Updates and Decisions

So here's last week's belly shot. 31 weeks. I'm huge. I'm just going to own it. Someone asked when I was due and when I told them August they were shocked. I'm short. I have no midsection. In other baby news, I failed the one hour GD test (I know, we're ALL surprised, right?) and declined the 3 hour test. My endo is out of town this week so by the time I get in to see him I'll be 33 weeks. Considering that the last time he saw me with Dash I was 34 weeks, I'm really hoping that means I'll only have to endure one visit. He's a nice guy, but really any pregnant woman will tell you that there are ENOUGH required Dr. visits already!

So back to feeling huge, I'm uncomfortable as all get-out. This baby has an amazing ability to crush my lungs and make me feel like there's an elephant sitting on my chest. Just going upstairs is enough to exhaust me if he's in the right position. That's getting old. Forget about sleeping comfortably. I indulge in Tylenol PM (which my dr. assured me is safe!) once or twice a week just so I can get SOME sleep. I think each pregnancy I've forgotten how much it stinks to be this large and uncomfortable. And although I feel like I might be bigger at this stage than I was with Fin or Dash, Brooks assures me that I'm just right. Good husband ;)

Last week was "baby week" on Disc and TLC, and so Brooks and I were watching a few shows this weekend. We both became a little fascinated with the women who had epidurals and were all talky and smiley even through the pushing phase. I quickly had to remind both of us that for those women, the pushing phase also seemed to go on forever whereas my natural births have literally been one or two pushes. Actually, I didn't even really push for Dash, my body just kind of took over (not to be gross, but imagine how you feel when you have the stomach flu...not exactly like you have a choice on whether or not you throw up!). But I feel tired. To the bone tired. And there is a little part of me that wonders what it would be like to just get an epidural at the first sign of pain and be able to nap and smile and laugh... In the end I'm too chicken (I know, too chicken to have an epidural?!?). I want to feel ok afterwards and so I'll just grin and bear it. Probably.

Get Your Hiney Ready...

I'm large. I failed the GD test. I have low iron. And yesterday Fin told me that my belly was extra large...and "dirty"...WHAT!?! Knowing I had just showered, I had to see for myself. Do you know what he was talking about? My stretch marks. Thanks kid. I explained to him what they were, and with tears in his eyes he told me he didn't want me to have them. Yeah, me neither. I could complain for a few more paragraphs, but instead I'll post this. I read it on a message board and am now shamelessly stealing it...

Baby Eviction Notice

I am issuing 30 day notice for EVICTION. Tenant will have 30 days in which he can either gather his belongings and promptly vacate the premises, or wait until the final day. After which, he will be physically removed from the property.

He's being evicted due to breech of contract and destruction of property. Expansions only to the FRONT of the house, within reasonable limits, were discussed. Not only have these limits been exceeded, but additions to the back of the house were also made!

Remodeling and gutting of the home was never approved, nor was changing the initial layout and base structure. And due to property damage, there are now leaks in both the upper AND lower levels of the home. On top of which, the landlord has received numerous complaints about nightly disturbances.

After 30 days from this day that he doesn’t comply with the notice will result in immediate and forceful removal at my discretion.

Sincerely,
Your Landlord

Lessons Learned and Memories Made

We're back! I have to admit right away that the boys were fantastically well behaved on the outbound flights - even getting to meet the pilots on our connection. We all had an amazing time and thankfully this year there were few issues with a dislike of the sand. The kids did not take leaving well and asked if they could just live there - don't we all wish guys! Now let's start working on Chief for three weeks next year :)

Some beach lessons and memories...

• The Atlanta Airport sucks. Seriously. Charlotte is a much better connection. And the Wilmington Airport just may be the nicest ever.
• 2 kids, 1 stroller, 2 backpacks and a pregnant woman do NOT fit into a single bathroom stall. Or more accurately, they don't fit out the door of said bathroom.
• Red-eye flights are the best way to travel cross-country with smallish children.
  
• If you are stuck outside freezing in the arctic and you start to feel so warm you begin to shed your clothes, it means you have two minutes or less to live.
• Fin does not sleep well at the beach. At all.
• I am, in fact, too pregnant to travel.
• My dad will always grill the best steaks and rent the worst movies.
• Some people have NO beach etiquette.
• It doesn't matter how well you closed everything, something will still explode in your toiletry case. Generally, this will be either the thing capable of the largest mess or the thing you will most need at your destination.
  
• Black Henna tattoos look deceptively real and last far too long
• Uncles make the best babysitters.
• I will never take for granted CA's lack of biting insects. In fact, I will make an effort to sit outside on nice evenings whenever possible to take full advantage of that fact.
• When you take a vacation that involves sitting on the beach all day for 10 days, you really don't need more than 3 outfits.
• It's stupid to make any plans at the beach other than sitting on the beach. You just won't do them.

Next year can't come fast enough!

Leaving on a Jet Plane...

As I type this, I'm waiting for Fin to wake up from his nap so that I can give the boys one last tub before dressing them and heading to the airport. Topsail, we're on our way!

The only downside is the flight that lies ahead - a cross country red-eye with a connection and plane change. Did I mention the part where I'm flying alone with both boys? Oh yeahhh, this is going to be fun!!

Pray for us. Or pray for the other people on our flights, I'll let you pick.

See you in June!

Almost-Wordless Wednesday

I was going to get some of those fancy burp clothes for Snoopy, but I needed a project so I decided to make them myself instead. I've got a couple more pinned and ready to sew, but here are the ones I've finished. Oh, and his name might start with a K. I'm closing comments so you can't guess ;)