What were YOU doing between the hours of 5 and 9 pm...

Yessiree, I was a contracting fool. And now I REMEMBER what those darn things feel like because they hurt like...well...many many swear words would be applicable here. I got to where they were 10 minutes apart for almost an hour and we were THIIIIISSSSS close to going to the hospital, and then it was about 20 minutes between each one, and then they basically stopped for an hour and then I had to hit the loo, which triggered one, but that's the only one I've had for almost 2ish hours now. I have to admit, I was super tired around 8:30, but have since eaten and am feeling a bit refreshed, strangely enough. I'm still going to try to get some sleep, though, that's for sure.

ANYWAY! This served as a lovely reminder to a) really get that hospital and kids bags packed, b) really try to figure out "plan a and b" of who will keep the kids and c) pay attention to my body.

There was no water breakage like on a sitcom (oh, if only! It would have made all of this sooooo much simpler!), and because I know better than to rush to the hospital without regular contractions, it was weird to try to decide what to do. TMI ALERT: After all this, I definitely am having more discharge...much like gooey egg whites...and at one point it was pinkish. This freaked me out a bit and is what caused me to be like, Man! Maybe we should go to the hospital (as Super J kept reminding me, "Do you want the epidural or not?"), but all has calmed down since. At least I do know something was going on down there...for sure. No ifs, ands, or buts about it (well, maybe one little butt, but she's decided to hold out for a while longer I guess...and I'm not referring to her as one, I'm just saying she HAS one...nevermind.). I hope it stays calm in there and it's not 3 in the morning and we have to call someone to get the kids/spend the night with the kids. My worst nightmare would be coming true. UGH.

Anyway, exciting times. I'll keep you posted!

Today's visit to the doctor

So I'm back home from the doctor. I thought for sure since I've been doing practically NOTHING because of the ol' ankle that it would be reflected in the exam, but guess what? I'm at a 4 and 50% effaced.

Once again, until I go into active labor this really doesn't mean anything (I was at a 4 with Miss E for three weeks!), but my doctor was like, "Wow. If she holds out to her induction date, you're going to have a fabulous induction!" And who doesn't like hearing that????

I also got to see New Baby via ultrasound because they wanted to measure her. She's 8 lbs something ounces...between 6 and 13. My doctor assured me that the ultrasound tech is always a little off, on the heavy side, so not to worry. I'm not worried. I'm kinda tired, though.

So, we'll just see what happens. My sweet doctor is out of town starting tomorrow, so I could have "Dr. Stranger" deliver this last baby, but as long as the delivery goes well, I'm fine with that.

Anywho...just wanted to keep you updated. OHHHH! Here's something else. My doctor was like, "Hey! While you are out and about, just keep the ankle wrapped because your ligaments are all "loosey goosey" (my words, not hers) and you could use the extra support, and when you are sleeping, you can unwrap it." How refreshing to hear someone speak with some authority about this. Finally.

Things I am loving and...not...at this stage

Gentle Reader, today is day 4 (or 3, if you ask Super J who is probably more correct in his calculations than my pregnant brain wants to give him credit for) of being "laid up and on crutches." I can officially say, I Ams Hating It. I am way too busy, have way too much stuff to do and WAY too fat and pregnant for me to be in this hot mess. ARGH!

There. That being said...

Things that I have appreciated about it:

1. My friends and loving thoughts sent along the way and childcare options and help options and visitations. Thank you, one and all. You are incredible. Though I am still feeling foolish and goofish and all that goes along with this, you have made me feel loved despite/in spite of myself. Thank you.

2. I actually am caught up on my book club books. When you can do practically nothing but sit "in your cell" (as Super J likes to call my love seat/prop your leg up area) or lie in bed, it's amazing how entertaining good books can be.

3. Going to the bathroom by myself. Shades of horrified future, on Friday when I could not put any weight on my foot, it was quite the experience to be accompanied to the toilet and I must admit to being terrified that it might have to continue for longer than it did. Ugh. I have never been so grateful to get crutches for this reason. And I never want to get old...just sayin'.

4. Which brings us to "Crutches". Even without a fracture (I'll have to call later this afternoon to find out one way or another, but I totally still think it's a sprain), I am supposed to use my crutches until I can manage walking on my own...which I told Super J was today. Hmmmmmm...maybe not (remember: I AM the queen of unrealistic expectations). It has made negotiating things (ie: the bathroom trips) sooooo much better and getting up and down the stairs. Yay.

5. The amazing thing called the human body and it's ability to heal, especially through the power of prayer and priesthood blessings. I am 100% sure that I am this far along because of it.

6. That I have not gone into labor! HALLELUJAH! I was telling Super J just last night how crazy it was that all my pregnancy aches and pains, while I'm still aware of them, have been lowered on the pain threshold level because of all these new and impressive boo-boos. And, let me just mention how wonderful it is to feel that baby moving in there, turning about and just reminding me that she's quite okay after all this drama.

7. Last, but not least: My family. Super J has been above and beyond Super. He took all three girls to a Primary activity and then the mall on Saturday and then to a baseball game (our nephews) and out and about and brought home GREEK FOOD for dinner. Yum. Heck! *I* haven't even taken all of them to the mall by myself. Yesterday, he took them all to church and worked with them and made dinner...I could go on. And you should see the girls thriving under his care. If I thought they LURVED him before, now I really know. Miss A and E have been sooooo sweet (though all three tend to be a wee bit oblivous when it comes to bumping into the foot when it's propped up...oh well) AND!!!! Miss O has been AWESOME going to bed and nap time for him. Yay! And I just found out that my mom might be able to come up later in the week, which will be great whether I'm in a cast, go into labor, or none of the above.

I know there are so many more things that I'm grateful for (spell-check being one of them! ha! Sorry if you got this before I ran the spell check..."throught"? What is that???). But for now, I'm grateful for the opportunity to go change a diaper...I think. lolol.

Nesting at 37 weeks

I subscribe to various online Pregnancy sites that send me reminders of things like appropriate exercises for my ever changing form for week such and so (though, honestly, my excitement of the exercise phase lasted and then imploded around week 26), or what the baby is doing at week such and so, or my "3D Pregnancy Calendar." I have to admit, I like this one because it comes a day earlier than the others and has a different twist because you can see what the baby looks like (animated-wise, anyway) in "3D", and it's very optimistic in its little peppy "you can do it because your body is amazing! Your baby is amazing! Look what's going on! And your partner is amazing! Check it out!" attitude.

In fact, under the header of "Your Body" this is what it said:

You made it! Your baby is considered full term at the end of this week. So kick your swollen feet up and swig back a glass of lemonade. All that hard work has finally paid off!

When I read that, you know what I did, Gentle Reader? Did I go and get me that glass of lemonade? Nope. Did I kick up my swollen feet? Nope (at least, not yet). Here's what I did: I burst into tears. Right into the UGLY CRY I did go. I cannot explain it, but it's like seeing the finish line after running a long race that you were prepared for, had every confidence of finishing, but were getting a little bogged down towards the end. So, I had a nice cry and was quite grateful that no one else was in the room with me so I could pull it together before I had to face the children or the laundry again.

Speaking of laundry, today's little newsletter also talked about "nesting." This is where you supposedly clean like a crazy person to get ready for your new arrival. I kind of have to laugh at this, because what's going on with me is that I see ALL sorts of things that need to be done, but I only have the energy right now to keep up the normal every day tasks. For example, I did the dishes today. The extra step I took was that I washed my plastic cup collection (actually, I just brought down and washed all the plastic cups that migrated upstairs when I took them full of water for the night). I've done several loads of laundry, but the extra step is that I actually folded and put some of it away (talk to Super J, he'll tell you that's nigh unto nesting right there for me).

I'm even trying to keep a happy attitude about the state of my living room. My sweet Misses, bless their hearts, have taken over my living room with Polly Pockets, Barbies, Mermaids and Lego's. So whilst the living room/dining room start out somewhat tidy, it's bedlam by the time I get up from my afternoon nap. I mean, crazy whirlwind of toys all over the floor bedlam along with a fort made from the blankets and chairs, type of thing. If someone came to the door expecting to come in, I'd be embarrassed by the state of my space. I want to be cranky at the girls for not cleaning up after being LEFT ALONE downstairs for A COUPLE OF HOURS, but I'm actually just really grateful that they are playing so well with each other that I get over myself pretty quick.

I should add: they truly aren't alone because they know they can come get me at any time, and I keep my door open and an ear out for them, but they quite contentedly play and know that after a certain show, they can go and get a snack from the "snack box." Anyway, you see where I'm going with this. It's just actually very comforting knowing that I can take a break and they are responsible enough to, while spreading their toys everywhere with much glee, don't do anything besides just untidy two areas of the house. It could be so so so much worse.

But it kinda saps away my "nesting" energies because every day we must clean up Polly and Barbie and "Shelly" (aka: Miss E's beloved Mermaid) and everyone/thing else who is put through their playing paces during the afternoon. So, though I see that the baseboards need to be cleaned and the wood floors need to be mopped with their special wood floor cleaner, and the blinds need to be dusted...well, I just prioritize and try to realize that we'll all make it through if we can just get Polly and Barbie and Shelly picked up.

And so goes nesting. Oh well.

Maybe it's just time to go kick up my swollen feet.

Self Control

Why, oh WHY, don't I stop myself from my 4 or 5 a.m. postings? While I will confess to everything I spewed this morning as truth, surely there is a better, less crazy woman way to express it. sigh.

I'm still tired, but life really does look different 12 hours later, when the sun is still up and (admittedly) the crazies and frustrated thoughts are quelled. What is it about the wee hours of the morning that take all your panic and anxiety and multiply it by about 300 percent and yet you expect yourself to behave rationally? I just don't know. CLEARLY I don't know, hence my random early morning posts. Luckily, they are few and far between.

That being said, I think a very real issue that was going on with me is the realization that with all my contracting and irregular laboring, this baby is coming. Holy cow! All these months of being, "Yeah, this is baby #4 and we are so laid back and unstressed because we are used to this whole parenting thing," must have finally gotten to me and reality thumped me on the head. Because even though, yes, we have experience, each baby is unique and who knows what this little one will be like when she finally makes her appearance.

PLUS!!!! Let me just add, I was not ready if I did go into sudden, full-on active labor. I mean, seriously. There are certain things that I've learned that I really do want in the hospital with me as well as want to already have stocked in the house, and I DID NOT HAVE THEM. Notice the past tense to that sentence, because I have since gotten my act together and made a trip to the great land of Wally-World (aka: Wal-mart). So, happily, now I not only my music stuff together for Primary, but I've actually shopped and have the appropriate feminine hygiene products, nursing paraphernalia, diapers and wipes and a myriad of other things, as well as a few groceries. I feel much better about life in general now.

And that, Gentle Reader, is not something I will regret posting. :)

The visit to the doctor

So, I'm already dialated to a 1, which is good news but let's face it, means relatively nothing at this point, and probably only 90% effaced (which is not much). I've been swabbed, so we'll see if I have group b strep (I haven't had it before, so I'm doubting I have it now, but you never know), and I've been informed that my doctor is going to be out of town the first week in August. Argh. So if I go into labor that week, I'll be delivered by someone I haven't met OR if I go into labor on the weekend and my doctor isn't on call, I'll be delivered by someone I haven't met. If this was my first baby, I'd probably be freaked out, but I tell you, the amazing nurses in the maternity ward do (quite honestly) much of the work and I haven't met them, so, meh...one way or another, all will be fine.

Anyway, we're going to keep an eye on New Baby and myself and see how things go. We are now 4 weeks from delivery, unless she makes a decision to come before then. Very exciting.

Things spoken, heard, seen and felt this weekend...

Let's start this off with this, from Miss A.

The whole family was driving to Costco on Saturday and from the back seat, I hear very excitedly, "Mom! Mom! I just saw some Queen Anne's Lice!"

Pause, pause.

"You mean, Queen Anne's Lace?"

"Oh, yeah."
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During Primary (our Children's Meeting), our Primary President started talking about one of the girls in the congregation who was just baptized on Saturday and was talking it up, saying that something very exciting had happened to someone and asked if anyone knew what it was.

Miss E raises her hands, gets called on, and then proceeds to stand and tell everyone, "We have been very good and must think...(about who knows what because she said something I couldn't quite understand)...and it's so wonderful that tomorrow we get to start swimming lessons!!!!"

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While at Costco, one of the ladies (who was probably 50-ish and of Latin descent, based on her accent) who hands out samples was starting with her little sales pitch when all of a sudden she stops and says, "Where did you get your top????"

I was wearing a maternity top that my mom had gotten for me from the Army Post near where she lives. I told this sweet lady this and she said, "I love the colors and it looks super comfortable. I wish I could get one!"

I made some lame comment about needing to be comfortable at this stage and then walked off...not sure if I should be complimented about how a retiree enjoyed my wardrobe selection or offended that she just joined the throngs who people who don't realize that, once again, I'm PREGNANT!

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And speaking of things felt this weekend...I had a TERRIBLE, tear (as in salt water leaking from the eye, not a ripping tear) inducing pain this morning. It was definitely not a contraction, but a literal pain that felt like it took probably 10 minutes of laying down to vanquish. Ugh. My mantra is now: I only need to get through 4 more weeks. Four more weeks. That's it.

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We have a "toddler" bird living near our house...I believe it's a Robin...and it's learning to fly. Watching it the past few days, it's been fascinating to see the interactions with the parental birds as it is literally getting its wings. I'm not sure where the nest is located (it's NOT in the swing set), but the birds fly and land on the banister of our deck and sometimes they all just sit there, like the parents are waiting for the youngling to catch it's proverbial wind. Ahhhhh, Nature. Fascinating to watch.

The girls particularly enjoyed today when we saw a parent bird feed the "toddler" and then later saw the same parent bird fly with a worm in its mouth, but the "baby" wasn't there. Interesting. On a completely different note about Nature, these birds sure poop alot on the ol' banister.

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And we'll end with yet another fine example of my parenting:

Miss A and E were throwing some nerf ball at each other (both have very poor aim and were laughing and running away from one another). Miss E kept saying, "Don't hit my nose! Don't hit my nose" and Miss A finally reassured her that Miss E could move her hand (which had been covering said nose) because she wasn't going to hit her there and then Miss A proceeded to...throw the ball and hit Miss E on the nose.

I caught the whole thing and said, "Miss A! Why did you do that? You know what happens to liars, don't you? They go to the Hot Place." (and I literally said, "hot place," just so you know)

Well, it was dinner time and we got everyone settled and served, prayed over the food and everyone was digging in when Miss A says, very earnestly, "Mom, can you tell me more about this 'Hot Place?'"

Ohhhhhhhhhfortheloveofpancakes!!!!!

I tried to get her to wait until after supper, but she said, "No. I'd rather hear about it now."

Super J jumps in with the oh-so-helpful, "Well, according to 'true' church doctrine," AHEM!!!!! I thinks in my head, "...the Hot Place is truly only reserved for those who openly rebel against Christ, and I highly doubt that you will be included in this, so don't worry about it."

Ummmmm, yeah. That really didn't do anything to help.

So then I, with even more clumsy finesse, start in with, "Well, you know that if we want to go back to be with Heavenly Father, we must be on our best behavior and so we can't lie, because we can't be with Heavenly Father and our families if we make the decision to lie to people, so it's best to tell the truth, because any place without our Father in Heaven or our Families is going to be the Hot Place and they call it the Hot Place because you are so embarrassed and sad that you aren't with those you love." (Ugh!!!!! At this point, I'm just so glad she hasn't asked a direct question about sex! I wonder how bad I'd be blathering about that, when the time comes. Yegads!)

Super J and I both look at each other and then say, to Miss A who still looks very concerned, "Honey, you really don't need to worry about it. Let's just not lie."

Miss A says, "So, I'll just work to do better."

"Yes, Honey, that's a great idea."

...And something I'll work on, too.

Things they don't tell you...

As has been well established, this is pregnancy #4. The first time you're pregnant, you never quite know what to expect. It's new, it's surprising, it's an adventure. The second (and subsequent) time(s) you are pregnant, you experience, "Oh yeah" syndrome.

This syndrome is the remembrance of all the weird, unwonderful things that you experienced the first time around...things that people may or may not have told you, but that you honestly forget because they aren't really painful or embarrassing or tacky (like the Freak-Me-Out spotting in the first or second trimesters; that darn uncontrollable vomiting that makes you wet your pants; the irrepressible flatulence and/or drunken sailor-like burping (so disgusting!); ...or even the HIGHLY annoying PMS-She-Witch-like quality your life takes on). You tend to let those things fade from your memory, but you remember them...vaguely, and they do tend to factor in when one considers additional pregnancies.

No, I'm talking about things that aren't life threatening, but bug you to no end: like how your eyelashes stop curling like they used to...or, my most recent outbreak of "Oh yeah" syndrome: "skin tags". With each pregnancy, I've developed these little annoying things...they don't hurt and they are often teeny tiny, but it annoys me that they are now on my body.

For those of you not plagued with these, let me enlighten (from Skin Changes During Pregnancy if you want to do you more of your own research on such interesting topics)

What are skin tags?
Skin tags are tiny, floppy growths of skin that can occur anywhere but more often are found in or near the armpits or breasts. They are harmless. If they cause discomfort and do not go away after pregnancy, they can be easily removed by your health care provider with freezing, tying off with a thread or stitch, or cutting off.

Yep...mine haven't necessarily gone "away after pregnancy." And I have them in the MOST bizarre yet visible places...like near my eyes!!!! HELLO! NO, no weird little skin tags...go hide near the arm pit, thank you very much! NOT on my face. sigh. Not only are they tiny and floppy, they don't care where they sprout up.

I guess I have to tack some of this to my genetic make-up. On the plus side of being descended from good German stock,
I have great birthing hips and a favorable cervix (I've been told this by several OB-GYNs...I try to take it as a compliment because, well, it sounds like it should be one). On the negative side, when NOT pregnant with extra estrogen producing little feminine babies, I am one of the hairiest women I know and my legs get 5 o'clock shadow when shaved. AND I get skin tags. Nice. I guess this means Frau-hood is just around the corner. (I wanted to get a picture of a stereotypical German Frau, and all I found was this picture...hmmmm...maybe Frau-hood won't be so terrible. She kinda looks nice. And at least she hasn't given up reading.)

Happily, I am experiencing a great pregnancy for this last go around. I am blessed and I readily acknowledge that. I just wanted to record that I also dealt with some "ARGH!" things whilst incubating the last of my offspring. And as I tell my daughters, sharing with friends is one of the best ways to keep them.

And more random musings

1. David Cook won American Idol. Yay. Good for him. I think David A. will be just fine and maybe a little better without all that pressure to be an A.I. winner. David C. is a little more mature. Super J said that he thought it was much better for David A. because he is, after all, 17 and can now do all sorts of things with his life besides being bound to a recording contract. He's probably right.

2. Miss O did not nap yesterday (remember?). Last night, I put her to bed at 8:30pm (she normally goes down around 9:30-10:00), but not before giving all the girls a little medicine because they all have been coughing up phlegm. ugh.

Guess what.

She got up this morning at 10:50am (Miss A got up at 7:00ish, which for her is late, but she came and got in bed with us and then started to snuggle with me (????) and kept talking to new baby, so I've been up since 7:00, too). I sincerely tried waking her up earlier. I even opened up her window blinds, which makes her room incredibly bright. But she was ZONKED OUT. Guess who is not napping again today? Oh yeah. Guess who's going to be a bright shiny star at Miss A's graduation tonight? Oh yeah. (answer: probably me. lolol. For both questions! lol.)

3. FINALLY! "Texas seizure of polygamist-sect kids thrown out"

"A Texas appeals court said Thursday that the state had no right to take more than 400 children from a polygamist sect's ranch, a ruling that could unravel one of the biggest child-custody cases in U.S. history.

The Third Court of Appeals in Austin ruled that the state offered "legally and factually insufficient" grounds for the "extreme" measure of removing all children from the ranch, from babies to teenagers."

This may not be enough to get the kids home (or only a small portion of it), but at least some authority has noticed. I am amazed at how little coverage it is getting, though, by the MSM. So frustrating.

More can be found HERE

4. Last night, I had trouble falling asleep. While waiting for Super J to watch A.I., I was sneaking in a bit of a chick flick and was watching a segment of the new version of Masterpiece Theatre's "Sense and Sensibility" (so beautiful! Love it) and saw the part where Marianne is talking to Elinor after she's recovered from her whole humiliation and terrible fever experience. They are speaking of the whole Willoughby fiasco and Elinor says to Marianne, "Surely you don't compare your behavior to his?" And Marianne replies, "No, I compare it to what it should have been. I compare it to yours." (that's the basic feel of the quote, though I doubt it's exact).

Boy, that got me thinking of recent events in my life where I smugly feel self-righteous about one thing or another, and then something happens where I realize how puny and insignificant I am and that I could of and SHOULD have behaved better. Been the better person.

Just ONE sad Example from only this past week (ohhhhhh, how many there have been in just this week!!!!): I was in Walmart with all three girls, prepping for Miss E's Astronaut Party. We witnessed a mom talking really mean to her kids about something goofy and trivial and I kind of "tsk, tsk'd" in my head. Well, after paying for our stuff, we head out to the car. I'm loading in bags, realizing that we'd been at Walmart for 2 hours (yegads!) and I'm tired and grumpy and I look in and Miss A is clearly not letting Miss E into the car, much less getting into her own seat and getting buckled, as instructed. So, what do *I* do? I say, "Miss A (including her middle name) Peters, what in the holy crap is that all about? Get to your seat and get buckled!" I did say crap, nothing more serious, but in that same tone we'd just heard. And guess what? Yep. Some lady was walking behind me when I said it. UGH! What goes around, comes around, I tell ya.

5. I got a call from a nurse from my insurance company. Turns out that I'd signed up for some pregnancy thing, where a nurse calls periodically to check in on you and see how you are doing. I feel a wee bit sheepish doing this, because this is my 4 and hopefully last baby. But, it was nice chatting with her. She's sending me a DVD called "Happiest Baby on the Block," which I'm excited about and she gave me some great websites. One is called Obstetrix.com and it has a section for telling your kids about pregnancy and stuff, and even has these little "cartoon" segments explaining the joys of pregnancy. So, I let Miss A watch them.

Oh dear.

She now can inform you that Super J has "sperm cells" that have secret instructions on whether the new baby will be a boy or girl (depending on whether they carry a "Y" or an "X"). I have "ovary cells," or something like that. She got to "see" how a baby grows and how the uterus contracts for the baby to come out and that we all used to have "M-bilical cords" attached to our belly buttons to feed us and give us oxygen. Good times. If you ever want to know more, just ask her. She is MORE than happy to share this new information.

6. We got a call from our house painter. Turns out that tomorrow they are coming to power wash the house and will start painting next Tuesday. That's great, except we have yet to pick a color for our house. YEGADS! Super J went to get some color swatch thingies and all, because we have to pick our color and then get it approved by the HOA of our neighborhood. Of course, I'm sleeping with the President of the HOA, so you'd think this wouldn't be a problem (ummmm...FYI: Super J *is* the Pres of the HOA, in case you didn't know), but we still need to go through the proper channels, so to speak. Nothing like making a big decision on the fly.

7. The In-laws may be coming to Miss A's graduation tonight. Will keep you posted.

8. I feel so tired. Definitely missed my nap. Will not miss this part of pregnancy. I will be an awesome mom in about...16 months. lol.

Glucose Screening Test

Yes. Today is the day I get screened for my glucose. I'm a nervous nelly, I have to admit because I "failed" it with Miss O. For those not in "the know," this is where I drink a sugary flat-like soda, wait an hour without eating/drinking anything else and then go get my blood drawn to see what my glucose levels are. If I "fail" this, I get to go in for a 3-hour glucose test (where I basically do the same scenario, but get to go in FASTING and then drink an even bigger drink and then they draw blood...4 times, if I remember correctly. The Before you drink and then 3 times after). If I "fail" that, I would be diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes and depending on the level, have to watch my diet, exercise even more and maybe even have to do insulin.

It's all for the good of the baby, though. Another test to monitor another possibility.

I didn't have to worry about this at all with Miss A and E, but like I said, I had to do it with Miss O. And last night...when I was able to finally fall asleep, man o man! Talk about weird dreams. I dreamed I was being carjacked (so scary that I woke myself up from it), and in another dream, that I was a fashion designer (hahahahahahaha!) on Project Runway (no less! once again: hahahahahahahaha) and that I had to use the restroom so bad I ended up peeing this Shocking Orange liquid on the floor (the exact color of my "soda" I have to drink in an hour). How nutty is that????? (and no, I did not wet my bed! lolol).

So, yes. I have a little anxiety.

I read somewhere that I need to be an adult and just go in and take the test, since it is for the good and health of me and my baby and it's not "my fault" if I don't pass it. Still. I hate needles so much. Yes. I said it: Hate. At least the lab people where I go are good at what they do and have yet to do much damage, but still. It only takes one person who "can't find your veins!" to freak me out for many needle pokes to come. Plus, seeing my own blood makes me queasy (ask any of my kin...I totally pass out. Which is another reason why I'd never watch myself birthing out a baby. Too much of...well...everything to see. Not even the "miracle" of birth could get me over all that grossness.)

See???? This is how nervous I am. I am just blabbing away...am I showered yet? No. Is the baby still sleeping? Yes. What should I be doing? Um....blogging?

Anywhooooooo, I'll keep you updated. In the meantime, have a great day!

So nice to hear...

So, I had a doctor's appointment this morning. Can I just say, I love my ob/gyn. She delivered O, and she's so...competent! I realize that as a patient who is on her forth kiddo and, so far, having a very normal pregnancy (just the kind I want!), I'm pretty boring...but she never acts like it. Love her! On the other hand, I like her nurse just fine, but she seems to be the kind of nurse that loves to tell you how much weight you've gained from one month to the next. Last month, coming off of my birthday weekend where I was eating out and having cake and all that good stuff, I'd gained 4.5 lbs. Ugh! Today, however, she didn't say anything and I was like, hhhhmmmmm.

Anyway, after Dr. G and I listened to New Baby's heartbeat (love that!!!) and chatted about how I *could* take some allergy medicine (HALLELUJAH!!!!!! I have been fairly miserable this last week), she said, "You didn't gain any weight this time (and had lost half a pound). You're not dieting, are you?" I tried to explain about the food marathon weekend I'd been on just before my last appointment and that I was also trying to walk 3 times a week so technically, by my calculations, I'd probably gained 2 pounds, and then she said, "Still. You've only gained 9 lbs so far (that she knows! I didn't go see her till I was 12 weeks along) and I want you to gain at least between 8-10 pounds over the next 3 months."

Hahahaahahahahahahahahahaahhaahaha! That's me laughing on the inside. Not in any "laugh at my doctor" kind of way but in a "Wahooooooooo!" kind of way. Because NEVER in my life has anyone ever said, "I want you to gain weight." Please. Never. I'm on the soft and cushy side as it is, especially after 4 pregnancies and, while I must admit that I am trying to make healthier choices when I eat...I've soooooo NOT been dieting. lol. Ha! Anyway, I'm not going to go wild with my meals now, but I just have to say...it was nice to hear. Goofy as that may sound, it's true. It made my day. And I hope this makes yours (I thought this was too funny when I saw it and had to post it...on a day like today, it's kind of my mantra.)

Seriously...

Today, J came home for lunch while I was putting O down for her nap and when I saw him, he informed me that A told him that her uterus was hurting.

Ooooohkay.

I asked her if her stomach was hurting...no, she explained. Just her uterus. You'll be relieved to know that an hour later, her uterus felt just fine.

I believe, Gentle Reader, a bit of explanation is in order. We've been fairly frank with the girls about where the new baby is in my body because we didn't want them worrying that they might have a baby in their stomachs (which, trust me, one of my older girls would have fretted about), so they know that the new baby is growing in my uterus. They know that they, also, have a uterus because it's part of all girls bodies, and when they are older and married, they can have a baby grow in their uterus, too. We've described where it is in my body and that it's kind of a balloon-like room that gets bigger as the baby grows, but keeps the baby very safe and comfortable, etc., and helps to let the baby know when it's time to come out. They've taken it in stride, and I highly doubt anyone but A really has a clue about it, but like I said, at least E isn't worrying about eating something and getting a baby in her tummy (...oh yes...this is an issue. Remember, this is the 4th time we're doing this so we've learned something along the way).

I have to admit, though, I didn't see this possibility coming. I'll, uh, post further developments, should they arise (but let's all hope they don't). In the meantime, if you have the need for some ...um...unique jewlery, celebrating this little expanding balloon-like room, feel free to head on over to Luna Parc's creations. Seriously. How interesting a concept are these? And, yes, they are what you think they are.

My Kids Language of Love

Have you ever heard of that book, The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman and Ross Campbell? I've heard and, very recently, requested it through my library (which I highly recommend...not necessarily the books--I'll let you know about it after I get it done, but the method of getting them: THROUGH YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY). I've also requested The Five Love Languages of Children. Supposedly, these books talk about how people express their love in different ways, and it might not be how YOU need love expressed (and vice versa).

So, that got me thinking: how do my kids show their love to me? These are a few things that I've noticed just today:

1) "Flowers": My children pick me random wild "flowers" (aka: dandelions) that begin wilting almost the moment they are given to me. I try to be effusive every time they give them to me because I know the intent, whilst hiding the fact that I actually get a bit grossed out by them being in my hand. But it's true...it's a sign they love me and that they know I love flowers that daddy gives me (aka: roses, hot house flowers), so they are doing what they can to mimic that.

2) "Hugs/Wipe Nose": My children have all gone through this phase, and I'm not sure if I should count this as a true expression of love or a true expression of convenience. It's where my kids come up to me, arms raised because they want to be picked up and then give me a huge, loving hug...right before they wipe their nose across my shoulder. You can see my dilemma. But still, the hug is nice and happily, once they pass the toddler stage, the snot part tapers off dramatically so all I get are normal hugs which are drastically more enjoyable.

3) "The random kisses": My kids still do this, regardless of age, and I've notice the more randomness of it while I'm pregnant. What they do is kiss me at the most convenient-to-them spot: my arm, my hand, my thigh...you get the picture. When I'm pregnant, though, they like to send greetings to New Baby as well, so they kiss whatever bump on me they feel might contain new baby. When I'm sitting, this often means my bosom is fair game (I'm not sure how they miss the growing stomach, but still). This brings up the subject for another (somewhat humiliating) post: Appropriate Touching of Children to Adults, especially in public. I'm sure I'll be getting to that soon.

Regardless, isn't it interesting? How do you show love to your family and vice versa, and do they know it's a sign of YOUR love for them? Hmmmmm. Let's take a moment to think about it, shall we?

Girl names...

Since we found out we're having a girl, people have started asking if we have a name. The truth is, I do. I've had one since *before* we knew for sure it was a girl, and the first and middle name came to me while driving home from a temple trip in St Louis MONTHS ago, so I feel pretty good about it. J likes it. I like it. A, E, and O are still processing but I'm sure they'll come around.

One of the nice things about it, though, is that for the first time it's not a name that is on ANY top ten names list (that I know of) anywhere...good or bad name lists. This is new for me. When we came up with our three older girls' names, we thought we were being so clever because we named them scripturally...little did we know that other people were loving these names, too. Consequently, when A, E, and O (especially O) go to school, they'll be in classes where there will be SEVERAL girls with the same name to be sure. Ugh. So, I wanted to avoid that. It's also probably why when the name came to me, I was so dang tickled.

Anyhoo, armed with the fact that this name was fairly unique, when people used to ask if we had a name, I'd proudly say, "Yes! It's..." and freely tell them and enjoy basking in the "that's so cute!" that they normally reply (and thanks to those of you who thought the name was gross but humored me anyway). However, that being said, I was reading on a friend's blog the other day and their friends just had a baby and had named the baby MY name...well, a variation of it, but still! Now, truth be told: I have NO idea who these other people are and this particular friend doesn't know that that is my baby's name (and in fact, may not even know I found her blog!), so they did NOT steal the name, but still. How weird is that???? So I've decided to reveal my name on a Need to Know basis only, so forgive me if I'm a little coy about it.

In the meantime, I thought I'd have a little experiment and list some of the names that my girls have come up with for their new sister (or past imaginary friends) and have subsequently named some of their dolls. Do tell if you hear of anyone naming their girls these names.

Names From A: Angel Princess OR Angel Valentine (ugh. Seriously, can you imagine? And of course, A is very fond of both of these potential names) ; Acicia (A-see-see-ya) who is now the name of a doll; Creesha (this was the imaginary friend I was referring to. Seriously, she was part of the family for a while. One day, we were driving home from church and were several blocks away when A started screaming that we'd left Creesha at church and she was running behind the car, frantically trying to catch up with us. No lies, we had to pull the car over, open the door and let Creesha "in" before we could drive on home. I've always admired and had quite the mental image of Creesha pumping her little imaginary legs to get to our car from the church building, because we were probably driving 40 mph...that story still makes me laugh when J and I talk about it).

Names From E: Baby Ondica (On-de-kah) also now a doll's name; Tina Maki (Tina Mah-kee...which sounds like a sushi to me, but still, this was an offering)

Names From O: Ado and Odo (these are the names she calls A and E, so they may not count, but think they are a hoot and had to share).

It's Another Girl!

So, I had my ultrasound yesterday and the doctor said we are having another girl. We are very happy with it, and when I figure out how to scan the pictures, I'll put the ultrasounds up.

I must confess that the doctor who performed it wasn't my favorite ultrasound specialist, that's for sure. You can tell he does lots of them, though, and he was very focused on making sure all the insides were where they needed to be and working (which they were). The three pictures he took of the baby weren't that great, either, if I do say so myself. Oh well. It's nice to know what to expect. :)

So, now we can finally use pronouns when referring to the baby.

AND speaking of baby, I must now go and get O. She has a spoon (????) and A just told me she's eating syrup. Oh for the love of Pancakes, how does this happen????