I'm. Still. Here.

Nope. Still no baby.

I know many of you have been wondering if I am in the hospital right now so I thought I'd update you all. I'm still here. No baby.

(sigh)

The good news is that my face is getting fat. Todd told me as much this morning. He said, "Your face is definitely looking bigger." And you know what? I wasn't even insulted. Todd and I have come to the conclusion that my face gets very swollen on the day I go into labor. We never really noticed it until we were looking back at all of our hospital pictures and videos. So, now we are watching closely for it. Apparently, my face looks especially fat today. Yeah! And who knows, it may be even BIGGER tomorrow. So exciting.

The boys are beyond anxious. They are constantly talking into my belly button (what is it a microphone or something?) telling baby girl she should come out now. They tell her how much they love her and how they can't wait to hold her. Now what girl could resist that? So sweet.

And then the other day Tommy told me he thinks I should be thin again. Yeah. I'll see what I can do about that, you little neanderthal. Of course the boys later made up for that comment by telling me that I'm really not THAT big, and that they still think I'm beautiful. Aww. Sweet little liars. They must be able to tell how fragile I am right now because they have been especially good at stroking mommy's ego these last few days.

In the meantime I've thrown all caution to the wind with taking it easy. I have been taking the boys on super long walks and prepping the house like a crazy woman. Cleaning sheets, baking, sweeping floors, grocery shopping. It's all done. Cuz, I mean, this baby HAS to come sometime soon, right? She can't stay in my belly forever. Right? RIGHT???

Anywho, I will keep you all posted if anything of note happens. And if any of my IRL friends and family are reading this, don't call me, I'll call you. Picking up the phone every few minutes to answer the questions, "Baby isn't here YET?" and "When IS she coming?" has done nothing to improve my mood. Thanks.

DUE

Stick a fork in me, I'm DONE!

Or maybe not.

Here we are. We have arrived at the baby's due date, and still no baby. We went to the doctor and apparently, I am no closer to having this baby than I was two weeks ago. I mean, technically I suppose I am, but I'm still not dilated or effaced. Ho-hum.

I would REALLY appreciate it if baby girl could find a way to make her grand entrance SOON. You see, Todd has worked very hard to try and clear his work schedule so that he can have at least a few days at home with us when baby arrives. He has attempted this with each birth of our children and because they were either early or late I have never had Todd home with me for more than a half a day after baby arrived. This time he cleared (mostly cleared) his schedule for a larger amount of time, and it is still running out. Next week his schedule will pick up again. When you are self employed (meaning, no work= no paycheck) there is no such thing as family leave or extended vacations. He is starting to panic. He really, really would love to be able to spend some quality time with his boys and his new baby girl and be able to help me out when I am fresh out of the hospital. And I know I would certainly welcome his help. So, if you have any extra prayers y'all could send out for us to have this baby ASAP that would be great.

And I think I can finally say that I am done with this pregnancy. Up until now I have been content to wait it out because I really do love being pregnant, but my excitement at finally seeing baby girl has taken over my love of this pregnancy. Well, that and I would really love to be able to feel my fingers again. Swollen feet and hands, aching back, stuffy nose, uncomfortable sleep. I mean, I know it all sounds fun and glamorous, but I'm willing to give it up for baby girl. ;)

I have always believed that when baby is ready to come, the baby will come. I don't really think that there is anything you can do to make a baby to come before he/she is ready. Besides, I have already tried all the "recommended" old wives tales on getting your baby out when I was late with Ben. You know, spicy foods, sex, foot rubs, long walks, blah, blah, blah. None of it worked. Do you have anything that has definitely worked for you? I may just be willing to give it another shot. You know, just in case.

So anywho, here is the last (hopefully) shot of the baby belly. This is me at TEN months. DUE DATE!
P.S. - Sorry about teasing you all with that last post title. It seemed to really miff a few of you. I loved Dysfunctional Mom's comment - " *GLARE* The end of your pregnancy is obviously making you MEAN!!!:P~~ ". Hehehe. What can I say? A girl's gotta have some fun, right? ;)

Keeping My Legs Tightly Crossed

Todd is out of town all day today and won't be back until tomorrow. He is going to be an hour and a half away staining all of the woodwork that will be going in the new house. Though I know the staining has to be done this weekend for the construction project to remain on schedule I must admit that I am a little freaked out.

As you may have read here, my labors are all pretty quick. I'm a little concerned that if baby decides to come between now and tomorrow Todd may miss the birth.

I did have a doctor's appointment yesterday and was told that I am still not dilated. I was pretty happy hearing that until the doctor said that it could just mean that I will go from 0 cm to delivering in no time at all since I have a history of quick labors. Hmm. Not good.

So, today I am taking it as easy as possible. No long walks with the boys, no chasing after them at the park, no bike rides, no running errands, and no cleaning. I think I will park my buns on the couch and keep my legs tightly crossed for the remainder of the day. Besides, I don't mind soaking up these last days of my last pregnancy. I have to take advantage of my lovely cup holder while I've got it.

(Please excuse the tired expression, the ratty top, the bedhead, and the glasses. I just woke up.)

In the meantime, keep your fingers crossed that baby waits to make her grand entrance until at least Saturday evening.

Waiting Patiently

Distraction

I've been trying not to think about it, but now that baby's arrival is only a week or so away it has been sneaking back into my thoughts.

Labor. It hurts. Every once in a while I will remember exactly how much it hurts and I break out into a cold sweat. Oh man. And the crazy thing is, no matter how clearly I remember the pain it always seems to be even worse than I imagined. Scary.

I usually don't dwell on those thoughts too long since I know it won't do me any good. I am pretty good with pain. I can handle it. But it still makes me cringe when I think about it. Maybe this time I should just break down and get a doggone epidural. We'll see.

But today was a welcomed break. Today I didn't think much about labor. Today was the perfect day to relax and get my mind off of the forthcoming agony. Today I got a manicure, pedicure, and haircut. It was bliss! I made the appointment a long time ago and I wasn't sure baby would hold out long enough for me to enjoy it, but I am sure glad she did. Now my hair is looking pretty, my fingers and toes are a soft pinky-peach shade, and I am feeling at ease and relaxed. Hooray for distractions!(Yes, they may look like huge, swollen footballs, but at least they are soft and colorful, right?)

Thinking Pink

I am finally feeling like I am ready for baby to come. Not that I am done being pregnant, but if baby should make an early appearance I feel prepared.

I think I have all the necessities covered. The pack n' play is set up next to my bed with soft, pink sheets. All the necessary clothing items have been purchased. Many adorable outfits and lots of onsies in varying shades of pink are ready and waiting to be worn.
I even have a "going home from the hospital" outfit picked out. All three of the boys came home from the hospital in little sleepers that said, "Daddy's Little Boy" on them. All three of those precious, tiny outfits are safely packed away in their keepsake boxes, and Todd thought it was about time I had a little one come home from the hospital in a similar outfit. This one says, "Mommy's Little Girl".

I even have baby's first pair of pretty shoes.
Everything has been washed and neatly packed away in, what else, pink bins on the changing table that has been placed in my room to act as a dresser. Can you also see my brand new sling from Slinglings? I am so excited to wear baby in it. I always liked wearing my babies but never had a proper sling that didn't dig into my shoulder or hurt my back.
And! This lovely stroller/carseat combo finally arrived last week and is all set up and waiting for baby's first ride.

I think I have a sufficient amount of pink for baby now and I can safely say, "I'm ready when you are, baby!"

Two Weeks To Go

Yes. I am still here. And I am still pregnant.

Sorry I haven't posted in a while. I haven't been feeling the greatest. I've had a bit of nausea this past week, mixed with a few headaches, and lots of aches and pains. My hands are really swollen and numb for the majority of my days and nights. Sleep is something I've heard about but have not experienced in quite some time. Heartburn has been ruling my life. My feet and ankles hurt and my back has been killing me. You know, the usual.

Well, actually, for me this is not usual. I have had super easy pregnancies and I don't remember being this uncomfortable for any of my others. But oh well. No big whoop. I am still trying to soak up as much as I can of this (my last) pregnancy.

I had a doctor's appointment yesterday and so far I am not dilated at all. Another first for me since I am usually dilated 2 or 3 cm by this point. I guess it really is true that every pregnancy and labor are different. But because I know for a fact that you can go from no dilation to being in active labor in the blink of an eye I am still on high alert.

I also learned that my doctor will be on vacation all next week so I am guessing that baby will want to make her appearance then since my doctor has been MIA for all of my past deliveries.

So anyway, just wanted to let y'all know that I am still here. I will try to get around to visit you as soon as I can properly feel my fingers again. In the meantime, picture me waddling after my crazy boys in the park, on their bikes, at the lake, in the grocery store, at dinner time, etc. And maybe say a little prayer for me. ;)

PSF- Honesty

Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

Tommy was standing next to me as I was getting the boys' breakfast ready when he said, "We're skinny, huh?"

Without looking in his direction I answered, "Yep. You are little guys."

Tommy slowly looked me up and down, patted my belly gently, and said, "And you're... shaped like a ball."

Yep. That sounds about right.

A Glutton For Punishment

I am not a pretty picture.

I look something like the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man. My hands are so swollen that they look like baseball gloves. My feet and toes look like sausages. My cankles feel like they are going to break every time I stand up. As a matter of fact something is poking out of my right ankle. I may have fractured a bone. I can't be sure.

My back is killing me. My vagina feels like it is dragging on the floor. My stomach is stretched as far as it will go (I hope). My pelvis may be separating at this very moment. I have to pee every half hour. I can't sleep at night. I get so winded just going up the stairs. I began crocheting little lady's pink blanket yesterday and could only do it for a few minutes before my massive mitts started cramping up and stopped working.

And yet, I love being pregnant.

The other day my mom said, "It won't be long now!" And I actually got mad. I don't want this pregnancy to be over with yet. I love being pregnant. I want to savor every sweet second of this pregnancy, and yet I feel like I have been distracted for the entire 9 months. It has been a completely hectic and emotional 9 months and I feel slightly jipped.

I want more time. I want more time to soak in this feeling of being pregnant. I want to remember the way my baby rolls and stretches in my belly. I want to remember all the magical parts of being pregnant and forget about the minor inconveniences.

I want more time. A month just is not enough to soak up this wonderful blessing.

And yet, I look forward to holding that little bundle in my arms. Smelling that warm, sweet smell. Feeling the soft peach fuzz head against my cheek. Watching the rise and fall of the little lump that will lie peacefully snuggled on my chest. It is all very exciting and overwhelming. And a month just doesn't seem like enough time to properly daydream, plan, and anticipate it. But I fully intend to soak in as much as I possibly can so that years from now I can recall exactly how it felt.


(If you like reading birth stories feel free to take a look at my previous post.)

Thirty Days???

I have thirty days left in this pregnancy. Thirty. THIRTY! Um. Thirty, people. Actually, it will probably be less than thirty because I already feel like I'm carrying this baby between my knees.

This may be my freak out moment. Seeing the little counter on my sidebar telling me I only have 30 Days To Go = Freak out!

What was I thinking? Four kids? Am I nuts?

I think I have a freak out moment during each of my pregnancies. I specifically remember my freak out moment when I was pregnant with Joey. I was home from work on my lunch break and I was making myself a sandwich. As I was started to eat it hit me that soon I will be taking care of another little HUMAN BEING. Every time I wanted to make myself something to eat I would have to make something for this little person FIRST. I would never again be able to just quick grab a sandwich and run out the door. I would be making someone else three meals (HA! If only I knew then how much my boys eat) a day for, like, I don't know, forever! I started hyperventilating. For some reason thinking about constantly feeding a helpless little person really freaked me out.

It didn't last long. The freak out, I mean. And I am not freaking out on the same level this time. I think it is more of a "am I ready for baby yet?" kind of a thing.

I've tried to wrap up some loose ends. I definitely need more baby outfits. I haven't even started crocheting her pretty pink blanket yet. I haven't washed any of the clothes that I do have for her. Actually, the more I think about it, the more I feel like freaking out.

I have finally filled out my preregistration form and birth plan (like anyone ever reads that anyway) for the hospital. It got me thinking about my last three births and how this one might go. All of my births have been so different from each other that I have no way of predicting what kind of labor and delivery I might have. I know enough to keep my plan open. None of my births went according to plan.

Do you like birth stories as much as I do? Want to hear mine? If not, skip to the end. If so, this is what my last three labors were like:

Birth #1- I went into labor 5 days before my due date while Todd and I were watching "A Haunting in Connecticut". I got so scared at one point that I jumped up in the air and almost landed on the floor. I told Todd that if I kept watching I may go into labor and 10 minutes later my water broke.

A half an hour after my water broke (even though we only live 2 blocks from the hospital it took a while to get there because I hadn't packed a bag yet. Oops) I was at the hospital and my contractions were really starting to pick up. They went from light cramps to back labor that was one solid contraction with no breaks in between. The nurse kept asking how far apart the contractions were and I told her they never stopped. I was beginning to hyperventilate. I couldn't stand or sit or anything. I just kept pacing around the room saying, "This is CRAZY!"

A little while after I arrived at the hospital I managed to lie down long enough to let the nurse check me and I was already 7 cm dilated. No wonder I had been having one solid contraction. I was told that the anesthesiologist lived a half an hour away and because it was 11:00 at night and snowing if I wanted drugs they had to call him now. I told them I would hold off and as soon as the nurse left the room Todd looked at my pacing, hyperventilating self and told me to get the drugs. So we had the nurse call the doc in. While we waited the nurse gave me IV meds to "take the edge off". But there were still edges everywhere! Those drugs don't work. I needed the good stuff.

By the time the drug man arrived I was almost 10 cm and could not get the epidural so they gave me a spinal instead. Shortly after I began to push.

I swear the drug man just injected me with sugar water or something because I could feel everything. I pushed, and pushed, and pushed and finally the doctor on call (not my doc but another wily, old veteran) told me the baby was face up instead of face down (hence the back labor). So trusty, old, on-call doc reached up my nethers and turned the baby around. That felt awesome! Not. So I began pushing again. After two hours of pushing the doc decided that baby was stuck coming around "the corner" and wanted to try using the vacuum.

Now a whole new set of problems was about to happen. First of all, they couldn't find a suction cup thingie small enough for me. Huh? Whatever. They had to go find some special one, and when they did the doc couldn't attach it properly because I was too swollen. He kept saying, "This has never happened before." Great. Thanks. Then the dude goes and drops the suction on the floor and off the nurses go in search of ANOTHER specially sized do-hickey. Lovely. So, they finally get the right size, and get it attached, and I push for about another half and hour. At one point I told the doctor that it felt like my tailbone was going to break to which he replied, "Well, that could happen." WHAT? I actually sat straight up and said to him, "WHY? WHY on EARTH would you tell me that right now? You want me to push after that???" I was pretty upset. Somehow I pushed anyway.

And finally, after two hours of labor (very short, I know) and three and a half hours of pushing (very long, I know) Joseph was born with his umbilical cord wrapped tightly around his neck. He was fairly healthy except for the huge black and blue, bloody bruise he had on his head from the vacuum. Poor little guy. They set him on my chest for a few seconds while they cleaned him off and then took him to a warmer. A little while later I was able to hold him and I didn't let him go for a long time.

My recovery was horrible. I couldn't sit, stand, or lie down comfortably for almost two months, but because this was my first baby I didn't know that was unusual. When I told my doctor about that at my 6 week check up he confirmed that I did indeed break my tailbone. Lovely.

Birth #2- It was almost two weeks before my due date when Todd got up at 6:00 a.m. on a Monday morning to go to work and I decided to skip sleeping in for an extra hour like I normally did and got up with him. I had been having some strange gas pains that would come and go and I just wasn't comfortable lying down anymore.

After a few minutes I realized I didn't have gas and the pains kept coming and going. I started timing them and they were about 5-7 minutes apart. When the intensity started to pick up I figured I may be in labor and called my mom. I wasn't sure I wanted her to come over yet, because I wasn't even sure I was in labor. The last time my water broke and I knew for sure, but this was all new to me. Plus I had some resting time in between the contractions and that was something I wasn't used to either.

Still, my mom and dad arrived a few minutes later and off to the hospital Todd and I went. We got to the hospital at about 7:00 and the nurse checked me right away. I was 8 cm. I couldn't believe it. The contractions kept up good and strong, but with the few minutes of a break in between them this labor seemed like a piece of cake compared to the first one. I opted to go completely natural with only ice chips to sooth me. Watching the video of me during the labor is so funny because I look so calm, making jokes, and laughing. I even remember saying, "Is this what labor is usually like? I can TOTALLY do this. Piece of cake!" We couldn't even video the first labor because I was too busy digging holes in Todd's arms with my fingers, crazy with pain.

Shortly before 8:00 I started pushing. Wow. I thought the pushing hurt with the spinal, but this was insane! The next thing I know the doctor on call (again, not my doctor, but a super sweet, awesome, and supportive lady I grew to love) is telling the nurse to hit the call button and calling some kind of code for a bunch of nurses to come in and help. Four more nurses run into the room, Todd gets pushed to the back corner of the room, and two nurses on each side of me jump on top of the bed and begin pushing down on my belly with all their strength. All the while everyone in the room is screaming at me to push, though I am so scared I don't even know if I am doing anything anymore. There was so much pain from the pushing, and the nurses smashing my belly, and the fear. I didn't know what was going on. Perhaps I should have had some drugs.

After a few minutes of insanity Thomas was born. I was then told that he had been a shoulder distocia. Tommy's head came out but his shoulders were stuck. And to make matters worse his umbilical cord was wrapped tightly around his neck twice. The doc didn't want to cut the cord because she didn't know how long he would be stuck. It was a very dire situation for a while there, and I didn't get to see him after he was born. They wisked him down to the NICU where they gave him an IV of sugar water and watched him closely. He was not crying much, was a whitish purple, and was not moving his arms at all. They were afraid his nerves may have been damaged, paralyzing his arms.

After a few hours on the IV he was taken off and I was finally able to see him. I didn't let him out of my arms for a very long while after that. And to think that my biggest fear had been that I would break my tailbone again. A broken tailbone no longer seemed like a big deal.

My recovery from Tommy's birth was virtually non-existent. I was up and walking around immediately and couldn't believe how good I felt. I was taking long walks with my parents and my two boys the day after I came home from the hospital. It was quite different from my first recovery.

Birth #3- My doctor wasn't sure whether we should just do a C-section after my last labor because of the shoulder distocia, so I did my own research. It seemed to me that the distocia happened because I had been lying flat on my back for part of the pushing, and it had nothing to do with the size of the baby or my size. I opted to go for a vaginal delivery again.

I assumed (you know what they say about that, right?) that because the first two boys were early this boy would be early as well. I had been having solid and painful contractions starting a month before my due date, so I was just SURE that baby would be early. Every couple of days I thought I was going into labor. The contractions would keep up for hours, and then just stop.

Three weeks before my due date I began cooking meals and treats for my boys to eat while I was in the hospital. I cleaned the house everyday and made sure everyone had tons of clean clothes and plenty of groceries. I kept that up for three weeks. My due date came and went. A few days after my due date I started acting somewhat hysterical in the doctor's office, half laughing, half crying. My doctor suggested I be induced, though he knew I was opposed to that from the beginning. But I must admit it was starting to sound like a good idea. I said, "I guess I just want reassurance that if I am not induced that... that..." and I couldn't finish my sentence because I was laughing so hard (with tears). Todd finished my sentence for me by saying, "that this baby will eventually come out!" And all I could do was point at Todd, nod my head, and laugh/cry.

That seemed to seal the decision for everyone and I was scheduled for an induction in two days. The night before the induction I was lying on the couch at around 7:00 and felt some light contractions. We put the boys to bed and I continued to time them. They got closer and closer. Still I wasn't sure I was in labor because I had had these types of painful contractions for the last month. I wanted them to be in a very regular pattern before I made my move to the hospital. My parents had planned on coming over at 10:00 and staying the night so that Todd and I could leave in the very early morning. We waited for mom and dad to get to our house and then we decided it was time to leave for the hospital.

I had been contracting for just over three hours (well, a month and three hours) when the nurse
checked me. I was 4 cm. I was so disappointed. I had moved so much quicker with my other boys that I was sure I would have been close to 10 cm already.

The contractions stayed steady but I did not progress much. The doctor on call (AGAIN, not my doctor but yet another lady doctor who did a fine job) broke my water to speed things up. Not much happened. A couple hours later on call doc decided to give me pitocin. That stuff is no joke and really picked up my contractions. I decided to get some IV drugs to help me deal with the pitocin. Though it didn't help that much with the pain it did make me feel kind of drunk in between contractions, and that was fun.

A few hours after the pitocin was started I began pushing. After a short 10 minutes Benjamin shot into this world like a rocket. He was pink and screaming and flailing his arms. My only baby so far to make a good, healthy entrance into the world. And my only baby to get a good solid APGAR (9!) score. I was thrilled.

The recovery was okay. I had a tear that didn't heal properly, but after breaking a tailbone I dealt with the tear fairly well.



So there you have it. Three births, all completely different. I wonder what will be thrown at me this time. It is kind of strange but I almost look forward to the labor. I get such a high afterwards., I feel like superwoman. Like I can do anything. Add to that a brand new, sweet, bundle of joy and you just can't go wrong. As long as everyone ends up healthy it is all good. I'm excited to see how it all pans out this time.

I just can't believe it is only 30 days away.

Belly Shot- 8 Months

With the construction of the new house under way, and the closing date on our house approaching, I finally feel like I have time to focus on the arrival of the little lady. And WOW. I am getting so excited.

I have finally started picking up little items of clothing for baby girl. It helps to take my mom along shopping with me because the woman just can't keep her hands off the cute clothes. She just keeps chucking little outfits in the cart. Very fun.

Of course, I still don't have a room to decorate, or even a dresser to put the clothes in, but I am caring about that less and less. I've decided that until the new house is ready to move into baby girl can sleep in my room in the pack n' play that we currently have. And the changing table that Ben no longer needs can work as a make-shift dresser if I can find some pretty little baskets for it. Just thinking about little things like that gets me so excited. Being able to plan and sort and get ready for another baby. It just makes me overwhelmingly giddy.

I think baby girl senses my excitement lately because she is rolling and kicking nonstop. It is so fun to watch my belly bounce. The other night I had the boys put their hands on my belly so they could feel her hiccups and their eyes became big as saucers. They want her to come out RIGHT NOW, and I have to explain to them over and over that she isn't ready yet and that we want her to stay put for a while longer so she can be healthy and strong. Still, it is hard for them to wait. I must say, I know how they feel.

The Poll

This week will prove to be one of the busiest we've had in a while, though recently we've had some real doosies. I don't feel much like talking about it now so I'll just ignore it. They do say that ignorance is bliss, yes? I tend to agree. Perhaps I'll have the energy to fill you in on the details tomorrow. But it is a rainy Monday today, and I have loads of laundry to do, so I'll keep this post short and sweet and ignore the hysteria that will most likely be coming this week.

Thank you all for your input on our girlie names. It was so fun to read your thoughts on our favorites. Here are the ones that are making it onto the poll, and the reasons why:

It looks like Grace is your favorite so far, which is very exciting for me. I know some were concerned with it's gaining popularity but it isn't even in the top twenty in our area and the only Grace we know is 90 some years old. And there were far fewer Graces last year than the year before in our area. So, I am less concerned about the popularity of it than I was before. I also liked what TAC had to say about it. "Having a 3-year-old "Grace" of my own, of course my vote will be Grace! It is becoming popular, but every time you tell someone her name, they always 1)love it 2) say how pretty that name is 3) have a story about a Grace they once knew!!" I've discovered the same thing in telling people we are considering Grace. Plus, there is the added bonus of little lady having the same initials (if we go with Grace Marie) as my mom. I think that is neat since all of the boys' middle names are after their grandpa or dad. And then of course you factor in my longtime obsession with the name, and it is clear that Grace is in the lead in my mind.

Bella is another favorite of yours. And while it is probably my second favorite it seems that every time I turn around someone has named their dog Bella. Hmpf. AND, when people ask the boys' names I always go in order; Joseph, Thomas, and Benjamin. Add Bella to that and the Benjamin, Bella thing doesn't sound great to me. Plus our last name begins with a B (and is two syllables) and then it just becomes a tongue twister or something. Still, I can't bring myself to take it off our list just yet. I love the name. Isabella (which a few of you have suggested using as a formal name for Bella) was #4 in our area (and has been used by two of my friends already) which is way too high up on the popularity list for me. And I can't hear Isabella without thinking of my brother's crazy, round as a barrel, springer spaniel that they affectionately nicknamed Dizzy Izzy. So Isabella (though it is a pretty name) is not an option for us. Just Bella. And Bella isn't even in the top 100 so far. Yep. I still like Bella.

I was surprised by how many of you loved Lauryn. I have loved that name for a long time but every time I bring that name up to people I've gotten mixed reviews. It was nice to see that there are a lot of you out there that really like it too. I guess the only problem I have with it is the meaning of the name is pretty weak and the nicknames aren't my favorite. Still, it is definitely going on the poll.

The last one added to the poll is Audrey. The hubby is rolling his eyes right now because he doesn't even like that name very much so that should immediately disqualify it. But it doesn't. Cause I love it, and now I know you do too. So there. ;)

And those are our top four that make it onto the poll. I still love all the other names on the list but there are reasons in my mind that they don't work. I think they will still all make it onto the list we take to the hospital (and maybe even some we haven't thought of yet), but probably aren't real contenders.

Knowing how I feel about the names, and taking into account your feelings of each of the names, which of the four is your favorite? Please scoot on over to my sidebar and cast your vote now!

Hmm. This post wasn't as short as I'd intended it to be. Long winded much?

TT: The Name Game

I have had the same girlie name picked out for my imaginary daughter ever since I was about 8 years old and I heard it on Little House on the Prairie. No, don't you worry. It isn't Nellie. ;) It is Grace. Baby Grace. The minute I heard it I fell in love and said, "I want a baby Grace!"

For a long time I never thought I would get the opportunity to use that beautiful name. And now I have the opportunity, and guess what. I don't know if I'll use it! Todd loves it, and I still love it too. But now that I have the chance to name a baby girl all these beautiful names keep popping into my head. The list seems never-ending. Where did all these gorgeous names come from? The possibilities are endless!

So, for today's Thursday Thirteen I thought I would give you the top thirteen on my list and have you help me to narrow it down. Only a couple months to go and we have to have a name ready! Help me out!

Here they are:

1- Grace: Still in my favorites list. I love all of the different meanings of the name; God's blessing, graceful, God's favor, quality pleasing for it's charm or refinement, seemingly effortless beauty or charm of movement. So pretty! And I love the nickname Gracie. So sweet. The only drawback is it's recent popularity. When I first heard the name it was very old-school and seldom used. Now it is really gaining popularity. It isn't in the top ten, which is good, but in the top twenty. Hmm...

2- Bella: Yes, I am hugely obsessed with Twilight, but that is not why I love this name. I love the name meaning on this one too. Beautiful. Very sweet and feminine. And I like the possible nicknames of Bells or Ella. The drawbacks are that people will assume I named her after the Twilight character, and that I know so many people who are naming their pets Bella. Is it more of a pet name? I don't know.

3- Lauryn: This one has been at the top of my list since high school when I was obsessed with Lauryn Hill of The Fugees. Love her (although I recently heard that she has gone kind of cuckoo). And I think it is such a pretty name and I love "L" names. I like the Lauryn spelling better than Lauren (remember I spell my name Kathryn, so that is kinda cutsie, huh?) too. The drawback is that the meaning is "from the laurel". Lame-o. Name meanings are important to me and that one I don't like. Plus I am not a huge fan of any of the nicknames for Lauryn, and I am a big one for nicknames.

4- Sabrina: I love the movie Sabrina. And I think the name is just lovely. However, it is well known because of the super depressing poem Sabrina Fair. So I'm not sure how I feel about that. Plus it means From the River Severn. What the crap is that?

5- Layla: There go the L sounds again. Just a pretty name. The meaning is night, or black. No great nicknames either. Plus Todd immediately thinks of the Clapton song and it puts him off a bit. Still, I think it is pretty.

6- Lola: See what I mean about the L names? Love them. Unfortunately the name means sorrow. Don't like that. Plus Todd says she would have to be a showgirl (the Manilow song). "Her name was Lola, she was a showgirl". ;)

7- Lily: That is a great L name. But it is SOOOO popular where we live. I do love flower names for girls. I think that is very sweet. It doesn't really have a nickname though, does it? And Todd isn't a super fan.

9- Rose: This one is the boys' favorite. They love the name Rose. I like it too, but not as much as the others. Another pretty flower name. Todd doesn't like it at all because it makes him think of Rosie O'Donnel (who he can not stand).

10- Audrey: A very old school name. I think my interest in it is strictly because of Audrey Hepburn. Can ya blame me? Love her. And it means Noble Strength. How cool is that? Very. Can't really think of any nicknames for it though.

11- Anna: Just such a sweet name. And it works great for a little girl or a grown up. It means Gracious or Merciful. That is beautiful. And I love my biblical names (as you can tell from my boys' names). BUT, my sister's name is Anne, and I don't know if I'd want to give her a big head. ;)

12- Elizabeth: Always a classic. Means God is my Oath. Very nice. So many nicknames to choose from too. Just a great name all around. Very old school, but not widely used right now. I'm not even sure I've brought this one up to Todd so I don't know how he feels about it. I think it is very pretty.

13- Sierra: A bit more modern than the rest of my old school list. I think it sounds exotic and beautiful. Todd doesn't like it that much. It means mountain. Umm. Okay. Not great. And nicknames? Can't think of any. Still, very pretty name, though I'm not sure it works well with the boys' names.

Okay. There you have it. I'm sure I'll think of more names down the road. Todd and I always take a name list to the hospital and then pick a name from the list once we see baby. But I think only once was the name that we chose high up on the list. It seems like once we get to the hospital we think of a name that has not come up before or that was lower on the list. We're weird like that.

We are thinking the middle name will be Marie, after Todd's grandmother. And Hello! We are Catholic, people! Have to get that in there somewhere. ;) If we chose Grace, baby girl would have the same initials (GM) as my mom. I love that. But if we chose Bella than we might change the middle name to Grace because Bella Grace just sounds so good. Decisions, decisions!

So, what are your favorites from the list? Are there any names that I should have put on the list? Any personal favs of yours that you'd like to share?

I will take the top 5 or 6 names and put them in a poll on my sidebar next week. Thanks for your help, all!

WW- Belly Shot- 7 Months

Okay, people. There is your shot. I know I have been absent for quite a while. I'll have to do a summary of what has been going on the last week or so. Just not today. No time! But I did want to give you a belly shot because I am always obsessed with lady's baby bellies.

And yes. I've been stress eating, as indicated by the bootie. But can you tell me this? Why do I look smaller with my belly covered? Is that weird or what? You would think that more layers would make me look bigger, but it doesn't. See?

Whatever.

PSF- Belly Shot- 6 Months

Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek
It's heeeeere! And it is really looking like a baby belly now, and not like I've had a few too many donuts. Though I may have.
Because, oh dear. I am packing some serious junk in that trunk. Wooh!

Belly Shot- 5 Months

There it is! It is starting to poke out. Though mostly, I just look thick. I think I may be switching to maternity jeans soon so I don't break the button on these. Might be wise.

And can I get an "AMEN!" to the return of the K-Lo bootie? I mean, sheesh! I think that thing is bigger than the belly. See what happens when I stop running?

Making It Real

Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

When my mom stopped over with bakery on Tuesday morning she asked me if it had sunk in yet. Was I finally starting to believe that I was going to have a little girl? Of course, I said "no". I still felt funny referring to the baby as "she" and I hadn't even thought of picking out a cute little pink outfit yet.
I guess my mom thought she would help make it more real for me, because as I arrived home later that morning with my minivan full of groceries I saw a precious little pink outfit hanging on my door. A big smile spread across my face, and I knew right away who the gift was from.
It was the perfect little outfit. Nothing too frilly and fancy. Nothing with scratchy lace, or frilly, uncomfortable, froo-froo ruffles. Nothing too pink, or too loud. Just a simple little cream colored shirt in soft cotton, tastefully decorated with a few flowers, and matching pink shorts. Just looking at it made my stomach do flip flops.
I hung it on the inside of our front door for everyone in the house to see, and even the boys oohed and aahed over the sweet outfit. Joey kept saying, "Isn't this just the cutest thing ever? Mama, isn't our baby gonna look just SO, SO CUTE?" And Tommy added over and over, "This is for our little baby GIRL. She is gonna look so pretty! Our little GIRL!" Even Ben had to point and say, "Baby!" every time he walked by.
And I don't know if the outfit has worked it's magic or not. I don't know if it is sinking in yet. It may just take me a while. But it sure is nice to have a little bit of pink in this house.
We all think so.

Drum Roll, Please...

So, I know you've all been waiting patiently (some more patiently than others-hehe) to find out our big news. I won't drag it out any longer than I already have (phone calls had to be made before I could blab it all over the internet).

Our little baby is a...


















wait for it...
























it's coming...





































A BABY GIRL!

Can you freaking believe it? I can't. I'm still in shock. When referring to the baby I still trip over saying "she". I don't know if I think she is going to spontaneously sprout a penis in the next few months but I keep thinking, "what if baby really is a boy and then he'll feel bad that I kept calling him a girl". I know. I'm lame. I'm just so used to boys. This is going to be like being a first time mom all over again.

The ultrasound went swimmingly. The ultrasound tech was the best we've ever had. I told her how I'm usually nervous, thinking of all the things that could be wrong, so she explained every step of what she was doing. It was so fun. She was very enthusiastic and told us over and over again that baby looks perfect. She was so patient trying to get every perfect shot she could while baby moved and flipped and bounced all over. She couldn't believe the positions this baby contorted herself into. Baby was hiding behind my placenta, and upside down, and then would flip in a second. It was crazy. The tech was also very patient with me when I made her confirm, confirm, confirm, confirm, confirm, and confirm again that baby is a girl. Anytime she would get anywhere near the baby's bottom she'd say, "See? Still no penis." And then at one point the umbilical cord was in between baby's legs and she said, "Nope. That's the umbilical cord." before I could even ask. It was very funny. She was fabulous. And she didn't even get huffy when the doc came in and I asked him to confirm as well.

Doc took one look and said, "That's a vagina! Trust me, I see them all day long. I don't know much, but this I know..." I was laughing so hard I was afraid I would pee my pants.

Still, it hasn't really sunk in.

I am just so relieved baby is doing so well. Doc said that everything is looking fabulous. Baby is right on schedule. The only thing he mentioned is that my placenta is attached a little low, but not too close to my cervix, so it won't be a problem. However, he said I will feel tons of movement because of where the placenta is and how baby is situated. That explains why I felt the kicking so early.

Our families are all very excited for us. We are so very excited. And the boys are excited to have a little sister to love on. I'm sure as it all sinks in my excitement will just grow more and more.

So, for your viewing pleasure, here is our little lady.

(profile view- see her little hand by her face?)

(This is one of my favorite shots because it looks like she is doing the plow pose in yoga. Her head is on the bottom, her torso is on the right hand side, and her legs are going straight across her face. HAHA! Silly little girl.)

As it turns out approximately 78% of you guessed correctly. That is craziness! Great job! Thank you for taking such interest and making this even more fun for me.

In A Little While

In a little while I will see you for the very first time.
I'll see you kick and move,
Roll and bounce.
I'll see how straight your spine is,
How strong your heart beats.
I'll see your ten fingers
and your ten toes.
And though I am already incredibly bonded to you
seeing you will make that bond so much stronger.

Your mama is a worrier.
I worry about you, my baby.
I pray that you are strong and healthy,
happy, safe, and cozy.
And I pray that God makes me
the perfect mama for you.
To be strong, capable, and accepting
No matter who you are
Or what your strengths and weaknesses are.
I already love you with all my heart.

And I can't wait to see you,
In a little while.

Wrapped In Love

Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek
When I was pregnant with Joey my mother-in-law gave me a precious gift. It was a beautiful, blue baby blanket that she had knit for Todd when he was a baby. It was the only thing she had ever knit which made it all the more special to me. She was hoping that my son, her grandson, could be swaddled in that same blanket and brought home from the hospital in it just as his daddy had been. I was moved to tears.

Of course, I did use that blanket to wrap Joey in and bring him home from the hospital. I loved the idea of him coming home in his daddy's baby blanket. There is something so romantic about it. And there is something so loving about a mother taking the time to make her baby a blanket that I was inspired to try it myself.

I enrolled in the first class I could find. A crocheting class. I learned how to crochet in a few weeks and set out making Joey his own baby blanket. I found the softest, fluffiest yarn of the purest sky blue. And though I did not attempt any fancy patterns, I was pleased with the outcome of his blanket.

When Tommy and Ben came along, they too were wrapped in their daddy's blanket and brought home from the hospital in it. And waiting for them at home were their own blankets that I had made. Each made with the same soft, fluffy yarn of slightly varying shades of blue.

The boys love their blankets. Occasionally, they'll snuggle up on the couch with their respective blankets. Sometimes they lie in the sunny spots in the sunroom with them.
And sometimes they just like to be goofy with them.
But most of the time the blankets stay draped over their beds ready for use when the mood strikes.

Now I have another little one on the way. Soon I will start yet another blanket. But no matter which craft store I have searched I have only seen three shades of blue in my favorite soft, fluffy yarn. If this baby is a boy I will be searching high and low for one more shade of blue so that he too can have his own baby blanket made my his mum.

Or maybe. Maybe I won't be reaching for blue yarn at all. I really don't know. I guess I just can't imagine that scenario. We'll find out soon enough. And whether baby is a boy or girl, he/she will be wrapped in daddy's blanket on the way home from the hospital. And waiting at home will be the softest, fluffiest baby blanket.

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The ultrasound is Monday. Don't forget to place your bets on the sidebar! What do you think? Blue or pink yarn?