Starting to show

I guess by posting this I'm admitting that I am starting to show. Well, I
can tell a difference anyway. I've been trying to dress in a way that hides
my bulge, as I have been trying to dress this way for the past two years
anyway! But now, supposedly my bulge is cuter because there is a baby
behind it. We'll see. I haven't broken down and bought maternity clothes,
YET, but I see them in the very near future.

So, here's what has triggerred this post. When we FIRST told people we were
going to be parents, a certain family member of mine (who I love dearly)
told me about two weeks after that time that I was starting to show. I was
EXTREMELY offended because I KNEW all that was showing was the fat that I
had put on in the last 2 years and nothing more. (Come on, the baby was
only the size of a small grape at that time.) It took me about a month to
deal with that comment, I think, oh, I guess it sounds like I'm probably not
over it. I need to work on that. WELL, that was when I wasn't showing.
Now, by admitting that I'm showing a little, I'm giving people permission to
say something about it if they notice and feel lead to say something. (FAT
is not the right word to use however, so keep that in mind.) On Friday,
our sweet sweet custodian at school told me that she thought I was starting
to show. This was different then the above mentioned incident as I AM
starting to show now and I could take it. Plus, I think I purposely was
trying to show on Friday anyway. It makes me feel more like a mommy, i
guess.

I have a goal in this physical part of the adventure to gain only 20 pounds
or less as I am allready over weight by about 50 pounds. (I'm not
exaggerating) It is safe for me to gain only 15 pounds for the baby to be
perfectly healthy. Besides, I'm going to be carrying most of the weight all
through the summer and the less I weigh, the cooler I'll be, I'm hoping.
(I'm really going to miss swimming pools this summer, so I'm starting a
wading pool fund for our backyard. Probably need to start a privacy fence
fund as well.)

Anyway, I have an official bulge now and am learning to not be offended when
someone comments on it. All I ask, is if you're around me and a stranger
should reach their hand out towards my stomach, grab their arm and twist it
behind their back really fast.

Watchin' People

One of my many duties as the faithful and doting husband is to go with my wife to the doctor. I have always really enjoyed watching people. On the street, in the mall, at the grocery, or in church; it always brings me joy to observe people when they think no one is looking. Now that I go with Lydia to the OB it's like a whole new world of watching has been opened up to me. It's like some exclusive private club that I've been given a visitors pass to.

Here's what I usually see.

an anxious looking teen with her mom who looks almost as uncomfortable as me sitting in the waiting room.

a belly bulging expectant mother who has a couple of little kids in tow that winces and grunts every time she gets in and out of a chair and just doesn't have the energy to make her kids behave today

the other men like me who keep looking around the room, half expecting some large female bouncer in orthopedic pumps is gonna show up at any minute and kick them out.

a mother with a new baby who is accompanied by grandma to visit the doc who helped bring the little one into the world. Usually they are looking at pictures that they appear to have just picked up.

this one always confuses me. The ladies that apparently came together and loudly discuss their workplace or other trivial stuff. I think it would be funny to see two guys doing this in a doctors office.

Well this week I didn't go in. I went to pick up lunch while she was with the doc. I missed the lobby. When I was picking up Lydia, I saw a young lady come rushing out just ahead of her. She was visibly upset and was obviously crying. She was in serious emotional distress. She was fumbling with her cell trying to make a call while rushing to her car. I told Lydia as she got in the car that she looked like she needed a hug.

Since then, I can't stop thinking about the heartbroken look on her face. It makes me wonder if she had been pregnant and lost the baby like some of my good friends have experienced. I also wondered if she was pregnant and didn't want to be. I thought maybe she just found out that she would never be able to bear children. Whatever the cause it was obvious she was in pain, and I didn't like seeing that. I felt a little like an intruder invading her privacy by just seeing her in this situation. I prayed for her, and I prayed for Lydia.

In Lydias post the other day she let on like I wasn't very excited at her regular appointment this past week when we got to hear the babys heart. I was excited, but just a little disappointed that we didn't get new pictures of baby. I'm mainly a visual person. AND...I was trying to figure out all of what the nurse was saying. She was talking sooooo fast.

Getting better

While we are still waiting for daddy-to-be to post, I'll take this time to inform you of my health situation. This past week has been torture in some ways. Not only was I physically sick, but I was also dealing with some major fears about parenting about whether the baby was going to make it through my sickness or not. So, I'd like to start by saying thank you to my good friend Holly who was so faithful to remind me of God's promises toward us and the baby. THankyou, Holly. I went to the doctor on Friday, feeling more at peace and hoping he would say that things were okay. He did. I didn't have the flu, just a really bad cough, probably a viral thing, and he
prescribed a z-pak and told me not to be afraid to use my inhaler. And most importantly, he said the baby is fine. So, I believe I'm starting to come out of the valley. Thank you all for your prayers this week.

An update on my friend, Victoria. She was out of work ALL week, but she and the baby are getting better. Thanks to all of you who prayed for her this week.

Where's Geron?

All who agree that its Geron's turn to post, comment and say I !!!
(Mainly, because when I run out of things to post about I babble.)

Being sick

For the past two days I have had a deep cough with congestion.  Every time I start to laugh, it triggers a coughing spasm which makes my stomach hurt.  I'm taking Robitussin--which is what I took the last time I had this cough while pregnant--and hope to get over it quickly.  Some expectant mothers are not so fortunate healthwise, though, and so I bring up a prayer request.  I work with a lady named Victoria who is due two weeks before me.  She is in the hospital right now with influenza accompanied by severe dehydration.  Please remember her and her baby GIRL in your prayers.  She and her husband, James, have another daughter who is looking forward to having a beautiful baby sister.  Thank you all.

apologies

A couple of weeks a ago I hurt one of my really good friends feelings. This really bothered me when I realized that something I had said caused the problem. So the first time I saw my buddy I told him how sorry I was that I had hurt him, that it was unintentional, that I loved him deeply, and wanted his forgiveness. I told him that I had been insensitive, and that I didn't have a problem apologizing, because I get to do it frequently and I'm practiced up. One thing he told me really made sense. He said that it wasn't so much that what I said that hurt him, but that he allowed what I said to hurt him. I thought this was quite a profound statement that showed great wisdom. Our relationship was repaired and we haven't spoke about it since.

This blog is not intended as a political, moral, or theological statement of any kind. It is simply a way for me to keep my close friends and family updated on what's going on. Most of the people that participate here know me well. They know my heart. They know my life. They know my calling. They even understand my sometimes strange sense of humor.

It has recently come to my attention that one of my blog readers and fellow church member took offense at a recent comment in a post about interesting ways to light the olympic flame. What I thought was an innocuous post; they were offended by. I really wished they would have come to me personally to speak with me about this matter, but they didn't. I had to hear about it from a third party. I try to deal with disagreements according to a few guidlines that I see in scripture.

Matthew 5:23-24 (NLT)

²³"Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, ²⁴leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.

Matthew 18:15-17 (NLT)

¹⁵"If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the fault. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back. ¹⁶But if you are unsuccessful, take one or two others with you and go back again, so that everything you say may be confirmed by two or three witnesses.

To my friend I've offended:
Obviously, I don't know who you are because you won't come to me personally, but I want to be reconciled with you. I guess this blog is the only opportunity I have. I'm going to save us both some time by not trying to convince you that your wrong, and I'm right. I'm just going to say, "I'm sorry." I'm not perfect nor do I claim to be. If you knew me better, you would realise how well I know this.

If you wish to discuss this further, or you need to lay into me a little, I encourage you to call me so I can apologize personally.

Getting some shuteye

Yeah, not happening right now.  Someone please tell me if I will  ever have a normal night of sleep again!  I fell asleep about 11 last night, late for me since I've been going to sleep about 8 lately.  I woke up for my mid sleep potty break at 2 a.m.  And then was wide awake, tossing and turning, waking Geron up, playing my handheld yahtzee game, worrying about the nursery and how we would fit everything in it, worrying about the baby and whether it would be healthy, worrying about whether I would be a good mom, til I finally realized I was supposed to be praying.  So, I started praying about all the things I was worrying about and began to feel a little more peaceful.  Then I started singing hymns to myself in my head about the power of Jesus and felt even more peaceful.  And then I realized I was supposed to be believing that God would answer my prayers and would even help me sleep, and I finally went to sleep.  I'm guessing this was around 4:45 or so.  I woke up at 6:30, from the best hour and 45 minutes sleep I've had in a while.  But someone, please tell me that I will find a time to get good sleep.  I'm the deepest sleeper I know and have ever heard of and I am NOT sleeping!!!  HELP!!!

 

 

chewie

this is a kinda funny blog. I don't know why someone would spend so much time doing this, but it is pretty amusing.


chewie's blog

DISCLAIMER: this linked site above may have questionable content that some deem offensive(dirty words) and of course I would never suggest that you follow the links contained therein.

I hope that this satisfies my anonymous friend

Can you hear me now?

I'm so excited!!! Today was the big doctor's visit--we got to hear the
baby's heartbeat!!! YEA!!! I was afraid we wouldn't get to hear it, but he
or she showed right up, beating at 164 beats a minute. WOW!!! I didn't
cry. I guess I probably laughed because it was so fast and I just didn't
know how to feel. I think Geron was a little doped up from his dentist
appointment this morning, so he didn't seem as responsive as I thought he
would be.

In a month I'll go back in for blood tests to screen for downs syndrome and
other potential defects. Whatever happens, termination is not an option.
We've been praying for a healthy baby and know that we serve a faithful God
who won't give us more than we can bare.

We should be able to find out whether baby is a boy or girl at the first of
April. I think we're going to plan to find out, but if for some reason,
little one doesn't want to show us, we may just wait until he or she is born
to know. I don't think either of us has a preference really. Sometimes I
think I'd like a girl, and other times I think I'd like a boy. As long as
the baby is healthy, it really doesn't matter. (Although, as far as
agreeing on nursery decor, it might be better if we have a girl since we
have such different ideas of what we want for a boy.)

For those of you who are wondering and haven't asked, we're not having
twins. One baby showed up on the first sonogram and one heartbeat showed up today, well, aside from mine. I think Verizon should make a new commercial of a mommy holding a phone to her belly and the daddy holding his phone saying "Can you hear me now?"

the c-word

Kindergarteners make up cuss words. Well, they don't actually make them up--they just decide that if a word is mean, its a cuss word. For instance, kids raise their hands to tattle on someone for saying the "s" word. For those of you who don't speak kindergarten, the "s" word is shutup. There's also the "d" word, and the "h" word, and oh, what was it--I think someone told me the "k" word was a bad word once. In order, these words are "Dang", "Hate", "Kiss"???? oh, and yesterday is was the "g" word, "GOSH!" (Don't tell anyone you saw these words on my blog!)

A few years ago I was talking to a five year old at church and she informed me that she knew both the "F" word and the "B" word. I thought to myself "Don't say'em! Don't say'em! Don't say'em" but I didn't get it out and she proceeded to say them--"Butt and Fart" Whoooooooooooo! I was never so happy to hear those words in my life as I was at that moment. (Kirsten, I hope those are the only f and b words you know for the rest of your life)

So, all this to bring up the subject of the day, the "C" word. This actually isn't a cuss word at all and I don't know why I spent so much time blogging about cuss words--but maybe it will all come together. Today, a mom suggested to me the "c" word: Cesarean. DUN DUN DUN I really didn't think I would have to consider such a thing. Pushing the baby out is going to be painful enough. Getting my stomache cut open?? Please don't mention it to me again. I guess I should be glad she mentioned it to me. She told me that noone said anything to her about that possibility and she ended up having to have her first baby that way. She said it was quite traumatizing as she was scared out of her mind. If the way you go through labor is hereditary, then I should be okay without one,, as my mom had no c-sections with her three babies. In fact, I hear my mom has bragging rights to having her babies VERY QUICKLY as opposed to my blessed mother-in-law who endured 37 hours of labor trying to bring Geron into the world. (With his temperament, I'm sure most of the length was purposely brought on by him. ) My friend just wanted me to know that a c-section may have to be an option and to not be too scared because it wasn't so bad afterall. She said she ended up having a c-section with the second child as well and recovered much more quickly the second time. Well, that's all well and good to know, but I'm hoping to follow in my mom's footsteps in the delivery room. Keep praying that the baby has neither of our temperaments, as I'm quite stubborn and well, you all know Geron.

By the way, not only did he take his precious time coming out, he spent two extra weeks getting ready. ( I don't know why he's so particular about being early these days.)

spring?

spring?

Today was the first really beautiful afternoon this year. I took of from work a little early, picked up Lydia, and headed to the park. Clumpies ice cream made the afternoon perfect.

Epi-what??

I work with a lady who is expecting and is due two weeks before me. The other day she asked me if I'd considered having an epidural or giving birth nature's way. She will be a second time mom, so she knows quite a bit more about all of this stuff than I do. I told her I was feeling pretty confident about having the baby without pain meds. The thought of a long needle being stuck into my spine is NOT something I want to consider. I know that sounds crazy when we look at the actual pain of having the baby. But my mom says I have always had a high tolerance for pain, so I figure, it'll be bad, but I can endure it. After I told Victoria I was going for the drug-free way, she asked how big I was when I was born. "8 pounds and 14 ounces. My sister was 8' 15"." Victoria then suggested "You might want to reconsider.

"So, at this point I am reconsidering.. She also told me to look into the lamaze classes. They'll offer more specific information than what I can read in a book. My friend Liana said the breathing tips didn't help in lamaze, but she did get a better grasp of what was going to happen in labor. Someone also mentioned to me that no amount of medication could help what's called "the ring of fire." I thought "Ring of Fire" was a song, apparently I was wrong. This is the phrase one uses when referring to the baby's head coming out of the birth canal. If you are reading this blog and have any info to offer about this term, please fill me in. I know this is all still 6 months away, but I want to know everything I can about birthin' babies,
Miss Scarlett.

Kindergarteners discuss where baby's come from

I don't know why I've waited exactly, perhaps to keep kids from trying to stick their heads up my shirt to get a glance at Baby. When I think of telling my kindergarteners that I'm going to be a mommy, I remember my friend, Rachel, who is preschool director at our former church. I was teaching 3-year-olds at the time, and one Sunday Rachel came in to visit. She had explained to the children that she had a baby growing inside her belly, and from that moment on, I remember a certain little guy pulling her shirt up to see the baby every chance he got. I want to preserve my modesty, outside the doctor's office and delivery room, as much as I can, so I guess that's why I've waited to tell my young friends about the baby.

Well, I've decided its time to be brave and install an invisible electric fence on my blouses, if need be, and tell some of the kids what is going on. I started easily with my afternoon bus kids this week. I have about 10 kids who wait in my room at the end of the day until their bus is called. We will usually read a book or talk about something important to kindergarteners like burping or recess or who kicked who that day. So, this particular day, it came up that I am going to be a mommy. Apparently there are some kindergarteners out there who know quite a bit about giving birth and they immediately began voicing their knowledge about where babies come from. N* said "They cut the mommy's belly open and pull the baby out!" I'd say there has been at least one C-section in that family. Then, N*'s best friend, S* piped up "Babies can come out another way, too!" I thought, okay, here's the butt theory. When I taught preschool last year, a little girl explained to us that her mommy was going to have a baby and that the baby would have to come out of a 'special place'. She then whispered to me and the other teacher that the 'special place' was her mommy's butt. Well, I'd guess that little Mr.S* actually knew the real special place and merely said "It can come out of another place, too. And it's

'SGUSTING!!" "YEAH!" said N* "It's 'SGUSTING!!" All of a sudden kids were asking "Where's that, Mrs.Brown?" and I replied "SOOOO; Who kicked who today??"

I'm beginning to think that I should have waited until next August to tell, when I'll have school for only about 2 or 3 weeks before I have the baby. In the meantime, if the kids were asking why my tummy was starting to grow this year I could've just said "I eat LOTS of ice cream."

Citius-Altius-Fortius

who can tell me what that means?

Today is one of my favorite days. The start of the olmpic winter games. This year the games are in turin, italy; but it is being called the torino games. Like some of you i imagine, I will be glued to the tube for the next fortnight. (that's what bob costas always calls the games). My TiVo's are primed and ready. Tonight, when the broadcast of the opening ceremonies begins, i will be watching anxiously to see how the torch will be lit this year.

The 2006 Olympic Winter Games emblem portrays the unmistakable silhouette of the Mole Antonelliana. It is transformed into a mountain, among crystals of ice, where the white snow meets the blue sky. The crystals come together to form a web: the web of new technologies and the eternal Olympic spirit of communion among peoples.

Labor pains will be a breeze

Okay, I discovered tonight that labor pains are probably not the worst part of pregnancy. I tend to think of myself as having a high threshold for pain--until tonight. Any of you who know me know that I have very thick, dark curly hair. Well, as you would imagine my arm hair and leg hair are also dark. And my facial hair is also dark. So, confession number 1: I use dipilatory cream on my face. There--cat's out of the bag! I'm not proud of this, but if I didn't do so, I would have a slightly noticeable hairline on my lip which some would refer to as a mustache. Well, part of taking care of this baby is taking care of myself--thus, I cannot use dipilatory cream until after this baby is born. So tonight, I pulled out the DUNH DUNH DUNH DUNH--TWEEZERS!

Let me say this:

OUCH!

I didn't scream. I didn't cry--though my nose twinged and my eyes wanted to water--I held it together. BUT I WANTED TO YELL BLOODY MURDER AT THE TOP OF MY LUNGS over and over and over again. Some of you may be saying "Why bother if it isn't really that noticeable?" And I answer by saying "No, you're right, its not that noticeable now, but as the pregnancy progresses, a woman's hair tends to grow in thicker--therefore, I do this to avoid growing a handlebar mustache. I have decided that if I begin to look like Elvis in a few months, I will sing ""Blue Suede Shoes" in my lowest voice and perhaps even throw in some "Jailhouse Rock". However, if Hitler should happen to rear his ugly face in the mirror when I wake up in the morning, then, I will wax. I don't care how many horror stories I hear. I'm not afraid to go there. Just pray for Geron, as he will be the one who will have to yank the strip off.

I didn't know that all these hormones would make me confess my darkest secrets. You may want to continue tuning in as there is no telling what I might reveal next.

hiatus

Apparently, just about every blog I read, has been taking a little break. Of course I have too, but I wanted my baby post to be on top. I saw this today, and now have to find one

Imation Flash Wristband

"The Imation Flash Wristband redefines wearable technology design by combining a portable flash drive that doubles as a wristband. Durable and stylish, the Imation Flash Wristband is the new, convenient way to transfer, share and save digital files. Whether it's homework, photos, graphics, music or e-mails, it's all protected beneath a flexible blue or black rubber shell. Always at the ready, the 256MB Flash Wristband is the indispensable, go-anywhere accessory for the everyday professionals and consumers.

Available in blue or black, the Flash Wristband design features a durable rubber molding that fits conveniently around your wrist, plugging into itself and protecting the drive from accidental damage or loss. Simply "unplug" the wristband and plug the drive into the computer's USB port."

things that cause morning sickness--or anytime of day sickness

Believe it or not, I am one of the few lucky mothers-to be who don't throw up. Well, so far anyway, and I'm on week 10. Its supposed to peek between weeks 8 and 12, so I think I'll probably make it. Some unfortunate moms would be going crazy at my job this winter as I have witnessed 2 kids puke up a lung in the last week, but that does nothing for me. A coworker shared with me the details of being a wanna-be-puker during pregnancy. She found that she COULD NOT do fried chicken--the smell of it was almost enough to do her in. She lamented that when she was dry heaving, she would run to the bathroom, grab the sides of the toilet and say "Fried chicken! Fried Chicken!" in hopes that the mere thought would cause her to blow out SOMETHING. Alas, it didn't work. So, what makes me wish I could bow over the porcelain throne and donate my last meal? Note the following:

Forgetting to eat breakfast

Eating really sweet cereal or greasy foods for breakfast

Cooked broccoli with cheese on it--had it at school one day and couldn't finish my lunch, haven't tried cooked broccoli since

Cafeteria smell on fried food days

Close talkers with salty breath--almost had a mini-throw-up in my mouth just thinking about it

After dinner belches that sound like they were productive--DID have a mini-throw-up in my mouth when Geron let one out tonight

I'm sure there will be other puke-inducers as pregnancy progresses, but for now, if you've had doritos for lunch, just came from having lunch at KFC, or have just finished downing a 32 ounce soda, please keep your distance. You'll be glad you did.

Affirmation

One of the highlights of the workweek is when the grandkids of Becky, our secretary, drop in for a visit. They are three and five years old, and a lot of fun. They usually come into my office to play with my toys while their mom talks to Becky. We have a good time. Yesterday I asked them if the knew I was going to be a daddy. They were excited for me. A*, who's five, voluntereed to babysit anytime we need her to. Her younger brother E* said "neat". Becky tols me later, that when they all got in the car to leave, A* told everyone that she thought that I was going to be a good daddy. When Becky told me, it made my day. I hope she's right!

Pregnancy Alzheimers

So, this pregnancy thing brings with it things that aren't as enjoyable as everyone makes them sound. Don't get me wrong, I love knowing that I am carrying my baby, but some of the things that are coming with her or him are completely unenjoyable, more so for others than myself. For one, I thought Geron was bad about clearing a room, if you know what I mean, but I think right now my body could produce the same results as a fire alarm going off in an elementary school. Nough said. Moving on, pregnancy alzheimers. Alzheimers is a disease that affects the memory--you forget many things or you tend not to act like your former self. Let me give you a picture of what I mean. One of the duties at my job is to monitor the cafeteria during the children's lunch hour. I try every day to provide positive discipline to these children when they act up, you know, not yelling at them in front of their friends or just being cruel. You remember that ONE cafeteria lady who never seemed like anything was going right for her and she took it out on the kids. Its very important to me that these kids know they are loved. Well, right now, I'm not so sure they know it from the way I've felt lately. You can imagine that being a cafeteria monitor could be an irritating experience without being pregnant. But tying in that, and then adding on that I AM pregnant and very tired around that specific time of day, and have to stand on my feet for almost two hours straight, just know that my response towards the littlest of things might not be typical. Today, for example, I was talking to a particular student about his recent hair do. It has been sticking straight up on top the last couple of days and I just found a casual way to ask him about it. He said that it was because he doesn't comb it. Well, a kid sitting close by made a crack to this student about his hair and the student replied by saying "SHUT it!" Me, trying to remind this child that saying such a thing is considered rude and should respond in a different manner, whether having been offended or not, patted him on the shoulder and sweetly said "Shut up, (name)". I WAS MORTIFIED!!! The kids thought it was quite amusing, but it took me quite awhile to dig myself out of that whole. I tell you, Alzheimers comes with pregnancy. It makes you act a completely different way. Let me just end to say "Pray for Geron. If I'm this way at school, I'm sure he's seeing a lot worse at home."