oh crap!

I just wrote a really long entry, I clicked "Publish Post" and it's GONE! How can someone as untechnically saavy as myself have a blog?

I lost it and I'm not rewriting it. Not now anyway - too tired.

To bad - it was a good one! :)

Did I miss Christmas?

My family has had a lot of stress and excitement this holiday season. I have to be honest that I don't feel as "Jolly" as I usually do this time of year; however, did I miss Christmas entirely? Has it just passed me by? I went to Kohl's on my lunch break...they are taking down the Christmas decorations. I then went to Michael's and they are taking down the Christmas displays!

This is as upsetting as looking for a Turkey decoration a week before Thanksgiving and not being able to find Turkey Day Decorations!

I attended a fine university and received a fine degree - I understand marketing, advertising and the almighty dollar. But really?! I didn't want to celebrate Christmas October. I want to celebrate it now (although I'm still not really feeling Jolly).

So please, put the Christmas tree BACK UP, keep the Carols coming (and YES you CAN listen to Christmas music after Christmas.

Besides my dislike for commercialism, all else is going well. Nicolas and I are back at our house. It felt SO good to be home. Nic is doing great! I just have to remind him not to do too much. Then he yells at me for doing too much. It's just a vicious cycle in our house right now :)

He asked Baby T to wait 2 more days. He feels that in 2 more days he can be a good labor coach. Good - Thursday night I'm scrubbing the kitchen floor on my hands and knees....now what to do about work?!

Since Friday...

Hold on guys...this might be a long one!

As of my last update, Nicolas was in surgery. When you are in the surgery waiting room, the give you a pager. When they have information about the surgery, the pager goes off (like at a restaurant) and the waiting room admin let's you know the update. Around 2:00 PM on Friday, we received an update that the surgery was going well. About 15 minutes later, our pager went off again. The waiting room admin starting taking us down a hallway, Nic's mom and I started following. My mom stood up and started talking. I just looked at her and yelled "Shut up". I had no idea why we were being taken to a back room. Why couldn't the doctor just come out and talk to us like other doctors had done to other patients? Why did we have to go to a back room. We were all thinking the same thing, but I didn't want anyone to verbalize their thoughts. My mom, dad, Dick, Mary Ann, Jolene and Aunt Paulette sat and sat in this little back room. Trying to make small talk, but trying our best not to let the nausea that had set in take over. 7 hours later (or 7 minutes, I can't tell the difference at this point), Dr. Kuo came in. "Did you all get something for lunch?" He asked! I was the first to speak, "I can't talk about lunch until you tell us why we are back here!" He half smiled, "Everything is great! Nic is doing well! I take families back here for privacy!". We all started breathing again. Why couldn't someone have said that to us sooner? I must watch to many movies!

Dr. Kuo said the mass on the MRI was indeed tumor. They had removed all of it, The tumor was deeper down in the brain, but almost in the exact same place. Nicolas was in recovery and we could see him once he got to the ICU - probably one to two hours. We wouldn't know about the tumor for a few days and we wouldn't know what our next steps would be for a few days too. Dr. Kuo staid to answer any questions we had. He was so patient, so helpful. Not at all what I expected from a brain surgeon. Once he left I started crying and hugging my mom. "I'm so sorry I yelled at you!!" I felt so guilty. I was just so stressed and so scared, she spoke and I took it all out on her. (I still feel bad about that! She was just as scared as I was!).

Finally we got to go see Nic. Mary Ann, Dick and I went in first. "Change of plans" Nic said, "Come back tomorrow". But honestly, he looked good. People shouldn't look that good getting out of brain surgery. I wanted to throw myself on him, hug him, kiss him and never ever be taken away. Instead I just held his hand for awhile. Finally both sets of parents agreed it was time to go back to the hotel. We had to leave Nic. For one of the few times that day, I started crying again. Nic would never leave me in the hospital alone. Why would I leave him? I couldn't leave him. I am supposed to be by his side, all the time. Please don't make me leave. But they made me leave. I know Nic needed sleep, but I'm still not convinced it was the right thing to do. Had I not been 9 months pregnant, had our families not been just as concerned about me and the baby, I would have fought more.

The next morning everyone commented how much better they slept that night. But truth be known, I slept great the night before surgery. Nic's arms were wrapped around me and the baby. Friday night, I went to bed alone. I was up all night. Sure, Nic's surgery was a success, but I was without him. I wonder if Nic feeds from me, the way I feed from him. I didn't feel better until I saw him Saturday morning. I cried - again - (anyone keeping count?!) and told him I was so sorry for leaving him. He had a good night though and was feeling better.

Dr. Kuo came to see us in the morning, after Nic's MRI. GOOD NEWS - AGAIN!! They DID get all of the tumor. There is some "speckling" at the bottom of where the tumor is. After more tests, they'll know if that is blood, scar tissue or microscopic tumor cells (which they wouldn't have been able to get to or remove with surgery anyway). The tumor was with pathology and we would learn, in a few days, what our next steps were. Chemo? What type? Radiation? Both? Dr. Kuo had also mentioned how impressed he was with Nic. When they went back in for surgery, they noticed that Nic's skull was actually starting to fuse back together. I guess this doesn't happen very often or this quickly! Way to go Nic!

Nic was supposed to get discharged to general care (and leave the ICU) but they never got a room available. Now it's Sunday and we are still in the ICU. When I walked in this morning, Nic was sitting up - head dressing off - eating a plate of pancakes! From now on, when he tells Emma he's a super hero, instead of laughing, I'm going to hug him and Emma and say "Yes, he is". They probably won't move Nic to general care now, unless they need his ICU bed, but they will discharge him to go home directly from the ICU. We'll probably go home on Monday. Nic NEEDS to know that he can't push himself. He tries to hard to do things exactly as he did before, but even superheros need rest. I want him home. I want us home. We've jumped the first hurdle. We were, again, successful. Let's keep moving forward and fight this battle once and for all.

Again, I need to thank everyone for their prayers, their positive energy, their support and encouragement. Nicolas can accomplish anything. He's proven that. Nicolas and I, together, can accomplish anything. We've proven that. Our love gets stronger as he gets stronger and our relationship continues to develop and strengthen. However, it's you. It's your prayers. It's your energy that was able to keep us up when we were down. To keep pushing us forward when we stopped. And we could not, can not and will not do it on our own. My wish for you all is that you never have to know this type of support is out there, but to know you are incredibly blessed to receive it. We'll keep you posted...

Waitin'....

Well, Nicolas is now in surgery.

We got to Madison last night and staid at Jolene and Dick's - in Oregon. Nic's surgery was scheduled for 10 AM so we had to be at University Hospital by 8 AM. We ended up waiting much longer this time and Nic didn't get into surgery until around 11 AM. We met Dr. Kuo (pronounced Quo) and I was very surprised at how personable he was. He explained things on a very understandable level...which is unique for a microbiologist brain surgeon. The mass is deeper than it was last time; however, it is much smaller too. The mass is in the area of the motor skills, but not the central motor skills...essentially the "reserve motor skills". So if there were to be any side effects they would be temporary. The right side of the brain will make up for the left and Nicolas would be back to "normal" in no time.

Dr. Kuo said that his COULD just be dying brain tissue. That the MRI picks up any abnormality in the brain. If that was the case, they'll just staple him up and send us on our way! Dr. Kuo did say that was a very remote possibility, but since they tell us all the bad news, they have to tell us all the good news too. I'll hold onto the false hope for awhile! They also said that surgery could last about 5 hours! Which is 2 hours longer than last time. I can't imagine waiting any longer than we had to last time.

I always joke about my 100s and 1000s of followers, but as it turns out, I have a lot more followers than I thought I did. I can't believe how many people are praying for us today. Are concerned for us. Want to help us. Want to know. There are people, that I don't even know, that want updates on how Nic does during surgery and what the outcome is. Whoever you are out there, Thank You. Your love and support is what is getting us through this and will continue to get us through this. Your prayers and positive energy fuel us. We will keep you all updated and can't wait to share our good news with you!

Love to you all.

What is a contraction...and other things I hope to learn...

People keep asking me...do you feel contractions yet? I don't even know what a contraction is - how am I supposed to know if I feel one? Can someone just let me know what the heck I'm supposed to be feeling?

People keep telling me...I bet you are ready to have this baby. Any day now! I want to yell at them - no! We have to much to do before Baby T can come.

Do you think this whole process will really teach me to live one day at a time? To not get so stressed out about everything? Right now I look at the calendar and I think only 21 days until our official due date. I'm 37 weeks today. Anything could happen. At any time. But it can't. We need to have brain surgery first. Then recover. Then have a baby. Nic NEEDS to be in that room with me when we meet our daughter. So I tell myself, do not think about 21 days from now. Think about today.

Today is Friday, December 5th. That is all I should look at. Yes, I'm one day closer to my due date. One day closer to pre-surgery appointment in Madison and one day closer to surgery. But today. My mind races forward to the next milestone, just get me through X or bring me to Y. But, then what? Those moments will come. Those answers will come. Why waste now for a future that will come when it comes.

I can say that...now I just have to apply it. And if I apply it, and believe it, then at least I can start understanding why this is all happening.

I don't feel like blogging anymore...

I don't really feel much like writing. I'm still, We are still, incredibly excited about the much anticipated of baby Terrones, but it's so hard to think about that when we have huge mountains to climb before we can get there.

What is one more mountain to Nic and I? Nothing. If I could wish anything for anyone, everyone, it's that they know this type of love at some point in their life. The love that makes even the most pessimistic people see optimism. Nicolas is my strength and even when he needs to be strong, he allows me to steal strength from him. So many times I want to yell, scream, cry and feel bad for us. Just the other day I was saying how perfect our life was and now look at it. But I can't say that. Our life still is perfect. We have the MOST amazing family and friends. Everyone has thrown prayers and well wishes at us.

People say you are blessed with good health. Well, we may not have that right now, but we sure are blessed with an amazing support system. My cousin told me "If God brings you to it, he'll bring you through it". I'm going to repeat that every day. And I have to remember that Nic and I are lucky. God knows that we can handle this (oops, now I started crying...I tried not to). I'm not sure why he thinks we can handle it, but he does. So....we move forward.

Nicolas and I thank everyone for their prayers and well wishes. We ask that you continue them and we will continue to keep you posted and updated. On Nic, on Baby Terrones and well...the Daily Life of the Terrones Family. Love you all.

Now what do I do? (and other revelations)

Today, I sat down to eat my lunch (as I always do at 11 AM). Checked my gmail quick and went on to the world of Facebook. My lunch time enjoyment quickly came to a halt as I learned Facebook is now blocked at work! Uh-oh...that's probably my fault! I'm very sad now. I guess I'll have to blog more often now, since I can't quietly watch the lives of others through Internet social networks!

I have been a mess of mixed emotions lately. I'm so excited to meet our baby girl, but what is life like post pregnancy? I really don't remember a time when I wasn't pregnant. However, I did make up my mind (and change my mind) with one thing today. Maternity leave in winter is going to rock! This morning I woke up, the sun was just starting to rise and the snow was falling on an already fresh inch or so. How wonderful to curl up with my warm baby girl in my arms and watch is snow? Think about all the slush I'm missing, the traffic I'm not stuck in and the layers I didn't have to put on! I'm actually very excited for this now. Besides - I hate summer anyway - I wouldn't go outside in August with a newborn if my life depended on it. I'm more likely to take her out in the cold - get her used to it and maybe she'll be a crazy winter lover like her mother.

I think this morning's snow was all I needed to put me in the "Christmas Spirit". Mind you, I'm not celebrating Christmas yet - it's still the week of Thanksgiving. However, this year I just couldn't find my spirit. I think I'm SO focused on the baby and upcoming delivery that I just can't think about the biggest holiday in the United States. I really am trying to focus on other things. Although my mind often goes back to labor and the baby. Who can blame me - right?

The nursery really is just about done, but then I feel like there are always 100 other things on my to do list.

Well, I guess my lunch break is over. I can only ramble on my blog for so long before people start to get annoyed with reading it (I still have readers - right? Hello? Anyone?!) and I don't have Facebook to check anymore. Really, what am I going to do on lunch breaks from now on? I guess I could spend more time at Old Navy and Michael's :)

Random Thoughts...

I ruined my blog! I hate the new style. I'm not sure what I did or how to fix it or anything! I was trying to be "techie" and look what I did. So, for the time being, know that my blog is under construction and I will try to fix it! Some way or another. I really need to figure out how to add pictures - I think that is what screwed it up!

Last night was Emma's Thanksgiving Concert. I'm not sure I've ever attended a child's concert before. It was fabulous! I had so much fun watching her bound down the aisle! She was SO excited! Grandma Trahan, Mommy, Mommy's friend, Daddy, Dana, Grandma and Grandpa Terrones, Auntie Lizabeth, her friend and baby Aida all attended her concert and she was LOVIN' it! Nic and I were the crazy parents - one with a camera and one with a video camera. We even videotaped the part where Emma sat and picked her nose for almost an entire song. Gosh I need to break that child of that habit! I am SO open for suggestions!

I would love to post pictures of her singing and shaken' her hips, BUT my camera and I got into a fight last night. I have a professional grade camera and still, I can't get good inside pictures. They are really dark. So today on lunch I went to Best Buy. It's time to invest in a new flash or a new lens. Enter William. William is my new best friend. He is the greatest camera salesman ever to enter Best Buy. He taught me some new features on my camera - which I have to play with - told me how to save money and talked to me about what Lens is the next step for little ol' me. He told me about classes that Best Buy is going to start offering in January. William used to teach at UWM. He retired and now works at Best Buy, but still in his passion. I probably won't be able to attend January classes, but hopefully they will run them again. I need to learn how to use that camera to it's true potential. He gave me hope and some renewed excitement regarding my camera. I can't wait!

Tonight Nic and I are going on a date. Nic is feeling a little under the weather (a sore throat, you know how that goes with men ;) But we are going out for dinner and then either coming home and watching our movie or maybe we will head downtown Cedarburg for the first of Five Festive Fridays. FFF takes place on the five Friday's before Christmas and it is just a cute time at the Cedar Creek Settlement. However, if we go, I have to admit that Christmas is coming and may have to give in to listening to Christmas music. So it's kind of a big decision for me.

Tomorrow - the final baby shower! *phew* what a weekend! Enjoy yours too!

6/6 Complete!

That's it! We are official parents. No, we don't have a baby, but we finished our last Childbirth Class. This class was probably the least shocking of them all. We learned how to care for babies and watched part of "Happiest Baby on the Block". We all received plastic dolls and learned how to change their diaper, bath them and swaddle them. The instructor kept saying, "Handle them like real babies", but come on...that's a little hard. We tried to be serious and it was helpful, but it was also helpful for us all to laugh at ourselves.

We are just about done with all the Christmas cards...the next thing is to get the announcements started! I really think I took on too much with all this! We'll see what happens with the announcements. Maybe I'll send them when she's 6 months!

And may I just say...people say how badly they feel for my daughter because Christmas is always going to outshine her birthday. I think then, if that is really the case, babies born in October, November and December have that problem. I swear, I just wanted to find a turkey decoration today and I couldn't find anything! Everything was snowflakes, snowmen and gingerbread men. Christmas has taken over! This insanity needs to stop (as does the insanity that people won't celebrate my daughter's birthday because of Christmas).

I'm hanging up the cape

OK, so I really haven't done anything on a "Superhero" level; however, I haven't slowed down during my pregnancy - at all! Yesterday, it just all caught up with me. I've been feeling pretty lousy for about a week now, just tired and run down. A lot of it has to do with seasonal allergies, but I think being 8 months pg exaggerated any allergies I had. I went to work around 7:30 and left at 8:30. I slept from 9 until about 1! I also took a nap in the afternoon and was still sleeping at 9:30. My body finally shut down on me.

I think one of the most difficult things about being pregnant is that notion of "slowing down". I keep telling people, I'm pregnant, not disabled. However, I've noticed there is some correlation between the two. Our baby class teacher compares having a child to running a 9 month marathon. I've never run a marathon before, but I guess when this is all over, I'll have to try. I'd like to see just how accurate that comparison is. Her whole point is that our bodies never relax. Even when I'm sleeping, I'm working on creating another human. And that can take a lot out of a person. Pregnant women can fool themselves, but they shouldn't. We need to relax and start saving that energy. I heard childbirth is a lot of work.

Nic was great. He told me I wasn't allowed to do anything yesterday and I finally listened to him. It's just so hard to be physically able to do something, but not be able to do it. I don't want her coming early, she still has 6 weeks in there and she needs every day to get stronger and bigger. However, let me tell you...it's times like yesterday that I just say to her, I want MY body back. You have your own now. How about we don't share anymore? And if we are going to share, could you PLEASE get your foot out of my rib cage. It's really not comfortable!

5/6 more prepared...and it's just getting worse!

Last night's class was about right after delivery and PPD. Worst. Class. Yet. Awful! I thought 9 months without a period was glorious. Now I find out I'll make up for it with 6 weeks of bleeding! You sit on ice packs in the hospital because you bottom hurts so bad. Your sore, your uncomfortable, you can't lift, you can't drive, you can't walk down/up stairs. Yesh! I guess I won't be painting my bathroom on maternity leave, like I thought I was going to. Maybe I'll see what Painter Wendy is up to :)

The highlight of last night's class was when we started talking about unsolicited advice. It obviously continues as you raise your children; however, we started sharing stories about if we currently receive any unsolicited advice. I felt so relieved to know there were stupid people at Sears, just like the stupid cashier I had at Target. We all get to hear how big we are, how little we are, how much we've dropped and how HORRIBLE it is that we have to have our children near Christmas. I could have exchanged those stories all night!

So, I guess for now, I'll just try to forget last night's class. Always remembering, no matter how much pain I'm in, how awful it really is, I got to be pregnant and I'll have my beautiful daughter as a reminder of the 9 months we got to spend together.

In other news...the baby furniture was delivered today! Nic and Matty went to Melissa's to pick it up. I guess most of it only made it as far as the garage, but at least it's at my house! I can not wait until tonight when I FINALLY get to start putting together our little girl's room. Hopefully our glider comes in soon too. Home Depot called to say the blinds are in, but no one has called about installing them yet (they won't do me much good sitting at Home Depot!)

I'm not crabby today!

I'm feeling much better today than I was yesterday, which is odd because I am extremely tired today. But other than that, not as irritable as I was yesterday.

Probably because I'm just sitting here, eating lunch, hand on my belly and feeling my little girl kick the bottom of my hand. I imagine that she is sleeping, moving her little legs back and forth. I love to think about her and what she will look like. If she would keep kicking, I could probably sit with my hand on my stomach all day.

Aren't pregnancy hormones great? But seriously...do you have any chocolate for me?

A little vent from the hormonal pregnant woman...

...First of all - remember that I LOVE being pregnant. I think this entire adventure has been a blessing. I can't see my feet and I don't want to see them because they hurt so bad. My back aches. I really can't bend anymore. I waddle like a duck. I'm gassy (there I said it!) and I eat like a horse! But that is all funny! Hilarious. I will be back to my prepregnancy self at some point.

So, how do women deal with this crap that hate being pregnant? Seriously, I can't even run into Target without getting unsolicited advice. Today the woman at Target told me that I am happy to be having a girl now, but just wait. When she turns 4 or 5, I'm going to want to trade her in for 2 boys. Girls are awful. What an awful thing to say about your child!! Maybe it's your rotten attitude that gives your daughter her temperment. My daughter is going to be a lot of work. For the rest of my life. But my husband and I are ready to accept that challenge.

Next. I am 32 weeks pregnant. I still have 8 weeks to go. DO NOT start with me ALREADY with the "oh my gosh, you are so big, how much longer do you have?" It's going to get worse kids. I'm going to get bigger. YOU KNOW I'm due in December. It's the day after Christmas for Pete's sake, you can't forget it. So don't ACT like you DON'T KNOW! AND, in case you didn't realize: This baby and I spend A LOT of time together. I KNOW my stomach is big. I don't need captain obvious telling me this.

Next. "You Look Tired". No kidding Sherlock. I wake up every hour to go to the bathroom. I could spit more saliva than I urinate, but still, a child on my bladder tells me I need to use the facilities. When I do crawl back into bed, I get a sharp pain in my abdomen up through my chest that takes my breath away, as my little one decides she gets to get comfortable first. Then it decides to be 70 degrees at night in November and I am dripping in sweat. I've gained 30 pounds and lug it around with me every where I go. Blow drying my hair is tiring. Please, the next time I look tired, just tell me I look like hell and move on. That is really what you are saying and we both know it.

If you are reading this blog, stop worrying. It's doubtful that you are one of morons I am referring to. Besides, we all say stupid things, and if you are my family or friend and I love you - then I'll tell you that you have said something stupid. And we will move on. It's the rest of the world I worry about....Does anyone have any chocolate for me? I ate mine for breakfast.

AW!

AW is message board talk for "Attention Whore". Because if I was in a play, the lights would turn down and there would be a spotlight on just ME (isn't that what most of this blog is about anyway?!) If I were on a TV show, it would be VH1 (is that still a station?) "Best Day Ever".

Yesterday, I had a surprise baby shower at work! It was awesome!

I have to start with the background details first. So my boss called Nic about a month ago and asked if my company could rent some tables and chairs for a lunch (which we have done in the past). However, it was a surprise lunch for me and it was a baby shower! That night Nic went to my parent's house to sent up the tent for my mom's birthday party and had to tell my dad - he was so excited! Nic and I can not keep secrets from each other - so I know this was hard for him!
Then my boss (Mary) tells me a few days ago that we going to have lunch with one of our Staffing agencies - Mary knows me well and knows I would dress up for this event. I was working with Sarah (the newest HR Team member) yesterday and we had to tour two of our other plants. We got done with a plant tour a little earlier and headed back to my plant. Sarah wanted to stop and get bottled water - I told her we had vending machines at the plant, but she said she wanted a big bottle. So we stop in the ghetto for some water. I'm waiting...and waiting...and waiting...for the love of gosh - it's a bottle of water - in and OUT! Little did I know that Sarah went into the gas station and basically sat there - trying to kill time. Mary told her not to be back before 11:45.

Finally Sarah comes out and we head to County Line Road. The parking lot is FULL and I notice another HR Team member's car there. This is so weird - why was she here and WHY is the parking lot so full? I parked in the handicap stall, because let's be honest - I'm a little handicapped these days!

I walk in the door and see a bunch of tables and chair set up. I guess, at this point, I kind of thought - is this for me? But really it was so much to register, I didn't really put it all together. Everyone shouted SURPRISE! And I almost feel over! It really was too much! Pink tables, decorations, a HUGE potluck lunch (which I wish I could eat again!). As if that wasn't all flattering enough - there was a table mounded with presents! My co-workers were beyond generous. We received our monitor, our JOGGING STROLLER (5K here I come!), our diaper champ and beautiful clothes! I just can't get over every one's generosity.

Our little baby girl is already SO loved, I just can't wait for her to come here so we can all show her how important she is. 8 more weeks!!

3/6 more prepared!

Ok, Ok, 1/3 more prepared!

Last night was our 3rd childbirth class. We learned about pain meds. Honestly, the epidural video was WAY more disgusting than the childbirth video. I don't care what is coming out of where, you are NOT sticking a needle with a tube in my SPINE! Hit me with a two by four, don't give me an epidural. It was so nice talking to our instructor because really it is very frustrating to hear everyone say, "You've never given birth, you'll want an epidural". Well, actually, I don't - there I said it. It's public. I don't. It was refreshing to talk to someone that has had a, recent, natural childbirth and to tell me it's a realistic goal. I also think that Nic realized how much this means to me. He will try to distract me from getting it - even if I ask. However, we have a code word. If I say the code word it means I'm done, I'm exhausted and I need the epidural to rest. So if you are driving by St. Mary's hospital on my delivery day and you hear some woman screaming "BEAUTIFUL BUTTERFLIES!!!!!" You know Dana has decided to get the epidural.

The sad thing is that St. Mary's does not administer "walking epi's". This is an epi that you can still feel some things, move around a little and then be numb to some parts of the pain. So it's full epi - or nothing.

However, last night I did learn one shocking thing (what is a childbirth class without a shocking moment). You can push for HOURS. No seriously, hours! I HONESTLY thought once you started pushing, it was all down hill. Some lamaze breathing and out comes the baby. Nope. You push during the contraction, baby drops, contraction stops, baby pops back up. 2 steps forward, 4 steps back and this process can last for hours!

Really, Hollywood should make this experience a little more realistic in the movies. I feel so stupid for thinking pushing only took a few minutes. That after 9 months of pregnancy, potential hours of labor that pushing was just a blink. I better stop working now - I need lots of energy for this marathon I'm participating in!

Another Baby Shower!

Today was the Terrones Family Baby Shower. What a great day! My sister-in-laws: Gina, Jolene and Heather, did a great job planning and organizing the event. They had a pink/yellow, little princess cupcake theme going on. It was adorable! There were M&Ms that said "Baby Terrones" and "Little Cupcake". At first I told everyone they couldn't eat them, but my sister took a picture, and then I decided it was OK.

I HAD to include a picture of the quilt made by Gina. It is SO soft and SO pink! The label says "...December 2008..." A lot of people are banking on the fact that Osito is coming this year! I hope they are right! She also MADE Osito (Lola Lynn - as called by Gina) her first pair of Mary Janes. So cute! I just want her so I can put her in all of her new clothes!

We also received our travel system. I feel like a great anxiety has been lifted. I was really scared we would have our baby and have no car seat to put her in. That has been taken care of and now I am ready to have a baby :)

We really received many, many wonderful gifts! Everyone spoiled Osito with many wonderful things. She is such a lucky little girl. So many people can't wait to love her! (Already do love her!) I had to check my registry tonight because we have one more shower coming up. After two weeks of great showers, our Target registry is almost completely bought! I can't believe I need to add more things.

In other news, I am 31 weeks this weekend. Baby T is 3 pounds now! Can you believe it? She busy kicking away in there. Trying to get comfortable (or trying to drive me crazy...I'm not sure). We can barely compare her to a fruit/vegetable now, because at 3 pounds, she's just growing to fast!

It was a busy day for the two of us. Dad is relaxing watching football and I might sneak upstairs and go to bed!

2/6 Prepared (TMI)

Yes I know this is really 1/3, but we finished class 2 of 6, so I like to say 2/6 more prepared! And TMI = Too Much Information.

Last night was our second childbirth class. We watched "The Video". The video they always warn you about. The video diaries of three moms going through child birth - the natural way.
I have to say - the video was great and I am more excited now than I was before.

However, be aware...it's not a good video. The three woman start by noticing their little VW Contractions (see post 1/6 prepared). They are still at home. They take walks, breath through them and relax in their own bed. Then they move to the hospital. The start with the SUV contractions. Still doing very well, but getting noticeably tired and uncomfortable. I'm starting to squirm in my seat. Then the Mack Truck hits. These women are EXHAUSTED. Pain is visible on every part of their skin. They can't communicate with their husbands. They moan, they cry, the baby starts to drop. They start pushing and they show you how this GIANT baby wiggles it's way out of another human being. (This would be the eww part! I don't want to see my body to that!) I want to grab my crotch and run out of the room saying, "Turn it off, turn it off!" I'm in shear pain just watching it. I even feel Nic tense up next to me.

Then, the baby is out. In most cases, the doctor puts the baby on mom's bare belly right away and every ounce of pain is erased from her face. I immediately swell up with tears, just as I feel right now. Mom helps clean off baby and you hear her first cry. Mom is no longer tired, Dad is no longer scared. They are in awe of the tiny miracle in front of them. The tiny miracle they have only felt for the last 9 months. There she is, in their arms. Everything- feelings of shock, denial, fear - GONE.

It was amazing. An amazing thing that I am SO lucky to be able to do. No matter how awful it is, I just need Nic holding my hand, petting my hair and reminding me what it is all for. Our daughter.

So then we took a tour of the Country Club. What a great hospital we get to birth at. It really was neat to actually see the rooms and know that in two months that is where we would be. We learned about some theory, about the 5 senses, that help you to relax. Bring in pictures to help visualize, soft baby blankets for touch, suck candy for taste. (anything to help with the agony called Child Birth).

We may only be 2/6 more prepared, but I am 6/6 ready. (minus the nursery isn't done, she has no car seat and we aren't packed for the hospital!) I'm so excited for this next step, but am trying not to rush these last few, precious months of carrying her with me.

I have no idea what I'm doing!

Seriously...I have been SO forgetful lately, it isn't even funny. Half the time, I can't even remember what I was going to do or saying!

First, let me say that today I had my first baby shower and I intend on posting a full report; however, I want to post a few pictures with that entry. So what I need to say right now is that I had the oddest dream last night that I was having a baby BOY! I'm almost a little freaked out by it right now. But don't people have dreams about things that don't happen. We've all had the dream that we are giving a presentation naked...that doesn't happen. So it's just a dream - right? But really, I can't shake it.

Second, I ran to the liquor store on my lunch break the other day. I was looking for a very particular bottle of wine. First, it's weird to be in a liquor store at 11:30 AM. Second, I'm obviously pregnant! I was at the store when most of the distributors were there delivering their "wares" and this old man walks down the aisle I'm in and mumbles something under his breath. And I swear he said something along the lines of "You shouldn't be here". I mean really - is it possible that I could be buying this wine for someone else? Could it be, I wasn't drinking it myself? (Which I wasn't!). I felt almost ashamed there and tried to get out as quickly as possible. Now really - how is that fair. I guess it's my own paranoia. He probably didn't even say anything to me!

I promise - tomorrow - pics of the 30 week belly and of the FABULOUS baby shower I had today!

1/6 more prepared!

On Monday we had our first Childbirth Class. There are about 20 couples in the class with due dates ranging from 11/24 - 1/19 and Nicolas and I agree - I probably have one of the biggest bellies in the class. Oh dear baby, I think she's going to be big!

So we all line up and introduce ourselves, holding a pool noodle, say what we want to learn in class and what we would do with the noodle during labor. My classmates want to learn everything possible about labor and would use the noodle as back support or to squeeze for stress. I announce that I like being ignorant about the labor process, I'm not sure I feel like I want to learn anything and I will probably throw the noodle during labor. Hmmm, not sure how many friends I made :) My sarcasm can be overwhelming at times. I really want to learn everything possible (but I probably will throw the noodle).

Later into class the teacher starts talking about contractions. How will we know when we are really in labor and when to really go to the hospital. She starts out by saying early labor contractions are like VW Bugs. There aren't that many of them, but you notice them when you see them. People typically like them. You midlabor contractions are like SUVs. There are more of them, they are bigger, they are strong and you notice them. Your delivery contractions are like MACK TRUCKS! They are big, they are long, you notice them and they can knock you out! Wait - what? I don't want to know that!! That sounds scary and painful!

But then she says things like contractions don't last forever. Up to 120 seconds (that's two long minutes, they just talk about in seconds to make it seem shorter!) Then you get a break in between. She teaches the dads how to say encouraging things and how during delivery contractions, don't talk to us. Let us get in the zone. Don't say things like "You look uncomfortable, can I fluff your pillow for you? Do you want another one?" Say things like "Pillow?" That's all we can register.

Then she says AMAZING things like, this little child knows exactly how to move and position herself to her big self out of that little space. She knows when to flip and when to rotate. Doctor's don't do that - babies do. Isn't she amazing? My daughter is SO smart already ;)

I tell you, this labor thing is like that uphill climb on a roller coaster. You have NO idea what's over that bump, but it's scary and it's exciting and hopefully at the end you stand up and say "That wasn't so bad, let's do it again". And I'll look down into my daughter's eyes and up into my husband's and even though I was just knocked out by a Mack Truck, I'll be smiling!

A kick and a KICK

So for the past few weeks I have been enjoying feeling our daughter move freely. I love her light flutters, stretches and kicks. I didn't realize that was all they were...flutters. Thursday night I was lying in bed. Nic had just gotten home from his kickball game and was eating a late dinner in the kitchen. All of a sudden, I felt her. Not her moving, but HER. I felt a little leg, hand, head, whatever, bump my hand. I softly called to Nic. I've done this a few times, pulled his hand over my expanding belly and told him to feel what only I could feel from the inside. He came into bed saying, "She'll probably stop now that she knows I'm here". Only his sentence was interrupted by a "WOAH, what was that!" I looked into his eyes, "That, was our daughter". Do it again! So for a few brief moments, my husband and I sat, hands on my belly, feeling, for the first time, our daughter. It was, without a doubt, the most magical moment of my life. I know now why my wedding day was the day I loved my husband the least, because in that moment, I have never loved him more.

She began to get comfortable and quiet down. Nic went back to his dinner and I drifted off into sleep. But I know...both of us can't wait for that next time that we actually get to feel her.

3rd Trimester!

According to my original due date (I switch between my due date and my original due date), I am 28 weeks pregnant today! That means, we are in the third trimester! Can you believe it? I look back on the last 23 weeks and I can't tell if time has just flown by or if time is just ticking by. The sad thing is that October is SUCH a busy month for us, November starts the holidays and before you know it, our little girl will be here!

This weekend we finished painting the nursery - we, ha ha...we had a painter come do it for us...but it's done! Next - rip up the nasty, stained blue carpet and go pick out new stuff! I can't wait to see it all finished. It's all getting so real!

I'm married! I'm having a baby!

No, these aren't really "new" revelations for me...however, two things happened in the last week that made them both seem very real!

First, after nearly two years of marriage, we finally have our wedding video! The video that caused too much stress and anxiety in my family. The video that started turning happy memories into feelings of anger and stress. Nic and I eagerly sat down to watch the video on Friday evening. At first, we weren't to sure how we liked the arrangement, but really, I cried through most of it, so I couldn't make a decision. Saturday we watched it with my family. I loved it, I decided. Sometimes I feel like the sound quality could be a little better, but I think I'm being critical. Overall, it's an amazing highlight of the entire day. A day that went by so fast and yet I feel like it was just yesterday. It was so neat to finally see that day. To relive the parts I wanted to and see other parts for the first time: Like little Collin, Colin and baby Emma walking down the aisle. Nic walking into the front of church. And what was that ridiculous dance my husband was doing at the reception? I could watch it every single day! But...as much as Nic liked it, I think twice in one weekend was enough for him! At least our anniversary is 12 days away and I can make him watch it again then!

Then...I'm having a baby! Yup, I knew this too; however, we received our first "official" baby gift. Not that cute little stuff people buy you when they find out you are PG, we received something we actually need for the nursery. Unfortunately, Nic's cousin's wife can't come to my baby shower. **side story and background on why this is sad for me: Melissa and Brad tried very hard to have a baby and were finally blessed with Brody last June (May? I'm so bad, I can't remember now!) I was feeling very down on my luck because Nic and I weren't PG yet and going to Melissa's baby shower in April (March? Good grief, I'm awful!) was tough. However, Melissa and Brad were one of the only couples I felt happy for at that time because I knew how much they wanted and already loved their little one. Lo and behold, I was probably preggers at Melissa's shower and I didn't even know it!** But anyway, now Melissa can't come to my shower, so she sent her gift already. The Babies R Us box just sat on our kitchen table. I wasn't sure how it worked. Could I open it? It isn't like a wedding present, I don't have to wait until the baby comes to open it - right? So...we opened it! I wasn't even sure what it was - but we registered for it. Well, after reading the box and playing with it, we learned it was the baby soother. This little aquarium looking thing goes in the crib and soothes the baby (Really?! Is that all it takes? Is it that easy?) It soothed Nic and I and we are thinking about putting it in our room for awhile. It even has a remote control so we won't wake the baby up when we turn it off - wow, technology is great! So, now our first baby gift is sitting in the closet of the nursery. The nursery, which I may add, is now white, primed and ready for the painter to come and work her magic.

So in one week Nic and I accomplished two huge milestones, marriage and babies. I wonder what next week will hold!? Retirement ;)

Fond memories, a sweet treat and a scary trip.

When you don't blog for awhile, you have a lot to catch up on. I've had things I've wanted to say, but time, as always, got away from me.

First, let me start out by saying I'm very happy and content in my life right now. I really have everything I ever dreamed of having and it's better than I thought it would be. That being said, I was a bit nostalgic on Thursday evening. I met Nic downtown for his kickball game. It was almost hard driving to the East Side, that Nic and I called home for some time, there was just so much to look at: what has changed, what staid the same, where did things go?! I sat on the sidelines during the game and took in all the sights, sounds and smells of my beloved East Side of Milwaukee. I make us sound like we moved to the most rural part of Wisconsin, but there really is an entirely different feel for life down there. It made me think fondly of all the nights Nic and I would just walk down the street after work and grab a drink and dinner. On Sunday's we'd walk to St. Hedwig for mass and then stop at Starbucks and read our paper. We'd go to fun bars and clubs on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. I loved it down there. As I drove home, I almost started feeling sad. I missed the dumbest things. Our grocery store, our favorite bar, our church, our freedom. Nic, we are moving back to the city! Then I walked in our door. I love our home. It is Nic and I through and through. We have spent a lot of time making the house a home. We have a magnificent backyard and Emma (and next summer Osita) can play in freely. We have neighbors with a TV in their garage for all the greatest sports events! I couldn't choose one thing that I would great rid of, just to move back downtown. Nic and I had some great times in the past, but I wake up every morning with anticipation of what life will hand to us next. Downtown is a great place to visit, it's like revisiting the past. But I look at life around me and can't wait for what the future holds.

Then...Just as I was thinking about my great Thursday night and how everything just falls into place, on Friday morning I did something I haven't done in almost 6 months. I had Starbucks. Yes this is a noteworthy experience. It was a decaf, non-fat, pumpkin spice mocha and it was wonderful. I guess I just never really saw the point on going to Starbucks to get decaf coffee. It brought back so many memories too, because the last time I walked through those doors, I was studying for my PHR. As I sat in my car, sipping my pumpkin spice mocha, I couldn't help smile. Mmmm, maybe next time I go, I can have the caffeinated beverage (watch out world!)

Saturday morning I woke up and life decided to hand us our next challenge. Some of you know that on Tuesday of this week, I was spotting a little bit. Saturday morning I woke up with excitement, I was going to spend the day at the spa with my mom and sister (an annual tradition). Well, I started spotting again. Although it was never a ton of blood, enough was enough. I couldn't ignore two occurrences in one week. I sat there for a second not even sure what to do. Who could I even call? I have a great support system, but I didn't want any of them to be as worried as Nic and I. So I finally just called the 24 hour nurse line, surprisingly calm through it all. She told me Dr. Windser was the OBGYN on call that weekend, she would explain my situation and give me a call back. I just sat at the kitchen table trying to wrap my arms around this, Nic fidgeted. I've never seen someone clean a kitchen so fast and so well in all my life. The nurse called back and said she wanted us to go to St. Mary's, in Milwaukee. But I'm delivering at Ozaukee, I said. Milwuakee is better equipped to handle an emergency and they had the better NICU. I hung up the phone, went to Nic's arms and just started sobbing. The ride to the hospital was long. Once we got there, the first thing they did was check Osita's heartbeat. They found it within seconds. The nurse looked up at my and smiled, This is a great thing, she said. Again, I just started sobbing. Whatever caused this blood had not effected our magnificent little girl. She was OK. We could even hear her moving. I got changed and hooked up to the heartbeat monitor and a contractions monitor. After two hours and several tests, the resident came in and said everything looked great. Osita sounded healthy and happy and all of the tests came back normal. She said in late pregnancy your internal skin is getting so tight and so stretched that sometimes, it can just crack and cut. They weren't sure, but they knew the blood hadn't come from a lifeline of the baby (I'm trying to not provide to many details to gross anyone out) and that was the most important thing. We left. Nic was much more calm and confident than on the drive down there. I wasn't so sure. I still feel incredibly cautious and concerned. To be honest, I just want to sit for the next three months, and do nothing, so as not to hurt her and have everything turn out OK. So this is parenting...the desire to do anything to protect and save your children, but the reality of knowing that life will happen and all we can do is try our best and the rest is out of our hands.

And now it's Sunday. I'm looking forward to a relaxing day. To put some normalcy back into my life and go back to that feeling of trust that life is great and everything will be OK.

Wait - What?

When I was engaged I lurked on this little website called "The Knot.com". Now that I am PG, I get to lurk on a website call "Thebump.com". For those of you that don't know, it's a website filled with a bunch of PG women talking about their pregnancy. For those of you that do know...once you are done laughing, then keep reading!

So anyway, I was eating lunch today, lurking, because I never really post and was reading about all these girls taking their 1 HR GT today - or 1 hour Glucose Test. I get to take my test on Tuesday. I'll have my test at 27 weeks, along with my final round (hopefully) of blood work. Between the GT and the blood work, they are basically testing for gestational diabetes and preeclampsia.

I never thought twice about this test! My doctor told me to come in about 1/2 hour early for my appointment, I'd drink something really sugary that tastes like McDonald's Orange Drink and then go do my regular routine. Why is everyone on TheBump freaking out about their tests? Is it really bad? One girl said, "It doesn't taste that bad." Others were saying things like GL (Good Luck). What?! Good Luck for what?

I'm going to try and forget about it. This is one of those times that ignorance is bliss. I'm 26 weeks PG, feeling GREAT and have NO idea what lies ahead of me. Cheers! ::raising glass of what I think will taste like McDonald's Orange Drink::

I feel distracted!

This weekend, Nicolas and I registered. You would think I would be sighing a big ol' sigh of relief! 'Tis not the case! Did I register for enough? Did I register for all the right stuff? What if we don't get everything we registered for? It's not like our wedding where we can just live without it (do I really NEED a pink Kitchen Aid?). I mean - don't you think I NEED a diaper genie? I didn't register for clothes - do people really just buy you clothes? Registering for a baby is really SO much more difficult then registering for a wedding.

Then there is the entire concept of our changing family. Nic and I got to date for awhile, then - live in sin - then get engaged, then be married. We planned for this. With a baby, it's just a bunch of planning, but where's the baby? I think now, more than ever, after registering, I want to see her. I want to hold her. I want to kiss her. I can't wait to meet her. This little thing that preoccupies 90% of my thoughts, especially today! Last night I sat in the nursery and tried to picture it all and it's so fustrating to think I still have to wait 3 more months!

I am enjoying this. I am enjoying every minute of being pregnant; I think I just finally hit that nesting stage. I want to sit at home and do nothing but prepare my house for our daughter. Until then...I guess I better get back to work. Maybe my 12:30 interview will just want to talk about my pregnancy...

A little shadow to the day

So, there are other things in this world besides my pregnancy. Hard to believe from reading this blog, I know!

However, didn't you feel, or see, the little shadow that hung over yesterday? Today? I can't help myself from thinking back 7 years ago...What was I doing when I heard about the attacks on the World Trade Center? The Pentagon? Pennsylvania? It didn't over take my day, but sometimes would pop into my head out of no where. September 11 used to just be a day. Nothing. How can you see the day on the calendar and not remember what that day was like 7 years ago? How can you just let the day pass without at least one thought of what happened. A moment to remember all those that lost their lives or that lost a love one. It makes me want to watch Rain On Me (or whatever that movie was called with Adam Sandler) and cry and cry and cry. If I sit still long enough I can almost feel that fear, sadness and anger again. I can remember calling my mom days later telling her that I was still having nightmares about the event.

I remember waking up the next morning. The sun was shining, the birds were chirping, the towers still smoldering...but we were all going on. We all go on.

Perhaps September 11th makes me feel more patriotic than the 4th of July. So for one moment, I want us all to sit still and think about that day, feel the emotions of it and remember how proud we were to be American that day and how, even if for a moment, we remember those emotions every day.

An added feature...

...Look what I did today at lunch! A nice little countdown to always remind myself...and my 100s and 1000s of faithful blog followers...just how pregnant I am! (Side note...I used the new due date of 12/26).

I was conducting an orientation at work the other day and I paused over the policy that mentioned our Internet "can and will be monitored" and something about not using work Internet for blogging. BUT, I'm pretty sure my new little hobby won't get me into any problems at work. I love to bring my lunch to work - it's cheaper and healthier (usually) - but I hate it because then I don't leave my desk all day. So I really try to take at least 30 minutes to eat my lunch and do something mindless before I have to put my HR hat back on and fight the fires of, well, of that company I work for ;)

This morning I was feeling very sad, Osita has been so quiet for almost 24 hours. She's really catching up on her Zzzz; I really feel so much better when she is doing gymnastics. Well, after some spicy sloppy joes for lunch, she's back to practicing cartwheels, flips and kicks. Or maybe she has the hiccups? Which I love too! I'm feeling much happier this afternoon. Maybe I should celebrate - they have those pickle flavored potato chips in the vending machine that I love oh so much! Nah, I better not...just last night I was crying to Nic that I have nothing to wear to my high school reunion because I feel very fat these days. And to think I gave up hot fudge sundaes. I'm gaining weight and probably will feel fat regardless - I am 25 weeks pregnant. Maybe I should eat the hot fudge sundae - with the pickle chips!

Enjoy the ticker/countdown :)

Parenting can't be that hard!

At our last appointment, Dr. Coulter recommended that we sign up for our "birthing class". This is where we will tour the Columbia Center (aka St. Mary's Ozaukee), see the rooms, etc. I thought it was odd she was so surprised we hadn't signed up yet. The baby is still 3 months away! So, I called Columbia and signed up for the class. Wait, let me rephrase that...I signed up for all 6 classes - 2.5 hours each. It can't just be birthing classes - We must have signed up for the parenting class too! And really - after 6 classes, we have to be experts - right?!

Fast forward to yesterday, Saturday. I'm sitting at my sister-in-law's house, talking, watching her drink wine and being jealous, when I casually mention, "Did you and Tim take Parenting Classes". "No" was her response and her puzzled face that followed made me explain the classes that we were taking. "Dana, those aren't parenting classes...those are childbirthing classes." What?! 6 classes to explain the childbirth process?! I thought we would be over educated on parenting, spend a class on the childbirth process and now I find out it's going to take over 12 hours to explain how little Osito gets welcomed to the world! "Maybe I want to be naive!" was my response...then, she started asking me questions. Questions that I would apparently learn the answer to in these classes. Oh boy.

I went into this weekend thinking how easy parenting could be. We would have 12 hours filled of advice and time spent with other parents. I leave the weekend knowing that it takes 6 classes to explain just the first day of parenting! And suddenly, I have a new perspective on this little belly I am growing. A new perspective...and let's be honest...a lot of fear! If it takes 12 hours to explain delivery, how long would a parenting class take?! I don't think I'm ready for that answer - sometimes...ignorance is bliss!

Wow - I feel GREAT!

Nic and I had a doctor's appointment today. It just was a great appointment! First of all, a little PSA about my OB-GYN. I LOVE her. She is my polar opposite - so calm, collected, educated on child birthing and experienced at parenting! She is a joy to talk to. If you happen to get pregnant or are just looking for a good Gyno (hey, aren't we all?!) go to Advanced Healthcare, er, I mean, Aurora and ask for Dr. Rene Coulter!

Anywho, we talked about the ultrasound. She said everything looks great! She went over what they all saw and measured. The baby weighed in at 14 oz and 14 cm. The placenta and uterus all look great. At this point, the baby is breached (but down for those that don't know), but as Dr. Coulter said, with as much room as the baby still has to move and how active she is, it probably changed before we left the ultrasound. She said it's nothing to worry about now. We heard the heart beat again - 144 - and my belly is measuring at 23.5 cm. TECHNICALLY, my due date has changed to 12/26; I'm measuring at 23.5 weeks (yes, there should be a numerical correlation there). However, just as Dr. Coulter said, a day or two doesn't really make a big difference. It's still a Christmas baby and she'll come when she wants.

I'm just SO happy that the appointment went so well today...but now the bad news...I gained 12 pounds in 4 weeks! Oh, that can't be good! I guess I better start watching what I eat a little bit. No more hot fudge sundaes - well, maybe just not every night! :)

HR and Pregnancy

There are a few reasons why women in HR should not be pregnant.

The first reason may be for emotional women in general. Sometimes, I just feel like HR isn't the right profession for me. When people are rude to me, I just want to interrupt them and say, "I am human too!" "I have things going on in my life too!" "Your problem is really important to me, but not the most important thing in my life!" But of course, these are things I can't say. And, heaven forbid, I do not treat each person with deep, compassionate, sincerity. They can yell at me, degrad me, swear at me...and what do I have to do - TAKE IT! I certaintly, can't say anything in return. Because, of course, the customer is always right.

Don't get me wrong, I still put myself in that small category of lucky people who actually like what they do. I guess I just had a bad day and because I have crazy pregnancy hormones, I can blame it on that. But for all you employees out there....as much as you hate them...your HR Representatives are human too.

The second reason why pregnant women should work in HR is because we get paranoid. Today, I had an employee relations issue in which I ended up suspending an employee. Of course, in my sick mind, I had the employee waiting under my car for me, ready to stab me in the belly. Or find some other way to sabatoge my pregnancy. Prior to being pregnant, I still would have these crazy thoughts (employees waiting under my car), but now I think it's compounded by the pregnancy.

My consulation...tomorrow is another day and the day before a three day holiday weekend. TGIF.

A lot of firsts...

This week has been filled with many firsts for me...The first time a stranger comments on my pregnancy. I was at Pick N Save and the cashier handed me a raffle ticket and said "Even though you are excepting a baby, you can still enter to win a motorcycle. Maybe you could put the baby on back!" I was so excited she noticed I was pregnant!

I had my first "stranger" touch my stomach. First of all, let me say that I always thought I would let anyone touch my belly. I mean, it's just kind of hanging out there! But this woman at work (who I don't think really likes me anyway) poked me right in the belly - not rubbed or patted, POKED me in the belly and said "You are getting a little bubble". A bubble? What the heck is that? And I AM NOT the Pillsbury Dough Boy. Don't poke me in the belly. Mom, Dad, sister, friends, family - touch, rub, pat the baby, whatever - Strange people from work - DON'T POKE THE BELLY!

And...I had my first pregnancy scare. After an hour and a half dentist appointment (for the two cavities, of which only one has been filled), after lying on my back with my feet above my head (I know how that sounds) for an hour and a half, I stood up and felt a little dizzy. The baby was kicking up a storm during the appointment - probably because I was so tense. On the way to work I inhaled a nutragrain bar and water because I hadn't eaten anything yet. Once I got to work I was really dizzy, I felt so strange, I went to the bathroom, tossed up my nutragrain bar and suddenly couldn't remember driving to work - and I couldn't feel the baby move. I was so scared. I called Nic to come get me (thank gosh he was home) and then called my boss and told her I needed to go home. I slept for about two hours, ate some lunch, and still...no baby movement. Nic had an appointment in the afternoon and I didn't want him to worry, so I told him I thought I felt the baby move. I did some work and still didn't feel anything, so I called my doctor. They told me to come in right away, and then I panicked! I called Ray to ask if he could take me to the doctor and then, I think I made him panic.
The doctor took all my measurements and checked the baby's heart beat. She said everything looked good and the baby was probably just tired that day and I hadn't really eaten anything. She suggested I rest a lot and by the evening I should feel some movement. Well, I had to trust her, but I still didn't feel much.
The next morning I woke up, took my shower, ate breakfast and there Osito...tap, tap, tapping on my belly, letting me know he was awake and everything was going to be OK.

GOSH, this pregnancy stuff can be SO scary sometimes! And to think...it's just the start of parenthood. I just like it when I can feel Osito moving around. I love knowing Osito is safe and growing. Enough with the pregnancy scares (and poking, from the OUTSIDE).

Woah-oh, I'm half way there. Woah-oh, livin' on a prayer...

So weird....I look at prepregnancy pictures of myself and I almost don't know who that person is anymore. I seriously don't remember what it was like to have a waist or

what it was like to bend over at the hips or what it was like to button my pants.

I remember feeling like this in my first trimester...I didn't know what it was like to eat and I didn't know what it was like to not be exhausted. For the most part that went away, so I know, eventually, I will have a waist again.

At least I'm lucky though. I'm one of those women that LOVE being pregnant. Sometimes I say to people "I feel so big" or "I'm not getting good sleep anymore". They'll say - oh just wait, it gets worse. That isn't me complaining, that is me getting used to my new body. I love it. I love everything about being pregnant. I love my little belly and can't get enough of it - I can't wait until it turns into a big belly and I waddle all over. I'm having the most amazing miracle occur in me right now (side note...do I hear geese flying overhead already?!?!) and really feel like I am the luckiest person around. Now...if only Mary Poppins would come to my door and ask to babysit the little one, everything would be great!

I did it!

I've finally created a blog. Not that I have a very exciting life and that everyone is dying to read about it, but it's just something I've always wanted to do. It's very modern of me - don't you think?
The main idea behind this blog is for family and friends to check out what's going on in our life. Everyone is busy and we don't all get the time to talk like we want to, so....lunch break, coffee break or "the dog is barking at another creepin' animal and I can't sleep right now" break (or is that just me?!?) come check out the Terrones Family...and most importantly, BABY T!!
I promise (well, kind of) to post belly pics. tonight. I know many of you are curious about the little bump and, although it's little, it's there!

So happy reading! And to me - Happy Writing!