Crazy Lumpy & The Animals

I was just telling my friend Liz last night how easy it has been to sleep and how I've never really been uncomfortable at night. Well, I spoke too soon. Last night, for the first time during this pregnancy, I was kept awake by Lumpy. Lumpy started engaging in some kind of acrobatics/full contact football/monster fighting around 9:30 last night and did not let up until around 2:00 AM. I actually got out of bed and paced around the house - that was the only thing that would make Lumpy calm down. BUT, as soon as I would lay on the couch - PUNCH- PUNCH-KICK-ROLL-DIVE-PUNCH-STAB. It was the first time I would ever classify Lumpy's movements as uncomfortable, but maybe he/she was having a good time playing.

In other, slightly unrelated to Lumpy news - here are some pictures of the day.

We cannot seem to keep Scratch away from Lumpy's stuff. We put a blanket (that's actually Lumpy's first homemade blanket - from Barbie's mommy) over Lumpy's blanket box, but Scratch still squeezed himself into the box.


When Scratch isn't trying to squeeze himself into small space that belong to Lumpy - he's trying to squeeze himself onto a window ledge to sun himself. I love this picture, do you see his back leg? He has to prop it up behind his butt to stay on the ledge.


This picture is my favorite one of the last week . . .you can see how the animals gather as soon as we open the fridge. I don't think I've ever seen cats beg like our cats do.

Lumpy Birthday Party Planning

**Rated PG 13** Not appropriate for all readers

Lots of mommies call these "eviction notices", but I prefer to think of these things more like party planning events for Lumpy's birthday. (I think Lumpy wants cookie cake for his/her birthday . . hint, hint.)

There are numerous natural induction methods listed on the interweb ranging from the mundane (walking) to the quite horrific (castor oil - diarrhea anyone?). Some I plan to try this week and others I won't try unless I get really desperate (like April 15th kind of desperate).

• Walking/Galloping/Stair Climbing - Apparently motion stimulates the uterus to contract. I'm going to walk more, although I don't know how much it'll help. I think Lumpy is so used to me running, waddling and walking that I can't imagine it really making Lumpy want to come out now. Maybe walking at different times of the day will help.
  
• Sex - Sperm has protaglandins and this softens the cervix. Also, the same hormone that is released during birthing waves (oxytocin) is released during female orgasms. Poor Buttin will be a piece of meat (kind of like he was 9 months ago). I don't think this one is too terrible for either of us.
• Nipple stimulation - The same theory as sex, it releases oxytocin into the body.
• Spicy Foods - According to some, the irritation of the digestive system can stimulate birthing waves. Barbie swears that this spicy shrimp dish induced her, so I'm going to try it on Thursday (April 1st). She says it'll only take ONE SHRIMP.
  
• Evening Primrose Oil - this is a supplement and it's supposed to to boost protaglandin levels (same thing as sperm). The capsules have to be inserted into the who-ha in order to be completely effective (although some people take the pills orally). This one takes going to the store and buying something - I'm lazy so I'm not sure if I'll do this one anytime soon.
• Acupressure or Acupuncture. I'm all for getting another massage (maybe I'll schedule one), but I'm gonna have to say no to needles.
• Eliminate stress from life - HA! HA! This is impossible (probably for anyone), but I'm going to continue to do my Hypnobabies relaxation scripts on a daily basis - in fact, I have a new one called "Come Out, Baby!". I'll probably start listening to this one later on in the week.
  
• Swinging on a swing - (Same theory as walking/galloping) Sounds like fun, but I don't have a swing set.
  
• Bumpy car ride - (Same theory as walking/galloping) Kind of sounds like fun, but where are there bumpy roads?
  
• Bouncing on a birth ball (Melman) - (Same theory as walking/galloping) I guess I can do some of this while watching TV.
  
• Eat pineapple - Supposedly there are enzymes in pineapple that ripen the cervix. I don't like pineapple. Seriously, why can't yummy things induce labor - like cookie dough or Cadbury Eggs or Mac N Cheese? It'll be just my luck, but I'm sure I'll read something tomorrow about how beans make for a faster birthing time.
• Castor Oil - This is what you take when you hate your body and want to have severe cramps and diarrhea. The theory goes that by cleansing out your digestive system, your body will want to cleans out other stuff too - like a baby, for example. I've read too many horror stories about women going into labor with diarrhea and that sounds bad for everyone involved.

So, here goes! Some of these I'll start trying this week - others, I'll never try.

New Misfit & Walking

We have a new sales misfit starting today. We have (and had) a lot going on, so we don't quite have a robust training program - but I have confidence in our new misfit. Come to think of it, the only job where I really had "training" was at Taco Bell and I've turned out OK.

Today also starts the beginning of me trying some natural induction methods to get Lumpy moving. I'll write more about the methods I will (and won't) be trying later, but the big one for today is walking. I've continued to jog waddle (which has become a lot more like walking in recent weeks) about two miles a day, but starting today I'm going to try and walk some during the day while at work.

Thirty Second Movie Review - How To Train Your Dragon

How To Train Your Dragon

Awesome movie! There was adventure, humor, drama and it was all extremely well-done (I didn't even mind it in 3D). The perfect kids movie that's also wonderful for adults.

Thirty Second Movie Review - Mother

Mother

I really wanted to love this movie, but sadly I was quite bored. It was a little too all over the place and not in a fun way. What should have been an exciting murder mystery ended up being a little too melodramatic.

Phase 3: Profit

OK - so last Saturday I posted about the gDiapers that I found (for really cheap) and my online auction.

Here are the results of my first auction:

Final Auction Bid - $48.00
Product Cost - $8.66 (diapers plus sales tax)
Paypal Fees - $1.69
Shipping - $4.85
PROFIT - $32.80
ROI - 216%

I have another auction end on Monday. If I can make another $32, this will pay for the three sets of gDiapers I bought and kept for Lumpy ($12.99 - diapers plus tax) plus about four of the Kissaluvs diapers that I purchased ($12.95 each). This still leaves about 14 new and 8 used diapers I still need to find a way to pay for . . .I'll keep searching.

Thirty Second Movie Review - Hot Tub Time Machine

Hot Tub Time Machine

Started out hilarious, ended cute, loved all the 80s music, but there were a few slow parts in the middle. I do want to see this movie again, I feel like I missed some parts because I was laughing so hard - oh that and because I was in the bathroom.

Fetus Friday - Week 39

We're pretty much just playing the waiting game right now - well that and the Lumpy and me gain weight game.

This is what Baby Center has to say about Lumpy:

Your baby's waiting to greet the world! He continues to build a layer of fat to help control his body temperature after birth, but it's likely he already measures about 20 inches and weighs a bit over 7 pounds.

When I saw Dr. Elephant yesterday, he guessed that Lumpy was going to be a nice average sized baby - probably somewhere in the 7 lbs 10 oz range. That seems like a good size to me.

Baby Center doesn't really have anything interesting to say about me this week. I figure it's pretty much all about Lumpy from here till forever.

Doula & Doctor Appointment Update

So I thought I'd combine two events into one post.

Last night was our final prenatal doula appointment. We didn't have that much to go over since we already spent so much time together doing Hypnobabies. We discussed how the last few weeks have been going and if I had any particular fears or concerns. Then doula gave us a mini "Happiest Baby On The Block" lesson. I have this book, but she gave us the quick version and a copy of the video. Essentially, it's five steps for soothing a crying baby (after you've already made sure the baby isn't hungry, wet or dirty).

It's called the Five S's:

• Swaddling - Buttin and I learned how to wrap Lumpy like a little baby burrito. Plus I have a couple great Miracle Blankets which are essential a dummy-proof way to swaddle.
  
• Side laying - I guess babies like to lay on their sides - kind of held like a football.
  
• Shushing - This is actually a louder noise than you might expect. Babies are actually very used to loud noises and they find it comforting. Our doula mentioned that sometimes a hair dryer or vacuum cleaner works well for white noise. I'm hoping Lumpy likes listening to the TV because I find that more enjoyable than a hair dryer or vacuum cleaner.
  
• Swaying/Swinging - Babies liked to be rocked.
• Sucking - This one is kind of self-explanatory.
  

That was pretty much the extent of our parenting lesson. Hopefully, it'll be enough to get us from birth through college.

We laughed about how the next time we'll see each other it'll be THE DAY.

OK - Dr. Elephant update:

• I've gained 3 lbs in a ONE WEEK, which Dr. Elephant called "generous", but since my overall weight gain is still within the normal range and I'm near the end of pregnancy - he wasn't too concerned.
  
• Blood pressure still good - 108/60.
  
• Still no progress on the cervix front, but again this doesn't really predict much of anything.
  
• Dr. Elephant did a positioning ultrasound just to see exactly how Lumpy was laying. Lumpy's head is still down (yeah), but has not dropped yet. Some babies don't drop till birth, so just like a cervical exam, this isn't a great predictor of Lumpy's birthday - just a cool factoid to share.
  
• After last week's visit - I was a little concerned about the APRIL 10th deadline. I told Dr. Elephant that I was concerned about being induced unless it was medically necessary and how I thought my real due date was probably some where around April 6th or 7th, not the 3rd or 4th. Dr. Elephant said that I was in absolute control (that's what I like to hear) and that if everything looked OK, he was fine with me going to 42 weeks. Honestly, it was our first conversation longer than 5 minutes of my entire pregnancy and he really put my mind at ease.
  

My next appointment is Thursday, April 1st (don't worry, I won't play an April Fool's joke on anyone).

There Is No Hope For Us

Buttin and I can't even out smart the cats!

Lumpy's going to be able to run circles around us.

So, Buttin and I thought we were being VERY clever by putting a blanket over Lumpy's bed after we found Scratch sleeping in it numerous times.

It seemed to work for Scratch, but this morning, guess who we found in Lumpy's bed? MOUSER.

After washing all of Lumpy's blankets and sheets, I put them into Lumpy's bed thinking - the cats don't go into Lumpy's bed anymore now that we cover it with a blanket. I guess I'll be using my nesting energy to re-wash Lumpy's sheets and blankets. Fun!

A Little Break

I'm very excited about today.

It's raining and I'm leaving work in a couple hours to go run some errands and then to just home relax.

Buttin and I are both going to try to take a little time off from work in the next couple of weeks. Buttin probably needs it more than I do, but I'll gladly spend a couple of hours on my couch doing nothing.

The Education Of Lumpy

The Texas Board of Education has been featured in the news recently (to be fair, my news consists mostly of msnbc.com and The Daily Show) for the passage of new text book curriculum requirements (for history). I guess the logic goes something like, because Texas is so large, Texas often determines what goes in text books for other states too. I wrote about this topic many, many months ago (I think before I even knew I was pregnant), so I'm not going to rehash all my feelings on some of the ammendments (ridiculous as they are).

Buttin and I were watching Bill Maher the other night as he was discussing this issue and he made an interesting point. He said (and I haven't done any research to verify his claim) studies show that parental involvment has more to do with a student's success than the type of school they attend or the exact curriculum they're learning. This sounds very logical and reasonable to me.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that even though I strongly disagree with some of our school board's decisions (even as impressive as a dentist's opinion might be), I'm going to try not to sweat it. Buttin and I (and all of Lumpy's aunts, uncles, grandparents and friends) will also educate Lumpy. Lumpy's not just going to learn with text books. Lumpy's going to learn to THINK by reading real books, listening to music, watching movies and TV (especially the good shows like Law & Order) and talking to other people. These are my hopes anyway.

HUGE DEADLINE APPROACHING

I'm starting to feel a little frantic now. I know that Lumpy will be here on or before April 10th and now that I have that deadline, I'm freakishly trying to cram as much into the next couple of weeks as possible. It's as though my mind thinks I'll be unable to do anything after Lumpy gets here and of course nothing could ever be done correctly without my supervision/help (my mind is VERY irrational right now).

I've got most of Lumpy's stuff ready to go, so I feel better about having the basic necessities for my child; however, I was talking to a friend of mine on the phone last week and she asked about Lumpy's room. I told her that Lumpy doesn't really have a room and she acted a little shocked. I think she's one of those mommies who had her entire act together before the arrival of her children. Oh well, like Buttin (and Jen) keeps telling me, we live within a 3 mile radius of every major store you could possibly imagine - if we don't have it (and we need it), we can go buy it. I do have a recurring nightmare where I've forgotten something VERY basic (kind of like dreaming that you're late for a test), but I know that the hospital will provide everything for the first couple of days and after that - I'll have friends and family to run errands for me.

My frantic focus right now is work. I feel like I'm trying to accomplish everything immediately, there is no time for tomorrow- there is only today. Why can't we get this done today? I want it done now! The problem is, no one else feels the same sense of urgency I do (and of course they shouldn't, that would be silly) and I'm sure I'm driving all the misfits crazy. I'm trying to breathe deeply and think rationally. I guess the good thing is that I can still recognize the difference between my rationale and irrational thoughts - but I have no idea what tomorrow might bring.

Such A Deal!

My dad will be so proud . . .

So in all my cloth diaper research, I came across many varieties, types and brands. One that I still find very interesting is the gDiaper. gDiapers combine the convenience of disposable, with some of the ecological and cost benefits of cloth diapers. Essentially, they are a cloth diaper cover with a flushable, biodegradable insert (they also have the option of cloth inserts).


There were a few reasons that I decided to go with the two cloth diapers we selected (over gDiapers), including reviews that velcro wore out too quickly, they close in the back, I really wanted to go with a majority of one-sized diapers (and gDiapers come in sizes), and if you use the disposable inserts you're not really saving as much money. However, the gDiapers are very cute - just look:

The gDiaper is kind of going for that "hybrid" diaper market, so they are available in major grocery store chains (they're also available at Target and Walmart). The starter kits (include 2 diaper covers and 10 flushable refills) sell for about $30 each and I've noticed them the last few times I've been at my local grocery store marked down (I guess they're not selling that well) to $22, then $16, then $8. Yesterday morning I went shopping and noticed several starter kit boxes all stuffed in this crummy clearance section and the sticker read $4. What? $4? Even though I already have Lumpy's diapers - I can't pass up this deal. Every fiber of my frugal childhood programming is screaming, BUY THEM! So, I purchased two starter kits. The diaper covers are even more adorable in person (they have a little "g" on them and one of our favorite girl names starts with a "g", so I kind of took it as a sign) and I figure I can use them for quick trips with Lumpy or use the covers over the fitted diapers we've already purchased. TRUST ME, you really can't beat $2 per cloth diaper cover.

So, all yesterday while I was finishing up Lumpy's laundry I thought about the other boxes of gDiapers still in my grocery store and how lonely those little gDiapers must be. I went back this morning and purchased the remaining three boxes!! I already listed two of the boxes on an ebay auction (another similar auction is going for $40 right now). So my little auction should pay for all of Lumpy's gDiapers plus a couple of Lumpy's other cloth diapers. I just get all stupid giddy when things like this happen!

Lumpy's First SXSW Show

Actually it was kind of counter-programming to SXSW. It was the Texas Rockfest and it was an excellent place to people watch.

As you can see, it's still daylight. Buttin knows better than to take me out in the dark.

Speaking of Lumpy stuff, I'm in my final push towards finishing all of Lumpy's laundry and organization. Buttin kept laughing (he said it was cute) when I was pulling him from one part of the house to another . . . "now here are the materials we'll use to make Lumpy's cloth wipe solution" . . . "now here are the acceptable disposable wipes that we'll use in Lumpy's diaper bag" . . . "now here's Lumpy's bath soap - it's paraben free" Buttin: huh, what are parabens? . . "now here's Lumpy's bath robe." I could go on and on, but I've got to wash Lumpy's diapers about three more times so I'd better get to it!

Fetus Friday - Week 38

OK - so after my appointment yesterday with Dr. Elephant we have less than 23 days till Lumpy's birthday. I can't believe when we started this adventure - it was 280 days!

Baby Center has this to say about Lumpy:

Wondering what color your baby's eyes will be? You may not be able to tell right away. If she's born with brown eyes, they'll likely stay brown. If she's born with steel gray or dark blue eyes, they may stay gray or blue or turn green, hazel, or brown by the time she's 9 months old. That's because a child's irises (the colored part of the eye) may gain more pigment in the months after she's born, but they usually won't get "lighter" or more blue. (Green, hazel, and brown eyes have more pigment than gray or blue eyes.)

Buttin and I talk about the color of Lumpy's eyes. He's hoping for blue, but I think they'll probably be hazel or green. That's my guess.

Baby Center has this to say about me:

Use this time to prepare your baby's nursery or to take care of necessary tasks you may not get around to for a while after your baby's born. Take naps, catch up on your reading, and spend uninterrupted time with your partner while you can.

My vote is to take naps. Buttin and I are each going to TRY to take a day off next week. We haven't really taken much time off from work (it's difficult when you're a small business owner) - I think our last vacation was 1.5 days in Mexico last April.

Thankfully (just by necessity), I will be forced to take some time off when Lumpy gets here - but I have a feeling that Buttin will be up at work (even if it's just for an hour or so) the day Lumpy's born. He really needs to rest up.

Doctor Appointment Update

Here are my updates, in bullet point form:

• Weight, unchanged.
• Blood pressure - 106/62 - perfectly normal.
• Lumpy's head is down (which is very good).
• Fundal height is still 31 cm - Dr. Elephant said that Lumpy was staying small, but at this point Lumpy is plenty big so there's nothing to be concerned about.
  
• Dr. Elephant asked me if I was ready to have this baby and I said, "No!". I told him I thought Lumpy would be an April 7th - April 10th baby and he told me the longest he'd let me go is April 10th (so - Lumpy, you must wait till at least March 22nd but you must have your birthday by April 10th. I know, I know I'm already demanding so much from my child).
  
• Dr. Elephant did an internal exam (wasn't nearly as bad as the first one two weeks ago). He said that the baby was complying with my wishes (as my cervix is doing nothing) not to come this week. He said he didn't think Lumpy would come this week, but also said the last time he told a woman that, she had her baby that night (stay, Lumpy, stay).
  

Next appointment (if I'm still pregnant, Dr. Elephant says) is March 25th.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

I'm wearing green today even though I'm not Irish and I certainly can't drink beer.

The last couple days (and weeks and months) have been rather stressful for Buttin and me, which is why I like to think about and do Lumpy stuff to distract me.

I finally bought a baby book for Lumpy and started to fill it out (as my distraction for this week). It's a very simple book, but I think it's pretty.
The kind of cool coincidence is that my wonderful shower hostesses (Liz & Jen) bought me a "Lumpy Shower" book and filled it with pictures and advice from all our guests. The shower book is almost the same as Lumpy's baby book - except it's green. I had ordered Lumpy's book before they gave me the shower book - so they make a really nice pair, even though it wasn't really planned.

Musical vs. Mathematical

This week's edition of "would you rather" is (as the title implies) - Musical vs. Mathematical.

I am MUCH MORE mathematical than I am musical. I can't even play the kazoo with much success. I would say that Buttin is also more mathematical than musical, but he certainly has a huge appreciation for music. Buttin loves movies, music and books - I think movies come first, but not sure about the order of the other two. It's like me trying to rank cookie dough, Cadbury Eggs and naps . . .which is to say, it's nearly impossible to pick a favorite.

I'll let Buttin win this one and go with musical as my preference for Lumpy. I think us mathematical types tend to be a little too black and white about things - but math can't solve everything, at least I don't think it can (although I know 2 rolls of cookie dough + 5 Cadbury Eggs = Happy Lumpy, and that's all I really care about right now). I know Buttin would love a little musician Lumpy. Even before we knew Lumpy was coming, Buttin would tell me about all the music he wants to share with Lumpy and all the concerts he wants to take him/her to. He has these adorable plans of taking Lumpy to concerts (with Lumpy wearing little ear plugs) - sharing his love of music with our child. Lucky Lumpy.

The Return Of Psycho-Stephanie

Today wasn't a great day.

I think daylight savings messed me up and I didn't jog waddle this morning - too tired. I also think that "nesting" has set in and I attempted to do TOO much yesterday (I usually just nap on Sunday). The good thing is I accomplished a lot of cleaning, but even after donating three garbage bags worth of clothes - Buttin and I still don't have enough room in our drawers for all our clothes (mostly t-shirts and my running clothes) OK, I'm going off on a tangent . . .back on track, psycho-Stephanie. I'll talk about my day in story form, so here is a thoroughly riveting SBOS:

The Garbage Misfit

Once upon a time, we worked very hard to get on the vendor list of a large management company.

I'd like to think we made the list because of our prices, service, quality and my charm - but one huge reason we made the list is because one of the property manager is a fan and very supportive of us.

Well, I got a call from this property manager today and apparently one of our misfit installers had taken the carpet out of a unit (we were replacing the carpet) and put it in the property's dumpster. THIS IS A HUGE NO-NO! We actually provide dumpsters for our installers to use, so this is just plain lazy (and stupid and makes me angry).

Buttin was ready to go out and remove the carpet from their dumpster, but luckily the dumpster people hauled it off. Thankfully, the property manager and I are on very friendly terms. But of all accounts, WHY THIS ACCOUNT? As an owner, I'm very protective of all our accounts, but fiercely protective of this one in particular.

Bad misfit. I don't think this misfit will be happy tomorrow morning when Buttin gives them a talking to, but they should be happy I'm not doing the talking - because my talking would be more like punching.

The End.

So today was filled with lots of other just plain ole crap and to cap it all off, Buttin got in a teeny-tiny fender bender on the way home from work. I was about four cars behind him and everyone was pretty much stopped. When the car in front of Buttin started moving forward, Buttin also moved forward, but then the car in front of him slammed on the breaks and Buttin hit him going about 5 miles per hour. There was no discernible damage to either vehicle (the other vehicle was a mini-van) and the police wouldn't even come out and write up a report. But, here's the kicker . . . after the driver of the mini-van couldn't find any damage to his mini-van, he started talking about how he was worried about his neck! Oh puhleeezeeee! People like this are what's wrong with our country.

Really Sratch, Really?

One of my most prized Lumpy shower gifts is a Nap Nanny (from my wonderful friend Liz). I wish they made them for adults. I have visions of a very happy Lumpy sleeping on the Nap Nanny while we're all watching TV. It's probably the exact image the makers of the Nap Nanny want in my head.

I have been hiding this Nap Nanny from the cats since the day I received it - especially in light of this and this. Well, this past week we had some house guests. So, I had to move some things from the guest bedroom (i.e. Lumpy's eventual room) to Buttin's office. In moving the things to Buttin's office - I took special care to place lots of stuff on top of the Nap Nanny (to prevent it from becoming Scratch's next nap location).

I wasn't very successful:

Thirty Second Movie Review - Green Zone

Green Zone

Decent political thriller and very well made. Although, I agree with all the messages and lessons of the movie - I think it' got a little preachy.

Lumpy's Cloth Diaper Stash

I haven't really discussed cloth diapers here on RWL, but most of my friends and family know that we plan on using cloth diapers for Lumpy. We decided on cloth diapers for many reasons - including cost, the environment and Lumpy's health.

Well, we got our first shipment in the mail today and I played with the diapers for about an hour or so - they're just so cute and little - and pretty scientific too.

These are not your grandmother's (or mother's) cloth diapers. Buttin and I are practical and we know our limitations. There's no way I would have the patience to fold and pin little pieces of cloth to a squirmy little Lumpy.

Our initial stash consists of two different diapers:

• Kissaluvs Size 0 fitted diapers - I purchased a dozen gently used ones from my friend Lisa (she cloth diapered twins - so if she can do it, hopefully I can too) and a half dozen new ones.

They're so soft and little. They very easily snap together and then you put a waterproof diaper cover over them (I purchased about eight diaper covers from Lisa too and I'll take pictures of those when I get them). I read rave reviews about these diapers for newborns, so we'll use them till Lumpy is about 10 - 12 lbs.

• The other cloth diaper in our stash is the Bum Genius 3.0 One-Size Pocket Diaper. These diapers can be used from birth to potty training (hence the name, "one-size"). Essentially, you can adjust the diaper rise with snaps and then you stuff the inside with a cloth insert (to absorb the pee). These diapers have a velcro closure and are as simple as a disposable diaper.

I have confidence that Buttin and the grandmothers will be able to easily use these diapers. I purchased a dozen of these diapers to start, but as Lumpy grows out of the Kissaluvs diapers - I'll purchase more of these, provided they work well and we like them.

As I said earlier, I played with the diapers for a while (did I mention they're just so freaking cute?) and it only took me about 5 seconds to fit a diaper to Valentine's Monkey:
Pretty cute, huh? Now all I need is a cute little baby tush to put in these diapers (but Lumpy's waiting till April).

Thirty Second Movie Review - She's Out Of My League

She's Out Of My League

Super cute little raunchy romantic comedy. Perfect Friday evening movie for me and Buttin. I wonder how many more movies Buttin and I will get to see together in the theater.

Doctor Appointment Update

Who would have thought that my 37 week appointment would be as uneventful as my 17 week appointment?

Actually, I'm OK with uneventful appointments.

Here are the highlights (however brief):

• I gained two pounds. I'm guessing this is from eating cake three days in a row. Dr. Elephant didn't say a word about it.
  
• My blood pressure is 110/66 - perfectly normal.
  
• My fundal height is still small - 31 cm (normal is 33 cm - 40 cm), but Dr. Elephant isn't concerned - I'm still growing.
  
• My Group B Strep test was negative - this is very good news, means no antibiotics during my birthing time.
  
• So after last week's rather painful cervical exam, I was all set to tell Dr. Elephant the reasons why I would prefer not to have a cervical exam this week (including citing numerous medical journals about how they aren't a good predictor of when the baby will be born), when he looked at me and ask, "So, do you want to be checked or not?". All my preparation for nothing! All I got to say was - "No thank you". He said, "I don't blame you." Maybe Dr. Elephant is more in tune with me than I thought.
  

Dr. Elephant said, "See you next week, if you're still pregnant.". I laughed and told him that Lumpy and I had made a deal - no birthday next week and I'll buy Lumpy a present.

Next appointment: Thursday, March 18th.

Fetus Friday - Week 37

This week will be known as "Stay Lumpy, Stay"

Seriously, we have WAY too much going on and Lumpy really should stay nice and warm for AT LEAST the next week. Here's a sampling of what has made us so busy (and what will make us SUPER busy next week):

• One of our sales misfits is moving on to another opportunity (we are very happy for him and his last day is March 19th);
• Our two other sales misfits are going to be gone next week for Spring Break.
• Barbie (who happens to be married to one of the aforementioned sales misfits) will also be off next week. Unfortunately, she's also been gone a couple days this week because of a sick little girl.
  
• Buttin needs to spend next week finishing up all the exciting new account stuff we've been working on PLUS go out with the sales misfit who is leaving us and make sure all accounts are transitioned properly.
  

This is in addition to all the regular, life and work stuff that we have going on.

Baby Center has this to say about Lumpy this week:

Congratulations — your baby is full term! This means that if your baby arrives now, his lungs should be fully mature and ready to adjust to life outside the womb, even though your due date is still three weeks away.

Yeah Lumpy! But, Lumpy - trust me (especially if you're a little girl) - you want an APRIL birthday.

Baby Center has this to say about me:

While you're sleeping, you're likely to have some intense dreams. Anxiety both about labor and about becoming a parent can fuel a lot of strange flights of unconscious fancy.

Why does Baby Center do this? I swear I haven't had a strange dream yet, but tonight I will - just because it was suggested to me. Thanks Baby Center!

Pregnant Salesgirl

Yesterday, I played pregnant carpet sales person.

I went out with one of our misfits (who also happens to be my cousin). We had a bunch of appointments set up, so it didn't take much effort in the way of sales, but I was exhausted yesterday night and my calves are sore this morning.

We went three places and at each place I said about three sentences and then our misfit did all the work of measuring. I literally just walked around each apartment and snooped. When I think about it, it doesn't seem all that more physically taxing than sitting in my office chair all day. However, I was so pooped last night. I got home around 5:30 - laid on the couch till Buttin got home around 6:30 - went for a small walk with Buttin and Molly - did a 30 minute Hypnobabies session - ate a bowl of cereal and was in bed ASLEEP by 8:15. When I work up this morning (around 5:45) I was still exhausted. I really hope it's pregnancy that's making me so tired.

Scratch Loves Lumpy (Or Lumpy's Stuff)

Buttin put a blanket over Lumpy's pack n play, so Scratch decided to lay instead on Lumpy's changing table.In the house we have three beds, a huge couch and at least seven chairs - but Scratch decides that he absolutely MUST sleep on the tiny (less than 2 x 2) part of the house that's made for Lumpy's butt.

Dreamer vs. Doer

So, in looking back on some of the "would you rather" posts I have done - Lumpy is a Sassy, Popular Athlete - Lumpy kind of sounds like a prick. I know (hope) Lumpy will be a very wonderful, sweet, loving and happy child - that's really my only wish.

For this week's edition, I thought about making a decision between two things that no matter which one I select, Lumpy doesn't sound like a potential a-hole.

This one is actually very difficult for me. I think as a parent, you want your child to "dream big" and I have hopes of Lumpy being this open-mined visionary. However, I want Lumpy to be a hard-worker and not sit around day-dreaming about fuzzy bunnies and rainbows. The key is to combine big ideas with practical application. Easier said than done.

I was probably more of a "Doer" as a child - more pragmatic than imaginative. If I had to pick, I'd want Lumpy to be a dreamer - at least, as a child.

Oscars & Quick Warning

First of all - yeah to The Hurt Locker.

Buttin and I picked this movie as our #1 film of the year and I'm so glad it won.

We went over to Liz & Jonathan's house last night to watch the first couple hours. of the Oscars. I'm sure Liz won the ballot contest . . . I wonder if she had to cheat to win this year.

Second of all - the next couple of weeks are going to be extremely busy for Buttin and me, so there may be fewer blog posts. I'm sure I'll have a collection of small business owner stories when it's all said and done.

That Didn't Take Long

I'm kind of surprised it took 20 hours . . .


I hope Scratch will be willing to share his new bed with Lumpy.

Thirty Second Movie Review - Alice In Wonderland

Alice In Wonderland

I really, really enjoyed this movie. It was quite beautiful to look at I was completely entertained. The only issue - 3D. Why does everything have to be in 3D now?

Adventures In Baby-Readying

Here are some pictures from yesterday's adventure.

Stroller assembly, with Molly's help (she was trying to be helpful, but mostly she just got in the way).

Pack N Play Assembly (this item probably took the longest and was the funniest). At one point during assembly Buttin thought the changing cushion was the bassinet and that we'd have to seat buckle Lumpy in, every night.

This is also from Pack N Play assembly, I think it's my favorite picture because it looks like Molly is giving instructions to my dad.

Buttin and the car seat.


Jog stroller assembly (actually just new tires, but I heard it was difficult).


Buttin and the rocker.

After all that work, Molly and Mouser needed a nap with Buttin.

A Little Tired, But A Lot Relieved

My mom and dad just left.

Buttin and I are both pretty exhausted. We're not used to so much activity on a Saturday.

Buttin and my dad put together Lumpy's stroller, car seat, pack n play, jog stroller, and rocker. They also fixed our coffee table, installed the base for the dust buster and put together our hard wood floor cleaner.

My mother and I completely organized (threw away a bunch of junk) and cleaned the kitchen. The first layer of grime is gone. We also organized Lumpy's clothes and blankets, so I know what else I need to buy next week with Jen.

I'll have pictures tomorrow . . . for now, a nap.

Fetus Friday - Week 36

Lumpy is growing and growing and growing . . .and that's all really Lumpy has left to do before his/her birthday.

Baby Center has this to say about Lumpy's development:

Your baby is still packing on the pounds — at the rate of about an ounce a day. She now weighs almost 6 pounds and is more than 18 1/2 inches long.

Baby Center has this to say about me:

Now that your baby is taking up so much room, you may have trouble eating a normal-size meal. Smaller, more frequent meals are often easier to handle at this point.

Yup, smaller more frequent meals - spinach breakfast shake for breakfast-appetizer, girl scout cookies for breakfast, wheat thins for second breakfast, tootsie rolls for breakfast dessert, bagel twinkie for lunch-appetizer, mcnuggets for lunch, fruit snacks for lunch dessert, granola bar for afternoon snack, cheese sandwich for dinner, bowl of cereal for dinner dessert. Sounds about perfect, right?

I really haven't had SUPER strong cravings during my third trimester - but I have been on a chicken mcnugget or chicken strip kick. I figure - it's kind of like protein, so it must be kind of good for Lumpy.

Well, They Had To End Sometime

My nice, easy Dr. Elephant appointments.

Warning, some of the following details may be too graphic for some delicate readers.

Here's a list of the not so easy stuff:

• Group B Strep Test. I knew this was coming - I had read that they do a who-ha and butt swab, thankfully (if you can call it that) Dr. Elephant only believes in doing the who-ha swab.
  
• Cervical Exam. I wasn't really prepared for a cervical exam THIS week. I'll plan to use some relaxation techniques next time because that sucker was quite uncomfortable. Yeochy. No progress, which I wasn't really expecting; however, he said my cervix was soft. I've read a lot about cervical exams and honestly, I don't think they really tell you anything - some women walk around dilated for weeks and others go from 0 to 10 in hours. I think I may talk to Dr. Elephant about the need for these exams. I'm quite sure I'll know when Lumpy is on the way.

Here's a list of the pretty easy stuff:

• I lost 1 lb. I blame my mother in law because she didn't bring me the four boxes of GSC she promised (apparently everyone where she works ate them).
  
• My blood pressure is good - 110/60.
  
• Lumpy's heart rate is good.
• Dr. Elephant said we are now to the point where if I went into labor (birthing time); he would not try to stop it - we would have Lumpy. I prefer to let Lumpy cook a few more weeks.

Next appointment - Friday, March 12th. I will now see Dr. Elephant every week till Lumpy's birthday.

Finally

Last night, I finally had an enjoyable massage - instead of one like this or this.

I finally was able to make an appointment with the massage therapist I really enjoy. It's been over eight months, but she remembered me and said she was kind of sad that I had never requested her again. I have another appointment with her next Tuesday.

I know she works for tips, but she said that I looked like I was carrying Lumpy "compactly and efficiently" (instead of telling me I look too small) and she also said that my muscle tone looked fantastic. Like I said, she's working for tips - but it's still a ton better than hearing about some one's kid who has explosive poop.

Sassy vs. Sensitive

Before I launch into this week's episode of "would you rather?", I'd first like to mention that yesterday was March 1st. Thinking about this date got me a little anxious and quite frankly, a little freaked out.

Lumpy will be here so soon! Lumpy could be a March baby, but even if Lumpy isn't a March baby - he/she will be born the following month. There is no month after, there is NO MORE time. All my days spent thinking that I have endless amounts of time to prepare - are over. You know that dramatic thing people do on TV and in movies - "whaaaah . . . I'm going to be a terrible mother" - well, I'm doing it.

Thankfully, my mom and dad are coming into town this weekend to help get things put together and cleaned. I think after this weekend, I'll either feel a TON better or even worse because Lumpy's arrival has just been made more real.

OK, onto today's topic - "Sassy vs. Sensitive"

I do not think Buttin and I discussed this topic, so I'm not quite sure how he'd vote.

First of all, a quick definition of "Sassy" - if Lumpy is a boy, I don't really think he's going to be "sassy" (unless he wants to be). I think of "sassy" more as, assertive, - it's just that "sassy vs. sensitive" sounds better than "assertive vs. sensitive" and I'm all for making things sound good.

As a child, I think I was more sensitive than sassy. I was (and still can be) very sensitive regarding my own feelings, as well as others. This makes me very empathetic, but it can sometimes be to my own detriment. I also tend to take things too personally. If I had to pick, I'd prefer Lumpy be sassy (or assertive).

It's not that I don't want Lumpy to be concerned for others or to have feelings, but I think it's more important for a child to be assertive. Things are different now than they were when I was growing up. I'm OK with Lumpy questioning authority (except mine) and I'd rather Lumpy speak up than be quiet.

Growing up, my dad (knowing how sensitive I was) always told me - "Stephanie, you need to be more assertive, but not aggressive." I think it can sometimes be a fine line, but I'll give Lumpy the same advice.

No, Your Animals Do Not Beg

Our animals BEG.

This past Friday night while at Liz & Jonathan's house, we were treated to a lovely meal prepared by Jonathan (risotto with shrimp and asparagus). Even though we've been friends for a quite a while and frequently eat at their house, they feel the need to apologize for the "begging" their animals do. Their animals beg by laying down about ten feet away while starring at us.

We try to tell them, they don't understand what we have to go through every time we want to eat.

Here's three out of our four pets demanding food from my dear mother in law.
This picture doesn't even include the worst offender (the big dog - Molly).

Please Liz & Jonathan (and any other friends who have animals), do not apologize for the begging your animals do - it's nothing when compared with our animals.