38 Weeks Pregnant

5 weeks 38 weeks

My how my belly has changed!!! I am now 38 weeks pregnant. One more week to go. The induction date is scheduled for Monday January 5th. I am so ready to be done and hold my little boy. Shock has not worn off that in just 6 days I will have a toddler AND a newborn. Yowza!

I Forgot Too Easily

I am a firm believer that people should live together before getting married. I'm not saying you have to be intimate or "do the deed" with your significant other, but it is important (to me anyway) that you really know who you are marrying. Dave and I lived together for a few years and I learned pretty much every god awful annoying habit of his and learned how to either deal with them, change them, or complain about them without him wanting to leave me. Most annoying on the list are: chewing with his mouth open, snoring, tapping his feet, pacing... and the list goes on. But you get used to those sorts of things and eventually you get over them.

Well, after living without him for 5 months, I have apparently forgotten ALL of these annoying habits. And let me tell you, they came back full force this weekend. Maybe its because I am sick and 38 weeks pregnant, but man oh man, did these habits drive me bonkers. How horrible of a wife am I that I was a little glad he was leaving today so I could have the bed to myself??? No more snoring, no getting kicked, no one taking up my side of the bed, no one's elbows in my face, no one's breath on me (I HATE feeling someone breathe on me, especially when I am trying to sleep). Please do not get me wrong, I love my husband dearly and wouldn't trade him for anyone in the world. But at 3am when I haven't been sleeping for 3 hours, I really want him to be somewhere else.

Please send happy money thoughts our way so that we can afford a bigger bed when we move so these problems will be resolved! 2 adults and 2 cats should NOT be sharing a double bed. This should be illegal!

Feline Fridays - A day late

An oldie, but a cutie!! This is Alice at about 4 months old. She had only been in our house for a few weeks and already took over Dave's pillow. She was so TINY and delicate. Then I got her and fattened her up. Ha!

Merry Christmas!!!

Merry Christmas everyone!

Unfortunately I'm not thinking quite clearly and have yet to get a picture of Jordan, Dave, and I together since October, so hopefully I can get one before the weekend is over and Dave returns to Norfolk.

Anyway, we had a lovely Christmas. The day started out with me baking peanut butter cookies. I taught Jordan the valuable lesson of learning how to lick the spatula!


Then, after an unsuccessful attempt to nap, Grandpa came over and took us to the airport to pick up Daddy!!!


Then we opened presents at home. Jordan got lots of books and a cool Fisher Price Little People house from Mommy and Daddy. What does it say of Mommy that both her and Jordan's favorite noise it makes is the toilet flushing??? Seriously, its so cool!

After that, we headed on over to Grandma and Grandpa's house where Jordan got the coolest present of all... her first train set!!! This gift is probably the best thing she has ever gotten in her entire life. She is in love with the trains and has such a good time with them. Today she skipped breakfast (unheard of!) to play with her trains. Mommy is already looking on ebay to get more track pieces. Ha ha!

But the best present of all? Having Dave/Daddy home... no comparison. We're so blessed to have our family together for the holiday that presents, food, etc... nothing else matters to me. We're together, as we should be!

I hope everyone out there in blog world was able to experience a wonderful Christmas like I did.

Always around the holidays

Kids have an uncanny ability to get sick at times most inconvenient for us adults. Last month Jordan got pink eye right before Thanksgiving. Thankfully it showed up on Wednesday and I was able to get her a doctor's appointment and drops before the office closed. For Christmas, Jordan is developing quite the nasty cold. She has been hacking up her lungs since last night. Lots of Vics vaporrub got us through the night. She was in good spirits this morning so I reluctantly took her to daycare. She was fine, but still hacking her lung. Lets keep our fingers crossed that it is ONLY a cold and she doesn't develop something worse on Christmas or over the weekend.

I haven't been on the blog for a few days... it was a CRAZY weekend. Trip to triage at the hospital Friday late afternoon because of insane pain I was having. Dave coming home, thinking we were going to have Ben (who of course is quite content in his mansion and showing no signs of coming out in 2008). At my 37 week appointment today, the doctor said I was still only 1cm dilated and wasn't showing any signs of going into labor anytime soon, so no induction date has been set. Hopefully next week??? All the pain I was having this weekend was because of how Ben is being carried. Ie, out and LOW. All my muscles are shot at this point and are unable to handle the strain Ben is putting on me. Lovely. But Dave will be back for the weekend, so Jordan and I are quite thrilled to get to see him TWICE this month!

Sunday we helped my parents decorate their Christmas tree. It looks lovely. Jordan is quite impressed with the ornamental red trumpets that actually make noise when you blow through them. These were always my favorites growing up as I found the noise fun to produce and it also had an annoyance affect on my family. Seems Jordan has inherited this from me! I don't think she understands the concept of Christmas, so its probably a good thing we haven't really gone all out this year. Next year we'll probably do the whole Santa thing and a stocking, when she can appreciate it more.

Feline Fridays

I decided I need to start a weekly post about something and have picked the cats. Well, mostly, I mean Royboy. For a cat so fat and lazy, he can sure be entertaining!



Roy is an exceptionally tolerant cat when it comes to toddlers. Lately he's been letting Jordan pile things on him. Here he is from a few weeks ago with a magnadoodle, a sailor hat, under the sailor hat are about a dozen crayons, and construction paper. He stayed like this about fifteen minutes before getting up. Good kitty!!

And the winner is....

THE BOOKSHELF!!!





That's right... Jordan tripped at daycare over NOTHING and smashed her face into a bookshelf. Why does she have this habit of getting black eyes or a scraped up face near holidays?



I love this photo. This is a common occurrence lately. She loves to have her cars/doll on the tray when she's eating.

More Degrees Means Less Common Sense

A friend of mine was recently telling me about some "trouble" her boss was getting into. Her boss had 3 university degrees yet common sense seemed to have escaped her in this particular situation. After many emails back and forth I started to think about my dad.

I love my dad. I've always been a total daddy's girl and am proud of it. I also hold my dad in very high regards. In first grade we were supposed to do an interview of someone we admired, and I interviewed my dad. He's one of the smartest people I know. He is pretty important in his field (theoretical chemistry) and is quite sought out by many people for his expertise and knowledge. Yet for some reason, when my dad graduated from MIT with his Phd, he was required to swap the new title of Doctor for his common sense.

Here are some examples of my dad's lack of common sense:
- He has put his shorts on backwards and did not realize so (they were short shorts... could NOT have been comfortable even worn the correct way)
- He has had to pay full price on a turnpike because when he entered the turnpike he thought that the "ticket" lanes meant you had to have a ticket already, which he didn't because he was ENTERING the turnpike, so he took the "easy pass" lane.
- He once went through a stop sign on the way home from work (blamed me because I was talking to him... even though he drives home this way EVERY DAY since 1978) so he backed up to make the stop sign
- He put on my sister's purple coat once mistaking it for his green one... My dad is 6 feet tall and my sister is 5'1"
- He froze my lizard's crickets on the mile + walk home from the petstore in the dead of winter.
- After living in the same house with Dave since 2004, he still needed directions.
- When teaching me how to drive, he insisted I learn how to back up into a parking space. Keep in mind, this was the FIRST time I had ever been behind the wheel. So naturally I ran into the "Principal Parking Only" sign and dented the car.

Anyway, the list could go on and on.
None of these instances make me think any less of my dad. I just assume he's too busy working out some major science problem in his mind instead of thinking about anything else. Which is most likely true.

36 Weeks Pregnant

Front view Side view

I think Ben has dropped. Especially from the front view, my belly looks like its hanging much lower. And its harder down near the bottom than it ever has been. Oh and the other clue is the increase of pelvic and hip pain. Nothing unbearable though. It is those damn hormones that are making me want to scream "GET THIS KID OUT OF ME!" I am an emotional wreck 80% of the time, and poor Dave probably is damning the webcams we got because now he has to see me cry as well as hear me when we talk in the evenings.

I seriously cannot imagine getting any bigger in the next 4 weeks. Its just not possible. Besides, even my longest shirts are now getting a bit short, and I am NOT buying new maternity clothes a month before I have my baby. So I apologize world if I start showing skin, but get over it!

Here is a video I took the other day. I was debating whether or not I should put it on the blog, but it is just too weird NOT to share. I still think one of these days Ben is going just rip open my skin and start dancing like the alien at the end of the movie Spaceballs.

Success!!

I must be the ONLY parent who is TRYING to find a dessert type food that their child likes. Jordan ate chocolate cupcakes on her first birthday, but since then has not been a fan of any sort of cakes. She has taken a few bites of ice cream cake at a few birthday parties, but that's about it. Ice cream gets a lick or two then pushed away, except for the ONE time when I got her soft serve and she housed it. Lately (last few months) I have been baking a lot. Chocolate cookies were spit out and handed back to me. Pies at Thanksgiving were given a forceful NO when attempted to be tasted. Last week I made sugar cookies to bring into work. Jordan ate a few bites of dough... I gave her a little ball of dough to play with while I was rolling and cutting the rest, and she gobbled it up before I knew it, then asked for more. But go figure, the child would not eat the actual baked cookie.

Yesterday I decided to make my grandmother's recipe for peanut butter cookies. I LOVE this recipe. It is my favorite and it is not shared with anyone as it is the ONLY family recipe we seem to have that was passed down multiple generations. Jordan asked for some dough, so I gave her a little. She ate it again. I distracted her with bananas until the first batch was out of the oven. Once they cooled she ate 2 and kept asking for more! I can't believe it!! Success!

I'm thinking that for her birthday instead of getting or making a cake I will just bake a giant peanut butter cookie and decorate it. =)

This time last year

I thought since I posted a picture of Jordan next to the tree yesterday, that I should post one of her and the tree from last year. I can't believe how much my little girl has changed in a year. She's definitely outgrowing her title as Baby and moving onto Kid.

Her first....

Just some numbers for you

Today I am 35 weeks pregnant; 35 days until my estimated due date.

17 days until Christmas and Dave comes home for 2.5 days.

14 days until I am technically full term with this pregnancy.

5 more days to go to work over a 2 weeks span.

3 days without Facebook access (a whole other story... Lets just say pregnancy brain does not favor me)

Stay-Puff Marshamallow Toddler

I have fond memories of growing up in Pittsburgh in the winter time. I LOVE snow. I remember getting out our simple red plastic sleds and going down the front yard with my friends. In retrospect I'm shocked my parents let me since we lived on a busy street and there was a bit tree and often a car parked on the sidewalk in front of our yard. But they let me, and the double dip in our front yard made it even more fun. I remember snowball fights, and coming in with numb hands and drinking hot chocolate. I remember watching the snow pile up so high during a blizzard that the bushes in front of our house fell completely over. I remember our Spanish exchange student coming downstairs and asking my dad how the weather was outside and he said "nice" so she went out in a t-shirt and pants (in the same blizzard that bent our bushes back). Needless to say she was not as amused as dad and I were. But snow was something my friends and I looked forward to every winter. Not just because of the awesomeness of school being cancelled if there was too much snow, but because we gathered at each other's houses and enjoyed the beautiful white fluffy snow and created fond, lasting memories.

I am shocked that after living in Pittsburgh since 1997, Dave never went sledding. He never built a snowman with a carrot for a nose. He never enjoyed the fresh falling snow before it was turned so grayish slush by cars. I want my children to experience this snow. I want them to have fun with mother nature and not just sit inside because it is too cold to go outside, or just see it on TV because we live somewhere too warm. So here is my little snow bunny, nearing her second year of life, and enjoying freshly fallen snow.

Snow angels on the sidewalk?? Silly girl!

On a walk around the block.

New discoveries this week

Jordan and I have recently discovered new things this week. We both finally realized that Sesame Street is on at 6:30am, perfect time in the morning... Jordan can watch while I get ready for work. Jordan discovered she actually does like Sesame Street. I have discovered that the sound of Elmo's voice (especially when singing) makes me want to go on a homicidal rampage.

A friend pointed out last night that at least Jordan isn't watching Barney... at 6:30 in the morning I am not sure they are much different in my mind. But just in case, lets hope Jordan never discovers that incredibly creepy and annoying purple dinosaur.

Defending Our Territory

So I have debated putting these sorts of photos on my blog in fear that my mothering skills will be criticized. My daughter, like the cats, is in love with the windowsill. She would spend all day, every day perched up there with books and snacks if I let her. Once in awhile I do, when I am particularly tired, only to get her down to change diapers or for meals.

Occasionally Jordan will share her space with Royboy... but as a general rule the windowsill is Jordan Territory. Today we had friends over, and as a precaution, Jordan spent much of the playdate at ... you guessed it... the windowsill. To be fair, she did take a break to guard her books on the bookshelf and to eat lunch. The playdate went well, both toddlers played in opposite areas of the apartment until after lunch. Then blood got spilled. Unfortunately for the other toddler, Jordan felt her space was being invaded and "dropped" a book on the unsuspecting toddler. I would like to think this was an accident, but my better judgement says that Jordan did it on purpose. My deepest apologies to the bleeding toddler and the mom!!

34 Weeks Pregnant

Holy smokes I am having a baby next month!!! 3 more weeks until I am considered full term... where has the time gone??? A few people have said they think Ben will come early. Lets hope not. As much as I would love to not be pregnant anymore, I would love for Dave to be here for Ben's birth even more.

This pregnancy is going so fast, and surprisingly well considering I am working and taking care of a very active toddler by myself. Pain is pretty much diminished now, except for braxton hicks contractions every day or every other day. Last Friday I began to lose some of my mucus plug. Then quickly emailed my friends to tell them and gross them out. Ha ha!! Decided to spare my family that detail though, they were getting sick enough with all the turkey leftovers.

And if one more checkout lady at the grocery store makes a comment about how I look like I'm due much sooner, I will punch someone... Seriously.

Getting Into the Holiday Spirit

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

32 Weeks Pregnant!

OK, so I am posting this photo about 5 days late... better late than never! I am now almost 33 weeks pregnant. I have less than 2 months left until this little guy is estimated to arrive. My OB appointments are every 2 weeks... which makes things feel like they are going faster. I can't believe he'll be here so soon. That makes me a very happy mommy!

Sometimes I Really Like Math!

I was filling out my time card at work yesterday and I realized something... I have 54 sick hours accumulated. I have 60 hours left to work before my quit date of 12/19/08. If I do the math correctly, I only really HAVE to work 6 more hours before I quit.

Of course I won't do that, I would feel too horrible for our project coordinator. As far as I know the office has not hired another full time employee to replace me, therefore leaving our coordinator with 3 undergraduate students, 1 graduate student, 1 post-doc, and our boss. EEK!

I will, however, be using SOME of my sick time. It would be too stupid not to!

Speaking up for Myself

Before Dave left in August, many people told me they were here to support me and if I ever felt down or lonely they would come over and keep me company. People offered to watch Jordan so I could go out and have some alone time. In the 3 months since Dave has been gone I went out 3 times... once with my sister, once with a friend for my birthday, and once (for only an hour) for a close friend's going away get-together. 3 times in 3 months... Now, let me tell you how many times I've hung out with a friend when I was lonely... 7 times. 3 times with 1 friend, 3 times when my best friend and her family were in town, and 1 time with another. That makes 10 times total I saw people other than Jordan, my parents, or while I was at work. No... make that 11, someone stopped by once to help me take the a/c's out of the window (THANK YOU, btw =) )

Now, let me tell you how many times I have sat at home lonely... 73 days. 1 month of that I kept my mouth shut (except for a blog post here or there, and a few emails to close friends) while I sat at home crying myself to sleep or wondering if my husband was ok. I wondered when a friend was going to call to see how I was doing, or to say, hey, find a babysitter and we'll go out this weekend. Eventually I got over the crying stage and into a good routine with Jordan, found things to keep me occupied after she had gone to bed (nothing very productive, unfortunately). The past month has been a bit easier since I can talk to Dave every night, but those calls don't last too long and I eventually find myself alone, in a quiet apartment.

I have come to terms recently that this is my fault. How are people to know what I am feeling if I never talk about it? How are they to know I want to hang out if I don't ask them to? I have an amazing group of friends whom I talk to on a daily basis via internet, but 2 of them are out of the country, one lives in another state, and the last has 3 children (and a husband, need I say more... no, we do get together, today was fun!!!). My best friend has moved even farther away and has a very busy life. Another close friend just moved to Florida. It seems my number of available to hang out friends has dwindled. And how the heck is a pregnant mother of one supposed to make new friends? Its not going to happen. So if I want to stop sitting at home sulking every day, I need to let my needs be voiced. Only I can do this. But how?? I have tried to hint but maybe they are too subtle because I still don't get invites. In fact, one day I actually said "I NEED to hang out with people" and nothing... nada... was that not clear enough?

No wonder I've gained as much as I have with this pregnancy, food seems to be my only friend these lonely nights.

Excess Paper

One project I continually put off, because its a little tedious, is organizing our files. Dave and I bought a black bin to keep hanging folders in to organize our bill statements, documents we want to keep, manuals, etc etc. I knew I had not filed anything for about 5 months so I finally cleared out the bin and went through it a couple of weeks ago... Oh my God... I had statements all the way back to 2004! That is every month, for 4 whole years: bank statements (checking and savings), house phone, cell phone, cable for 2 years, electric, gas, water/sewage, multiple credit cards, car insurance, health insurance, paperwork from the vet, other household expenses, and so on. Now I have a shopping bag FULL of papers that need to be shredded. Did you know that in about 45 minutes of shredding you can fill a tall kitchen trash bag and STILL have barely made a dent in all that paper?!

I asked my mom the other day how long she keeps statements for. She responded "Just the previous month, unless I made a purchase on the credit card that I might have to refer back to, a big purchase, then I keep that statement as well". Right now I have every statement for 2008 filed. Maybe by 2012 I will have shredded them?

Some Photo Updates!!

Mommy put pigtails in Jordan's hair. SOOOOOO cute... though she was less than impressed. I might try a few more times to see if she gets used to them. These only stayed in about 3 minutes. I'd much rather do this than cut her hair, but she might leave me no choice.



My parents came over for dinner the other day and while my dad worked on my computer, Jordan and Grandma read books together.



When we were visiting Dave in Norfolk we went to the Aquarium and Marine Science Center. This neurotic squirrel was the highlight for Jordan... so glad I drove 9 hours for her to see something she could see at home!



With daddy at the Aquarium. It was difficult to get them both to look at the camera at the same time.



Jordan and mommy at the Aquarium. She did not want to be held!



Here is my little helper! I finally got around to vacuuming and swiffering the floors. Jordan LOVES to help and gets mad if I don't let her. Who am I to complain if my child wants to clean??


So that's about it around here. We're just back into our routines and life goes on. I have started thinking about Thanksgiving (pretty much daily) and am excited. I am in charge of dessert... thinking apple pies, mini pumpkin pies, mini raspberry/cherry pies, chocolate cake... mmmmmm!

Mean Blue Screen

I have been a blogging slacker again, and it is all my fault. My computer died on me last week... more accurately, I killed it. For some reason, starting Wednesday, I continually got blue screen of death and my computer shutting itself down. The error messages were short stories, and never made any sense to a computer-illiterate person such as myself. After many freak-outs, my dad (god bless him!) brought my computer to his office where he and his students have been working on it for days. And wouldn't you know it, the computer has not shut itself down ONCE for them. It has not given them blue screen of death, nor has it done some weird beeping thing that it did to me.

So, hopefully my computer gets returned to me this week and decides to behave for me. *Fingers crossed*. I promise to be a better computer momma. I will make sure virus software is updated. I will make sure to safely remove hardware (no, I have not done this for months and am always plugging in and out my camera and ipod. bad bad me!), I promise to not let the cat walk across the keyboard while I am eating my cereal in the morning.

On a random note, I just found my new girl scout cookie supplier. Oh boy do I wish it was cookie season!!

A Severely Damaged Ego

Yesterday Royboy had his yearly appointment at the vet. He is about 7 or 8 years old now, and a good ole boy. Following a tradition of "hearty" and "big boned" male cats in my family household, he weighed in yesterday at 18.5 pounds. Poor kitty gained a pound in a year. (Alice, whose appointment was last month, only gained 13 ounces and is now weighing in around 13 pounds). Well, as much as this vet loves healthy kitties, such as her own, 18.5 pounds puts Royboy at too much of a risk for heart disease or diabetes. I was guilted into buying him the prescription Purina OM food... OM stands for obesity Management. Oh his poor frail ego when he heard that. Royboy was so depressed yesterday all he could do was sleep on my bed.

God help me, I love a fat cat!!

30 Weeks Pregnant

Pregnant with Jordan Pregnant with Ben

Can you see the difference that I see???
I'm proving the old wives tale correct, girl higher and boy lower.

Another Journey to be Made

Jordan and I are embarking on another adventure this weekend... to see DADDY!! Yes, the man whom I love and Jordan adores with all her heart will be with us again for just a short weekend. Today Jordan, my lovely mother, and I will be driving to Maryland where we will spend the night with my sister, BIL, and their amazing children. Friday afternoon mom will stay with Erin while Jordan and I continue on to Norfolk, VA.... wish us luck. I do not do well driving new places nor with tons of traffic and no one to help me. Jordan is not a good navigator! Then we will spend Friday night through Sunday morning with Dave. WOOHOO!!! Sunday, drive back to Erin's where we will spend the night and get my mom. Drive home Monday morning.

Sounds pretty easy, right? WRONG! Apparently the third trimester has decided I had it way too easy during the second trimester. Yesterday I was plagued by back pains and body aches that would make you think I was dying from the dreaded man cold. My nose goes from severely dry to severely runny and is now bloody when I blow it. I am ballooning up faster than a clown can make a balloon wiener dog. And I am TIRED. Oh so tired.

Of course... this won't be stopping me from having certain relations with my husband this weekend. Yes. This fat, swollen, tired, momma still thinks *that* way, so get over it ;)

This is NOT a two-way relationship

If you read my post a few weeks ago about Ebay, you will know that I love it. Some may say if I allow myself onto the site that I am addicted to Ebay. However, Ebay is not showing me the same love I show it. I am trying to sell some of Jordan's old clothes. I have listed them on Ebay (and craigslist) and so far no bites. Share the love Ebay... Please!!

Are there any Ebay sellers out there that can give me some tips???

UPDATE: 11/5/08
My items DID sell! Woohoo! I didn't get as much as I wanted, but at least they sold and have been shipped. I am now about 10 dollars richer. I was also able to sell 2 pairs of shoes on craigslist. Niiiice. Now to go through all the rest of her 6-12 month clothes and all her 12-18 month clothes.

Third Trimester!

I am officially in the third trimester at 28 weeks pregnant. Technically I am 28 weeks and 6 days today, but who is counting? I feel HUGE... I have been wondering lately if I will be able to fit through the door by the time Benjamin wants to arrive. They might have to tear the wall down, think my landlord would be upset? Jordan still doesn't understand that she'll be a big sister in 3 months. She did point to my belly when I was talking about the baby yesterday, so maybe she is starting to realize what is going on, but I think it was just a coincidence.

This pregnancy has gone so fast. No complaints really until recently. The third trimester is hitting me hard with fatigue, inability to sleep, and headaches. I am peeing so much at night I wake up mildly dehydrated which gives me a headache every morning. NOT a fun way to wake up. I have to admit, my biggest complaint is weight gain. I know it is ALL my fault. When we found out I was pregnant, I vowed to do better and not gain as much as I did with Jordan (52 pounds). Unfortunately I suck at controlling pregnancy weight gain and am doing WORSE than when pregnant with Jordan. at 28 weeks I have gained about 41 pounds. HORRIBLE!! I am so upset and ashamed with myself. Good thing I started 20 pounds lighter, but still... I am disgusted. Its a shame that my anger and disgust with myself is not enough motivation to keep things under control. Oh well, might as well enjoy Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, right?? =)

Who says it pays to be nice??

Up until recently Jordan has not been known to have a gentle touch with people, critters, flowers, etc. But over the past few weeks nobody gets bitten, flowers have been touched more nicely, and cats are not purposefully kicked or stepped on. Today Roy was being his usual grumpy self on the sofa and Jordan was being incredibly sweet. What this video neglects to capture (unfortunately mommy turned the camera off too soon!) is that just moments after the clip ends, Roy decided he had enough kisses and thwacked Jordan in the dead center of her face!

So, lesson learned. It does NOT pay to be nice.


(EDIT TO ADD: I apologize for the quality. I JUST realized that you can't actually see Roy because of poor lighting... it was early, give me a break. He's that big fat black blob near the bottom. )

Navy Boot Camp Graduation

Last weekend Jordan and I ventured up to Great Lakes, IL to see Dave graduate. I am so proud of all his accomplishments, but this one really takes the cake! He is now a sailor and I couldn't be more in love with him as I am today.

Dave's Chiefs and Petty Officer.

893 Recruits became Seamen on October 17, 2008.

Dave playing tuba in the Recruit Band.

I am so glad that Jordan and I were able to make it! It was a rough journey (flying while 28 weeks pregnant with a 20 month old girl who hates being confined was a bit tough), but it was totally worth it. When Jordan and I got to the drill hall, about an hour before the ceremony was to begin (did NOT anticipate all that traffic, what was I thinking???), the drill hall was already packed. I find the seating area designated for Dave's division and there are a few seats in front. I think great because I'm massively pregnant and have a toddler in a stroller. But apparently first come, first serve doesn't apply to the man in front because he is saving all the seats. So I just stand in front of rows and rows of full bleachers... I'm full of so many emotions. anxiety, happiness, fear, confusion, anger, everything! I start crying. So embarrassing! Finally this one woman came down and helped me. She said she could make room next to her so we folded up the stroller and sat down in the space she made for us. Another woman went and found a Petty Officer to complain to about the man saving seats. The Petty Officer came over and asked if Iwas ok, I said yes now that a place to sit I was fine. I was still crying and the Petty Officer said "ma'am, you had better stop crying." I replied that I was trying! she said " because if you don't stop, then I will start, and I am not allowed to cry in public!" LOL!! Dave said usually the drill officers are HARD CORE and would never joke, so he got a kick out of that.

After that things only got better! =)

Navy Graduation Celebrations!

Jordan and Daddy back at the hotel after graduation. So happy to be together again!!



Goofing off at the hotel. Jordan was strangely attracted to this phone so I unplugged it from the wall.

Saturday we ventured into Chicago to visit the Children's Museum and the Navy Pier. I'm not a fan at all of driving in big cities, but somehow between Dave and I we managed not to get lost! Loving military IDs... we got in for free! The museum was fun, but most of it was geared towards children older than Jordan so we didn't stay too long. After wearing ourselves out at the museum we headed to the Pier for some massively greasy and delicious food!!

Jordan and mommy driving the ambulance at the museum.

Jordan and Daddy.

Dave heard the Jelly Belly factory/warehouse was near the hotel, so we decided to go Sunday morning. They had a cute free tour that told us all about how the company got started, how Jelly Beans are made, and other products the company makes. Afterwards you hold out the paper hats they gave you at the beginning of the tour and they fill them up with free samples! In the store at the end of the tour they have a sample bar where you can try different beans and salt water taffies. We were kids in a candy store... litterally. Couldn't resist buying more sugary treats!




Our parting was bittersweet. I hated leaving Dave, I just want our family to be together again. But at the same time an entire weekend of no naps and lots of travel made this preggo momma very very tired. I was glad to be going home to our apartment with our routine. Plus I missed the fur babies. (Who I am sure my parents spoiled just a little.) I take comfort in knowing I will be seeing Dave again very soon, and in not too long our family will be complete and together again.

BYEEEEEE!

Well, fellow bloggers, I am off to Great Lakes, IL today. Dave is graduating tomorrow morning and our family will be reunited for the weekend. I am so thrilled!!! Not sure Jordan understands quite yet what's going on, but she will when she sees daddy =)

I will post updates and photos next week!!!

Too Tired To Blog

As you can see, Jordan and I have been too tired this week to blog! Auntie Ceci and John are visiting, as is Ceci's sister, brother in law, and 3 nephews. It takes a lot out of us to hang out with that brood but its so fun that we can't resist. Cec did Jordan's hair while we were in the car... not sure this style will be repeated.

Pumpkin Time!!!

Jordan and I on the scenic hayride at Trax Farms. We got to see cabbage fields, corn fields, piggies, sheep, goats, and a lama.

Jordan, me, Erin (my sister), and my lovely niece Leah. Jordan and I were so pleased they were able to come visit all the way from Maryland!

Grandma, Jordan, Me, Erin. Grandpa apparently liked the sky more than our bodies. He needs to take photography lessons from Grandma!!

Jordan LOVED the pumpkins!!

After seeing all the big kids climb the pumpkin piles, Jordan tried too.

Did you see anything wrong with Jordan's nose? She had an unfortunate accident with the ground the day before going to the farm. She kept tripping while running (I thought she was just over-excited to be out of the stroller while on a walk, but it turned out her shoes were too small!!) and her face attacked the ground. Her poor nose got the worst of it. Lets hope it heals before visiting Daddy in less than 2 weeks!

The 26th Week

"By the 26th week, your baby will weigh about 1 ¾ pounds and be about 13 inches long. With this growth comes the development of your baby's features, including fingers, toes, eyelashes, and eyebrows. Around the fifth month, you might feel your baby move! By the end of this trimester, all of your baby's essential organs like the heart, lungs, and kidneys are formed."

Great, now my baby can wink and flick you all off!

Fearless Toddler

Jordan has no problem wandering away from mommy, no matter where we are. We went to the Zoo last week and it was a madhouse at the entrance, so we started at the end... which is the aquarium. She doesn't even look back to make sure I am still there!

Brrrrrr.

There was a time in my life when I was all for not turning on the heat until there was a blizzard outside. I believe I was early 20s and living off of more than I earned. I would wear a few shirts, sweatshirt, sweatpants with thermal longjohns, winter socks, shoes, gloves, hat... all while inside. And a thick blanket. Just to watch TV. For a singleton that's fine, we can all relate to situations like that. But when you are 6 months pregnant and have a 20 month old? No heat SUCKS. Its one for you to shiver and have cold toes, but quite another to see your daughter shiver while trying to eat a waffle for breakfast. Our heat is not working. The landlord could not get the pilot light to light and cannot get someone to come look at it until Monday... I tried turning on the heat Thursday. So that is 4 nights with no heat. I just received a space heater on loan from my dad. Thank you daddy!!! However, it makes me nervous leaving such things plugged in without supervision so it will stay in the living room and will only be on during the day. At night Jordan will be bundled up in blanket sleepers and her winter blanket and I will be bundled up as well. Send us warm thoughts please!

One Word Answer Challenge

I’m challenging all of my blogging friends to play along. This is not as easy as it looks!

(Thanks Boo for some procrastination!!!)

Your hair? dry

Your mother? supportive

Your father? goofy

Your favorite thing (not including people)? chocolate

Your dream last night? unmemorable

Your dream/goal? togetherness

Your favorite drink? water

The room you're in? laboratory

Your ex? unwilling

Your hobby? knitting

Your fear? loneliness

Where do you want to be in 6 year? Virginia

Where were you last night? home

What you're not? skinny

Muffins? cupcakes

One of your wish list items? Dave

Time? slooooooow

Where you grew up? Pittsburgh

The last thing you did? coding

Favorite weather? breezy

What are you wearing? clothes

Favorite book? hamlet

Your TV? Old

Your pet? lazy

Your computer? new

Your mood? tired

Missing someone? family

Your car? green

Something you're not wearing? earings

Favorite store? Target

Love someone? Yes

Favorite color/shade? blue

Last thing you ate? yogurt

Your life? pregnant

Your friends? away

What are you thinking right now? home

What are you doing at this moment? Duh!

Your summer? stressful

Your relationship status? married

What do you do when you can't sleep? think

When is the last time you laughed? today

Last time you cried? yesterday

Letter Day!

Wednesday means letter day from Dave! Woohoo!! Obviously I haven't received it yet, as its only 6:02 am (think I could convince the mailman to deliver this early??... probably not). But this happy thought it was gets me through my work day. Anyway, haven't had much to post lately, so here's a photo of Dave and I from Memorial Day Weekend 2006... just a few days pregnant with Jordan and didn't know it!!

Dave Updates

I couldn't think of much to post about so I thought I'd update everyone on how Dave is doing at boot camp.

September 15th he got his wisdom teeth out, just the left side. Only local anesthetic was used, so he was awake the ENTIRE time. Poor guy!! He's healed now and back to business as usual.

He passed the swimming test. Now he is concentrating on the Physical Fitness which he failed the first time. I think his next test is this week. Keep your fingers crossed that he passes!!

Dave has always had issues with shaving, if he shaves too often his face gets pretty cut up. In effort to stay clean shaven Navy standards, he really screwed up. So for the past month he's been put on what is called No Shave Chit. This basically means he's not allowed to shave at all until boot camp graduation. Dave is now fully bearded! I have NEVER seen him like that and so wish he was allowed to have a camera. His Chief Officer calls him Grizzly. LOL!!!

That's about it. Because its like "strict high school" Dave shuts his mouth and does what he is told and is rewarded for his maturity. Good boy!

Dave's birthday is next week (October 6th). So if you want to send him a card or a note then let me know and I will email you his address. I really want him to get my card ON his birthday, but I don't know how long it will take to get to him, so I bought a few and am sending them on different days. I'm such a dork!

Birthday Girl!

That's right folks, its that time again. The time we all dread as adults past the age of 21 (because really, after you can legally drink, what else is there to look forward to?) another birthday. I am 27 today. I thought I would enlighten everyone with some information about me that you may or may not know.

Stuff I HAVE to do:

I have to wear a watch. Its not that I have to know what the time is, I just have to have it. Although I glance at my watch often throughout the day, I don't really pay attention to what the time is.

I always wear a bra. When pregnant with Jordan I started wearing sleep bras because of how big my boobs got. I haven't gone bra-less since.

I have to check my email at least every 10 minutes when at work.

I have to have my legs crossed in some way. I hate sitting with my feet on the floor. Even when I played flute I would often practice with my legs crossed. I once was sitting indian style on my bed and fell completely over when particularly moved by a passage I was playing. My flute got nicked, my stand was dented, and I am sure I looked like a complete fool.

I have to sleep with sheets, and usually a blanket. Even in the summer without a/c, I have a sheet.

I have to clean myself in a particular order in the shower: Wet hair, wash face, shampoo, conditioner (but don't rinse yet), shave, wash body, rinse conditioner.

I have to pay bills by check, not electronically.

That's it for now. May add on to the list another time. =)

Things that go Creak-a-Creak in the night

I'm a pretty light sleeper, this is a well known fact. I wake up to the cat snoring, the other licking herself, I wake up when Dave scratches his leg. Last night at 1:33 in the morning I woke up to creaking from upstairs. A very distinct rhythmic creaking. OMG... the upstairs tenant is having sex. GASP!!! I haven't heard this noise coming from another apartment since I lived on my own about 4 years ago and that girl made our rented house literally shake. Thankfully nothing fell off my walls last night, but still... what a noise to wake up to. About 20 minutes later it stopped. I felt like I was staying in some cheesy hotel, like in movies, where you can hear the person in the next room and find condoms in your bedsheets. I wonder if I should leave her a note saying "Next time you are going to get lucky, let me know so I can sleep peacefully on my couch."

Daddy Doll

I don't have all that much to post. Not much has happened the past few days. I did buy my ticket to go to Dave's graduation and Liberty weekend in October. We'll be flying out Thursday, coming home Monday. I was a cheap-o and will be sitting Jordan on my lap instead of buying her a ticket (though really... how would I get her in the stroller, the car seat, and our luggage through the airport by myself??). Speaking of Dave... Jordan's Daddy Doll arrived a few weeks ago.

Not Just for children!

Well, THIS didn't happen last time

Since Dave left I have been having to drive myself to work. To save money I park up near Carnegie Mellon University behind a golf course and walk about 20 minutes to work. There is plenty of parking near my office but I'll be damned if I am going to shell out $8-$10 bucks a day when the weather is nice and I'm not waddling yet. Since I now am walking 2-3 miles a day I have finally remembered to update my Ipod. I recently discovered Pregtastic, a weekly podcast I can download from ITunes that hosts pregnant women and talks about all aspects of pregnancy symptoms, birth, and the first few weeks of the new baby's life. Needless to say this preggo momma is addicted. Anyway, I have discovered with this pregnancy that I cannot listen to people talk about breastfeeding without my boobs feeling as though they are growing and getting heavier! They start screaming at me "get that baby on us NOW"... What the heck? That didn't happen when I was pregnant with Jordan. Yet another thing different between the two pregnancies.

My veteran boobies are ready for ya Ben =)

Bigger every day....

Today I am 24 weeks pregnant. 5 months completed! I was thinking about my belly today and how this pregnancy is different than Jordan's pregnancy. According to "What to Expect When You Are Expecting" my uterus is now about 2 inches above my belly button. Apparently Ben has not received this memo. He much prefers to hang out below the belly button as if his home is staying the same size. Jordan, however, would go everywhere she was able to, especially higher up towards my ribs. This is the best part of the pregnancy though. No morning sickness, not too uncomfortable to do every day activities such as walking, and lots of lovely movement. I'm enjoying this while I can because before I know it I will hit that stage where nothing is comfortable, I won't be able to put on my shoes without some acrobatics involved, and everything below my belly will be greatly ignored.

Internet Woes

The internet is a great thing. There are more hypochondriacs in the world (thank you Webmd), there are more game addicts, people are broke (see previous entry), people can learn random facts (today's word of the day is beneficence), but in all seriousness, people can come together and "meet each other" from all over the world. I have met an amazing group of people on my addictive baby website, Babyfit. Most of them I met when found out I was pregnant with Jordan, some I met since her birth when asking numerous questions, like "When in God's name will she lose her cord stump??"... it was 3.5 months by the way. Yes, 3.5 months. I have really gotten to know these ladies over the years and consider many of them close friends. Unfortunately the internet is also bad. Very bad. Because once I log off my computer and feel the loneliness of my quiet apartment, I realize how far away these ladies are. Many of them are all over the USA, but some are as far as Australia, South Africa, Great Britain, France, and Canada. Oceans really suck by the way. And curse the airlines for making traveling so expensive (not that I particularly enjoy the idea of flying with a toddler).

I realized last night that when I move I will be moving not only away from the city I have lived for nearly 27 years (aside from 2 years of college, and 3 of my dad's sebaticals from work), I will be moving away from family whom I love dearly, and one of my closest Babyfit friends. She came over Friday to remind me that I'm not alone while Dave is gone. We bonded over stories about our children, past relationships, rodents, cats, and drunk men talking to women driving minivans at 8pm in her pjs. Gotta love this town. While we ate our delicious chocolate ice cream and were being stalked by a chocolate-thirsty kitty, I forgot for a moment that in about 7 months I won't be able to do this anymore.

I've never been one to make friends easily. Sure, I'm quite friendly with strangers, but to create real bonds with people takes work. It takes actually liking the person. It takes opening up and being accepting of yourself and confident in yourself. I am fortunate for the friends I have made in "real" life and on the internet. Thank you friends!

Get me my beer, Woman!!

A tribute to Dave.. not that he forces me to fetch him beer, but he loves bears, he loves just chillin, and this was about the funniest thing we've ever seen at a zoo together. Oh, and he also calls me Woman on occasion.