Here are a few of the details-- AKA: answers to the FAQs--

1. I'm 12+ weeks along, with a due date of 8/8 or 8/11. (Dr needs to clarify, I was told both)
2. We don't know the gender yet but we might have a "guess" soon
3. We both feel extremely blessed and thankful- we are excited!!
4. When baby is born: Jake will have just turned 3 and Austin will be 21 months.
5. Physically, the 1st trimester has been gnarly (explaining my extended absence from here), but I am, thankfully, feeling human again. And health-wise, we are both doing great!
6. The other details, they will fall into place. We are not worried. I am fully trusting the Lord that he will provide and guide us as we figure them out. (For instance, those issues of moving, buying a bigger home, selling our home, working less, etc). The details are minute given the immensity of such a precious and life-altering gift... a sweet baby. How awe-inspiring and beautiful! This baby is so loved, so wanted, so welcomed with open arms and hearts.

"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb." -Psalm 139:13

With a humble heart I praise the Lord~ for this moment, this life and this new life growing within me.

I had written a pregnancy post in December (12/16) a few weeks after we found out. I'm just now posting it since it was still a 'secret'. It's linked HERE if you feel so inclined.

1 little, 2 little, 3 little baby-bugs!

Written on 12/16/08:

Our family of four will soon be a family of FIVE!

Unfortunately, I can't post this for a while.

We are so excited, but the news isn't fully out yet. But I've decided to write about it anyways, and post later. This may be my last pregnancy (I hope not!), and I want to record it! I'm truly enjoying it. Not so much the nausea, which, by the way, is far worse than it ever was with either of the others!! But the thought of a little life growing within me-- it's amazing.

We found out almost 2 weeks ago. What a surprise! Kevin was immediately happy, which made me soo relieved. I was so worried that he would be stressed out.

It's not in our timing, but ours isn't the timing that matters anyways.

My biggest fear is what other people will say. The thought of having to deal with people's negativity brings a knot to my stomach.

We're not worried about the details. We'll survive the too-small-house or the busy times, or whatever else threatens to stress people out about our growing family. But I know that we'll have to hear it, and we have currently chosen to postpone it for as long as we can. I dealt with a bit of intrapartum depression when I was pregnant with Austin. I didn't feel 'ready' for another baby so soon and I didn't feel like I could "split" myself between two children. I am so incredibly thankful that I have none of that ambivalence this time, and Kevin and I have made a pact that we are going to protect this as best we can. We don't need outside pressure right now.

It's hard to keep such an amazing secret, though, especially from the people closest to us! And especially being that we are so excited! Kevin has told a few people at work, as have I. We just want to continue to enjoy this time fully. There will be a time to iron out the details, but right now isn't it. Anyways, it's a new and precious life. An incredible blessing. I don't know what on this earth could be more awe-inspiring!

We are excited! We feel blessed (immeasurably!!!) and so, so incredibly thankful!

So, yes, here we go again. We are expecting another beautiful, precious child. Our lives are about to change again, our family about to grow. I can't describe the feeling of awe it brings me.

This news might explain my few most recent posts-- about losing my temper with the kids, being moody with Kevin, "coming down with something" and not feeling well, kids watching too much TV ... I'm perpetually nauseous!!! And majorly hormonal. THAT is something that is hard to hide!!! Especially at the times when I just want to cry out for a little help, but then, what would my excuse be?

Well, if this pregnancy follows suit, then I'll only have to endure ~5 more weeks of this and then it'll get better. And, though the days seem to go-on forever, in hindsight I will say, "it flew by, it wasn't that bad."

So pressing onward... pretending I'm feeling peachy!

And hiding a big, huge, shiny secret!!!

What really happened last summer...

(This post, along with the last one, have been on my screen over 24 hours... they become long and jumbled when I do that, coming back whenever I get a few moments and adding more and more... so I've tried to make sense of it all and I separated them into two posts to make me feel a little better about the length & the rambling!)

Today marks my 6th year of marriage to my wonderful husband. I love him!!!

Of course, he is dove hunting right now. We go every year because our anniversary happens to fall on the opening day. He hunts (in the morning, done by the time I wake up), and then we all hang out by the river the rest of the time. It's usually such a fun trip, especially when we all used to stay in the hotel and bring boats. And before kids, when I could just sit in the river ALL DAY, for hours on end, fishing, sleeping, reading, swimming. After last year, though, I've decided to stay home this time.

Here is the untold part of last years trip. Since this incident isn't so fresh, I finally feel ready to reveal the rest of the story. I can actually laugh about it now. Please feel free to laugh with me. Though I will try to explain my rationale, I do know that I was a crazy lady.

So it was the hottest part of the summer. I was 7 1/2 months pregnant with Austin, Jake was 14-months-old, and it was 112-117 degrees in Arizona. We were camping, staying in other people's RVs, & Jake wouldn't sleep. My blog post last year conveniently left out any negative aspects of the trip, but I was honestly miserable.

Imagine being (a very large) 7 1/2 months preggo in that weather. Now factor in the 14-month-old who was fussy in the night in someone elses RV on someone elses vacation, which made me feel incredibly intrusive & horrible, even though everyone was being so gracious & helpful. And the wonderful husband who was helpful sometimes, but mostly just relaxing. (P.S. I wasn't on my own! My mother-in-law is an angel & was extremely helpful, as always!)

The other part of the story, which was a big deal to me and probably the biggest deciding factor, was that the baby was always sweaty and very flushed, and of course over-tired, which worried the heck out of me, being a nurse and knowing that the young (and the old) are prone to dehydration & heat stroke. When we got home I read about a number of deaths that occurred that weekend because of the heat! Afterwards, I kept trying to justify our early departure by pointing out that there were absolutely no other people with babies in the campground. (For good reason, I believe.)

Kevin's parent's RV A/C wasn't working great so Jake was really hot & sweaty in there. And although his brothers A/C was good, I felt way too intrusive when staying there because he didn't sign up for a crying 14-month-old in his RV & all over his relaxation. He likes his naps & his sleep, and he should be able enjoy them.)

I must state, for the record, that Kevin and I had many conversations about this trip before even departing. I almost didn't go, but was feeling so much pressure that I finally decided to go. We drove separately (from the rest of the family) specifically so that we could leave if we had to. From the first day, I was sharing my concerns with Kevin & he told me he would support me no matter what I decided (to leave or stay). After two nights I was fighting back tears almost the entire time but couldn't get Kevin alone for more than a second to discuss.

The breaking point:

I think it was on day 3 (after 2nd night), I decided to take Jake to town in the air-conditioned car to get a Root Beer Float and think about it. This was my last-ditch effort at rolling with the punches. Making lemonade out of lemons. Whatever! And before I left, Kevin gave me one last plea that he wanted to stay but the reassurance that he would support me whatever I wanted to do. (He would not "allow" me to drive alone with Jake across the desert (as I requested) so I had to decide whether I wanted to 'ruin' his vacation and make him cut it short, or stay.)

Y'all know which one I chose, of course.

And why I candy-coated this vacation in my previous post, I have no idea. I think it's because I wasn't 100% comfortable exposing myself to this degree to Kevin's side of the family. My thoughts have changed in this department so drastically. My walk through Austin's colic among other things in his first months of life have brought me to a point where I had to be me, I had to expose myself and accept help, and in the process, realize that these people are one of the greatest gifts in my life. They have significantly helped me through one of the roughest years of my life and through it we have become a million times closer and more transparent with each other than we ever were. (At least I think so.)

At this time a year ago, though, I was still at the point where I was always trying to be the good daughter-in-law. I was so self-conscious and always wanting to fit-in and afraid that they wouldn't like me. Which is crazy because Kevin and I have been together since 1996!!! But anyways, the LAST thing on the face of this EARTH that I wanted to do was be the outcast jerk who ruined the trip!!!

But I did!!! And I was!!!

So back to the story. I called my mom from town & the moment she said 'hello' I started bawling so hard that I couldn't even talk. I don't think I've been that hysterical since grade school! I made my resolve to leave, and went to camp to break the news. And couldn't find my husband anywhere. Looked in all family member's RVs. Finally saw that he was at the rivers edge & didn't have the guts to go down there- plus didn't want to unload baby from the car to go tell him.

SO I actually became the crazy lady wife who packed.up.the.car (all of our stuff, Kevin's hunting gear, all the baby stuff, everything-- alone in the heat, being very preggo, through a zillion braxton-hicks contractions), and waved to Kevin from the road, baby in car seat and car running, saying, "we're leaving."

Oh, this went over so well.

Kevin wasn't happy, and he wasn't supportive at.all. He is a wonderful man. But he wasn't wonderful on that day. Nor was I, clearly.

People wanted to know what was going on, and he simply said, "Megan isn't feeling good. We're leaving."

Oh, I totally forgot to say that I was having lots of contractions! (But that was nothing new with either of my pregnancies! I had my Terbutaline in my purse, never had to take one, and they never progressed into true, active labor. I think I placed most of the blame on this, though, so I wouldn't have to explain everything to everyone and risk crying or looking crazy. Ha! But thankfully I didn't have to talk to anybody because they were all at the rivers edge.)

The absolute worst part was that I felt like Kevin's family would hate me. And given my deepest desire to impress them, you can imagine how difficult this was for me to throw myself in front of the train this way. (That's not the right figure of speech, is it?)

Of course, I imagined all the horrible things they must be saying about me in my absence. But nobody ever acted negatively towards me in the least bit! (Oh, except my husband, who barely said a word to me the whole way home. Ugh, it was ugly! We've never experienced anything like that as a couple, thankfully!) His mom even supported me when we talked on the phone & I finally explained my reasons, which I was incredibly thankful for and it lifted a huge burden off my chest. Oh, I'm so thankful that I finally realize that they love me for who I am, and through it all!!!! What undue stress I had put myself through for all those years!

Anyways, that's my story of a hormonal pregnant mommy becoming the crazy lady and ruining a little vacation. But I'm sure I would do the same thing again. I'm telling you, I was seriously LOSING IT. You would never know by the post I wrote last year, would you?!?

This is why I'm spending my anniversary today at home alone with my two babies. And we had a great day. And Kevin is having such a wonderful time in Arizona, and I'm truly happy for him! (I'd probably be a little bitter if we didn't celebrate early on our cruise... haha)

Of course he tells me the weather is NICE, 90's and a bit overcast. Oh well, I'm sure even though it's not hot and I'm not pregnant, I would still probably be sleep deprived & feeling guilty having TWO crying babies. Maybe next year. I vowed that I would never go again unless we had our own RV or stayed in the hotel. But now that I'm not putting so much pressure on myself to be "perfect", maybe I would actually feel comfortable asking for more help and saying that I'm struggling!

My 2nd family is so wonderful!!!!! I couldn't imagine not having them in my life.

Happy Anniversary to my truly wonderful husband, and to my incredible parents-in-law (& love)!

I love you!

My Sweet Boys

We had a little photo shoot after baths lastnight. (On the floor of Jake's bedroom!)

These babies melt my heart. I love when I come home from work and Jake RUNS to me, it's so sweet! They are growing too fast!!!!!! I realized today that Jake is almost two and I got a knot in my stomach... TWO! He's my BABY, he can't be turning two!!! And my itty bitty newborn isn't a newborn anymore... (nor is he anywhere near itty bitty!) ... he's almost 4 months old, which is almost 6 months old, which is half of a year, which passes by like a two blinks of an eye... Do you ever feel like time is moving in warp speed!?!

(almost) two going on sixteen.

The banner at the bottom of my blog page is probably one of my favorite pictures on earth. When I became a mommy, my days were filled with AWE. Being pregnant, I felt like I had been touched by God and felt honored and ecstatic to be a part of a miracle. (Though the 2nd time around, I mostly just felt shocked to be preggo so soon!) And I hope I never forget how I felt those first few weeks of mommyhood. (And still feel, when I think about it, or when it hits me out of nowhere as I am playing and laughing with Jake, or when I turn my head to see Austin staring at me with a huge smile across his face-- yep, that gets me every time.) There are absolutely NO words, but that photo with the caption AWE-STRUCK... that pretty much says it all. I don't think I ever want to stop having babies! "mo!" "mo!" "mo!" (as Jake would say)

(P.S. Don't worry! NONE soon! I'm just having a 'warm & fuzzy' moment. That's just what I do, as you've probably noticed by now. I'm quite mushy!)

Finally a Tummy Picture

(and another exciting baby update!)








I think I have ONE "tummy" picture this entire pregnancy, compared to the zillion I have from the last. So in the middle of our Halloween festivities lastnight I passed the camera to Kevin and he took a quick snapshot.


And speaking of this little guy, I was excited to hear at today's appointment that I'm now 2 cm dilated! Glad to hear that all those sleepless (crampy) nights weren't for nothing! Of course, now that I'm term and ready, the last 3 days the contractions have all kinda subsided-- my doctor says it's the "calm before the storm." We'll see if that's what baby says too~*

P.S. Quick little Jake update- he's doing soo good! Walking *everywhere*, learning new words every day. I've lost track of how many teeth he has... he has a bunch and is (of course) working on another. (next to his bottom right molar). He is *always* teething these days! 4 days ago I told him "I love you" and he said "I baa duu". I normally wouldn't interpret "baa" as "love" and "duu" as "you", but he said it in the exact same intonation that I did, and in response to my "i love you", so needless to say, it just melted my heart because I know he was trying to say it back to me!!! He's such a sweetheart!

Trick or Treat





Momma & baby spidee- Lastnight was his first time Trick-or-treating. We had lots of fun, only hit a few houses and then spent the rest of the evening BBQing, bonfiring and passing out candy at my sister's house. It was so much fun!
See pic below: (back row --> front row) Hiroto (Jack Sparrow), Tony (SCAREY 'death'), Kevin & I, Jake (spider), Adam (Tatoo artist), and Nico (football guy Tomlinson?)









More Showers for Baby


My friends at work threw me such a great shower today! It was put together in just 4 days because I was afraid baby wouldn't stay in much longer- Thank you my sweet Natalie and friends! It was beautiful and the food was sooo delicious. (It wouldn't be a true pregnant-Megan post if I didn't mention food, right?) Here's a quick picture of some of the gals-- (yes, I'm wearing the *same* dress as my other shower!)


(Shirlee, Doris, Neena, me, Mary & Isabella, Ola, & Margie)





Another AMAZING Recipe!


"Roasted Shrimp and Orzo"


This is a recipe that a friend of mine made for the shower today, it was AMAZING! So fresh and flavorful. I could eat the entire bowl! It's a Barefoot Contessa recipe, & can be found HERE on the Food Network website. Delicious! (And apparently, very quick & easy!)

Well, the holidays are officially upon us!! It's finally November (can you believe it!?), and the weather is sooo beautiful here- nice and FALLish! We're LOVING it! I always try to stay true to my California Girl, summer-loving self... but the last few years I can't deny it... I really think that this is my new favorite time of year! A summer girl at heart, but fall and (if you can call it winter) is pushing it's way in. COZY fireplaces, warm drinks, scarves & mittens, Christmas carols, rain, and all the scents that go along with the seasons & holidays (pumpkin spice, cinnamon & peppermint, christmas trees), on top of all the festivities and fun with FAMILY... love it!

Some Cutie-PaTootie Boys!!!



Here are the cousin-boys, Jake & Robby, in their Halloween costumes. They were so cute together! (Spider & Cheetah)


Kevin's Aunt (Carleen) was in town to visit & got to meet the two 'great' nephews for the first time. It was such a nice time hanging out, but I'm afraid I was a little tired & preoccupied, that I feel like it flew by too fast. I barely got to 'really' talk to anybody & am so *totally* bummed that I didn't even get a picture of Jake with his great auntie!!!! What is wrong with me!?!? (Have you ever done that? Gone to a get-together, and drove away thinking, "I barely *really* talked to anybody!")

Chalk it up to my hurty/crampy pregnant tummy... which is actually a good thing because today we have an exciting progress report... I'm 1 cm dilated!!! Not that it means much- last time I was 1cm for 3 weeks before Jake actually came. But it's still exciting! The doctor could feel baby's little head (he's head-down, obviously). The closer it gets, the more excited I get. I can't wait to hold my sweet baby boy!!


So I'm (pretty much) ready for him to come. I do want him to stay in at least another week, of course. (He'll be "term" on Wed, plus Grandma Judy has to get back in town first!) But it feels soooo good to have my biggest 'loose ends' finally tied!! His closet is done! Changing table ready! Cloth diapers in the mail- and my grandma, mom & I are having a diaper-sewing marathon tomorrow to fluff up my stash. And the most exciting thing ever... is THIS!!! (see pic)


I know it's not baby-related, but it's been hanging over my head for so long and it makes me feel more organized & 'ready' run this home more effectively in the midst of mommy-of-two-hood. Whatever that means, I can't really explain it.

Before Jake was born we tore out our storage nook, with the intention of getting a desk & storage unit to put in it's place. (We did it because Jake's room was the 'computer room', and so we would need a new place for the computer stuff.) I've regretted it ever since, because we lost a ton of storage, but never replaced it with a desk or storage! For the last 17 months we've been sitting in a chair, crouched over a piano bench (our make-shift "computer desk") in this empty nook in the living room/hallway. Ugh! So ugly, embarassing, & uncomfortable!


So my wonderful father-in-law, who is the most talented wood-worker I've ever seen, offered to make us a custom unit. Look at how PERFECT it is!!! I can't believe he made it for us, and how it fits our needs so perfectly. We have storage and a desk and, on top of that, it's BEAUTIFUL! (P.S. the keyboard & mouse will go in the drawer... we just have to adjust the wood a little because our keyboard is thick.)

Before Jake was born, he also made us the most amazing changing table ever-- I told him what I wanted, showed pics for ideas, and he *made* it. Everything he's ever made us has SOOOOO exceeded my expectations/imaginations! I just can't say enough about it! So I had to show it off. (P.S. the wood looks a little orange in the picture, but it's not, it's a perfect brown.)

So I am able to take all of our 'office' stuff (envelopes, stamps, bills, files, pens, etc) out of the boxes & baskets, bags & piles, and they now have an organized home and we have more living space. Feng Shui! Ahh it feels so good! Stay tuned... we have more projects on the way in the next few months!!! (A new linen cabinet, drawer set, and toddler bed!)


I know, my blog is super exciting, right? LOL
Sorry!


Fire update- family is all well and properties intact! Sis still at friends house with the baby. Their home & business is fine but their neighbor (4-houses-down) lost their home. These fires have been so devastating to so many. On a bit brighter note, Jake got to go outside today for the 1st time in 5(?) days. He was LOVING it! So nice to be able to breathe a bit better! Things are looking up as the fires are moving away from homes and getting closer to containment, but the firefighters are still working around the clock.


Anyways, hopefully this next week brings some fun and exciting things. Halloween fun, pumpkin carving, maybe some creative creations (knitting, sewing, scrapbooking), yummy cooking, family time, and of course some more cleaning/organizing... that's my plan anyways. What are yours?

Sweet Babies!
So, these are *NOT* cute pictures of my belly!!! But soooo cute of Jake snuggling it! He's been sick for almost a week now with a little stomach bug, on top of cutting his 3rd & maybe 4th molar, on top of yesterdays vaccines (YUCK!) So he hasn't slept on mommy's lap in ages, but he woke up from his nap yesterday and was so snuggly! He just wanted to sit on my lap while I checked my e-mail and he fell right back to sleep. He doesn't know it, but he's hugging his baby brother~* I just couldn't resist the photo op.

A quick cooking blurb-- this was dinner lastnight.

Another of the Pioneer Woman's recipes, it's called: Chicken Spaghetti, or The Only Casserole Marlboro Man Will Eat. (Click link for recipe.) It was pretty good, but not amazing. It's something I will definitely make again, especially (ESPECIALLY!) since Jake liked it. And it had CHICKEN! (I have a hard time getting Jake to eat meat!) I only wish I wasn't so starving when I was making it, because I got impatient and took it out of the oven 17 minutes early, thus the onions weren't cooked all the way! Kevin hasn't tried it yet... he got home late lastnight, and today he's at a football game. I know for a fact that he'll like it. He likes everything. (Lucky me!)

He's only dissed one of my homecooked meals, he actually couldn't eat it, and that's because I had put Vodka in my Spaghetti Sauce... we were still newleyweds and I was experimenting, thinking that it would be gourmet (you know, like cooking with wine)... it was NOT good! LOL We had a good laugh about it. Back to the Chicken Spaghetti... if you make the recipe, and if you're a wimp like me, even the 1/8 tsp Cayenne Pepper is *almost* too much for me. I don't want to taste ANY spicyness! I also substituted red peppers for the pimentos, couldn't find any at the store. So I can't speak for the pimento part. Best part of this is that it's SUPER EASY, and it's a casserole that can be frozen & baked later! Oh, AND there was tons of left over Chicken to make another meal with (chicken salad, tacos, whatever!)-- love that!

I started this post earlier today and was about to check out, but my day took a little interesting turn and I'm feeling like exposing the major pregnant moment/ordeal that I just had. I'm risking being laughed AT, but that's okay. {I'm also risking BORING y'all to death with a super long post, but oh well- I'm a bit chatty & wanted to share my drama with my sister but she didn't pick-up, so you get it. You can check out at any time and I won't be mad at you!}

Tonight's dinner wasn't such a success from Jake's standpoint. Just mac&cheese with pureed carrots mixed in... a quickie because I had a major headache & didn't have time to make anything special-- our routine is all out-of-whack today. He took a few bites & wasn't interested-- possibly because he's not feeling up to par, or maybe he didn't like it. But I had been craving ice cream SOOOO BADLY for DAYS, plus had a prescription to pick up. So I thought to myself... Jake's not acting starving, maybe we could make a QUICK (like 10-minute) run to the pharmacy to pick up ice cream & the Rx, before I try to figure out what else to make him. So we did. A bit longer than 10-min (more like 50) because Rx wasn't ready (like they said it was), so we browsed & picked up some things I'll need for birth/postpartum. Whatever-- here's where it starts to get interesting.

I get home, open garage door, load groceries onto stroller (less to carry!), haul diaperbag & purse onto shoulder, unhook Jake & heave him onto opposite hip while tossing his sippy cup into purse, hit door-lock and shut doors. Might I mention that now I have TWO babies sitting on my bladder, which is about to explode. As I step into garage, my (not-so)free hand is digging through my purse, and I'm wondering where my keys are. Why did I put them away? DID I put them away? And then, wham, I distinctly remember setting them down on the seat protector alongside the carseat as I unhooked Jake. My heart sank! I have ICE CREAM in my bag, and it's cold out and we're wearing tank top/t-shirt and skirt/shorts, my baby hasn't (really) eaten and it's almost his bedtime, and my bladder is literally about to burst! And of course my hide-a-key is not hidden, but is sitting nicely in the kitchen drawer, doing nobody any good! By this time it's probably past 7pm.

Long story (kinda) short, after trying all the doors/windows, calling hubby (who is still in parking lot of UCLA football game), and trying to make a plan... my neighbors pulled up and allowed me to use their restroom and then I accompanied her husband as he tried to get in the house for me. After giving up those attempts, I called AAA-- they're of course so busy that a normal wait time will be an hour- but I'm told they'll put a rush on it since I have my 15-month-old son out in the dark, cold night. By this time it's 8pm, so I have an ETA of 9pm at the LATEST! I'm reassured, though, that they will definitely put a rush for me & my baby.

If you think any of that is even a wee bit funny, you haven't heard anything yet. I forbade Kevin from telling anybody this, but what the heck! Everyone has an embarassing lock-keys-in-car story, but this next part brings embarassment to a different level. My ice cream is melting, and like I said, I had been craving it for EVER! I'll be here a while-- So after searching everywhere for a spoon (or the like), to no avail, I decided to make one. (hi, I'm PREGNANT!) I tore apart the cardboard box that Jake's infant tylenol came in, and proceeded to eat ice cream with this "spoon" (even taking the time to pour the chocolate syrup I bought over it!). Mind you, we are sitting at the patio table in.pitch.darkness... (I didn't turn on outdoor lights for a 10-minute errand- it was supposed to still be light out!) So, anyways, I went through two cardboard spoons, but after both got soggy I had to call it quits. {Meanwhile, Jake is munching on the Oyster Crackers & Goldfish that happened to be in his diaperbag.} Aren't we a healthy little family tonight!?!?

Anyways, we sat outside for over an hour! (1hr15min to be exact.) An hour into our waiting, another neighbor saw me changing Jake's diaper on my lap in the garage and putting his pants on, and it peaked her curiosity. She brought us some blankets (I refused offers to hang out at her house because I had just called AAA and they said they'd be there in a few minutes.) I love my neighbors! (Wish they had come an hour prior! Wait, then I wouldn't have gotten to eat any ice cream! LOL) So, needless to say, we got in the house, Jake had a quick little dinner (at 9:25pm!!!!!!!! WAY past bedtime! and even MORE past dinnertime!!!) He still only took 4-5 bites. He's sound asleep & we're warm and safe. Woo-ie!

Thank goodness Jake loves being outside-- he was happy the whole time, pointing to the moon and announcing "MOON!" a thousand times over. Watching cars and making car sounds "VVVVvv!" as they drove by. He makes my days so much fun- even times like those!

Okay, my LONGEST (?) post is coming to a close! Sorry for rambling... I hope the visions of a ravenous preggo eating ice cream in the dark with shreds of cardboard made it worth your while- lol! Please, you're allowed to laugh AT me, that's why I shared... just be sure to withhold judgement- pregnancy give us an excuse for almost any type of bazaar behavior, right? So, finally, goodnight my friends!

Spinning Babies!
My little guy is head down, but posterior. (Posterior means sunny-side-up, facing forward, aka 'back labor'.) I can tell he's been like this for a long time- by the movement I've been feeling and the funny indented belly!

For any fellow preggos out there, this is a really cool website. Especially the part about Belly Mapping ( <-- click that link!) Wanted to pass it along.

If this applies to you, I also read a book last pregnancy called "Back Labor No More!" which was good for those who discover a posterior baby when they're already in their birthing time. Describes a maneuver called the 'belly lift'.

That's not my belly... I can't figure out how to draw mine, being posterior! Hopefully in a week or two he'll have moved-- I'm doing exercises every night & started some prenatal yoga to help loosen and relax some of those muscles to encourage movement. (In addition to my daily hypnobabies relaxation cd's, it's so nice!) Anyways, wanted to pass along this cool website- the spinning babies one! Belly mapping is fun!

Jake Walked!!!
I was working & Kevin had court, so he was with Grandma yesterday and she video taped it for me... so cute!!! I loved getting all the excited calls and text messages throughout my day at work, I was telling *everybody*!!! He took his first steps a few months ago, but this was the first time that he "took off" and walked almost across the room. Woo Hoo! My baby is getting so big!!!!


Jake and his buddies! Above is Jake and his cousin Robby (4-mo) with Kevin's parents. And below is Jake and his friend, Will (8.5-mo)... {son of my friend, Julie}. Jake had so much fun playing with all of Will's cool toys! :) We need to continue socializing with other babies so we can continue to teach him about sharing! He was easy to redirect and 'teach' about sharing, but he still tried to take toys out of Wills hands a few times.

And below is a picture I took today. Jake and Kevin were cracking me up, they were having so much fun & laughing together- so cute! He loves his daddy so much!!!


Here's a little blurb about sugar... a little informational post, so please skip it if it's going to be boring for you! I do a lot of "research" on things- random stuff... since I have a blog and nothing interesting to say most of the time, I thought I'd share it once in a while in case anybody is interested.
So I have a major sweet tooth lately, but try to avoid artificial sweeteners. Sugar isn't great for our bodies, but my feeling is that if I'm going to eat it, I'd rather eat the real stuff as opposed to the chemicals. During my 'refresher' meeting today with the doula, we reviewed all the material from last years full-course. We ran across some information that made an impact on me last time I read it (1st pregnancy), when I stopped eating artificial sweeteners. Here are a few little tidbits from my reading.

Sodas- though I don't drink soda (once in a blue moon), but it's shocking- it has 12-16 tsp of sugar in it!! UGH! And diet sodas are completely OFF LIMITS because they're loaded with artificial sweeteners!

Sugar substitutes
NutraSweet (Aspartame)- converts in the body to formaldehyde & formic acid - both poisons! (a neurotoxin & class A carcinogen) For more info: http://www.icnr.com/nutrasw.html
In pregnancy the effects of aspartame can be passed directly to the fetus even in very small doses. It's one of the 'illegal' foods during pregnancy. 80% of all complaints to the FDA about foods/additives are about aspartame!

NutraSweet/Equal/Spoonful are all toxins, & even present in kids medications, toothpaste, & vitamins. Oooh! Need to check those labels!

Splenda (sucralose) - it does start as a sugar molecule, but they add 3 chlorine molecules to it (see the 5-step chemical process to making splenda here), which causes it to be transformed to a different chemical all-together. There have been 6 human trials, the longest of which lasted only 3 months. I just don't trust it!

Okay, that's my health blurb for the day! P.S. I'm not that healthy! In fact, quite the opposite lately! I avoid the unnatural sugar substitutes, but eat a lot of regular sugar these days! I was sooo good during the 1st pregnancy, but this time I'm almost out of control! Eating some sort of sugar-food almost every day! It's terrible!!! My poor baby is probably bouncing off the walls in there!

P.S. Some info is from www.mercola.com as well