The Doctors Wife

One Year Ago

It is amazing how much a year can change your life. This time last year, we were in the midst of  unpacking and preparing for Mike to start his new job. And even bigger, I found out I was pregnant with David.  I was starting to experience nausea, but I think I smiled for days. I was so excited, and could hardly wait to share our news. (I waited for several days, and I'm not sure how I didn't burst!) It is amazing to look back and see how different things were, how far we've come, and I can only imagine what the next year will hold. Last year I was dreaming of holding my sweet baby, and today I am so lucky to have such a sweet, healthy, chomp-able little sweetie!

I could chomp those little cheeks and thighs all day! 

I Have Issues

We went to the pool for the first time this summer on Monday. When Mike suggested that we take the kids to the pool, my first thought was I am still not in the shape that I want to be. The baby weight is gone, but I still have about 15 pounds of "getting pregnant" weight that I want to lose, plus I am just not in shape. (I am also ghastly white and could have used a little self tanner to get me started) But I put on my swimsuit, put on a good attitude and took my kids to the pool. And we had fun. And I did not care that I am a few pounds heavier than I would like. And Hannah will not remember that her Mommy had a few extra pounds (or was reflecting light off of her legs!!)  Hannah will remember swimming with her Mommy. I may have issues about how I look, but I will not pass them on to my daughter. I do not want Hannah to obsess about her weight, or feel like she can't participate in something because she isn't in the kind of shape she wants to be. Kids aren't born with those insecurities, we teach them. Right now, those thoughts are not on her radar and I do not want to put them there. I am her strongest role model and I will act accordingly. I will not be the Mom that misses out, doesn't participate or makes herself miserable. While I am getting back in shape and back to a healthier weight I am not going to agonize and teach Hannah self loathing. I am going to show her that her Mommy is happy, active and willing to play and participate. 

Growing up, I was a healthy, active child. There were never diet foods in our home. We ate lots of good, healthy food (and our fair share of junk food, don't get me wrong, but moderation was in effect) As a teenager I was comfortable in my skin. I was active and healthy and happy with who I was. (My parents did such an amazing job!) I never had any kind of body image issues until I started gaining weight while trying to get pregnant. And you know what? I would gain it all over again in a heartbeat. Those two precious babies are worth every single pound. So while I may have issues about my weight, it is something that I must get over. Not only for myself, but for my kids. My kids deserve a Mom who is healthy, active, and happy. I do not want my kids to have a mother who misses out. I do not want my children's memories to include a weight obsessed, always on a diet Mom. And I am determined that my issues will not become Hannah's. So while I am a few pounds heavier than I would like to be, I will not let it weigh me down, my happiness will not depend on a number on a scale. 

Sometimes All You Need Is A Swift Kick In The Ribs

I am at that point  you hit in pregnancy when things are just, uncomfortable. This little guy is out of room and I am sore from being kicked and crammed. 

I am also at that point in pregnancy where I am just so ready to hold my baby. I am so ready for him to be here. I have also hit that point (for me) where I am just paranoid. I think most women at this point are worried about their water breaking, going into labor, etc. And while these things cross my mind, I also worry about this sweet little baby. I worry that something could go wrong. I am so highly aware of his movements- and when this little guy takes a break (you know to sleep) I start to get panicky. I know some of you are nodding along, and some of you think this is the most ridiculous  thing ever. I pray a lot- for peace and for the safe delivery of a healthy little boy, but when this little guy is still for too long, I must confess that a  little panic sets in. 

This afternoon I was noticing a period of stillness, and decided to take a bath, because this baby moves around a lot when I am in the tub. But today, no movement in the tub. I got out, had a glass of chocolate milk and waited for some movement. Mike came in and put his hands on my belly and we both almost immediately felt small movements, much to my relief. I cried, because God knows just what we need, and I got it. A nice swift kick in the ribs. So while I know I can complain about being uncomfortable, I'll take the kicking and discomfort. And be thankful that God is good, and he knows just what we need, and when we need it.

Also have you been keeping up with Harper? Go and see how amazing God is!

My Favorite Things... Continued

Yesterday I shared a few of my favorite things from the baby's closet, here are a few of my other favorites:

We got this sweet blanket and little cuddle blanket- they are packed in my hospital bag for the baby.

They both have the sweet elephants and "Little Peanut" embroidered on them. Elephants are my favorite animal- so I just adore these!

Isn't this burp cloth adorable?

I love crosses- I have one in every room in my house! I think this one is so sweet!

So these are a few of my favorite things! Now if I can just wait until this little guy is here!!

These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things- The Clothing Edition

Is there anything more fun than getting ready for a baby? Even though I consider myself to be well on the girly side- I have had a lot of fun picking out sweet little boy things. And here are a few of my favorite

These are two of my very favorite outfits- the one with the guitar was the first thing I bought for this little guy, and the "handsome man" romper? Oh So Cute!!

And I just adore these little booties! I can't wait for my little man to wear these sweet little things!

And clearly I have a thing for footwear- Hannah had the Trumpet socks, and this little guy has a ton of the boy version! Oh the cuteness!

 

I will share more sweet little boy things tomorrow! 

Ice, Ice, Baby

It is very cold and icy outside. I am still in a hyper nesting mode, and no baby yet. My Mom was supposed to go home Sunday afternoon, but I was a little freaked out about her leaving since we knew we were due for some nasty weather. And it is one thing for my parents to be a couple of hours away, and an entirely different thing if they get iced out where they may not be able to make it here for a few days! So my Mom graciously agreed to stay until Thursday. This makes me a very happy pregnant lady. And Hannah a very happy little girl, and if both of his girls are happy, then Mike is happy too (plus my Mom has been cooking- yum!) So we are going to be stuck at home for a couple of days- but we are all happy and it only feeds into the hyper nesting, so things could definitely be worse! I'm just hoping that this little guy will decide to hang out right where he is for a couple more days- I'd rather not have a dramatic, icy trip to the hospital! Hoping you are all warm and cozy!

Because Wet Carpet Is Never Good

What a day! Last night as I was experiencing a burst of nesting, and was obsessively doing some cleaning and organizing I noticed that in the corner of our closet, the carpet was wet. Yes, wet. And the corner that was wet backs up to the wall that backs up to the garage, and more importantly the hot water heater. So we have wet carpet in our brand new house that is not even a year old. And I tried to not flip out, but maybe, perhaps, I did. Mike called the builder and decided that he would stay home today- because the builder suspected that they might have to go into the wall to fix the problem. 

GO INTO THE WALL. AS IN, BUST A HOLE IN THE WALL. And as much as I would like to say that my pregnant hormones are completely under control, alas they are not. I know myself, and knew that trying to watch Hannah, the dogs, monitor a plumber, try to get anything done around the house, and try to get Hannah and myself ready for a baby shower that Mike's colleagues threw for us this afternoon would be too much for me. Oh and did I mention that because of said wet carpet we had to turn off our water? And that I have hardly slept the past three nights because my organs are shoved together and my back has been killing me, so much so that this morning I burst into tears when Mike asked me if I was ok. Yes, I decided it would be too much for me. What can I say? I know my limits. (Honestly, it is the lack of sleep- everything seems so much worse when you are tired) So my sweet-hearted husband stayed home today so I would not bludgeon a plumber to death with a broken pipe lose my mind. The problem turned out to be nothing major, and a very easy fix, I am happy to report that no holes were put in my walls. (nor plumbers bludgeoned to death) Plus I think my parents felt so bad for me when I talked to them last night that my Mom decided to come up this afternoon and stay through the weekend to help out. I think I may have done a little happy dance when I talked to my Mom this morning and she said she was coming up! (they live a few hours away and have been so wonderful about coming up whenever we need help- I practically started crying with relief, after my happy dance) So with my Mom on her way, and no major plumbing issues, the day was taking a definite turn for the better. 

The shower was lovely- we received so many sweet things. I will have to try to get some pictures of some of the adorable baby things that I am just chomping at the bit to use! Hannah had a good time, and especially enjoyed the cake. She sat in Mike's lap and just went to town, making a "mmm" sound with just about every bite. Everyone seemed surprised that we are literally expecting any time now- they commented how I'm not showing enough! Which I think is hilarious because I also have people say things such as "Oh honey, you look like you are about to pop!" Yes, yes I am!

In Case You Were Wondering

Several of you have emailed about the baby's name, and pictures of the baby's room. We have decided on a name (we have known for awhile), but per Mike's request I am not going to post the name until after he is born. Mike feels certain that no-one would have the audacity to say anything negative about the name once the baby is actually here, but due to rude comments in recent weeks is leery that if someone leaves a snarky comment about the name, I will get all fired up. And you know that there is nothing that a husband loves more than a fired up pregnant wife. (and I am fired up a lot lately- thank you corn refiners association with your ridiculous ad campaign that makes me sooo mad every time one of your ridiculous commercials airs. Mike mentioned yesterday that he would love to go one day without me mentioning high fructose corn syrup- but the ads, by the CORN REFINERS ASSOCIATION, they just get under my skin! GAHHHH!) Anyway, back on topic, I will let you know the name once our little guy is here. And you will get to see pictures of the baby's room then as well. (his name is over his crib) 

The Final Stretch

At my doctor's appointment this week, we confirmed that we are at the "any day now" point. While we would like to go at least another week or two, I also understand that the whole when the baby comes, isn't exactly up to me. So I have been washing adorably tiny baby clothes, Mike set up the bassinet  in our room, and my hospital bag is packed (much to Mike's relief). My energy has been a little lacking for the last couple of days, so I am trying to take it easy and enjoy my time with Hannah, it is hard to think that she will be a big sister soon. Mike and I have placed our bets as to when we think this little guy will make his appearance, Mike thinks he may be sharing his birthday, only time will tell!

Oh Does It Feel Good

I was able to get so much while my Mom was in town!!! And I seemed to have a big burst of energy that allowed me to make the most of my time without completely wearing myself out! Our home feels so much more organized, and I feel so very ready to meet my son! The baby room is almost finished, thanks to Mike and my Dad. They hung up the curtains, pictures, etc. (We have one wall that is not decorated- my Mom is painting a picture and we will wait for that before adding any shelves, etc.) This week I am focusing on smaller projects, such as packing my hospital bag, addressing birth announcements, etc. It feels soooo good to have my big projects crossed off! I think I may even do a little Valentine's decorating- I figure it is now or never! Nothing major this week, just trying to get everything ready for the baby, and get Hannah readjusted to being in a regular routine and adjusting to life without her Grammy and PaPa around. (she adores my parents and always seems so disappointed when they leave- I tell you the melancholy can last for days!) It won't be too much longer before they are in town again- the baby will be here before we know it, and I am so excited. His room is just so sweet- I go and sit and rock and just enjoy the space and try to imagine what he will be like. I will try to post pictures sometime this week, but I am not making any promises. This turned out to be a pretty random post- a random post from me? Never!!