Just What I Needed {Ya, Right}

Sorry--this post won't be tooo positive today (although I don't know that there's anyone left reading them anyway!).  I started back at work yesterday:  taught two classes and tutored.  While leaving campus for the day, I ended up being rear-ended and pushed into the guy in front of me.  It doesn't look like there's a bunch of external damage, but who knows.  The teenager who hit me actually asked if I even wanted to make a claim....ummm, lemme think...I'm 7mos pregnant and my 3 yr old car is all scratched up...what would you do?  Exactly.  I sat for an hour in 94 degree weather waiting on the very unfriendly police to get finished, who so nicely said, "You can pick up the report Thurs.  It'll be $8." 

While waiting, I called my Ob's office and if you've been prego before, you know what I was told:  Go to the ER.  Yeah for me!  So I spent 5 hours in the ER last night and had two episodes of terrible contractions.  Like, made me cry a little contractions.  Not cool.  I was finally told that I was dehydrated (what??? I'd been drinking --not drinking--all day), hadn't eaten in several hours, stressed, and had a UTI (fun, fun!) and that was probably why I was having contractions.  They kept acting like my blood pressure was a big deal, but honestly, whose blood pressure isn't a little high after a car accident, let along while 7 mos prego?! 

I had a lot of pain last night, and more this morning, but after extra rest and water, things seem to be much better.  I just don't remember my stomach feeling this heavy so early on in pregnancy, but it makes it difficult to move.  And, I really have no desire to get my work done.  I've finally reached the point where I'm thinking, "Ughh.  I've taken on too much."  Really, Einstein?  lol  I'm sooo looking forward to Christmas! 

Girls, Girls, Girls

Here are the latest u/s pics...

Even though I haven't been exactly happy with the ultrasounds at this office (they are soooo much blurrier than my other ones), I love this one because of the little arms rubbing her face:

And yes, I did say "her face" because...it's a girl:

I know S & I both believed it would be a boy, and we both wanted a boy, but the Lord has a way of working things out for our good, unbeknownst to us.  I prayed before this u/s that I would definitely know one way or another, and although the tech previously said there are "no 100%s," she said it is definitely (even used my word) a girl. Approx. weight at 27 wks and 3 days:  2 lbs 10 oz.  I have an actual doctor's appt next Friday, at which I'll have the yucky bloodwork and glucose screening (chances of passing since I failed the other two:  slim to none).

Here is our latest huge purchase.  My first carseat cost around $70.  However, they've made them smaller since (not good for a fam that has big babies), and they just don't pad very well.  Additionally, they make them so they don't fit in the top of grocery carts anymore (say what?  I know people say it's dangerous, but until it's law, I plan on holding onto the carseat while it's in the cart.  I have definite issues differentiating between a carseat up top and a 3 yr old boucing and trying to climb out--yet they are still allowed in it.  Ok, off my soapbox now...).  Long story short, this came in a travel system that I could only buy from Babies R Us.  I waited until they had a 20% off deal, and then I made the big purchase .  I also decided to teach a Sat morning class so I could make the purchase:

When we went to pick it up, an old man gave my girls $20 for their good behavior.  Say what?  I know, I'm just as surprised as you are.  See what happens when you don't hide amongst the shelves or climb on displays?  Personally, I think I should earn $20 just for not bringing them with me most of the time... j/k. 

So since we've accepted the fact that we're having another girl, S said the name is "all" me.  Not sure how I feel about that, but I do feel blessed that I won't have a child with the name of Frank--at least not at this time.  So, here are my name thoughts:

#1  Adalae Faith/Grace-- It's pronounced phonectically, so if you pronounced it Ad-uh-lay, kudos to you!  It means "noble kind [of] faith/grace" or "noble faith/grace."  S said there may be some lewd comments made about it, but I feel like most pople can turn anything lewd if that's their objective.  Thoughts? 

Other name options include Adaline and Auriella, but I'm not convinced about either of those.  I liked Everleigh, but that's how I arrived at Adalae.  I can also shorten it to Addy or Adly.  I always wanted a child with a "j" name like me, but I don't like any other "j" names for my daughter (please don't take offense if  you have a "j" name!). 

Please feel free to make a suggestion.  I did have a name list, but I've lost it, ironically now that we know what we're having.  Lovely is super excited to be getting another sister, so there's a plus :)  And now I get to go shopping for some super cute headbands and hats!  Little Treasures Consignment Sale, here I come!

DB Score and Monthly Appointment

Score!  I just ordered this diaper bag off Zulily for $34.99, orig. $80.  I've never seen it cheaper than $72!  I know it's a bit girly, but S said it wouldn't really matter (go figure).  I said I wouldn't order a hot pink diaper bag if I was having a boy and his exact response was:  "Why not?  Aren't you a hot pink mama?"  I think he's a bit giddy at this time of night. 

Speaking of the baby's sex.  The tech said it looks like...girl parts.  S doesn't believe her, of course, and it was very difficult to even get the slightest look from any angle.  You be the judge:

The legs are practically all the way closed (once again) and they're a bit in the way.  Also, since this isn't the entire pic, it leans more toward being a girl.  I have another u/s in 3 wks to check the spine since she couldn't get a good view of it. 

Blood pressure is still pretty good- 130/82, which is slightly high, but not abnormal for me.  I've gained 7 lbs total, but my ankles have begun to swell.  We went outlet shopping Sunday and I knew it was time to quit when I looked down at my ankles and only saw cankles! 

First Real Kick

I finally felt the first real kick on the outside of my belly yesterday--it bumped my hand into the air with extreme force!  Normally, I feel kicks throughout the day within my belly--especially between the hours of 12 and 1 a.m.  Uggh. 

I'm still waiting for the bridge/interstate construction to improve.  I need to go to Babies R Us, but I don't want to totally stress out getting there.  The plan:  decide on an infant car seat, a diaper bag, find crib rail protectors (?), and a lip for the changing table (?).  Those are the final "big" items on my list of needs--I'd also love a real rocker and a new playpen w/bassinet.  Otherwise, I need all the little stuff--bibs, blankets, washcloths, bath items, diapering needs, first aide, etc.

Louisville Nature Center and Accomplishments

The Louisville Nature Center, located next to the Louisville Zoo, was one of Snugglebug's last field trips of Kindergarten.  It's normally completely free, but I believe we were charged for some of the activities and gas for the bus.  Here is Snugglebug as I caught her grumping at the boy next to her, "YOU BROKE it!"  I was actually pleased that she was standing up for herself...

...And then she saw I was watching and put on her angel face.

The kids went around stamping animal prints to pieces of paper while examining fake and taxidermy animals. 

After lunch at the park...I couldn't get her down from the tree.

 

 

So I've been feeling quite inadequate lately after hearing about all the wonderful jobs/publishing opportunities others I went to grad school with are experiencing.  I often wonder, "Shouldn't I be making more time for this?  Why can't I find a job I'm happy with using my writing/editing skills?" 

And then I remember I have a job more important than anyone else.  I'm rearing two wonderful girls, with a baby on the way.  I'm providing the stability, the building blocks, of what their futures will become.  I'm instilling what's important in life, and what they can maybe go without.  I was most struck the other night when the girls were saying their prayers.  Snugglebug prayed that we would go to the fair soon.  After saying Amen, Lovely informed her that we don't NEED the fair--we can live without it.  

I read on a blog the other day that a certain mother only had nine summers left with her kids.  I have no idea how many summers/falls/winters/springs I have left with my kids, but I want to treasure them all.  Sure, I've felt overwhelmed and often depressed when the bills come due and I see no way of paying them with no end in sight.  I've wondered if I should break down and look harder for other work I can do.  But I don't want to miss out.  I don't want to miss the hugs and kisses I get when I pick my girls up from school.  I don't want to miss hearing them play in their room, discussing losing bunny powers from the Squishy Bunny Head, all because I'm either at work or too tired from work to hear.  Our house is tiny, bursting at the seams, and we need another vehicle for S to take the girls places once I have the baby, but all will be provided for.  And that's how I know my accomplishments aren't really inadequate--they're just dependent on God and what He provides for our needs.  

Chugging Along

I chugged along today, very slowly.  I didn't feel too well, so as S told me, just do one little thing at a time.  I finally finished washing the bassinet covering; it's yellowed a little bit in some places, but it's still adorable.  Then, I figured out how to put at least the top portion of the bassinet together--I seem to have lost the bottom portion!  So, as of now, it's a Moses basket. 

I've crossed off the major baby items I need, except for a car seat.  I think I've done well since it'll be 6.5 yrs since I've had a baby, but I figured I wouldn't get another shower, so I better take care of everything during yard sale/spring cleaning season! 

Lovely had her tonsils out last Thurs., and she is finally doing better, it seems.  She had to get sick to her stomach first this morning, but after that, she was talking more than I had heard her all week.  I think I recovered faster than she has, even though my surgery was as an adult.  Not sure why! 

I've been itching to go on a vacation, but since I know how many bills we have to pay, it's not going to happen, unfortunately.  It looks as if it will be at least 1.5 years between vacations since the girls' fall break falls right before my due date--a little late to go anywhere. 

I know this is so exciting to read, and I know the lack of pics makes it all the more, but it seems difficult just to get my thoughts in order these days.  I'm hoping typing some of them out will help me clear my head!  I am excited to finally receive the maternity clothes I ordered--turns out JC Penney and Sears no longer carry maternity clothes on this side of the river!  So, I ordered a top, a nightgown (both from Motherhood), and two jean skirts (from Style J).  Since that cost a fortune, I better not need any more clothes until after the baby is born!

Is It Time for School Yet?

My girls are out of school.  Can I send them back now?  I don't know if it's their closeness in age, but they sure know how to bicker!  I've told them several times now that they are not allowed to play with anyone else until they learn to play with each other.  So far, it hasn't worked too well.  

Yesterday felt like an extremely long day because I had no energy.  I cleaned up around my closet and a little in it, pitching everything I hadn't used/worn in the last few years.  It feels so good to see my floor again! 

We finally got our dog spayed on Tuesday, but it required driving in a torrential downpour (3 inches in an hour causes a whole lot of flooding).  Then, we had to get up early the next morning to pick her up.  She has to remain indoors for 7-10 days, and she is behaving sooo much better than she did a few months ago when she lived indoors.  My allergies were acting up terribly for having her indoors, and I don't really want her indoors a lot once we have a newborn, but she is acting sooo much better.  I haven't had to yell at her for jumping on anyone, and last night she was "herding" the girls around--very cute! 

Pregnancy update:  I lost another two pounds, which I can't figure out.  I'm not eating that great because I finally feel like eating--so I eat what sounds good.  I couldn't have pizza or garlic with my first two pregnancies, but this kids seems to like that kind of stuff.  No, I don't overeat it, but it's nice to be able to eat a little! 

I'm thinking of beginning a hat for one of my friend's babies, and then making one of my own.  I think I'll do the monkey hat again, with some alterations.  I didn't like how it just tied with yarn, so I'm going to crochet two flaps and add Velcro so no tying will be necessary.  I do have some clothes I have to mend, so perhaps I'll begin that today.  I also need to work on rearranging the office again and writing.  Now, to dig up the energy!