False Alarm

Well, we discovered today that the systems we put into place (i.e. packing of the bags, driving to the hospital, etc) all work great!

We thought that my water had broken today, so we called the on-call nurse. It was kind of funny too...we thought it might have, but went to church anyway, and then called the nurse after church because we still had a hunch. I was happy to at least get to go because Pastor Don had a great sermon today.

Anyway, I am positive for Strep B. This means that the baby is at a higher risk of developing early onset pneumonia after birth. But, since they know I am positive, I will get IV antibiotics as soon as possible after my water breaks. This basically nullifies the risk to the baby for getting this type of pneumonia. So when we called the on-call nurse (who called us back within minutes), she wanted us to go on over just to be safe. After a few hours of sitting with monitors attached to me, they sent us home. They also did some blood work, and all looked good. Yeah!

By the way, if you watch the Johnson Automotive badger commercials on youtube while hooked up to all those monitors, and start to laugh, it immitates a contraction. :) If you have never watched those commercials, you really should. Just go to youtube.com and search for "Johnson Automotive". They are hilarious!!!

Jason is nesting!

Yes, that's right! He has taken over for me! I went to bed last night and the house was not yucky dirty, but definitely could use a good once over. I wake up this morning, and BAM! Clean house! Not only that, but as I type, he is outside mowing, weed eating, blowing, and doing other yard work (not all at the same time, but those are the machines I have heard going since I woke up). I told him that I have to sleep like this more often!

Not only that, but in the past week, he has done all sorts of what I consider random but oh-so-important-to-have-done jobs such as pulling the fridge, stove, washer and dryer out to clean behind them and scrubbing places that I had forgotten existed. To all you single ladies out there, no, he does not have a brother.

LOVE YOU HONEY! YOU ARE THE BEST!

Gonna be a while...

Well, after a little scare with high blood pressure today, I think I can safely say that BG won't be arriving for a while. While I had an "oh my gosh" moment thinking the big day might be soon (read: today), it is quite an emotional roller coaster here. The doctor checked me. BARELY dilated although he did confirm the baby has a head. YEAH! :) Not like I don't have enough pregnancy hormones going on here! When are you coming, Baby? All I need is a little hint.

If anyone out there is a "Baby Whisperer", please let me know! I have a customer for you!

I'm gonna complain...

...so don't read this if you don't want to hear it!

I have to have conferences with parents of certain students who have been identified as at-risk for not passing the End of Grade (EOG) test by their second grade teachers. This year, I have 6 I have to do. We usually have until the end of September to get these done, but being the diligent teacher that I am, I am trying to get them all done this week to be sure I am still at school to do them. I have tried to schedule them all immediately after school, back to back, to eliminate the chit-chat and move it on. But I reluctantly scheduled one today at 4 for a parent who works full time in Winston. I really have been trying to get more done during the day and leave about 3:30ish. This might sound early to some of you, but when you get to work at 7:15 and work straight through with basically no lunch (today I timed it and I got 8 minutes to sit down and eat), that is over 8 hours so I feel like I have done my due and it is time to go.

So when my 4:00 appointment called at 3:58 to cancel, I was hot. Here I am, 8.5 months pregnant, starving to death (apparently I didn't pack enough food for lunch) and tired (I got 4.5 hours of sleep last night), having waited way over an hour after school for her to come. I know she had no way to know about the hungry and tired part, but she knew about the pregnant part AND she said she had known all day that she wouldn't be able to make it and had "just gotten a chance to call me". What about email?! And now she wants me to stay late on Friday to meet with her!!! Of course, I agreed so I guess I can't complain too much. I just really want to get it done. URGH!!!

Now I am really glad that this is not a public blog so she can't find this! :) Thanks for letting me complain!!

Week 38

We went to the doctor today to have our 38 week doctor's appointment. Everything looks pretty good, and Baby is fine. It has taken longer to get the 10 movements a day (I used to pass 10 by lunch, now it is more like dinnertime before we get 10), and Baby seems to have longer periods of rest/sleep, but the doctor says that it is probably because it is getting so tight in there and harder to move. You and me both, buddy!! The heart beat was great (146 for those of you who are curious), and he/she seems to be doing well. I got a little emotional when talking to the doctor about being back at work, and she said with my swelling and slightly high blood pressure, she would write me out of work if I wanted. I told her I wasn't ready for that just yet, although dragging my numb leg and arm around the building is getting a bit old. I just don't want to spend my whole maternity leave staring at the wall and waiting for Baby to arrive! So, all is well in Baby Land. We will keep you posted!

First Day of School

Well, I made it! Today was the first day of school, and it FLEW by. Overall, it was a good day. It seemed like we didn't get anything done, but that is the way the first day is. I always forget how they are so little (compared to the end of the year), and that they don't know anything (procedure-wise that is!). For instance, we started out the door to lunch and I remembered they don't know where to go, how to pay, etc. Oopsie! Time just snuck up on me before I could explain!

The major excitement came from a little girl getting sick all over the place. I gave her the trash can to use, and she continue to yack all over the poor little boy beside her. I called her mom and told her how awful I felt for her. She must have been so embarrassed! At least the other kids seemed to understand, after they stopped screaming. I haven't had a kid barf in 5 years, so I guess I was due. I just HOPE that I am not next...

I did mention to them that I am going to have a baby, and about half of them did not realize that. :) My sub is doing a half day for me tomorrow, so they will be able to get to know her and she can get her feet wet with them. I have my 38 week doctor's appointment, and we will see if I can wiggle my way out of them fussing at me for how swollen my legs and hands have gotten. I definitely am NOT putting my feet up/sitting down as much as I should, and I know that. I am just stubborn I guess!!

More "Nesting"

If you keep up with my posts, you have noticed that I have been cooking a lot, and my blog is starting to look a bit (not much, just a little bit) like Kara's "What's Kookin'" blog. But my latest creation was buttermilk waffles made from scratch. We cleaned out the kitchen Saturday, and I found a recipe booklet my grandmother Nana had made, and in it was her famous buttermilk waffle recipe. Since I actually had some buttermilk, Monday morning brought buttermilk waffles made from scratch to our table. Not bad for a teacher who was going back to work, huh? (Actually, I got up because I couldn't sleep, not just to cook, but hey, who's counting?) We have actually eaten from the same batch of waffle mix every morning since. Yum yum. But don't worry-the Kitchen Aid mixer had to find a new home in one of the lower cabinets, so I don't think we will be seeing it again before BG arrives. Too heavy for me to lift!

Shooie!

This is my new favorite sound, and anyone who has spent much time around me is probably familiar with it. I use it liberally when I get tired or have to strain to do something like tie my shoes (quite a challenge these days). But I went back to school today, and shooie is definitely the word I would use to describe it! It was a long, tiring day, but it was good to see my friends again. I did go to the doctor for my 37 week check-up, and he told me that I officially have a cold. Who gets colds in August? Apparently me. I tried to take some Sudafed as he recommended, and then went to Walmart after school. Let's just say that Jason almost had to come get me from Walmart so I didn't make a scene by passing out in the floor, so I don't think I will be taking the Sudafed anymore. Tomorrow, Jason's mom is kindly coming to help me in my classroom, so hopefully it will be less of a 'shooie' day!

My hubby, my hero

This morning, Jason and I made the trek out to my classroom to try to get some of the furniture moved. I wanted to go before the first day back because I knew that once all the other teachers arrived, the custodians would be very busy and it would be hard to find one of them to help.

While we were moving things, Jason picked up the carpet to move it to its home. When he did, out came a mouse! EW! I promptly screamed and went running towards the office, leaving Jason in the room with the little critter. I ran into the custodian, Mr. Kirby, on my way to the office. He went to find a sticky trap thing to try to catch him. However, mouse managed to find a good hiding place, and we went on with moving stuff around. I was on the lookout though, and we eventually found him again. It was quite a sight to see. Me, belly and all, standing near the door, narrating the chase between Jason, Mr. Kirby and mouse.

Finally, Jason threw the trash can on top of him, and Mr. K slid the trap under the can. However, the plastic bag allowed mouse to escape out the side, and the chase was back on. Again, Jason bravely threw the trash can (sans plastic bag) on top of the mouse after a few minutes of chase. This time, when Mr. K slid the trap under the can, the mouse got stuck on it. As we were leaving, Mr. K was taking the mouse and trap to dispose of it somehow (don't ask me how).

I was so thankful to have the two of them there to help catch it. Just think, Jason moved furniture in my room and caught a mouse under a trash can not once but twice, and still got to work on time for his 9:00 appointment. Super Hubby!!

Nesting-My Way

You may have heard that as expected due dates approach, some women tend to have a surge of energy that they use to do things such as clean their house, prepare the baby room, etc. Well, with my surge of energy, I have chosen to BAKE. Yes, that is right. Bake. This coming from the girl who had a few weeks where our dinner menu was made predominantly of throw-them-in-the-microwave-and-they-are-done HOT DOGS. But, in the last week and a half, I have wanted to do nothing else except work on a lovely, tasty creation each day. The list of things I have made includes 3 batches of cookies, banana bread (which I had NEVER ever made before), 2 peach crisps and a partidge in a pear tree (HAHA). Thanks to Kara for providing the tasty banana bread recipe (which I think Missy found originally). My Kitchen Aid mixer has never been so busy!!

Going Down!

Well, we went to the doctor for our official 36 week check up today, and good news! It appears that BG has dropped! For those of you who are like I was only a mere few months ago, that means that BG is getting ready for his/her arrival. I remember them talking about that in our Birthing Class, and Jason reminded me that it means that delivery is usually 2 or 3 weeks away. WHOA! I asked the doctor if he thought the baby had dropped, and he replied, "Is it easier to breathe?" and I said, "YES!". His response, "Then, yes, I'd say the baby dropped!". Scientific, huh? You can also tell a difference when you look at my profile. The baby bump is not quite so far up in my chest. Plus, Baby has found my pelvic bone and has started poking and kicking it. Exciting stuff!

My Right Hand

Well, the things that happen to your body when you are pregnant are apparently endless. I have not been able to feel the majority of my right hand for a couple of weeks now, and it is getting more pronounced. It is a very weird sensation, and the doctor doesn't seem to be concerned about it, so I guess I am not either. But it is making it hard to do things that require fine motor skills, like putting on make up and writing thank you notes. But, as I always say, if that it the worst thing that happens, I am doing pretty well!!

Baby's Room

Well, Jason and I spent the better part of Saturday trying to finish getting the baby's room ready. He said, "All we need now is a baby!" Well, hopefully it will still be a while before we get that, but I think he is right! Jason did have a lot to do with the furniture selection, paint color, and decor. So when you see him, pat him on the back for being such a stylish Dad.

We also got the car seat out of the attic this week, and we practiced getting it in and out of the base (on the kitchen floor that is). I will swing by the fire department some time this week so they can help me get it in the car. We did a lot of 'drills' this weekend. It was really kind of funny and I know you would have died laughing at us if you had seen it. (We were laughing at ourselves!!) Our practice exercises included: changing a diaper, putting a diaper in the diaper pail (including holding of the nose), and putting the baby in and out of the stroller.

I also wanted to point out the little stuffed dog that is in a cubby of the changing table. We got it for Baby when we were in Staunton. We went to this cute toy store called Pufferbellies, and couldn't pass this one up. It is a golden retriever (at least that is what the tag said). I think it was just an omen as to how much Sam would love Baby. He has already taken to sneaking into the baby's room whenever he can to take a nap in front of the crib. I just hope he enjoys being in there as much once there really is a baby in there!

8 Months and Still Counting...

My Mom says I don't put enough pictures of myself on here, so this one is for you Mom! This is my after church yesterday, all dressed up. Thanks to Claire for again providing such an awfully cute dress. I swear, if it wasn't for her, I'd wouldn't be clothed at this point!!

I am officially 36 weeks today. Whoo hoo!!!

61 Years of Marriage and Still Going Strong...

My grandparents, affectionately known as Nana and Big Daddy, definitely show that you can still be happily married and in love after 60+ years of marriage. This is a picture from their new home, Morningside Assisted Living. They had a sock hop, and this is their 'costume' from it. When I first saw this picture, I thought, "Why does he have his hat on like that??". This definitely NOT their normal attire, even though it is cute none-the-less. I will also include the article that accompanied this photo on the front page of the Greenwood newspaper. So CUTE!

Lesley Lane - GwdToday News Reporter 01.AUG.08
There were no wet rags to be found at last night's 1950’s sock hop, just dollies, greasers, hipsters, and killer sounds from the juke box. Morningside Assisted Living could have been called Fat City last night; as residents and their guests were clearly on cloud 9. “The residents have been excited all week” said Dawn Amerson, Morningside’s Executive Director. Decorating for tonight’s sock hop began on Monday. Records hung from the ceiling and the walls were lined in a 1950’s motif paper. The Sundown Band provided entertainment for the event. Residents and guests were served coke floats by car hops, and each resident dressed for the occasion; the lad ies in poodle skirts and the men in leather jackets. The Emerald City Region Antique Automobile Club of America attended the 1950’s sock hop driving cars true to the decade, including a 1957 Matador Red Bel-Air, a 1950 Stud and 1950 Ford, that Dawn Amerson said was very special to her. “The car was my fathers. When he passed away three years ago my mother sold the car to Jimmy Haynes. He made sure to bring it here tonight because he knew I would be here and how much it would mean to me”, said Amerson.