The Nerve and the Newly Gained Perspective

So this morning I am out jogging on the beach with Marley, and while most of the feedback I get from perfect strangers is completely positive, such as, "look at that pregnant woman, she's jogging, wow!" I of course let the one negative comment I receive nearly bring me to tears. Literally this woman stops me as I am jogging to ask me when I am due. When I respond with my due date of August 19, she breaks into hysterics and says, "Good grief, how many babies do you have in there, whoa?!" I am totally stunned with the comment, and give her a big eye roll before whisking Marley away with me to finish my jog. As I am running home, between chocked up sighs, I start patting myself on the back for biting my tongue and not saying what I was really thinking, which was, "yeah, well, how many babies do you have in there???" You see, this woman was a little bit toothless and a little bit obese. I was reminded once again this week of the Proverb I am learning to live by, "In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise." Proverbs 10:19

Anyhow, today I was asked if I am enjoying pregnancy, and I wasn't able to answer "yes, it's wonderfully delightful, and everything I ever imagined." Being a control freak myself, watching my body expand exponentially, and not having much say in the matter is a little alarming to me. Oh and did I mention this is the second stranger in one week to laugh after I told them my due date? Yeah, not exactly the feedback a pregnant woman desires.

Anyway, the picture I am posting was taken this morning, and looking at it, I think I look great, especially for being 28.5 weeks pregnant! My best friend (who is even more pregnant than I) came over today and took the photo, and you know what, it's all a matter of perspective (thanks Lorri for that) so I am gaining more weight than I intended, and my belly is just popping straight out, but at least I have great teeth (unlike certain insensitive strangers) and at least my skin is clear and shiny thanks to the baby, and at least I am having a baby in the first place, and at least I have a hot husband who still thinks I am beautiful.

So I guess that settles it then, whether I gain 10 or 15 more pounds, or whether I swell up at the end like a balloon, I am going to enjoy this, and keep smiling, because God loves me, Don loves me, Marley loves me, Sasha loves me, and you guys too, I think...:) Ha! I love all of you too!

Patty Cake

Last night I said goodnight to the baby and pat my tummy three times in a row. The baby promptly high-fived me in the exact spot where I had placed my hand. So, naturally I did it again, and he did his thing again too, and we went back and forth like that for about five minutes. It was amazing! Sleepy Don was able to keep it going for a bit too, until he pooped out and fell asleep with his hand on my belly, leaving the baby back to entertaining himself for the night.

When I was at the doctor's office last week she asked me if I had felt any movements yet. I reminded her that I felt movement over ten weeks ago, and she seemed surprised. I was so confused why she would ask that. Sometimes he kicks so strongly that I feel seriously startled! Is it possible some women are just starting to feel movement? Does this mean I am going to have an extremely active, and mobile child? Probably. Great. It's looking like he will most definitely take after his dad, who according to my mother in law was practically out the door by the time he would walk. It's also looking like I will most definitely be worn out chasing him all over the place for the next few years. Good thing I will have Marley to help me baby sit! She is going to be the best nanny ever.

I got my 26 week baby gram today. Apparently the baby is more than a foot long, and weighs over 2 pounds. I can't believe it! He's bigger than an eggplant already! Wednesday night Don and I went to a class at our church and one of the pastors asked me if we were ready yet for the baby. We laughed and joked together, and then Don and I left to go home. About one minute into the car ride on the way home, I realized how not ready we are, and I started to cry. I can't believe my mom was only 21 on her first go. I wish she lived closer!!! Needless to say, we decided this weekend to have a date at the Library and to rent a few DVD's on baby care, and Lamaze. I think that will help a lot.

Missing you all!

Happenings...

I am finally sitting down to formulate all of the many thoughts that have been floating around in my mind for the past few weeks. I went to the doctor yesterday, I am now almost 25 weeks pregnant...not bad, only 15 weeks to go!

Things have started to wind down a bit. April was a very busy month filled with lots of good stuff. First was the move from S. Francisca Ave. to Avenue C. The new house is so much better! It feels much more like home than the other house. About a week ago one of my adult students was leaving the house after her lesson, and on her way out the door she said, "I love having my lessons here, this is such a happy home." Her compliment delighted me--especially because I believe it to be true. The house itself is lovely, but as for the home being happy, that comes from Don and me. We have worked so hard in our marriage to get here, and I am relishing in it, cherishing every moment.

Sisters Lauren and Joy came for a visit the week after we moved. They were so funny and fun to have around. They stayed up late eating loads and loads of junk food, and watching TV and then slept in until noon or so the next day. It brought back memories for me of my early twenties and single life. It also made me realize those days were long behind me. I live with a 33 year old who is happiest if he gets into bed by 9 pm. He blames it on years of sleep apnea, I blame it on his 4:45 am alarm.

Does anyone out there love daylight savings the way I do? I swear it makes all the difference in the world as far as my energy level is concerned. I could never move to I don't know, say Nunavut, Canada where December leaves you with up to 24 hours of darkness. Sorry Nathan and Robin, June will be awesome with all the sunlight, but sheesh! Since we've moved the clocks forward I have been able to send my husband off in the morning with a sunrise, and been able to enjoy a few hours before sunset with him in the evenings. I think for both of us being able to be home or enjoy walks on the beach before sunset on weeknights has been terrific.

Somewhere on facebook, one of my "friends" mentioned that she couldn't stand people who go on and on about how happy they are, or how great their lives are going. It's possible I am one of those people she was referring to, what do you think?

So, I keep thinking about my little boy that's on his way. I honestly can't believe we're having a boy. I am not sure what to make of it, you see I was raised with a pride of women...not a pack of men like my husband. What do boys like? What do they need? I am good at fixing hair, throwing tea parties, and applying make up. Terrible at sports and with high adventure. When I mention to Don how concerned I am with this, he gives me a wry smile and states, "well what do you think I am here for." Thank you God that I have Don, nevertheless, are you sure you meant to give me a boy?

How about boy names. I have a million girl names I like, but with boy names I am still feeling stuck. I would love ANY input anyone has...so far we are thinking of Ethan, Evan, or Luke. Still, I am not convinced we have yet stumbled upon the right name.

Last night I woke up on two separate occasions due to high intensity kicks. This baby is feisty, and strong, and I think he is ready to stretch his legs and get on with life. Even though his gender intimidates me a bit, I cannot wait to meet him, and have been day dreaming of holding him close and drinking in his little delicious baby scent. It's going to be a beautiful thing!

Probably the strangest thing about being pregnant is all of the advice I am constantly receiving. A lot of people have such strong opinions about how to raise a child, and parenthood in general. It's definitely overwhelming, and I am constantly having to reign in my own thoughts, and ask God for wisdom and discernment. You know what I notice the most, the people giving the advice are generally the people that complain the most about motherhood. Just the other day someone told me to be sure to not quit my job because I would regret it and resent having to stay home and mother my child 24 hours a day. Talk about discouraging advice. Where are all the moms that will tell me raising a child is wonderful and rewarding? Please come out of the wood works if you are there! I so hope to enjoy this experience, and even if I have a strong willed difficult child, I pray that God grants me an abundance of love that is big enough to conquer any negativity I may feel through this process.

My life in roughly 15 weeks is going to completely change, and I am excited about it. I want to know what it feels like to lay down my life and my selfishness for another human being. I know it will be hard, and at times I will need a break (Grandma's get ready!) but I also know that through Christ I will be able to do this. "I am the vine and you are the branches. If a man remains in me, and I in him, he will bear much fruit. Apart from me, you can do nothing." John 15:5.

God Bless!

It's been awhile

It's been awhile since we have posted anything on the blog... about three- and-a-half weeks actually, so here is a little catchup; Here is a shot of Rachel relaxing the other evening (she was being modest with her belly exposure unfortunately... I dig it when it shows!).

We also had our gender revealing party which turned out to be a huge success thanks to all of our friends that made it a hit. There was a strange tension that built up to the point when we cut into the cake revealing a blue icing telling everyone that we were going to have a boy! Even Rachel was nervous, and she was the one that made the cake. Everyone cheered.

Since that time we have been getting the baby's room ready. Lots of painting and trips to the store to get everything just right.

Rachel is sleeping more and is having a very fit looking pregnancy. We have researched everything we need for the little rug rat and created a list on MyRegistry.com. Only 4 more months!!!

Rare Form

Don and I had our 20 week ultrasound yesterday, and were lucky enough to be able to determine the gender of baby Speedie. The big California reveal isn't until April 10 (sorry friends!) so I am not going to spoil the surprise by giving anything away on this posting.

Anyway, the checkup went well. Speedie's growth is right on track, measuring between 20 and 21 weeks. It was nice to have Don there, although the quality of the ultrasound machine was a little disappointing after my experience at the genetic testing center. Little, tiny screen, and little tiny body parts, and I have NO idea how the doctor saw what she saw, but the good news is, she said she was 100 percent certain! Anyway, I will say this, the baby was NOT cooperating and was wiggling around so much that the doctor couldn't get a clear look. She was going to send us home without a definitive answer, when I asked her to check one last time. She did and low and behold, Little Speedie was in full cooperation on the back with legs spread wide open. Haha! I don't think I am going to have a modest child.

Next posting will be April 10, after our gender reveal party! I am excited, now I just have to figure out how to make a colored cake without food coloring...yuck. Happy Easter friends and family! Lots of love!

Cave Men

So my mother-in-law Lorri reminded me a few days back that I haven't been keeping up on my postings! Sorry! Things have been busy around here, but rather non-eventful in the pregnancy department. I feel the baby moving around quite a bit now, and next Wednesday Don and I are going in for the ultrasound that will hopefully identify the baby's gender. YEAH! We have been keeping ourselves busy around here with shopping on Craigs list for nursery furniture, packing boxes, and filing tax returns. Craigs list is the best! We bought all of the furniture we will need for our nursery last weekend, and we got screaming deals...especially on the beautiful Made in Canada Ragazzi dresser and hutch set that we bought.

I am definitely starting to show in a big way now. I know my friends are able to tell, but I think I may still be in that, is she or isn't she stage when it comes to strangers...if they even notice at all, which is unlikely.

I am struggling a bit with feeling self-conscious about the weight gain. I shared this with Don early this morning, and at first he said all the usual "nice guy" things one would expect. "Honey you look beautiful, it's natural, yadda, yadda." I wasn't really buying it until he finally just said, "OK, so I wasn't going to tell you this, but when I look at all of your new curves, I feel all manly, and hear grunts in my head like a cave man, 'I did that...grunt, grunt, grunt.' " Needless to say, I was cheered up after that, because Don feels manly to have a pregnant wife, and that makes me happy. You think you know someone, and I have this view of my husband that he is this sensitive, sweet guy--which he is! However, he is also a man, a typical, red-blooded man. I like that side of him too--thank God for men, sensitive and cave alike.

Beethoven

I feel like such a proud parent already! Yesterday the baby was pretty quite all day. I told Don I was concerned that something was wrong because I hadn't felt any movement all day. Don, being the sensible person that he is told me the baby was probably just in a deep sleep all day. Anyway, yesterday evening Don and I trekked to downtown Los Angeles to Disney Concert Hall. I was really looking forward to hearing the Elgar: Cello Concerto, and had been listening to it on my ipod all day in preparation. To my great disappointment we arrived and found out the program had been changed to Beethoven's third piano concerto. Due to my disappointment, I was determined to sit through the performance and sulk. Instead, and to my delight, my sleepy baby was awoken from his or her slumber by the Orchestral Exposition of the piano concerto. I was sitting there with my arms across my belly when I felt the kicks hard enough through my belly to feel them on the backs of my arms. The music must have really excited Baby Speedie because there was tons of activity throughout the whole concerto, and the best part or all was that Don got to feel the baby kick for the very first time that night. Talk about a good memory!