31 weeks!!

Caleb and I went to Topsail Island for our church's Young Adult Beach Retreat. It was so nice to get away and actually rest! It rained a little and was cloudy on Saturday....but Sunday was beautiful. I couldn't help but take a few pictures of the expanding waistline.

I have to say....it is getting harder and harder to take pictures of myself. I am going through that "I am so HUGE" phase. It takes a lot for me to take these pics...but I will try and keep it up!








Here's my 30 week picture:

Baby Book Shower Pictures!!!!

Thank you so much to everyone who was able to be a part of this party! We had such a good time and absolutely LOVE all of the baby books that we got for the baby's library! Thank you, Chris and Kristin for hosting the shower!

By the way, you can't really see my belly, but I was 29 weeks!

My New Song (Sung Daily to Little One in front of Daddy)

"Keep those legs closed,
Keep those legs closed,
Keep those little, little legs closed!
Keep those legs closed,
Keep those legs closed,
Keep those little, little legs closed!"

"It will be so very funny
To see Daddy's frowning face.
He will just be so, so angry,
It's the best joke you could play!"

"Keep those legs closed,
Keep those legs closed,
Keep those little, little legs closed!
Keep those legs closed,
Keep those legs closed,
Keep those little, little legs cloooooooooosed!"

hehe....Ultrasound scheduled for Thursday!!!

Timing Contractions

I found this website for timing contractions. This post is only here so that I will know where to find it when I need it.

http://contractionmaster.com/

You may think this is funny....but I Don't!

We had another fire drill at 4:30PM ON THE SAME DAY....it wasn't raining this time, but it was still miserable!

Need to go Shoe Shopping- ASAP!

We just had a "fire drill" at work. Not usually a big deal except that....

I'm over 30 weeks pregnant!

It was raining!

There was Thunder!

There was Lightening!

I forgot my flip-flops and was wearing heels!

Heels + Pregnant = Not Good!

I work on the 4th floor- no elevators when you leave for a drill.

Thousands of people trying to cram into a 6 elevators on the way back up.

I'm Claustrophobic!

Did I mention I was pregant?

Oh....and the worst one of all....I was in mid-bite of my muffin when the alarm went off.

It's going to be a long last hour of work now that my back is killing me, I ate my muffin too fast, my feet are throbbing, I'm wet and it's COLD in the office! grrrrr.....(My poor co-workers say a side of my that only my mom and husband have had the luxury of seeing!)

Last Birthing Class- Monday, October 29th

We've made it through our class! We've completed the book and only have one more class of "practicing" left. I guess the real "test" comes in a couple more weeks, though.

Our instructor had a dream about us! (She says that this is very common for her to have dreams about the births of her students....and that she's usually right!) She dreamt that our little one was born on Christmas night! That makes me excited! I just want to go a little early, that's all! I don't want to have to worry about being induced. I would love a Christmas baby as a present....even though our little child probably wouldn't like sharing his/her birthday with Jesus.

In other news, we had our entire backyard tilled. We now have grass! This is a first! And....even though we decided to have it done in the middle of a drought, it has now started to RAIN! (You know you're a true home-owner when you actually care what is going on with the weather!)

Carson, Caleb's brother, is still living with us....but I hardly ever see him. I've been working a lot of overtime lately to build up comp time.

The nursery is going to be painted and hopefully set-up before Thanksgiving. I can't believe that it is almost November!!!

Oh...and pictures are coming...I promise! I just haven't been home lately to upload them....but I have been taking some of my progress into my 31st week of pregnancy.

Getting Another Ultrasound!!!

Today I had another doctor's appointment. It was great! I got a really nice (new) nurse this time who only had wonderful things to say about my blood pressure, my weight, my ankles, my urine....hehe! It's funny how you take a compliment about WHATEVER when you're pregnant.

The doctor also scheduled another ultrasound for me! YAY! He told me NOT TO WORRY AT ALL, but that if he found a point where I was measuring a little big or small, then they could warrant another ultrasound. He found it this time! So, I am scheduled to get another look at our Little One on November 1. Caleb's off....so it works out perfectly. I think that the practice just feels really bad that they were not able to determine the gender the first go-around. They said that the ultrasound lady can usually tell about 95% of the time....even at 17 weeks.

Wouldn't it be funny if our little prankster keeps those legs sealed shut AGAIN!!???!! hehe....I am going to drink some caffeine this time. But, he/she is not usually very active in the morning....maybe I should have made the appointment for later on in the day. My little child likes to sleep in!

Only time will tell!

Is it just me?

I can't stop thinking about it...I can't wait for them! I am getting so stinkin' excited about......

Christmas Songs!!!!


Yes! I am one of THOSE people....and Caleb is not! =0)

I'm a Winner!

So, I have been MIA lately due to the fact that I am now working much longer hours. My state employer has offered us comp time. We have the option to work an additional 3 1/2 hours on Monday and Tuesday and 4 hours the first and third Saturday of each month. The type of work we do during this time is actually really very easy.....like data processing, mindless work...so it's not stressful. AND....to add a little incentive, the person who completes the most review items each week can win a free lunch. Comp time and free food....what more could a pregnant girl ask for? Sign me up!

So, I won the free lunch last week! YAY! The Big Wigs came to my little cubicle and presented an envelope filled with ten crisp $1 bills....with a little sticky that reads "Lunch on us!" I was excited! (It's the little things!) I then announced to my co-worker that we should order out on Saturday with the money since we'll be working.

This happened Monday morning.

By Monday afternoon, I had a craving. Those crisp little $1 bills seemed better spent in the vending machine, not on a lunch that was 5 days away. So...I decided that I needed a little help with the "self-control". My friend Stephanie agreed to babysit my money for me so that I wouldn't buy an Oatmeal Cream Pie. I watched her as she put the envelope in her desk drawer....and then I walked away.

Wednesday Afternoon- I want a snack again. I just saw my other friend with a mouth-watering Reeces cup that was calling my name. Stephanie is not here today. Her desk drawer is not locked. It is my money afterall.....I mean, $9 can still go a long way for lunch.

So, I walked confidently to her cubicle, took out the envelope and saw her little note:

"Adrienne....I'm watching you! You better not take any of this money or else!"

hehehehehehe

I proceeded to "steal" one of my crisp dollars and walked quickly to the vending maching, giggling to myself the whole time. After savoring every last bite of my Reeces Cups, I then took the wrapper to her cubicle and inserted the empty wrapper into my envelope. I can't wait to see what she says!

All I have to say for myself is this: The baby made me do it!

Happy Anniversary, Mom!

Adrienne's Answering Machine Message on October 15, 2007: "I'm just calling to wish you both a very Happy Anniversary. I hope that you are out doing something fun to celebrate. Your gift is going to be a little late, but be on the look-out for it. Again, Happy Anniversary!"

Mom's Response: "You...are...crazy! Our anniversary was October 3rd. But thanks anyway!"

hehehehehehehe!

What makes this so funny is that I set my phone to remind me of the anniversary on October 15. I had it marked on 2 calendars at work and one calendar at home. I even had their present on the week-end "To-Do" List. I was so incredibly proud of myself for remembering this year. What I can't figure out is when I actually had the pregnancy moment. I have been setting these little reminders for myself for the past couple of MONTHS! You would think that even when I went up to Baltimore last week-end....when my mom actually SAID WHERE THEY WENT TO CELEBRATE that I would have figured it out....nope! Not me!

Anyway, Happy Late Anniversary, Mom and Paul! You can blame Caleb since it's technically his fault that I am pregnant in the first place thus making me forgetful of your special day!

Week-End Recap

I've never had a week-end that has been so good and so bad all at the same time!

Let me just explain a little bit about my previous post. One of my closest co-worker friends had her little baby, but the baby did not survive the heart surgery that she needed. I do not want to go into too much detail because 1) a lot of my friends who read this blog are pregnant....and there is no need to introduce "what-if's" to their pregnancy and 2) I am still in shock over this and need to process it....but not dwell on it for the sake of my little one.

But, this week-end did have some amazing high points. We bought the baby's crib. YAY! That was really exciting. And...my friend Kristin hosted a Baby Book Shower for us. I can't wait to get home from work and post all of the fun pictures.

Also, other good news: Brian and Marissa (friends from church) are coming home from Guatemala on FRIDAY with their new baby girl Bridget Eleina. Marissa has been in Guatemala with Bridget since May 10th! I can't wait to meet their beautiful little baby. Here is a picture of the fam while Brian was visiting:

sad....sad news!

Sarah Elisabeth Maxie
October 10, 2007 - October 12, 2007
Though I never met you, I miss you....and my heart goes out to your parents.

Sharonrose Elizabeth Thompkins
September 3, 1993- February 19, 1994
It's times like these when I think about my little sister the most.....and how much her little life and death forever shaped who I am today.

"A parent should never have to bury their child" ~Lord of the Rings

So many questions.....

I PASSED!

Accomplishment for the week: Passing the Gestational Diabetes Test! (Have a carbohydrate, sugar-filled cookie on me! That's what I'm going to eat!)

They also checked my iron at my last appointment...and everything looks good! I had the horrible nurse again (I think she is the main 8am appointment nurse....I need to start changing the time that I go!). She said the top number of my blood pressure was high again. I've been charting my own blood pressure, so I know not to believe her now!

Still no idea if we are having a boy or a girl. The Nurse Midwife checked the baby's heartbeat and said "It sounds like a boy......wait....no.....now it really sounds like a girl". I just smiled. Story of my pregnancy! I don't know if I am having a boy or a girl, but I'm pretty sure that I am having a comedian....or a prankster. The heartbeat was 140, but changed to 148 when Little One heard the midwife guessing.

Also, in case you are not familiar with the Gestational Diabetes test, I had to drink this Glucose "drink" an hour before my appointment...and then I got my blood drawn. I didn't think that the Orange flavor Glucose was that bad. And, the baby really liked it....because Little One was the most active he/she has ever been. I could feel Little One all day....moving this way and moving that way! It was kind of nice and kind of uncomfortable!

28 Weeks!

We had fun taking these. Mom picked out a pumpkin that was the size of my belly! I personally think that the belly is FAR bigger than the pumpkin. But, the end is in sight =0)

Let's Dish!

Took a trip to Maryland this week-end to visit my mom, stepfather and brother. Mom and I had a good time at "Let's Dish" where we made about 8 meals. We looked like tourists with all the pictures we were taking.....but who cares! You're only pregnant for the first time once, right?? After Let's Dish, we went to Weber's Farm (an apple orchard) and loaded up on Cinnamon Apple Dough-nuts and fresh Apple Cider. Might as well eat all the carbs now since I have my Gestational Diabetes test on Tuesday! If it comes back positive, then no more carbs until after Little One arrives! We finished the night off by going out to dinner with Paul and Andrew at Cactus Willies! Oh! And on Sunday, before I left, I got to visit with Rachael (one of my best friend's from high school). All in all, it was a very good trip! My only complaint was the 5 1/2 hour drive there and back. I have no idea how I am going to make that trip again in 4 weeks! Anyway, we'll worry about that when it comes. Here are some pictures of the trip:

Inquiring Minds Want To Know!

Conversation Last Night with Caleb:

Caleb: Is it possible for you to get something off of the floor without making a noise?

Adrienne: (Glare) What do you think?

************************************************************************

Caleb and I had our Hospital Tour on Wednesday night. The hospital is approximately 5 miles away. We managed to get lost (we could not find the right parking deck). Once we parked, we were not able to find Patient Registration. I got so mad at Caleb. We were going up and down elevators in the parking deck....and walking up and down all the ramps. Lesson Learned: Take the Hospital Tour....if for no other reason, just so you know how to actually get into the place!

We almost missed the tour, but Caleb saw the big group of pregnant people down the hall, so we were able to "sneak in".

As much as Caleb complains about the birthing classes that we are going through, I know he saw the value of them during the tour. We felt like pro's because we knew exactly what the tour guide was talking about as she explained hospital procedures. There were a lot of people on the tour that were making these funny faces when the guide was talking about laboring on a birthing ball, using the back of a chair, using the tub and all the different labor positions we could try (like squatting).

At one point, the guide said the word "doula" and one lady said to her husband, "What the heck is a doula?" Caleb looked over at her and said "It's a labor coach!" If I had had a gold star, I would have given it to him! He makes me so proud =0)

Also, I bet a lot of first timers get a little nervous after the hospital tour. It brings you back to reality and reminds you that at some point this little person is going to have to come out! I know that if we were not taking these classes, that is how I would have felt. Instead, I left the hospital excited! I had this attitude like "Let's do this!" That surprised me!

27 Weeks- Updated Picture for my Mom!

It is amazing how different I feel and look each week! The baby is really moving now....and the baby "bump" is now a baby mountain! I'm currently in the middle on my 28th week. It's amazing how quickly time has passed since we first saw that little heartbeat. I wonder what an ultrasound would look like now! I'm sure it would be very different.

Nursery Decor!

Better Pictures of Caleb's New Ride!

Let the Record Show That You've Been Warned!

I feel the need to make one big apology that I hope will cover all "issues" that I have created or will create while pregnant! I can feel an attitude change for the worst approaching....and I might as well prepare you all for it now! The Adrienne you know is temporarily "away". Should you choose to be offended by me by something I did or will do during the 10 months of pregnancy, please know that I didn't mean it....and if you choose to hold it against me, I probably won't remember what I did or said once the baby is born....so just let it go, please! I can't even count on two hands the number of pregnancy symptoms and "diseases" that magically disappear once the baby is born (Take gestational diabetes or high blood pressure for instance. Once the baby is delivered, these go away....the same must be true with hormone imbalances...hehe.)

First- Please do not be offended by anything that I say, don't say, do, don't do, think, don't think, imply....you get the point! Have you been pregnant before? Then, I'm sure you have already tuned me out! Never been pregnant before? Then, you do not have any idea what it is like to have a little person invade your body and take control of your thoughts and actions....hehe.

Second- Should you come and visit, please know that I no longer socialize very well. There comes a point where I just do not want to talk anymore. I can't explain why....and I can't help the need to just shut up. No! This is not the silent treatment. No! I am not mad at you or even bored. I've just reached a point where I just want to be quiet. (Found this out this past week-end!)

Third- When I say I do not want to do something, beware! hehe....It may start out as a playful, "Do we really have to do that?" But, it quickly becomes a "Now I have head-ache and it's all your fault". (Found this out last night).

Fourth- For you, Christmas is 3 months away. For me, "Little One's B-Day" is 3 months away. Not the same! Naturally, you want to make plans and invite Caleb and I to join you. But, we can't make any promises right now. Oh! and if we do make anything that resembles a promise, we don't mean it.....and we will probably forget that we made it. Everything needs to be "played-by-ear" from now until about 6-8 weeks after the baby is born. You understand, right?

Fifth- I am very forgetful. It's not the "loose the keys" kind of forgetfulness. I forget whole days and whole events. I forget what time I told you I would be there and what day we were supposed to do lunch. I forget to pay bills and forget which bank account is which (and for those of you who really know me, this never happens!) I even forget to call people and keep up with old friends.

Sixth- You know how much I love my dogs. You know how important they are to me. You know how obsessed I am about them. Well, I've already voiced my desire to give them away! This should clue you in on my mental state. Not too sane right now (and NO! we're not giving them away.....today.)

I know that there are probably more examples that I could give....but right now, I have to get back to work.

Please know.....that I absolutely LOVE being pregnant. I would not trade it for the world! I cannot wait until I get to meet this little person that has been growing inside of me. I can feel the little kicks and rolls each day....and it is absolutely breath-taking. The more I learn about delivery and what our bodies are capable of, I am utterly amazed.

Again, this post was kind of a joke....to make light of my mood swings and my mental state. Again, it is just a warning, should you choose to interact with me....hehe. And, I hope that you still do choose to do this! Caleb and I want you to meet our little one and can't wait for you to help us raise him or her! We are truly blessed to have so many amazing friends and family!