We are here

Well, we are moved into our new house. Things are crazy, of course. Boxes everywhere, I can't find my laundry detergent or actually get to my laundry room. We definitely need to do something about that. I have a doctor's appointment today. Actually, I should leave for it in about 10 minutes. It is nice to be close to everything now, though I haven't felt like exploring. It is blazing hot to me inside and outside the house and I haven't been able to do anything due to the constant pain I am in. I really feel like I will never be the same. It is like I will never feel good again. I have no idea what the doctor will say today. I can't say that my house is ready for me to have the baby this week though that does sound good to me. We don't have a microwave (and you can't survive without one, unless you don't mind being hot as the oven constantly heats). I have been avoiding the kitchen like an old friend you see in the mall, but you can't remember their name. I called about having the house sprayed for bugs and they didn't recommend spraying inside in you have children under 3 months old. they are going to spray the outside and they say that it will help. I was worried that it might force them inside. I don't think I can take seeing bugs along with boxes and the dirt we have produced (it seems to have traveled across town with us).

Adam and I are pretty tired. I think everyone we know is tired. It was really hard to see everyone working so hard on the move for us and I couldn't do even half of what they were doing. On top of the manual labor, they had to put up with me not being able to answer basic questions or make simple decisions. I will think of a way to thank them someday soon.

All is well...

I am totally calm and cool. We have worked like tomorrow is the move day, but it isn't! Finally, for once in my life we are somewhat ahead of schedule. I am delirious, but those who know me know that I am fun when delirious. There is a chocolate chip floating in my diet peach tea and I don't care. I am actually looking forward to drinking down the tea enough to corner it for a last taste of the random cookie I found in the mostly empty pantry. I can't say how much I owe my friend, Shelley, for the help she has given and the help she keeps offering in the future. I am sure I will have a few more IOUs by the end of this weekend. I have finally given in to feeling bad for excepting help so I pretty much give in at the slightest pressure. Shelley just started packing all the random stuff that was laying around and we gathered toys and took pictures off the walls and wrapped them in blankets. You know you have a true friend when they are cleaning out under your bed where all the dog hair hides. At 9 pm we were in the garage and she became the voice of encouragement when Adam started pointing to attic things that he felt could be thrown away. I kept thinking garage sale (let's make money!!) and she was saying it isn't worth it just throw it out. I think she had more perspective because she had just packed about 20 miscellaneous boxes full of stuff that we don't really need. We are getting a little excited about moving to the new house though. Now that this house is somewhat under control we can start thinking some about it. I think some of the excitement was squashed due to dealing with the seller/realtor, but that is in the past now and hopefully tomorrow won't bring any problems. Well, I am going to leave this house for now and go down to my mom's where she and Sydney are hopefully sleeping soundly. It is nearly 11 and I have done more manual labor than any pregnant person should (though I am not lifting heavy things per the doctor's request, but she said I could do moving stuff) so I am deserving of bed and that is where I am headed!

Wednesday Frustrations

I can't handle all this stress! We are still working on closing stuff for the house we are buying (the people are impossible). I am supposed to be packing, but my friend had car trouble so she is delayed. That is just as well because we have been busy funding the college tuition of the electrician's unborn children, dealing with a Direct TV order for Saturday that appears to have been canceled (the important stuff, you know), discussing options for repairs at the new home, worrying about the closing working out for Friday because of sellers dragging their &^$%#* (you pick the word), a garage door still upset by the sun at odd hours (we can fix that, but our list is long), and so much more.

Thankfully, Adam is the calm one (though this move is bringing out his Jessica side somewhat) and he reminded me that there are lots of things about the situation for which we can be thankful. At least we are able to afford the repairs and we have the help we need to get things done. We know we have a healthy baby and a house to move to (well, we hope we have a house). Well, Sydney and I are off to run errands now.

Can we talk?

Listen, its not you. It's me. I just need more. I feel like I give and give and receive nothing. Ok, so maybe it IS you. Readers, seriously you have to give me something. Who are you? I realize that I may not have posts that are comment friendly so I won't blame you for the past. I am going to work on some interactive topics in hopes that you will respond. Let's all get something from this experience. I will start.

What books are on your nightstand and why should they be on mine?

No News

Unfortunately, there is no news on when the baby will be here. My doctor wants me to think over some things and then we will talk again next week. They could tell from the ultrasound that the baby has hair. Imagine that. Where would he get a full head of hair? They can tell you all sorts of things except what you really want to know! I was hoping to come away with more information, but I am trying not to be disappointed that I didn't.

PBK

I received the newest Pottery Barn Kids catalog today. They must know that I am looking for ideas, but they don't get that I need Target to make more PBK knock offs. I entered the PBK $10,000 gift card sweepstakes. I could buy at least a couple of things with that! Unfortunately, they aren't selling the toddler quilt that we liked, but it wasn't anything special. They seem to change things a lot. It did get me thinking that I probably shouldn't worry too much with a toddler quilt. I have a blue and green one. I am going to have a twin bed in his room so I think I may get a twin quilt. That would make more of an impact anyway and before long he can use it. I love the Cars quilt in the new catalog. It made me sad to think that if I don't hang Sydney's curtain and crib dust ruffle in his room then it may never be used again! If I can find the fabric I might make another curtain for her room so she can still use them. She has two windows. I am getting really excited about boy stuff. Thankfully, Sydney seems to be very girly (with purses and shoes and baby dolls) so I can have the best of both worlds.

New Movies

My Mom offered to buy Sydney one of the Little Einstein movies and she came by with three movies. One was Elmo's Potty Time, which she watched without moving a muscle until I brought out her potty and let her sit on it while she watched, another was a Baby Einstein DVD that talks about your eyes, ears, hands, etc., and lastly the promised Little Einstein movie. This was fun for Sydney because she only watches one show in the morning. I have let her watch two lately because I move slower getting breakfast ready for everyone. My mom's thinking was that I will need the distractions for her if I am going to survive the next few weeks. The Disney Channel never seems to have cartoons on in the afternoon so this will be great. She is in a trance when she watches them. She was already responding to the Baby Einstein by pointing to her nose, ears and mouth when they talked about them. Sydney also received her first pair of tacky play shoes. She looks so funny clopping around in them. They are ultra tacky and I promise a picture as soon as possible.

Packing is coming along. I am slowing down and I don't mean just for the day. We are taking a break now. We actually just cleaned out my car and trunk. That is a great feeling. Pretty soon the entire back seat will be devoted to car seats. A little earlier I thought I just might panic at the thought of getting everything done. I feel so bad that it all falls on Adam's shoulders. Moving in is exciting, but moving out is not. We have made a few decisions about the move that will hopefully take some extra pressure off, such as lowering our expectations of new house preparations, Adam taking an extra day off from work, and having the Pod delivered after the move, even though Adam will be the only one unloading it. He actually loaded it by himself so it shouldn't be a problem. One big decision was to go ahead and start sleeping at my mom's house in Clinton on Wednesday night. This will allow us to break down beds, pack bedding, gather Sydney's toys (since my mom has plenty for her), clear showers, dishes and stop the laundry madness at our house and bug my mom with it for a few days. We can start organizing the boxes in an efficient manner instead of worrying about safety for Sydney and space to walk. Doing this will give us Wednesday night, Thursday and night to work in the house without worrying about waking the baby.

Packing

Yesterday we packed and worked on the house all day. After supper, we packed more. We worked on our bedroom. That was hard work. It is hard to know what to do with clothes. Bag or boxes? We are trying to figure out how to organize the move. I am going to call out Good Will to pick up an extra refrigerator next week and I plan to get the ladies from Attic Treasures (a junk store in Clinton) to come look at three beds and two dressers. If I can get those out of the way then we will have less to deal with during the move. We will only be taking them to store them in our new garage so they really must go.

It has been hard having to depend on other people to do things that under normal circumstances I would be able to handle on my own. There are just some things that other people can't do. We are now eating out for most meals. We did make a frozen pizza and I do have food for tonight here. It actually helps to have to pick up food. I don't have much time to cook when there is so much packing to do. We finally made a decision about our phone, cable, and internet. We are going to use ATT for all but the cable and we were conveniently able to order Direct TV through them for a discount. I think it saves a little money. We had considered using just cell phones, but they I would have to up my plan and I am not sure if there would be any savings. I like having several phones throughout the house because I am not fast enough to get to the cell unless it is right there with me. Apparently, pregnant people don't deserve pockets (they must add more bulk) so very few of my clothes offer them. I have officially worn out my favorite pair of pants. They have a hole in them. I hate it because I was planning to wear them for a little while after the baby since they have a normal waist. It is probably for the best anyway.

I can't believe how fast time has passed. Just two days until we most likely get a date for the baby. I am anxious to see the u/s. My mom is convinced I am going to go into labor early (she was thinking this while she was covered in oil based paint yesterday as she worked on her new house). I hope it isn't this week! I can't imagine anyone else being able to make sense of this house and the packing. We would have to delay our move if that happened.

Morning Cereal

Sydney has expressed interest in my cereal so I have been giving her some of it in the mornings. Frosted Mini-wheats. I soak them in a little milk and then put them on her tray. I just noticed what she is doing with them. She is picking them up one by one, licking the frosting and putting them in a pile on the other side of her tray. Ok, so we need to try something else. This reminds me of my brother only eating everything but the outer edges of pop tarts and brownies when we were younger (and I mean high school). I don't get it. Those are the best parts to me!

What Happens When You Pack the Bathroom

I am trying to get some things done, but once Adam discovered the ponytail hair piece (that must have been purchased for some sort of costume party) in our bathroom...well, you see the result. It is a good thing we are having a boy. This would be scary! This may top the 70's snow suit he insisted on trying on when we were packing the guest room closet.

Canvas

The other night, while Adam was on a trip, I decided to paint a canvas for the baby's door at home. It was the only thing I could think to do that wouldn't require much energy after a day of packing. I copied some thank you notes that I bought for him so this was not all my idea. I did blue on blue stripes, but you can't tell from the picture (only because I did not have white paint). The stripes are supposed to be the way they are (how convenient, because I couldn't do it any other way). The colors are more vibrant in person. The picture sort of washes them out. I still can't decide what to do for Sydney's door. I am thinking something ballet themed and maybe using some tulle on the canvas. Any suggestions?

How many days?

It is starting to hit me that I have a lot to do and not much time to do it. We are very excited about the baby and the move to a new house. I wish that my body would keep up with my mental excitement. If I weren't pregnant, I wouldn't have time to even type this because I would be busy doing all the stuff I need to do. I have to rest so I don't force myself into labor and subsequently surgery before we move. Once this house is empty I will be fine with whatever happens. Sydney is being counter helpful today. She has just unfold the clothes that I folded while I wasn't looking. I should have suspected it when she kept bringing me single pieces of clothing. Tomorrow is kitchen packing day. I may have a friend helping so it could go faster than expected. I am guessing it will take a while. I remember staying in my mom's kitchen all day packing one time. She did have more than me so hopefully it will be done in a couple of hours. I have decided to leave part of a set of dishes and some glasses so we don't have to buy paper stuff. We will be eating out or eating frozen lasagna type stuff after tomorrow. It is just as well, because I don't have time to cook anymore!

I just had a garage door company come look at our garage door problem. He doesn't carry parts for our brand and apparently it can be fixed by just ordering a new part and installing it. It is a simple thing. He told me where to get the part online. So I have ordered the part now and I am hoping it will get here next week. This is interesting. If your sender and receiver beams are too close to the door and can be touched by the sun they will get burned out (or one might) and then they don't work. All we have to do it replace them (they come in a set) and he suggested putting them further back from the door towards the wall to prevent further burnouts. All this for free (except for the part). Now, in my opinion, that is better than a big service bill.

Sydney "Cougar" White

Yesterday, Sydney and I were on the way home from the grocery store and I had the radio going. I didn't really notice what was on, but when I heard a noise in the back I took note. Sydney was clapping and trying her best to dance, while confined to a car seat, to Wild Night by John Mellancamp. She had the biggest smile on her face and it was too cute. Last night, I got some video of Sydney dancing while Adam played the guitar. Once she saw the camera, she seemed more interested in helping him play. Adam will make the cords while she strums. I am glad Adam can teach her something musical. All I play is the kazoo.

Fall Catalogs

I am so in love with this dress for Sydney! I just get so excited when the fall catalogs come out. I get so many ideas from them and never do them! Ok, this time I must. Surely I will have the time!? Right? Ok, you may be laughing, but I am thinking that I will have two mornings a week while Sydney is at Mother's Morning Out and I can use one for the grocery and errands and one for sewing! Now to find this fabric (they also have this dress in brown. I like that one too.)

What is the theme?

I find myself torn between posting fun stuff or the reality of life, which can be fun. Maybe people come here to see cute pictures and hear funny stories. I am assuming that they want to hear about us and that is why they come. Maybe some identify with being parents or pregnant or whatever is going on in our life and they get something from hearing that they aren't the only ones with challenges.

Tonight, I took Sydney to Chic-fil-a to play with friends (of all ages) that are in town this week. She was so excited to be with other kids that she barely ate! She wasn't interested in playing with them really. Just along side them, which is typical for this age, I think. One thing that was glaringly obvious to me was that she has a problem with small fits when she doesn't get her way and she doesn't always come to me when I call her name. Why is it so embarrassing and a big deal when it is in front of other people, but at home it doesn't seem "so bad". I guess it goes back to being less convicted of our sin when it is hidden.

I am aware that the other kids are older than her (well some were, some not) and that most kids hit a stage where this becomes a problem (some never grow out of it-ever. And then we end up working with them!) I am not so worried about her, it is just me that I worried about. I worry that I might be in denial a little bit or becoming desensitized or just tired and distracted (but no excuse!) and I am not addressing it the way that should. Maybe I find ways to excuse the behavior. Maybe I am one of those parents along with my child that people really don't like to be around because of how I respond to her in situations. It is hard because in the middle of the store is not the place to try to tackle a bigger issue. You can correct, but I think at home is the place where the real training happens. The training at home is what will get the desired result after the correction in public. It is hard to know if your expectations are too high or if you are possibly setting them up for failure or "fits". I guess if you don't teach them to obey at home, then you are setting them up for bad behavior. Adam and I both wonder sometimes if she "gets it". The other day I explained it to my friend that Syd wasn't getting in trouble for touching things (we were measuring the new house and she kept picking up our somewhat unsafe tools), but rather the fussing the ensued after she was told not to touch the item. So was she being set up by being around interesting things that she shouldn't touch or should she be expected to obey when asked. Some would say the former and though I can at times almost convince myself of that, I really believe the latter. Now, here is where expectations come into play. Is she old enough to understand what I want her to do? Yes. Is she capable of not fussing about it? Yes. At times she just stops and moves on obediently. Another time she will cry and possible act out against a toy or other unsuspecting object. Am I doing this right? I guess there is always tomorrow. I just can't stop, I have to do better. Being a parent is like being on a diet. Too many "I'll start again on Monday" promises don't produce the best results.

Oh, I forgot to update on our word of the week attempt. Sydney learned to say Shoe and Socks last week. We are working on Please this week. I think it won't be long before our communication barriers will be a thing of the past.

Motorcycle

Sydney and I just got out to drop off Good Will stuff and we stopped to get Sonic drinks for half price during happy hour. On the way home we saw a line of motorcycles and a funny thought occurred to me. Do pregnant women drive motorcycles? How weird would that be (and very unsafe) to have a huge stomach and be driving down the interstate on a motorcycle.

Packing, packing, and more packing

I have decided to tackle most of the packing of inside things myself. This is so Adam will be able to do the fixit stuff and get the garage move ready without worrying about the inside. Adam is in Florida right now for a work thing and Sydney and I have been packing all morning. I have set a goal of really making a dent in the house so Adam is surprised when he gets back. We have had a good time and she has been a big help with carrying things to the boxes. Since I can't move them after they are filled I have to put them where they can stay and actually bring the stuff to them. Good exercise! Sydney is eating her snack right now and I discovered something interesting. If I present the food she has tired of in a different way she will eat it! I cut her banana into sticks and she went for it! She is talking up a storm in her high chair right now. What is she saying? It sounds very important. Well back to packing (and playing) we go!

Family get together

Tonight Adam, Sydney and I had supper with family in celebration of a great uncle's 75th birthday. I don't see my cousins often and I wasn't jazzed about being huge and pregnant when I did get to see them. I had to endure a couple of hours of jokes and comments about me possibly having the baby right then, or on the way home, or during the family picture, or tomorrow, or after dessert... You can always depend on family!

Hahaha. Grin. Yeah, he is a big baby. August 18th. Oh, his name will be Stewart... (the family name. There were at least 4 Stewarts, by first name, there tonight). Cheers from a table. No, again, he will not be born tonight. Yes, August 18th. No, 18th, of August yeah, not July 18th. Maybe so, but I am sure I will make it.

So later, my mom and I went to Walmart to get some things for me to wear in the hospital after the baby is born and at home for the first few recovery weeks. Stuff like lounge pants and t shirts that look somewhat cute for people to see, but can still can function as sleepwear. Don't worry. I won't stay in that stuff long if I can help it. I plan to have them drop me off at a Weight Watchers meeting on the way home from the hospital. Talk about a long year. I haven't had anything to wear for most of the spring and summer and will not go through the winter the same. So, the Walmart trip turned out longer than expected because my mom needed "a few groceries" and then for some reason she expected to find a good book to read on the book aisle. No luck there. Surprise, surprise. By the end of the trip I was shuffling like most pregnant people you see (and I never felt sorry for before now) with a box of pop tarts under my arm. As we were exiting the door the elderly reciept checking lady said to my mom, " is she ok? She isn't going to have the baby in the store is she?" Surely she is a long lost relative.

Dress Up

Sydney and Adam were playing dress up and he fashioned some gloves out of baby brother's helicopter socks. She loved them and I think she may need some white gloves for Easter next year.

Crib

We have been holding off buying another baby bed until we knew what we wanted. Sydney is just too small for even a toddler bed so we plan to try to switch her at Christmas. My friend, Shelley, called me the other day from Big Lots and said that they had a Jenny Lind crib (Evenflo brand) there for $80. This one was already assembled. I checked our Big Lots last night and they had them in the boxes for $80. I bought one that matches Sydney's. I would have loved a white one for her room but I guess that most of her furniture will remain stained wood until we can paint them some time this fall. It may be Christmas by the time we finish all that. I am very excited that the crib is in the box and we can just move it and then assemble it when the time comes. I still need to get a mattress. I might upgrade from the mattress that is in Sydney's crib now in case we do a toddler bed for a few years. She might like a "better" mattress though I read that it doesn't really matter. Whatever helps you sleep at night I guess!

I have been piddling around today. We are trying to clean the house so we feel like we can actually start packing more boxes. It is hard to decide when you aren't going to use something for the next few weeks. I am still doing some cooking so I am waiting on the kitchen. I don't need my clothes (other than maternity and they would fit in a handbag) so I may stick them in a big box along with my winter boots and shoes. We have packed our movies and we have been watching the ones that didn't make it into the box. The Incredibles, Little Mermaid, Father of the Bride 2, and a season of Arrested Development.

Taking care of business

I have been working all morning on "errands". Thankfully, most were able to be completed by phone. We did have to be in Byram by 8 this morning to sign something. I have also tackled a few other things. I wrote thank you notes, rented a Uhaul truck and all the extras you need like moving pads and a dolly for the piano, scheduled Bailey appointments at the groomers to be washed and nails cut and smoothed (to protect our new wood floors), an appointment at the vet for her annual vaccines and heart worm stuff. I figured that now is the time to get that stuff done since we are still in Clinton. I really like our vet so I think we will still bring her here, but I wouldn't mind finding a different groomer since we might go there more often. I may get Adam to start bathing Bailey during the spring, summer, and fall. That will save a few buckeroos that can be allotted to plants or home furnishings. One thing I wish I could do myself is recover furniture. Talk about costing an arm and a leg. I can do simple things like cover dining chair seats or maybe cover a headboard with fabric using a staple gun or something. A wingback chair is another story.

Yesterday, we had the home inspection done on the new house. Talk about hot. I was only planning to be there long enough to take note of storage possibilities and measure some rooms and windows (for blinds). My friend Shelley helped me (ok, she did all of it) and she drew out a floor plan for us to use to play with arranging furniture. I never thought about window blind to house scale, but she was telling me that her dad (who is an architect) says that the 2 inch wood or faux wood blinds really aren't the best size for most houses. They are really more appropriate to a larger home with really tall ceilings. Shelley and I like the 2 inch and think they look nice, but if I can find a 1 1/2 inch blind (which I think is what he recommended) then I will see how they look. Her mom found the faux wood 1.5 inch blinds at Walmart (they are upping the merchandise to compete with Target I think) and they come in all kinds of sizes which is good because not all our windows are the same in each room. One window is an inch smaller in width in the Master bedroom. That seemed weird to me, but apparently some window are custom made to fit a space and I guess in building a home things are a little off sometimes. I have the blinds on my Walmart list and I am going to see what sizes I can find to fit our windows. We need 7 because we are only going to put them in the bedrooms.

Calm down

I know that I am way over thinking everything. I think with the house(s) and Adam traveling next week and not knowing if I will have a c section over the past few weeks has made me feel a little out of control. I think I am obsessing over details as a way to gain some control of the situation. It never seems to work so I a have decided to just go with the flow. If I start itching because of a drug then so be it. And if I am drowsy, I will sleep. I just can't worry about things anymore. I have too many other things to do. Like pack and nap and eat. I feel like I just worry and talk and ask questions and answer questions and worry some more. I just want to be completely silent for a while. Maybe take some Benadryl and wake up in a few days or something. Ok, that is just the sinus headache talking.

Sleepy Time

I wish I were asleep right now. 5 AM. I have been trying for a while. Bailey sighs and slaps her tail on the floor as I ask for the millionth time why I can't just doze off. The alarm is set for an hour from now so I can actually get a shower before Sydney wakes. Last night, we signed off on a counter for the new house we are buying. Looks like we got it so now I can find something else to panic about. Not everything went as I had hoped, but we got the house and that is the most important thing. We will be moving in 2 1/2 weeks.

Last night was also our last childbirth class. There is one more next week, but Adam will be gone so I don't plan to go. We can take a tour sometime this week and the other stuff they cover can be figured out as I go along (post partum care is the topic). Last night they covered anesthesia and c sections. Since I am pretty sure that is what I will be having, I was glad to hear about it. What I didn't expect was to feel confused about what I want for pain medication and whether to have a private transition for the baby in my room instead of the nursery. It has been a goal/concern of mine to, as much as possible, avoid being nauseated or drowsy due to drugs or pain medication. I would like to remember the experience as much as possible and though it may not be as ideal as some deliveries, it will still be my experience so I might as well get the most out of it as possible. I don't know a lot about this stuff, but from what I can tell, a drug called duramorph is usually given/offered to control pain for 24 hours after the surgery. It is actually given with the spinal block for the surgery. One of the side effects is crazy itching all over. Then you might get Benadryl and that will make you sleepy. If you feel nauseated, they might give you something for that and that can make you sleepy. Apparently, they don't give phenergan anymore, they have a different drug of choice that doesn't make you drowsy. That sounds great because I typically feel sick with anesthesia. So do I want the Duramorph? The anesthesiologist last night made it sounds great. "Some" people experience itching, but most say it isn't that bad...that is what he said. After the class our teacher said that most people are miserable and that most the L/D nurses say they wouldn't get it. That to me says something. I have yet to find someone that hasn't had it with a c section. I think most people don't know that they are getting it or at least that there is a choice not to. I need to make a decision about it though.

As for the private transition, in some ways that seems great. Not having so have the baby away for hours after the birth while everyone else abandons you in the room so they can go stare and take pictures and report back to you how cute he is and what he is doing. Doesn't seem fair does it? Not to mention that the few hours after the birth I will still have the effects of the block so I might be feeling just fine and then when that wears off they will bring him to me and I will be in pain. Pain or itching? I don't know. With him in the room during transition you have a nurse right there to help you feed him and you can even hold him and do skin to skin contact as an alternative to the warmer for some of the time. This costs extra and would take some scheduling so I do need to make a decision. I just don't know how I will feel. I could just go with the flow and be drugged up with all kinds of things to help with pain and itching and just see him in a couple of hours. Any opinions?

I thought this was a neat quote

"My mother said to me, 'If you become a soldier, you'll be a general; if you become a monk you'll end up as the pope.' Instead I became a painter and wound up as Picasso."

- Pablo Picasso

This is a long post, because typing is the only thing I have the energy to do!

40 days? I can't do 40 days. I guess it could be more than 40 really. The ticker taunts. It did this with Sydney. She had the courtesy to show up on her due date though. Is it bad to actually want a c-section so I can have the baby a week or so early? He is huge and I know it. I saw the way that Adam's eyes got big when he saw my stomach the other day. Over the past week it has just grown sooo much. I hadn't noticed really, but we both saw it and though he didn't say anything at first, his look confirmed what I saw. I am not saying that we are going for a world record or anything. I am just earning some sympathy from Adam and the right to complain a little at least on the blog. Because no one has to read this unless they want to read it. I won't complain in person I promise! Still, I am glad to know that the baby is healthy and enjoying all the food he is making me eat these past two weeks. We can't wait until he is here. That is all we talk about (that and Sydney)

I feel so overwhelmed. I will give you a bit of advice. Don't move (your house) when pregnant. If you must, make sure that it is somewhere in the winter (not near Christmas though) and that you are only about 5 months along. I would say that I am a walking zombie, but I can barely walk. So I am just a zombie. I just scoot along trying not to injure any major body parts. I get the courage to tackle a task and towards the middle I completely give out. In Walmart I was strolling along getting what I needed and then out of nowhere I was slowly pushing the basket with thoughts about actually getting in it to take a nap. People give you this understanding nod or look, like they too have been there. It makes you feel a little better, but when it is time to put the groceries in the car you are wondering if they can last for a few weeks so you don't have to do it all again.

The house is somehow always a mess (though we are getting along in the packing, so that may be why) and Sydney is eating part of a waffle off the floor. At least it is a waffle from this morning. That isn't so bad. I am pretty hungry. I wonder if she will share it with me. I haven't been sleeping during parts of the night so I have been staying up late hoping that it will help. I don't wake up for long periods of time now, but I am still just as tired. Time for a new tactic. We could leave everything here when we move and buy all new stuff. Sounds like a plan.

As an update on the house we are TRYING to buy, we still don't know if it is ours. The Realtor that owns it (she actually owns the house, but doesn't live there) isn't exactly speedy in getting on the paperwork. When we gets things back, such as counter offers, they are dated for a day or two before we get them. Its like she does the work, but just doesn't get it back. If you are ever looking for a Realtor, call me first and I will tell you who she is. You would not want to work with her. I talked with our Realtor last night and she said that she was calling her this morning and seeing what was up. We are daring to hope that she is accepting our counter offer. She asked for it in writing when she was told what it was. In dealing with her we can assume that if she wasn't interested then she would have said that she would be coming back with the same counter as before-the asking price for the house. Who ever heard of sticking to a price on a house that has been for sale for so long? We will pay that if we have to, but she sure is holding up the process. It is driving us crazy. We will be potentially moving in about 2 1/2 weeks and we have no idea where. We will still need to get a home inspection on that house and organize the bank stuff, closing, utilities, etc.

I have a goal this week. I am going to teach Sydney to say "shoe". She still isn't saying much (that we can understand), but she does understand us and will do things we ask her to do. We are trying it be able to tell the doctor that she has added some words by the time of her appointment scheduled for the end of April (conveniently the day before our closing...let's just pack it all in!). Well, I am off to take advantage of Sydney's morning nap!

Walmart: Friend or Foe?

Walmart. The ultimate experience. Even when not pregnant, I have to muster up the strength to go. If it is hot, forget having a good time. When I see myself complaining about it I just remind myself to be thankful that I can pay for all the stuff I bought. That usually cures it. The one thing I am annoyed about lately is the lack of craft supplies. Thankfully, we will be near Michael's or Hobby Lobby soon enough. I couldn't even find ribbon for hair bows at Walmart this weekend. I hear that some Walmart stores still have their fabric section. Hopefully, either the Madison or the Lakeland Walmart will oblige my need for cheap fabric and buttons. Not that I am doing any sewing these days.

We ran into a former co-worker of Adam's this weekend. She is working at St. Andrews preschool now. She was telling us about the stuff that they learn there. It makes you want to send them. Until you look at the tuition prices online. Adam said his wallet hurt just hearing about them. Who wants to pay that much to be away from their babies half a day anyway? Sydney is so funny. I know that I have mentioned how sensitive she is before. If you laugh at something suddenly, she cries if she doesn't get it. The other night we were discussion houses and private school and mapping the next few years out. Sydney has been very fussy lately (we think due to teething) and she was going on and on about everything. Adam jokingly said, "you are expensive and I don't want to hear anymore fussing out of you." She stopped fussing just looked at him. We started laughing because it was so funny and then she started crying. We both started saying " You are worth it. Every penny!" I think it made her feel better. Adam said something else funny earlier when I told him how much some of the schools cost. He looked at Sydney and said " I am not sure if we can spend this kind of money on you if you are putting your shoe on the wrong foot." She thought that was funny. She loves shoes and was putting one on the wrong foot. Adam bought her a denim jacket this weekend. It is so cute. I can't wait for her to wear it.

Baby Clothes

Today I am working on putting aside (or packing I guess) my bag and the baby's bag for the hospital. I guess it could seem a little early, but I need to get this stuff where we can find it since we are packing the house. I would hate to be rummaging through a box to find something before going to the hospital and just buying it again defeats my master plan of using up everything in the house - food, cleaning supplies, toiletries. I hate moving all that stuff, especially duplicates. I am so upset with myself. I was at Target last weekend and there was the cutest outfit for the baby that would have been perfect for the weather - now and fall. I didn't buy it. I haven't bought any clothes for him. I know it is gone now, because there were only a few left. Now all I can think about is how I need/want something just like that for him. How annoying. I just haven't seem many things that I like (that are a reasonable price). I haven't checked Stein Mart yet. They usually have some outfits that are nice. I am trying to avoid things like sports outfits and uncomfortable safari outfits with fishing vests and matching shoes. They look so uncomfortable. Adam's request is that we buy a few things that aren't baby blue. I do have clothes for him, as I said in a previous post. The problem is that I don't think that they are weather appropriate or size appropriate for him. All the 3-6 month stuff is long sleeves and though he will be able to wear those in the winter they will be too hot for right now. What to do!?

More packing

I packed for several hours yesterday, then my mom came over and she packed one of my china cabinets for me. She ended up staying that evening so Adam and I could actually leave the house. We have been house bound all week! We went to see License to Wed. It was pretty funny and cute. It is 3:30 AM now and I am wishing I was asleep! I was trying cut on the ceiling fan and I hit the wrong switch and it cut off my alarm clock. So I had to reset it and then I discovered that I was hungry. So now I am awake.

Before I fell asleep earlier I read a little from one of my baby books. I am rereading 12 hours by 12 weeks and The No Cry Sleep Solution. I also borrowed The Baby Whisperer and I am reading some of that. They are starting to remind me of the the sleepless nights and the evenings of having to hold a baby constantly due to colic (of whatever that was for a a month or so). I guess I had blocked those things out. Adam can't remember some of it. I think it is a defense mechanism set up to ensure that you have more kids. If you remember exactly how it felt you might be afraid to have more. Thankfully, Sydney sleeps through the night (and I mean 12 hours and good naps) and she was able to do so by at least 6 months (but I am not really sure about that, it may have been later). I know that all babies are different, but I think we will be prepared this time and not make some of the same mistakes.

As much as I would love the baby to sleep in the same room as us for convenience sake (And he will for a week or so I think). I remember what a difference it made when we moved Sydney to her room. It turns out that she was keeping us up and we were keeping her up. In the end, the book I really liked was the 12 Hours by 12 Weeks book. It helps you get them to sleep through stages. I wish I had read it earlier, but she was over 3 months old when I did so it wasn't exactly by 12 weeks that we were really into the program. I liked some of the tips in the No Cry Sleep Solution. One was not always holding the baby while she was sleeping. You put them down flat if they are getting drowsy. A lot of people didn't understand that one. I love to hold a sleeping baby too, but those extra arms are NOT available a night after a few weeks and you are left with a baby that won't go to sleep on their own. We did take some time every now and then to enjoy holding a sleeping baby though. Now, I remember those times fondly, instead of with regret! I guess in the end there is no perfect way to do it and you just have to do what you have to do to survive. And remain sane.

Friday

Last night I just couldn't sleep and then this morning I went back to bed after Adam was awake and I was so tired I couldn't sleep. I felt like I had been drugged! This must be what my Babycenter weekly email mentioned. It said that I might be tired like the beginning of the pregnancy. We didn't pack anything yesterday, but we do have a new supply of smaller boxes now so I might be able to tackle some today or tomorrow. I know I need to get a move on it.

We are in the middle of countering back and forth with the house we want to buy. The person that owns it is a little "different" and happens to be the Realtor. She is taking her time getting back with us on things and when she does she doesn't even send the right paperwork. Thankfully our Realtor knows what she is doing so we don't have to worry about something being missed. This house has been for sale for over a year now and they still don't seem to want to budge on the price. I can understand that, but it is rarely (dare I say never) cheaper to keep it if you don't actually live there (which they don't). I would love to leasurely pack for this move, but I don't think I have that option. My back isn't bothering me this week so I should take advantage of it. Sydney seems to be in good spirits and is loving having Adam home this week. Yesterday, I opened all of her toys with dead batteries and replaced them. She appreciated this and is having fun rediscovering her toys.

4th of July

Our holiday consisted of packing, repairs, and eating. I think we packed and repaired more than we ate, but we did have BBQ for lunch and for supper we spent the evening with friends and they prepared all kinds of food that I am still dreaming about. I am almost not hungry this morning, but I am eating toast anyway. Sydney is still asleep. She didn't go to bed until almost 10 last night. Lately, she won't sleep in a pack n play at someone else's house. She did the other weekend at Adam's parents house, but that was just for naps. Last night, there was no way she was going to bed. She was in a good mood being awake so we just let her go on playing.

Adam's mom and I packed a lot yesterday. I kept thinking that I needed to wait until the last week to pack Sydney's room, but there is a lot to do and I guess anything that we can do now will be better. We left her toys, board books, and clothes. Her closet is nearly empty and her walls also. I was a little afraid that she might be confused and wonder what was happening. I think packing is similar to a game she plays all the time. Take stuff out of things and put them in something else. It think this made it fun for her to watch and "help". Yesterday, Adam and I were talking about packing up the kitchen today and leaving what we might need. I don't know if I have the energy for that. I am pretty tired after getting up at 6:15 yesterday and working until about 5. Thankfully, my back pain has let up for the week. It was still bothering me last Saturday, but Sunday morning it was gone...for now.

My mom has been collecting boxes for us from work and we haven't had to buy any. I did go by the Uhaul place to get tape and a box of bubble wrap. This is wear I got my first "comment" of the pregnancy (from a stranger, I have had plenty from friends and family). "You look like you are about to pop!," said the rail thin Uhaul and Sprint store girl. Um, yea. Pop you! I truly believe this comment was brought on by one of the new shirts my mom bought me. This billowy white thing, while cute, makes me look a little bigger than I believe my other shirts do. I guess I will get my responses ready for days ahead. "Thanks, that is exactly what I want to hear." sounds like a good one. Then the skinny girl refused to let me carry bubble wrap to the car. That was very nice of her, but who did she think was going to be packing a house? Bubble wrap would be a joy to carry.

"Vacation"

Adam is not working the rest of this week. You can hardly call it a vacation though. We will be packing and working on the stuff that we need to fix as a result of the home inspection. Thankfully, it isn't too bad. I think we can get a lot done. The only problem is that I am so hungry all the time. I had to get out of bed this morning and eat a banana and then get back in bed for a couple of hours. I just couldn't sleep without having something. I feel that way now. I can't work until I have some food. I have eaten so much already so I don't understand why I am hungry. I thought I might be thirsty instead of hungry. Not the case. I tried cereal and blueberries. Didn't help. I am currently shoving chocolate chip cookies in my mouth. This does not sound promising.

Sydney has started saying "nooo" as clear as a bell again. Let's just hope that she opts to use it for good so we don't have to teach her the difference between appropriate and inappropriate no usage.

An hour later....

I am on my 4th snack and it is only 10:51. I am going to a late lunch with Ragan today. So I need to snack until then. We are running out of food! I think I am scaring Adam.

Laundry Day

Sydney and I are having fun today doing a million loads of laundry. She helps me by picking up the stuff I drop and putting it back on the couch. She also likes to unfold the laundry as I fold it. This is not as much of a help to me, but she is having fun doing it. It makes me work faster and actually put it away in a timely manner. I cleaned out her kitchen cabinet (that holds her snacks and cups and stuff). It looks a lot better and now we won't be moving any old bottles and sippie cup parts that we don't use.

Sydney spent most of the morning trying to put on some shoes that are too big for her. She was so disappointed. When she finally got them on, she just walked right out of them! Poor thing needs some shoes that fit. Her sandals and dress shoes seem to be like wearing socks on our floors. She just slides around. I might try her Keds, but they are size 5 and I am not sure that they will fit because her foot is so small. I was saving them for the fall. They seem a little clunky too. They would probably stay on and at least provide some traction. She really wants to wear shoes. If other people don't have their shoes on she will go find the shoes and put them on you.

Waiting and waiting and waiting

We haven't heard a thing on our offer for the house we want. The Realtor that owns the house has been arranging funeral services because her mother passed away last week. She is aware that there is an offer and wanted it, but hasn't picked it up yet. I feel sure we will hear something tomorrow. We have pretty much decided that we will do what it takes to get the house because it is our best option and the best option that we have seen of all the houses we have viewed over the spring and summer. Getting a good price is our main concern though. We do have private school to think about! Oh, that reminds me of a funny bumper sticker we saw Saturday night " If you think education is expensive, you should try ignorance."

This weekend my mom took me to Target to get something new and to make me stop wearing the same three things all the time. I had no choice because that is all I had! The brown dress, the blue dress (same style), and a black shirt (and a black dress that is too dressy for anywhere, but church or a nice night out so it doesn't count). Now I have a brown t shirt and a white shirt to mix in. Hopefully, that will lift my spirits.

Speaking of clothes, this afternoon I went through some of the boy stuff we have. I am really confused as to what he will need to wear while in the hospital and then when home during this hot time. I know that babies like to be warm so a cotton long sleeved gown might not be that bad, but they also like to be wrapped up all cozy and that will make him too hot. I have a confession. I really can't stand onesies. Their little bare legs hang out and they look like they are missing part of their outfit (I guess they are really. The pants!). Maybe it is the way that they are so snug and stretched down to button at the diaper. I don't know. I do like diaper shirts and the little kimono side button shirts. I found some high quality cotton side button shirts at Marshall's a few weeks back and one of my baby craft books shows how you can embellish them. I might try to do a few for him. They are size 3 months, which I am not expecting to last long on him, but his little fatness can hang out the bottom so I think they will fit him for as long as we need them. I guess I do need a few things to accommodate his size and the weather, but what?