I Think I "Spoke" Too Soon...

About the drama ending last week: I was wrong. So, so, very wrong. 

Thursday morning I decided to do something fun with Charlee since she had been so good hanging out at the car dealership and the house. So I took her to Monkey Joe's. We spent 4 hours there and she had a blast! She makes friends so easily and is totally fearless climbing around in the bounce houses. Except for the baby house with the inflatable animals in it. She's terrified of that one for some reason. We played some games in the arcade and had a slice of pizza for lunch (which Charlee ate without using her hands). Eventually I decided it was time to head home for naps. 

On the way home my car, the new one that we just bought on Monday, broke down. It just shut off and I threw it into neutral so I could roll to the side of the road. I was broken down on the overpass that connects 526 to 26, it didn't have a breakdown lane, and people were flying by me going 60-70mph. I was terrified! I couldn't even get the windows down the first 3 times I tried and there was a heat index of 102 that day. I called Eric and he rushed to get us while calling the dealership for a tow. 

It didn't take him long to get to us, maybe 15 minutes, but it felt like an eternity. We quickly got Charlee into the car seat in his Jeep and cooled off in the AC. Eventually a city truck came that had a rubber bumper and they pushed my car off the overpass and into some grass while we waited for the tow truck. Luckily the issue with my car was an easy fix and totally normal for modern vehicles. We just had to wait for a part to come in, so it's still sitting at the dealership. That's definitely something I never want to go through again! 

We didn't pick up the loaner vehicle until Saturday, so Friday was spent trapped at home. I decided sterilize baby bottles and pacifiers and to clear out the boxes of Charlee's hand me downs that were in Beck's closet. Saturday we picked up a loaner car and then Charlee and I ran some errands. I spent most of the weekend making burp cloths, a changing pad for the diaper bag, and a cute activity folder for Charlee's coloring books and crayons at the hospital. 

Sunday Charlee was sick. Monday I woke up sick. Normally I would just sleep and feel better in a day or two. But this hit me hard because I'm already at the point where I can't breath, get comfortable, have to pee every 20 minutes, and therefore can't sleep. I was supposed to have my 34 week appointment on Tuesday, but had to reschedule because I'm sick. So my 34 week appointment will be when I'm 35 weeks! We should have had the nursery done by now, but I still have to paint the shelves and nightstand but I haven't been well enough. Hopefully later today or tomorrow I can finish them up. And hopefully I can get my car back before the end of the week!

I have also packed the diaper bag, started packing my hospital bag, made the list of important information for my mom when she comes to help with Charlee, and started writing my birth plan. I don't know why I'm even bothering to write a birth plan because it probably won't go exactly how I want, but I feel like it's something I should do. 

At this point we are exactly 30 days from our surgery date!  The jelly bean is approximately 4.75lbs and 17.75 inches (about the size of a cantaloupe). His little boy parts have descended and his lungs are developing. He is also adding some crazy pelvic pressure to mommy's list of woes! I am still craving chocolate ice cream, tomato sandwiches, and my craving for the scent of rubber that I had most of my first pregnancy has returned. I don't want to eat it, just, like, go stand in a tire store for the day. 

More Drama Than A CW Show

It's amazing how some weeks are so boring and some weeks are pure chaos lately. This past week was definitely a chaotic one! 

My finger stil hasn't really healed. I had it looked at and was told I sprained it in both joints. It moves now, but is still sore. 

Thursday afternoon Eric had a doctors appointment and I had to drive him home. I left my car at the office and took Eric's Jeep home. That night I was sitting at the dining room table working on thank you cards when I suddenly started feeling strange. I can't explain the feeling because it was so odd. I was faint and nauseous, but not overwhelmingly, and I was flush and clammy too. I went and laid down in the living room and drank water. When the feeling didn't pass I asked Eric to get our home blood pressure cuff (I've never been so glad for one of Eric's silly purchases). My blood pressure when I'm not pregnant is always 110/70. When I'm pregnant it's always 120/80. Except that night it was 129/98. 30 minutes later it was 131/99 and I was still feeling strange. So I called the on call doctor and she told me to keep laying down, take my BP again in 30 minutes and to call back if it goes up any more. At that point it was 133/99. So at 12:30am we had to get Charlee up and go to Labor & Delivery for monitoring. It was a pretty scary experience. I know how serious preeclampsia can be and the only other time in my life that I've had elevated BP was the week before I delivered Charlee. Luckily my BP went down and after more monitoring because of a few contractions, we were sent home around 3am. 

The next morning we went to pick up my car so Eric could go to work and I could run errands. Except that when I turned my car on the engine started making a scary noise. Eric gave me his car and he took mine to have it looked it into. We were told my Sonata needed a new engine, so we decided it was time to trade in for a new used vehicle. We spent quite a bit of time over the weekend looking for one. 

Monday morning we decided to go check out a promising vehicle at the Mazda dealership. After we both test drove it and some negotiations we decided that was the one and we spent the better part of the day filling out paper work and keeping Charlee entertained. Eric finally had to go to work and eventually the dealership gave me a loaner vehicle and a promise that I could pick up the car the next day.

I got a Mazda CX-7 Grand Touring. It has leather seats, heated front seats, a Bose sound system, and a sunroof. And most importantly it has enough space for two car seats and lots of rear storage space. Im excited about it! 

The rest of the week has been less dramatic. Between Monday and Tuesday I made 20 freezer meals for when the jelly bean arrives. Eric and I have been working on the nursery and we should be finished with it this weekend. I'm finally going to start taking the doctors advice and take it easy. I really need this kid to keep cooking until our surgery date! 

At this point the jelly bean is about 4.25lbs and 17 inches (about the size of a pineapple). His little bones are hardening and he is fattening up. I am still craving chocolate ice cream and toasted tomato sandwiches. I wonder if I'm still going to like tomato sandwiches after he arrives...

Chaos and Baby Shower

Wow, so much has happened lately that I don't know where to begin. 

We spent the 4th of July back at the beach. Charlee had a great time playing with Kip and riding around on a golf cart. We only went for the day because my back wasn't going to let me sleep in the camper again. Eric finished the nightstand for our bedroom on Sunday too, so we made it a pretty productive weekend.

Last week was pretty chaotic. Cleaning the whole house used to take me 4 hours. Now it takes me 2 exhausting days. I also had to make sure that the guest room was set up and the air mattress was set up and the changing table moved in Charlee's room for our guests. 

Charlee and I picked Katie up from the airport Thursday morning. She was so excited to see Auntie Katie but started freaking out as soon as Katie got in the car. She didn't stop until after we got some groceries and got back into the car! Once we got back to the house Katie won Charlee over with presents. They played play doh and with some new cars. Charlee's favorite gift was the book "Everybody Poops". It was definitely a point of interest for everyone who came through our house over the weekend. 

Friday morning we picked up the cake and Kirk's birthday pie from Publix before my parents arrived. We spent most of the afternoon entertaining Charlee and catching up and everyone went to bed early that night. 

Saturday was Beck's baby shower. It was exactly what I wanted: low key, some decorations but not over the top, little work, and just close family and friends. The food was delicious and most importantly, I didn't have to cook it. Beck was spoiled rotten with gifts. He's going to be one stylish little boy! 

After the shower Granny, Wawa, and Aunt Lana came over for a bit. They played with Charlee and then headed home. The rest of us went to BBQ for dinner and to celebrate Kirk's birthday. We were all stuffed beyond belief and went to bed early again. 

It's amazing how quickly I get full nowadays. A few weeks ago I could have easily finished a plate or two at the buffet. This time I had to pick and choose carefully. I ate the equivalent of a piece of chicken, a side, and small half full cup of soup and thought I would explode! I was also out of breath from my stomach taking up more space than I have available. 

Sunday morning my parents left before Charlee woke up. She was so sad that they were gone but happy Auntie Katie was still there. We went to church and then went to the pool for the afternoon. The next morning we took Katie to the airport after a quick run downtown for some pralines (they are soooooo good)! Charlee finally calmed back down to her normal self after we dropped Katie off. I knew she had been excited and showing off, but I almost forgot how chill of a kid she usually is. It's been wonderful! 

Yesterday I had my 32 week doctors appointment. The jelly bean is doing great. His heart rate was 136 and he measured 33 weeks. My blood pressure is great and, although I gained almost 3lbs, the doctor is happy with my overall weight gain. I'm really hoping that I don't gain much more now that the festivities are over! Maybe all of the work I will be doing on the nursery will help with that.

I also scheduled the c-section for August 28. I will be exactly 39 weeks that day and the doctor doesn't want to wait until Monday because I went into natural labor with Charlee at 39 weeks. I've been saying that would be the day all along, so now we have to wait and see if he will wait until that day. At the most, 6 weeks from Friday we will finally meet our baby boy! 

The jelly bean is about 3.75lbs and 16.7inches, or about the size of a large jicama at this point. His little body is mostly focusing on getting fatter and ready for delivery. I am craving chocolate ice cream, strawberries, and toasted tomato sandwiches (again). 

I'm easily bored at this point and can't sleep very well. I can't get comfortable and as soon as I do, I have to go to the bathroom. My back aches much worse than it did during my first pregnancy and this boy increases the pelvic pressure he's creating for me on a daily basis. It's almost time to burst out the birthing ball to help alleviate some of the pains and pressure. I need help standing up from most positions and am even more unbalanced than usual. Yesterday I tripped on one of Charlee's toys, went flying across the living room and, in an attempt to prevent my belly from hitting the floor, I put my right hand out, only to crush my ring finger against the couch. I thought I broke it. It's still pretty sore and a little puffy, so I may have to go to the doctor later today to have it looked at. 

6 more weeks...just 6 more weeks! 

Sun, Sand, and Avoiding the Camera

Another week down! As of Friday I will be 31 weeks. I can't believe I get to meet Beck in just 8 short weeks (or long weeks, depending on how I slept the night before). 

Last week I finally convinced Eric to put the crib together. I basically had a crazy lady emotional break down and cried about how all I wanted to do was work on the nursery. Which is silly because we still have to clean the carpet in that room and move furniture to other rooms. I won't be able to really work on it until after the baby shower. But when you're a ball of hormones it isn't easy to stay rational. I love the crib and the bedding! I made it myself and am pretty proud of it. I can't wait to see everything come together! 

We were supposed to head to Edisto for vacation on Friday but Charlee spiked a fever of 102.8 on Thursday night. We spent Friday at home trying to get her to eat and bring the fever down. Having a sick kid keep you from a much anticipated vacation is definitely the definition of parenthood. Her fever eventually came down but when it came back Saturday morning I decided to take her to the doctor because I suspected a UTI. I spent 2 1/2 hours trying to get that kid to pee in a cup. Eric and I actually had to trade off supervising the bathroom standoff a couple times. I've got to give her credit. She had 16oz of water, 8oz of juice, and two Popsicles in her and she refused to go. She must have a bladder of steel. We dropped off the sample and it was confirmed as just a UTI, so we got a prescription and headed to the beach. 

We had a great few days at the beach. Charlee loves playing with her cousins and splashing in the waves. I feel bad because she wants me to run around with her but I am just too pregnant to do much more than hold her when we go out into the water. I have been having fun sitting with my feet in the water and haven't had much swelling, which is good. My only issue is that I can't seem to sleep in the camper. Between Eric snoring, Charlee waking up scared because she doesn't know where she is, and a stupid night bird that keeps chirping outside the window all night long, I think I got 2 hours both nights. 

I need to be better about getting vacation pictures this year. I just hate being photographed when I'm so big. Especially when I'm huge and in a bathing suit. A maternity suit at that. Trust me, it is not flattering. But the truth is that I know Charlee and Beck won't care if I look like an actual beached whale in my maternity suit on the beach. They are just going to see that they were having fun with their mommy. I need to find a way to get over it. 

Monday was the anniversary of Eric proposing. He proposed on Edisto beach in a sunrise proposal. It was amazing and romantic and totally caught me off guard. Edisto is where we first said "I love you" to each other so it is a very special place to us and it was awesome to be there on the anniversary. We left Charlee with Eric's parents for the evening while we went home and had a date night. We went to dinner, saw Jurassic World, and went to bed. It was so nice to spend some one-on-one time with each other for the first time in months. I went back and picked her up yesterday after my doctors appointment. 

We are going back this coming weekend for a couple days and I am really looking forward to it.

My appointment went well, other than having to wait in the exam room for 2 hours to see the doctor for 5 minutes. The jelly bean's heart rate was 149, he's super active, my BP was 120/80, by some miracle I didn't gain any weight, and I'm measuring right on time. 

Currently the jelly bean is about 2.75lbs and 15.7inches (about the size of a cabbage). I'm still craving ice cream and strawberries. I'm starting to suffer from insomnia and leg cramps at night. The doctor says both are normal and there isn't anything I can do if I'm drinking enough water. 8 more weeks!