Year in Review

Wow, what a different place my life was at this time last year. Christmas was so similar this year yet so different and I think captured the newness of life for me. First of all the addition of Paisley was new. We had one less boyfriend and one additional girlfriend. We had a different type of meat this year too-yummo! The gifts were still plentiful as were the drinks :) I did manage to stay off the train tracks this year though--haha.

At the beginning of this year I had many goals, some immediate, some for the year, and some for the future. I think I did a pretty good job at most of them. I made some pretty significant changes at the office and it is starting to shape up nicely. I ended the year with numbers I"m proud of for my 4th year, I LOVE my staff (thanks Lisa), and look forward to further building the biz in my 5th year.

Lee and I decided in December 2006 that we wanted to try for another kiddo. We did a cleanse in January so missed ovulation that month and then I was away for what I thought was ovulation time in February---two lines in March proved otherwise and this November Paisley was born! Nothing makes a year fly by faster and move slower than being pregnant in that year---haha! Some days I still cannot believe I have two kiddos and other days it seems completely normal having us a family of 4...needless to say she is fitting right in.

So, onto 2008. We have no plans for more kids this year. I do have some goals for the office which I know will be implemented. In conjunction with that I plan to be home with the kids more too. I'm so psyched about that decision and making it come to life. Personally I want to get my abdominal muscle in check and get back in shape. Lee has vowed to stick with me too. I look forward to the HOT pictures of xmas 2008! I think we will spend a lot of time as a family with a few trips to look forward to as well, particuarly one to St. Louis in June. We both turn 30 this year so I'm sure that will be exciting as well. Big year ahead and I'm looking forward to it with gusto. Maybe we'll even get bikes finally....

Water Baby

So, how much is my water bill going to be this month? ha. I am feeling awful in regards to the environment but she LOVES the sound of the water running soooo much. The last few days it's the only way to get her to sleep not on me. I need a few moments to get things done or just be. I guess I'll worry about the environment later....

1st day home alone...

and I'm blogging so I guess it's going well :) Seriously though the kids have been great so far. Griffin has been playing all morning after eating a good breakfast. Paisley is sleeping in her swing after eating a good breakfast. lol.

check back later...

Almost 1 month...

My new favorite picture of little Miss P....check out those lips! hee hee.



and of my big guy. He desperately needs a haircut which he's getting on saturday but I still love his hair longer.

Ever have one of those days...

where you just wanted to get something checked off your "list"? Well, I am having one today so instead of doing the many things I should have done around our house or coming into work early I took advantage of Miss P sleeping in her swing and I reorganized my kitchen. I am sooooo happy with it. I hope it pleases Lee as well. My mom and I started this project the day before P was born and I just ran out of steam and then went into labor so we never finished. I've heard several complaints from Lee in regards to where items "ended up" so they were at least put away. I kept promising him I would fix it and make it functional which was the original intent. So, today I did! I think it's great.

Jinxed....

Do you believe in that? I might after last night. I posted that last post and then she decided to prove me wrong. lol. fussy baby galore...it was all gas but man, it was a tough evening followed by a restless night's sleep. I'm tired today and she is sleeping. ha. go figure.

Sweet Baby

So, if Paisley had been born first I think we might have had 2nd sooner :) ha. She really is a great baby. Just like her brother she likes to be held to sleep but she also sleeps other places, lets me work, lets others hold her, takes a bottle, sleeps a good amount at night just next to me instead of ON me, and rarely cries. She does seem to have more difficulties in the pooping/gas category but really, who wouldn't cry when that is difficult? lol.

So, we had another day at the office. All went well. I'm sure it won't always be easy sailing but we made it another day so I"m happy. I was pretty tired this afternoon/evening. I was questioning why in my mind and then I thought, "quit questioning it Allison. Just succumb to it." I did and took a little rest. I have to remember that just because I'm a bit maniacal and am back to "real life" doesn't mean I should be. lol. I know I'm not even 4 weeks pp so I really should cut myself some slack. Anyhow, I have and I feel less tired now from it.

well, off to surf the web for a few moments. Lee is holding P which is a nice break.

Smells...

So many of my posts are so boring and not that this one will exactly be more interesting, it's what is on my mind. I am sitting here at the computer as the scent of pizza fills our house. Lee cooked a frozen pizza for dinner. It got me to thinking about smells. They have always been so profound for me since I have a very very strong sense of smell. Sometimes this is a great thing to have, other times, not so much :) Recently I can say not so much as our house has a lot of POOP smell with 2 little ones and a dog that has awful gas. ha. But in my memories smells are so much a part of them. There is the smell of freshly cut grass which to me is one of the best best best smells around. Lee will disagree as even the thought gets him sneezing. For me, though, freshly cut grass has me back to my childhood when we would go on after dinner walks as a family. Sometimes people's sprinklers would be on and in my memory my sister and I would "sneak" into them joyously. I am sure my parents didn't really care that we got wet but in my mind it was sort of taboo to get all wet just because so it was even more fun. ha. How about the smell of rain on a hot summer day...sort of musty, moist, earthy smelling...love it. Then some smells from my childhood I don't like: lentil soup cooking (ew gross--still don't like it too as my father was cooking it one time recently when I was visiting), freshly tarred streets (makes me have an instant headache and still does), my sister's farts (rotten eggs), anheiser busch brewery (even worse rotten eggs smell--it's the kind of smell that you hate but can't help take in---awful).

anyhow, that's my crazy thought of the evening. The pizza is still in my nose, now I must get it in my belly. It's not what I want to eat though...I really want that pesto Mary cooked me a few weeks ago....must get to Costco to buy it soon!!!

I SLEPT!

She slept 5 hours, ate, slept 3 hours, ate, slept another 3 hours (I had to get up after 2 though to get ready)!!! I feel like a completely different person!! She had another really fussy evening and we got her to take about 3.5 oz. of EBM, then I nursed her to sleep....that lasted just a few minutes while I climbed into bed. Lee brought her to me, I nursed her to sleep again and she slept for 5 hours after that!! Of course part of that was while in Lee's care, rocking, walking, etc. but still, I got to get some sleep. It was amazing...it will still be awhile before I am caught up but that felt great.

In addition, Lee was in charge of both of the children while I worked for a few hours this a.m. All went well even if a little harried...they survived and I actually came home to a quiet, content house. Lee said, "it was fine but THIS is not what occurred" referring to the quiet. ha.

anyhow, off to feed the kidlet.

In Review

Yesterday went well. I was exhausted after maybe physically, maybe emotionally but definitely tired. Today has gone well so far...we are making it and it's going smoothly. I really really don't know how I did this the last time...maybe I just had to so I did but man, I was crazy :) haha.

anyhow, hoping to get more sleep tonight...Miss P has not been doing great in that department the last two nights so that has me draggy. And by the time I want to get some caffeine I fear consuming any so that she will sleep even worse. grrr.

anyhow, patients call...

We're HERE!!!!

It's 8:27 a.m. and we are at the office, me and Paisley. I got up at 6:30 to get myself and everyone ready. We were surprisingly only 12 minutes behind schedule. I hope we can maintain that for the future. Anyhow, I have 4 patients today and a bunch to call to schedule for next week. I have a sour feeling in my stomach this a.m. even though I know this will all be ok. It will, right? :)

I'll check in later....

Big Girl!

10 lbs. even today at nursing group! Wow!!

Last day to be a slug :)

Most people think I'm crazy for going back tomorrow. I am sure that I am but it has to be done. I've realized after having Paisley that I might not ever be emotionally ready to go back. Don't get me wrong...I LOVE what I do but I think for the first time I see the appeal of being at home. Now granted I don't think that would be easy either but I do think I might enjoy it. Anyhow, I am hoping to achieve a great balance of the two over the next year and keep it that way for some time. Be with my patients and be with my kids! I'm psyched about the prospect.

Paisley is 3 weeks old today! Wow. She had a really rough day yesterday. Still not sure what was the cause but she just wouldn't sleep much and her belly seemed to be bothering her. All she wanted to do was eat all day long. But she never seemed satisfied. Around 9 p.m. we gave her a EBM bottle and she ate that and FINALLY passed out. She slept well though the rest of the night so I guess that's a good thing. 3 hour chunks of sleep which was great. She continues to be a good baby but man, I was at my wit's end yesterday. Grrrrr.

Well, off to shower and to nursing group. Psyched to go again because I'm feeling a bit down about going back to work, etc.

1st bottle

Paisley had her first bottle last night of pumped milk. She took to it very well and sacked out for 3 1/2 hours afterwards. If this trend continues I will be a much better rested momma :)

G was in such a great mood yesterday and this a.m. It's good to see my happy boy! He was so playful yesterday physically. He was climbing all over Lee and standing on his back. I was cracking up but it probably wasn't funny to egg him on. ha ha. He has also been eating better. I know this is just a phase like the non-eating ones we endure but it's a weight off my mind for the moment. His lead levels came back lower too so I feel like we are doing something right in the nutrition category.

off to finish xmas shopping with Lee. I'm psyched to get it done...he is a little draggy though.

My surreal world

So, this is by no means a complaint..it's wonderful but it's wigging me out. Today I left the house after getting myself and P all ready. She promptly fell asleep in her car seat. I stopped at the bank and for a chai. Then I headed to Target but along the way saw that Tamara was working with a patient of mine at her studio so I stopped there to say hello and show her the baby. P stayed asleep, then wanted to be out of her seat and be held, then she ate. We were there about an hour and then I put her back in her seat, she fell asleep and stayed asleep on the way to Lee's work. I took her inside to "meet people" at Advanstar, she woke so I took her out and held her a bit, then we went to lunch. She fell back asleep in carseat and stayed asleep until after we ate. I took her out, fed her, and she fell back asleep. She screamed for the brief ride back to the office to drop daddy. I figured she wanted to eat again but no, she just had a dirty diaper. I then headed to target with her in the sling...I fed her while in the sling walking around Target. She passed out in sling and I xmas shopped for 2 hours. I transferred her back to her car seat, she stayed asleep, and we came home. I fed her a little and she had a major poop...then awake and happy for a little bit. Then it was time to go get G so we got back in the car, she fell asleep and stayed that way while we went to the in-laws (G has been asking to go). She woke and baba held her, put her back in the car seat, she fell asleep and stayed there while I went to the bathroom and sat down for a bit.....

Ok, so do you see a theme? MY child SLEEPS in the car!!!! Anyone who was around when G was little will understand why this is sooooo weird to me, wonderful but weird. Griffin only SCREAMED in the car, no sleeping, EVER!

anyhow, that was my crazy busy but wonderful day. Now, where is she? Asleep in her swing :)

Grow spurt?

Miss P was up every 45 minutes last night wanting to eat. She wasn't necessarily upset just hungry and squirmy. I suppose it is better than crying and I"m chalking it up to growth but man, I'm TIRED.

Funny site this a.m. I go in to get Griffin---I heard he was already awake and he doesn't have his pjs on. I can see his naked torso. Then I realize he doesn't have a diaper on either!! ha. I asked him where his clothes and diaper were and he said, "the chair." Sure enough he had taken them off because they were all wet..his diaper had failed and leaked to his clothes, pooor kiddo. Anyhow, he was romping around his bed naked just enjoying himself to pieces. Of course mean mommy had to end that by dressing him again :)

p.s. I am feeling a bit more "stable" the last 2 days..house is clean and all seems well. thanks for the thoughts all :)

2 weeks...

where does the time go? I really cannot believe P is already 2 weeks old. Wow! I think we are all doing pretty well considering though. She had a really hard time settling down last night. I think she wants to be more awake but then doesn't know what to do with herself. The good news is though that she has been giving me 2 three hour chunks of sleep...so either she is getting used to it or I am just working better with her cues. (sometimes I forget the basics--wet diaper, cold, hot, bored)

G has been a bit of a pistol lately as well. I think a large part of it is that he will really only interact with daddy and from my observations daddy is getting a bit short-tempered with said 2.5 y.o. I want desperately to step in but G won't let me nor will P most times. So, I figure they will manage and I move on. I know all of this is just a phase but it's hard to watch.

I'm at the office getting my carpets cleaned!! The guy just keeps saying, "wow there's a lot of dirt!" Ha. Guess I shouldn't have waited 4.5 years, eh? We'll just keep that on the blog though.

Off to P's first ped appt. after this too. I need desperately to go to the bank and transfer funds. Yikes! we are overdrawn as of today but I think if I put money in we will be ok. I hate this game we play still and I'm the only one who pays attention. payday is friday which will put us ahead a paycheck. At least I have money to transfer but I just need to do it.....always me, eh?

lastly, other great news..Liza comes today!!! Yeah clean bathroom.

Paisley 12 days old

Paisley getting changed


Paisley and Mommy

More illness and more tears...

Now Lee is sick...he was supposed to work today but about 9 p.m. last night got sooo sick with chills and fever and has felt the same through the night and today. Griffin is seemingly better but starting to show some aggression towards P, only when Lee is holding her. I guess he thinks Lee is his parent now and I am P's....

I continue to be weepy. It stinks. I am eating well, taking my vitamins, resting, calling on favors....but the tears continue. boo hoo.

In good news P gave me 2 three hour chunks of sleep last night and then a 2 hour nap this a.m.

I feel rested, just sad.

Just what you need...

when you have a 9 day old is a sick 2.5 year old, right? ha. G came down with something today--has knocked the kid on his ass. The only thing I am greatful for during this is he is a great sick kid, sleeps, watches t.v., less demanding than his normal Griffin. lol. Anyhow, he's quite sad and I feel awful that he feels awful. Good lord, though, I hope none of us get it.

This face will make you happy...

A bit low...

I know this can be normal and it's probably the disrupted, not lack of, sleep I've been getting catching up with me...but I'm a bit down today. I am taking my vitamins and doing all the "right" things but it's still there. And I can't help but be sad about the fact that Paisley is already 8 days old! Geez, it's flying by. maybe it's the impending going back to work in only 2 weeks but I want time to stall just a bit.

Really, all is going well here. I couldn't ask for a better baby and Griffin is adapting well. I think even Lee is handling everything well. My only real 2 complaints is I have gas pains and my house is a mess. Otherwise, life is good. I guess I should cheer up, eh?

WOH Baby...

So, I got to weigh Paisley today for the first time. She is officially a week old today and most babes lose some weight and don't get back to their birth weight until closer to 2 weeks old. Well, Miss P is 8 lb. 8 oz. as of today which is 3 oz. BIGGER than her birth weight. Wow! guess something is working-ha.

Last night a wonderful sweet aquaintance (hope to be friend with time) brought us dinner and then some. When she walked in Griffin went straight to Paisley and pointed saying, "my baby, come" to Lori. How sweet! He also "showed her off" this a.m. when I dropped him at daycare. He has been so great--what a big guy!

Just for my documentation

I am down 17 lbs. at 6 days pp. I was slightly freaking out a few days ago when I was only down 8 lbs. (that wasn't even her weight!) but this is much more reasonable. I'm not a freak but I don't want to be a puffer fish either just cause I had a baby ;)

hello folks...

Rough Night

Perspective is an amazing thing! Paisley was awake last night from 1 a.m. until about 6 a.m. NOTHING comforted her. Well, nursing did but she isn't wanting food so thing she just pukes it all up. Needless to say we were at our wits end but all I could think was, "this too shall pass". And pass it will, probably quickly. I refuse to wish away these moments with her because I did that a lot with Griffin when I was too tired. I want to enjoy her even when she's the little devil child ;)

anyhow, relaxing today...off to rest.

Paisley's birth story

Monday 11/19 I started having some contractions that were 10 minutes apart. I had had these in the past weeks so didn’t think much of it until I had them for several hours. I told DH that he should not stay up too late in case this was it. I continued to have these through the evening along with severe irritability. They continued through the night waking me a few times but they never got closer together or more intense. I had a midwife appt. at 10 a.m. on Tuesday 11/20 which my mom accompanied me to. It was a typical visit and all was well with baby and mom. My mom and I went to Walmart and the hobby shop after to 1)walk and 2)keep busy.

That afternoon/evening I went to work with my father..he was working on my patients but I was there for PR and to once again keep busy. I continued to have those contractions about 10 minutes apart and really all they seemed to be doing were exhausting me. When I got home that night I decided I had had enough and was going to “get this kid out of me”. I hopped on the elliptical machine for 20 minutes after which I had the most severe cramp/pain/contraction of this pregnancy. I wasn’t sure if it was a contraction but it freaking hurt and I was a tad worried I had overdone it on the exercise-ha! I ate dinner and promptly passed out on the couch—the kind of passed out sleep where you drool-ha! I left the couch around 11 p.m. and went to the bedroom. I slept hard until 3 a.m. when I woke up to either pee or because I was having contractions, not sure which. Once I was awake I realized I was having pretty strong contractions and they were coming a little closer together and somewhat more intense. I timed them for a bit and tried to sleep realizing that if this was it I would need to be rested. They were sometimes 10 minutes apart and sometimes 6 minutes apart but they were definitely getting stronger when they did occur.

Around 4:30 a.m. I woke Lee up because I wasn’t sure what was going on and was feeling a little insecure about it all. I just wanted him with me. I ate some food because I was also quite hungry. He came up to the bedroom with me after and we continued to time them until about 6 a.m. It was then that I realized this was probably the day she would arrive. I knew it was still early in the process but I called my parents so they could get over to our house by the time Griffin woke up. I wanted to rest as long as possible and allow Lee to be with me.

They came to the house at 7:15 a.m. and had their camera in tow—ha! They took pictures of us still half comatose in bed. I called the midwife right before they arrived and she and I agreed to check in with one another in about an hour. I slept for another hour or so and then just wasn’t comfortable being still. MW called back around 8:30 a.m. and asked if I thought she should come then or if she could see her 9 a.m. client. I told her I wasn’t sure but I was sure it was happening today…I still thought it was early. The best way I could describe it was that between contractions I almost forgot anything was going on but then a contraction would come and I would say to myself, “oh ok, I’m definitely in labor”. My labor continued to fit that description until close to the end.

MW thought it was best she cancel her appt. and agreed to leave her house around 9 a.m. I told her I would let her know if it got worse. Before she arrived I took a bath, got adjusted, ate a bit more, my two friends arrived, and then we went for a walk---it was a glorious fall day! When MW arrived around 10 a.m. contractions were about 5 minutes apart but quite intense when I had them….the walk was making them increase in frequency and intensity and I had to stop walking when having them. MW set up and monitored baby a few times while I bounced on the birth ball and just hung out with people. DH was blogging the labor on our website and taking pictures so I perused through those as well.

Everyone ate lunch and then MW decided to “clear out” for a bit. I took another hot bath and DS helped me by giving me his tub toys. We got some great pics of this---he was so cute! My friends “cleared out” after that as well and DS went down for a nap. I tried resting for a bit then but the contractions weren’t giving me too long of a break at this point.

Everyone returned back to the house around 2 p.m. and both MW and her apprentice said something was different—it was later noted to me that they said I was entering active labor. I agreed to let her check me so I could gain some perspective as to where I was—I was an easy 6-7 and completely thinned out. The next couple hours were growingly intense as contractions got closer together and lasted longer. I continued to breathe through them and was still able to joke/talk between them. I changed positions a lot from knee chest, bouncing on the birth ball, walking, sitting and rocking. People took turns spending time with me and another dear friend showed up during this time. By 4 p.m. the contractions were so intense and I was starting to lose focus. I got pretty sick to my stomach and also started to sob at one point. I knew these were good signs of transition. I was also having a lot of trouble finding a good position to contract in comfortably…nothing was working. Sitting was no longer comfortable and even though standing was better I was losing strength. I went pee at one point and had a contraction and fell off the toilet. Thank goodness DH was in there with me.

I was working to get into the bed and I felt/heard a pop and said, “my water is breaking get a pad”. I then collapsed to the floor as the next contraction came and my water trickled out. They did get me to the bed and the rest of my water came out in the next few contractions. I could NOT get comfortable-on my back, on my side, on my knees, sitting, everything was uncomfortable and I was really beginning to panic. MW checked me here and said I was nearly complete with just a little posterior lip of cervix. I got the most comfort on my side/back so began pushing like that. Although it felt ok and DH was supporting my back I couldn’t get enough behind the pushes and this kid needed to “GET OUT”! I asked to get on the birth stool which was WONDERFUL! I pushed on the stool with everyone surrounding me in LOVE and felt her head crowning….as soon as I felt that I knew I could do it and just pushed her out.

This labor and birth was so much more intense than my son’s but my mom videoed it for me. After watching the video I realize that although it was much more intense the parts that were that intense were only about 15 minutes in length, compared to 3 hours with DS. I was only on the birth stool for about 6 minutes total and from when I felt her head crowning to when she was born was less than 1 minute. It all felt like an eternity but I did it and I’m glad to have had that perspective.

I felt so much better immediately after this birth than I did with Griffin. I was still tired but not totally wiped. I was more with it too which was good. Nursing was easier, peeing has been easier, getting around easier. I guess my body does know what it’s doing now. The only harder part were those dang after pains—WOW! They were insane!! Thank goodness for ibuprofen. I had been warned of them but those folks weren’t kidding around. They were wicked awful and for several days I kept thinking to myself, “I just had natural childbirth and I want to cry with these pains now.” It was crazy.

Paisley is a great baby. She has her nights and days a little mixed but I think that will resolve. She really only cries when she is hungry or is having her diaper changed. I cannot wait to grow in knowing her over the years. It is soooo exciting!!

In summary, 13 hours 41 minute labor (19 minutes shorter than DS’s)

8 lb. 5 oz. (1 lb. 2 oz. larger than DS)

19.5 in. long (1 in. shorter than DS)

Dark hair and lots of it! (this cannot be my kid ;))

pics of Paisley and Labor

Lee has posted on our family website a live blog of the labor and birth and then some pictures (over 200 actually :))

www.thenorrisclan.com

still working on the birth story....just a lot going on, go figure.

She's here!

Paisley Adams born at home 11/21 at 4:41 p.m. (about a 14 hour labor again but way different and much more intense)

8 lb. 5 oz.
19.5 long

we are so in love

gotta go sleep while my parents are still here :)

40 weeks

Here I am at fully pregnant, 3:30 a.m., having contractions. I swear, this better be it because I'm tired of not sleeping and there being NO baby :) Will update when I can...

seems like the real deal. Will update either with an announcement or if it stalls out :) Everyone is busy puttering around the house while I bounce on my birth ball. lol.

Last belly shot?

Let's hope so.

I am still pregnant this a.m. and not in labor as it appears so I decided to record what is hopefully my last belly shot.

39w6d with #2

Hidey Ho...

Still have a baby inside of me. Having pretty strong contractions this evening and for quite a few hours but haven't gotten closer together. I was/am quite irritable tonight which I've heard can be a good sign. Anyhow, will post if things progress in the "baby coming out of me" department. later gators.

We made it...

my parents are about 3 hours away so it looks like there will be a good chance they are here for the birth. Lord help me if they leave next sunday and I"m still pregnant :)

I am feeling a tiny bit better today. Still pretty awful but I think it's on its way out, not in. I got a massage and ear candling done this a.m. too by my wonderful friend Lisa. That has helped. I'm going to get adjusted as soon as Dad arrives too. Thank the lord.

will let you know how the eviction goes in an hour. I feel like I am going to get a fight-ha. Anyhow, I really really want to go into labor. We are going to do everything we can in the next two days to get the show on the road.

allison

Still here....

just quite sick. It's not strep but it's something that is kicking me in my butt. will check in tomorrow.

Is my perfume too strong?

ha. I swear it must be because my patients sniff me out when I'm at the office. I had two walk ins this a.m. and two phone calls. I know I shouldn't complain and I'm not...biz is good and they like me! But it does prove to me that I need to NOT come here if I don't expect to work.

Today is the 15th

Today is fake auntie Kelly's guess of baby's arrival. It is also auntie Lisa's guess. It is also Lee's desired date so he can skip out on work ;) Nothing seems to be happening.

I slept horribly again last night. Tossing and turning, raw scratchy throat, ugggh. I'm tired. G is still coughing but is much better than he has been. Thank the lord because there is nothing worse than having a sick kid when you are not feeling well yourself and you are this pregnant.

2 more days baby...then OUT!


later....

Update

well, no change from last week other than baby is a bit lower and my cervix is a bit softer. At least I didn't go backwards, right? :)

I'm home today cleaning, doing laundry, doing paperwork for office. If I go to the office they smell me out and I cannot escape. I plan to work tomorrow and then DONE! I will "work" on mon/tues. if needed and still pregnant but I plan to have dad and Lisa there to help a lot. I just physically can't do it anymore...it's so tiring and painful to adjust people.

I got myself adjusted today and WOW, that was great. I feel a bit better in the chest cold department too since getting adjusted, I can BREATHE!

G was coughing quite a bit last night and woke himself up. I went in there and laid with him for about 10 minutes and he was back asleep. He loves his new bed so much...I'm so happy. I sure hope for all that will change after the baby he continues to sleep like he has since we switched him. He sleeps more solidly, deeply, and LONGER since the move so I hope that continues.

My new bestfriend...

nighttime contractions :) Here we sit again, another night....haha.

Tonight I am tired because I had a long day of work. I think it will be my last night of working until March. I have people scheduled for next tuesday but since this babe will be receiving eviction papers on saturday my Dad will have to cover ;)

anyhow, off to have a bath. I have my appt. with Colleen in the a.m. and will update after.

nighty night.

p.s. Shout out to Rachel, Jim, and Alex! How's Portland?

and a pic from tonight...38w6d (the most pregnant I've ever been!)

No Pee Breaks....

I actually slept through the night last night. Ha. I feel like an infant in my measurement of that though since I didn't fall asleep until nearly 1 a.m. and woke at 6:45 to pee. so 5+ hours is considered sleeping through-ha!

Anyhow, feel pretty rested this a.m. Not sure if G is going to daycare yet. He seemed pretty chipper most of yesterday while I had him home but I don't want to push him.

Several hours once again of contractions last night, some pretty intense, but then nothing. I guess once again it's all in preparation. I am tired of feeling "tricked" though. ha. The closer I get to saturday the more confident I become that they will make it but then watch it happen like the night before...whenever this baby is born it will be amazing but I can do it! I can wait until saturday---then EVICTION NOTICE!!

gotta get the house up!!

Another night...

of contractions. Will update if it's going anywhere. I know this will happen at some point but I am really becoming impatient :) I think I just am ready and don't want to work pregnant anymore. Is that bad? I just want my body that can move back already.

Anyhow, off to eat cheesecake...YUM!

Go away colds...

That is all I have to say at the moment. It pretty much sums it up :)

Early wake up?

It's 5 a.m. and I'm awake. I don't know what is going on. I don't know quite what to think yet. All I know is my belly hurts as does my back. I wouldn't really call it contractions though. I figure a little bit of time will tell. I feel sooooo nauseous. I think I will take a hot bath and see how I feel afterwards. I am sipping on La Croix and eating saltines. Since I have this cold and am swallowing snot I am wondering if that is why my sour stomach. Of course this would be happening in the middle of the night again. Lee is sleepy, no friends around.....time will tell, eh?

UPDATE: still here, got some sleep, still having random contractions but nothing consistent, still feeling awful, going back to bed.

2nd Art Class

Griffin was not really into art today. I think for a 2 y.o. art class is kind of a joke but he has thoroughly enjoyed his "thinking cap" they made there for the remainder of the day. In fact, I think I hear him in his bed right now ripping it apart :) ha. It's his, right?

We decided to make today our "do stuff around the house" day so tomorrow we can do nothing. I will still do some things but really most everything is in its place today. We took G grocery shopping this evening around 7 p.m. It was near disasterous but really considering all of feeling a little under the weather and the time of day I think it went smoothly. Somehow we managed to spend an ungodly amount of $$ there but that was probably a)the distraction of crazy child, b)crazy child putting random things in cart or demanding we get certain things and c)our unwillingness to repeat above process anytime soon-hence STOCKING UP! :)

Tomorrow the Browns play the Steelers. Can we pull off another victory? I think it might not happen but I hope it's a good game nonetheless. My in-laws are taking Griffin in the late afternoon/evening for several hours. I am half hoping to just rest during that time but we should probably "do" something enjoyable together, right? Hey, maybe I'll have a baby tonight and those plans won't be needed, right?

goodnight.

TGIF for real this time!

We have nothing much planned for the weekend. That is a very good thing. We will go to G's art class in the a.m. and maybe a quick lunch out afterwards (try to fill him up so he'll sleep). I would like to pull out the tomato plants and get the ac units out of the windows (brrrr, drafty)...but really just rest and maybe have a baby :)

anyhow, doing back and forth literally hour to hour on when I WANT this baby to arrive. There is of course my burning desire for my parents to be a part of the day. But then I realize that just because they arrive doesn't mean I'll spontaneously go into labor, right? And the last thing I want is to be pregnant as they are driving back to St. Louis. Then there is the work factor. If I work this coming monday and tuesday I have noone else scheduled for the remainder of the week, then the following week my father could see my patients and I could take the entire next week off and be back by 12/3 or so. That would be GREAT! So, some moments 11/14 is looking like a great day to have a baby. Then I wonder if it would be great to have the baby on the 15th like Kelly has predicted and by the time my parents arrive (although they will have missed the birth) I will be feeling a bit more "back to myself" and yet we can spend the week together visiting and enjoying each other? Like Pam said today, "too bad I don't really get a say." ha.

so, those are my thoughts. My crazy, change every other minute thoughts. Every day could be christmas for me, just don't know if it is. So far, today is NOT!

later.

Happy Anniversary

It's 4 years today! Hard to believe for some but it's been a great 4 years.

I have been caught by this cold...it sucks. I'm crawling back into bed.

love you LEE!

sending good thoughts...

Our friends are off to Indy today for some very exciting stuff! Just thinking about them...

Ouch!

Had my appointment with Colleen this a.m. and it was definitely more ouchy than last week. Not sure what that is about but she didn't seem overly concerned. I am a strong 2 cm. dilated, 70% effaced, and baby is at a -2 station this week. That means I have lots more cm. to dilate, just a bit more effacement and baby has to travel down just a bit more for birth to occur :) Really, though, all good news. She said babe is in a great position and very LOW....hello down there!!! haha. She said she'd be suprised to see me next week but???? I am really trying not to 1) get my hopes up and 2) hold out until 11/17....what's another 10 days, right?

Anyhow, woke up yucky in the throat. Griffin seemed under the weather too but I have to work and off to daycare he went. I told her to call me if he got worse...he was off playing before I could even think about leaving. lol. I'm sure he will be fine. I need to get a nap in today though since Lee has his meeting tonight and I'm solo parenting. Wow, hope it's my last for awhile since I"m TIRED!

off to work....

Wind Wind Wind

It's so windy here tonight. I keep thinking it is going to start raining but it hasn't yet. I am sure it will but so far just the crazy wind. We can hear things blowing around out there. Now I'm really glad I asked Ricky to come back next week to rake the leaves...they'd be blown back in our yard already :)

I had a 1/2 work day today and then came home to do paperwork on the couch..it was somewhat successful. I did a few other to-dos and did some paperwork which is why it was only somewhat successful. I plan to do some more tonight. I am 2 tasks away from completing my 'to do' before baby. Well, there are other things but this was the realistic, must be done before kiddo arrives list. ha.

Not feeling like it's ever going to happen today. I know that isn't true but I'm waddling sooo much, adjusting was very difficult today and yet no increase in contractions or anything. In many many ways I want it to still be a few more weeks but not if I can't work somewhat comfortably. I am peeing constantly (probably because i"m thirsty constantly so drinking all the time) and I literally feel like I've been on a horse for a week if I try to walk.

G and I had a pretty decent afternoon once I picked him up from daycare. We watched some Groswald (aka Oswald), played with play doh, and then dad came home. Our new camera arrived this evening as well so Lee had to mess with that when he got home. Then I demanded (nicely) that he play play-doh so I could cook dinner---I've been trying to do this before I am just completely wiped. Lee hasn't really been in a cooking mood so more often than not we don't cook and I snack on sugar for the evening or go to bed hungry. So, I've been doing it and it's working well. I try to motivate for sunday/monday and he seems more game for doing it on tuesday when I'm arriving home late.

well, off to get kiddo to bed. Then I'm going to sit in bed, watch t.v., and do more paperwork. fun fun.

Heavy Head...

I guess we all got "it". It seems mild but has us all a little crankier than usual and me wanting to crawl back in bed. Not sure Lee is up for me doing such though. I hate being the mom sometimes.

Illness and funny pic

so far I am avoiding the "bug" but Lee is definitely getting something and G man has a very stuffy, runny nose. How can it be stuffy and run? poor kiddo. I just feel tired but who knows if that is this or just being very pregnant. Pam checked my iron yesterday and it was right on so that isn't a concern...good to know. We may be bagging the baptism anyhow just to avoid bringing illness that way.

Here is a great picture of our "nephew" D'Troyt. I LOVE it!

Pam, the GREAT!

So, I always feel so much calmer after my visits to Pam. I don't know how she does it honestly, truly her gift. She was obviously tired this morning as well so further proof she is just AMAZING! She has been to 6 births in 7 days, the newest arriving last night 10 minutes before midnight. I told her I would try not to go tonight so she could get some rest. Her response, "oh well there are others in 'waiting' so it's no matter." Oh geez! No rest for the weary, eh?

Anyhow, baby is doing well. Nice strong, loud heartbeat today and she thinks my baby belly looks lower. I have gained officially an insane amount of weight but really almost right on track with what I gained for G's pregnancy. I guess that is good. It had freaked me out at times with this one because I gained stair step pattern so I thought I was in for even more.

We have a busy weekend yet again. I am working in the a.m. Lee has a major deadline for work on monday so he is likely working all of sunday. Maia's baptism is tomorrow which I am thinking I will just send Lee. It's going to hit right when I'm finishing work and then naptime. It will be good for Lee to get out for a bit without his cranky wife and crazy 2 y.o. Ha.

off to do more paperwork. It never ends.

Happy Halloween

Here he is, our little punk rocker


playing before dinner

running like a wild man

trick or treat...he said it at almost every house, along with, "thank you" and "byeeee" as he ran away. ha.

In typical fashion, very difficult to get his face :) He is such a bugger.

And for posterity, my baby belly at 37 weeks

37 weeks!

Had my first internal check today: 1-2 cm dilated, 50% effaced, soft cervix, baby is head down and low AND fiesty she said :) I had very little discomfort from the exam and no spotting so my gut is saying it will still be awhile. I slept a bit better last night and got adjusted today so I'm doing alright this day! I do have some words though for the babe:

Letter to baby Norris.

Dear Baby Norris,

You are now term. That means you can come out whenever you like. I am not feeling great but I think deep down it would be 100% totally awesome if you decided to arrive on Nov. 17 or 18. In my book this would be ideal timing. Thanks for listening (and cooperating).

love, your mother

Man, I'm crabby...

I was soooo tired last night and just not feeling great again so I stayed in bed from when lee got home until this a.m. I say that but I kept having to get up to pee or readjust or get water or pee. At any rate, I think I feel worse this a.m. How is that possible? It's making very crabby and really just not great company. I think I shall hole away until this baby arrives :)

By request...

sneak peak at the "hawk"





How awesome? We figured something needed to replace the stache of 2006 to ruin the xmas photos. lol.

Still here....

I'm still pregnant and hanging in there. I did quite a bit this weekend, working at a slow pace but constant, and I'm achey all over because of it. Thankfully my energy doesn't seem effected from the constant movement and no nap but my muscles and joints are HURTING! I took an epsom salt bath this a.m. just to get going and it seemed to help a bit too. Anyhow, I noticed the achiness when I got up to pee in the middle of the night, could barely walk at first because it hurt, but now it is better so maybe it was just stiffness from moving a lot and then lying still for a bit in bed.?!?

We had a pretty good weekend I think. We didn't do too much on friday but Lee was home early since Advanstar officially moved to N. Olmsted that day. Griffin was loving having us both home early two days last weeek. He is such a home body. We were silly and got Dairy Queen for dinner and watched Blades of Glory (horrible and not funny) that night after G "retired". Saturday was a day of running around: my women's club Fun Run, lee's haircut, and then my patient's wedding. Griffin decided not to nap and instead found a pen in his room, wrote on himself, destroyed some books, and was just a crabby maniacal mess for Lee the rest of the day. It was early to bed for him though so Lee wasn't too keyed up once I arrived home from the reception.

Yesterday we lounged around a bit, I cleaned for Liza, did tons of laundry, we watched the Browns beat the Rams (go Browns!), grocery shopped, made tacos for dinner, cleaned out more trash from the old computer room (we are trash collectors I'm convinced). The nesting continues for me at an insane ferociousness! I just want EVERYTHING in order.

So, today I am working and it's to nesting here as well. I need to get all things in order, like I"m dying or something, to attempt to make my life smoother after this baby arrives.

Speaking of which, I am now convinced it's going to still be a few more weeks. I can tell things are still moving in the right direction but something tells me this babe isn't coming early. I know that's ok and I know I'll make it but I am getting damn sick of being pregnant. I am truly waddling now which is funny. I see Colleen on wednesday (I'll get an internal that day) and Pam on friday. I would like to make it until at least next weekend. Maybe next wednesday? Ha. I'm just throwing ideas out there for the babe to ponder--haha.

One last thing....we tried out the mohawk on G last night. It's going to be SWEET! I'm so psyched. He was hysterical about it too...he loved it as much as we did.

later gators.

Nausea...blech

I don't know many people who enjoy having nausea but I, for one, DESPISE it! It's back, at least this a.m. It's more like a nervous stomach but I have nothing to be nervous about. I slept well and feeling fine I suppose otherwise. Anyhow, that is my complaint for the morning. That, and I noticed last night I definitely have stretch marks on my belly this time, just on the right side but they are there-boo hoo! I know they are badges but it still stinks. I was pretty fine with my ones on the side but I was happy my stomach had been spared. I hope they stay low like they are now so I can keep them under wraps. This kid is definitely been different so far...guess just trying to warm me up for the after birth situations. :)

Nesting continues...

I feel like after the weekend with my mom visiting I was really beat and hadn't done much since then....until today. It seems I"m back at it, tying up lose ends, putting things where they need to be, getting ready. I have had sooo much more nesting this pregnancy than I had with G's. I guess that is good because we need more organization, not less :) Now to get Lee to stop rolling his eyes at me....that would be SOME accomplishment.

We have our home meeting with Pam tomorrow. I'm soooo excited. This marks another point in the pregnancy and one step closer to the big day. I mean, technically the day could have come before now but it's exciting to know everyone will have had a chance to meet and talk about the big day before it arrives. After tomorrow I'm all game :)

Off to bed...well, after convincing Lee to carry the laundry to the basement. Any ideas? later....

Update...

for those following this (mom and mary :)) I am feeling fewer contractions this evening but still generally blah. I am also dog tired. Off to bed after this, I promise. I have done very little since coming home from work so at least I'm resting.

Anyhow, wanted to share this picture comparision:

1st shot 30w5d, 2nd shot tonight 35w6d (just added 37 weeks with yes, the same outfit-ha)!! Subtle changes but they are there

contractions...

Well, last night I had 2 hours of 6-10 minute contractions. I wouldn't say they were painful but many of them took my breath away. I was thinking, "hmmmm, what's this about? Should I call Pam?" and then they stopped. I know everything is a sign in the right direction but it's the complete unknown that kills you. It will still most likely be several weeks but I guess it could be soon. Uggh. Onto work yet again-lol.

Baby Update

Still pregnant :) Saw my midwife today, the one associated with the hospital, and all is well. She thinks I will have this baby sooner rather than later. I am measuring on time, baby is head down, and heart was strong and happy. She predicts if not the first full week of November that I will not be pregnant by that 2nd week. So, I guess she officially cast her votes. lol.

Today has been good. I have had lots of energy until about 30 minutes ago, now I'm dog tired. I don't even want dinner I'm so tired. I keep having BH's but they are so random. I see the midwife again next week and she will do a pelvic checking for dilation. I was curious today and she probably would have done it if I requested but there isn't a real reason to know...it is what it is, you know?

Anyhow, I'm going to lie down. Eyes are sooo heavy.

L is for Loser

Boo Hoo! Cleveland lost. I'm over it but man, it stinks. Onto the Browns with no hope of winning-ha.

I am going back for a visit to my CNM today (co-care). Their office called last week to check on me since they hadn't seen me in 3 months (yes it took 3 months for them to realize this). I briefly discussed with the MA my issues and asked for Colleen to call me. She did on Saturday and I was able to surface some of my concerns. She told me that if I chose not to come back that was fine but she would have to discharge me for the pregnancy. I asked if I could come back and how many visits if so? (My mind was thinking induction possibilities later). 3 was her answer so I signed up. I really really respect Colleen even if her secretary is kind of an ass munch (pardon my french).

Another busy week over here. Lots of patients scheduled and I really want to get to them. It seems many people are NOT scheduling past November 9th for fear I won't be here. I guess I'll have to call them if I am around? I keep encouraging appointments because I don't want to just be sitting around. Our home visit with Pam is thursday and I also want to do that (so no baby arrival before then, ok?).

Lee and I firmed up G's halloween outfit this weekend. He goes for his super cool mo-hawk on wednesday! Ha. I think my hairdresser is a little worried. I think he's going to rock!

I had very vivid baby dreams last night. Not birth but getting up feeding in the middle of the night dreams. My back is so crampy this a.m. and a few contractions as I sit here. Things continue to be this way but no consistency. It leaves me wondering- A LOT! lol.

Babymoon

We had a blast! Thanks Julie :)

The Embassy Suites is really nice and I thought was reasonably priced for the King Suite. It was a bit ridiculous to have that much space for sleeping and showering but it was still nice. We headed over to the mall for the evening and then a nice dinner at Wild Mango-their food was AMAZING! We ate everything. lol.

This a.m. we slept in but were still up by 9:30 for breakfast. It was very surreal waking around 5 a.m. because I thought I heard a kid crying and then was looking for the dog to tell her to be quiet while I went pee. Ha. Habits die hard, right?

Anyhow, we checked out at 12 noon and headed for some errands: Home Depot and Target, then Panera for some lunch. All in all it was a great time and I'm glad we got away.

This afternoon we moved the desk from the "nursery" and I vacuumed it well to move the crib back in place. It is now a fully functioning room with a place to nurse, sleep (mom and baby), t.v., and baby monitor. I want to get a little lamp and a little alarm clock for the table next to the chair for nursing. I would also like to enlist my mom (hint hint) to make some curtains with room darkening backs. That room is by far the brightest room in the house and I NEED this child to have a fair chance at sleeping.

Anyhow, off to play with my boys.

Love/Hate for Wind

Personally, I LOVE this time of year. Sleeping with the windows open, the wind blowing in, just enough to need a blanket but not so cold you freeze under said blanket. It's bliss!!! UNLESS, you own my dog apparently, the 97 lb. dog afraid of wind. I got so little sleep last night due to this...you would think i would just close the windows but I'm stubborn. Apparently, so is she....

At any rate, I'm at work and dragging. I know I'll get through but I'm annoyed at feeling so tired when I went to sleep at 10 p.m. and didn't wake until 7:30 a.m. She is my annoyance today!

We hung out with the Wahls last night. The boys got along great which was fun to watch. They literally played non-stop from 3:30-8:30! The older boys had fun too drinking too much, "sneaking" cigarettes in the garage (????), and playing ridiculously inappropriate games for 2 year olds on the Wii. Mindy and I just sat around and talked which was also great. It's fun to get together with friends just casually. It will be more difficult soon with the new little one but I hope we stick with it.

Lee and I are heading to Independence, Ohio this afternoon for our babymoon :) I'm excited to get away for a night, sleep in, take a long shower, maybe swim, shop a bit, and eat out. We really need this "reconnection". I just hope he took my hint, "go buy me chocolate covered strawberries", and bought me chocolate covered strawberries. Ha.

As for how I'm feeling, so so. Not quite as poorly as the other day reported. I lost part of my mucus plug and still having some contractions randomly. I think things are gearing up but it will still be awhile. The first term baby was born on my chat board for November! How exciting!

Go Tribe!

So, the Cavs didn't do but can the Indians? They better because although the Browns are looking better than many years prior to this I'm not holding my breath for a SuperBowl appearance.

7-3 win for Tribe tonight! Yahoo!

Cervix, they are a changin' (sung to Bob Dylan's Times they are a changin')

So, I don't really know if my cervix is changing but I think that's what is going on...it feels like something is taking place down there. Not in a "wait it's too early" kind of way but a "this show is going to happen in the next month or so" kind of way :) That's just my feeling though....Lee is still convinced it is going to happen sooner rather than later. We shall see. 4 more days and I'll be a happy camper for whenever...I just really don't want a trip to Fairview hospital. Uggh.

Anyhow, this is what I am randomly feeling since sunday at varying intensities:

breast soreness
breast tingling
pinching of cervix
backache
cramps
increase in braxton hicks
fatigue like never before
nausea
increase in CM (cervical mucus-sorry if TMI for some folks reading-it is a blog about my life and I AM pregnant)

Anyhow, things are changing and all in the right direction. Yahoo!

weekend recap

Well, my mom is back in St. Louis. I am officially more tired than I have been in a long time. And our house/lives are "almost" ready to welcome this next child. In all actuality the babe could come and we'd survive but all the "to do" items are nearing an end....is there such a place? Anyhow, after cooking all day on friday my mom and I shopped not only until we dropped on saturday but also until the car was filled to the roof and she was holding items on her lap :)

We started off at the Lakewood baby bargains sale. We scored a shopping cart for G, some puzzles, a few other little toys, a HUGE bag full of clothes for G for the fall/winter/spring, and many many adorable baby clothes. I'm soooo excited. Then we spent the rest of the afternoon entertaining a very irritable no-nap child-ha. We were both beat by the end of the evening. Of course, not beat enough to stay up for the Indians Game. Go Tribe! The game went until a bit past 1:30 with us prevailing in the 11th!! Yahoo. I was soooo tired yesterday just from the activities and sheer lack of sleep.

We were both bit of zombies yesterday but still managed to organize G's room a bit, make his bed officially with the pirate bedding (looks soooo cute), laundry laundry laundry, help lee put together the new computer stand, put the crib back together, put away all the clean laundry, make a fab dinner, and prepare for the cleaning friend today. Sooooo that brings me to today....I'm freaking tired.

I am definitely beginning to feel "changes" down there as well. More contractions-the braxton hicks variety-and a little "pinchy" at times. I guess that might be dilation? I don't know. At any rate, I'm not getting all excited but it does make me want to get all the "ducks in a row" at home and work. The work situation has me slightly on edge I'll admit because I just don't know what is going on. It's so hard to know if I'll be there for someone's next appointment, if I"ll be working at thanksgiving or back at work? (possible if I deliver soon). It's just the unknown that all pregnant women have...grrrrr.

Anyhow, wanted to post about the fun productive weekend. We are finally looking like a house preparing for a new babe. The crib helps ---hee hee. Now hopefully this kid uses it!

Whew...my dogs are barking....

So we began around 10 or 10:30 and it is now 5:30....the cooking is done, all in the freezer, and we even made another soup for dinner! We are quite the team, aren't we ? My freezer is AWESOME! I want to marry it...ha. We didn't do this with G and it was my biggest regret. I think we were just too preoccupied with moving and it was summer so the meals to freeze weren't as fun, cozy, soupy :)

Anyhow, I'm so enthralled with this idea of cooking all on one day for the month....I really want to keep it up. It was sooooo much work but seriously will be no work for a month of dinners! Wow

off to put up my feet..I earned it.

A Quick Update

Mom is here! John arrives this a.m. Mom and I did the grocery shopping yesterday--$200 for a LOT of food to cook. I"m soooo excited but then we still have to do it. ha. We are planning chili, stew, spaghetti sauce, lasagna, chicken noodle soup, two chicken casseroles, and chimichilatas! I also bought 4 frozen pizzas on sale and a bunch of other birth/labor supplies. I know I"m going to work my tail off getting everything ready this weekend and this baby will come at 41 weeks. It's always possible.

Griffin woke last night crying around 12 midnight. Lee went in to comfort him, laid down with him, and they both fell back asleep. Lee came back out at some point and went to bed with me. I'm soooo happy Lee was able to comfort him and that he was able to settle him in his bed! I was just so happy!!

well, off to play with G before mom arrives.

34 WEEKS!! Yahoo...

So, this baby and I have reached the point of no return :) No, seriously, it is unlikely this baby would be born at this point with any serious health concerns. It is still 1 1/2-2 weeks before I can safely deliver at home but it feels good to know that even the hospital wouldn't stop my labor if something started.

I am tremendously torn about when I want to deliver, as if I have some say in the matter-ha. On one hand I really really really want my parents to be present and it's not unreasonable to stay pregnant until 39 weeks and change. But then I wonder if that is realistic given how early Griffin came. Lee said to me the other day, "so how much longer before we can safely do this at home?" I told him a couple weeks. He said, "oh good, getting close, I just feel like you are going to go waaay early this time."

Maybe we are both just setting ourselves up for major disappointment and it will be into December before me meet this child. Uggggh, I really hope not.

It is finally cooler here. Thank the Lord. I was really starting to question my thoughts on being pregnant over the summer since summer didn't seem to be leaving :) I hope the coolness is here to stay. I LOVE autumn.

Feeling Better

It still amazes me at close to 30 years of age how much difference a good night's sleep can make. And I didn't even have a good night's sleep :) At any rate, I'm doing better today...

Case of the Mondays?

I feel once again like the world is caving in on me today. Uggh, I hate feeling this way. I want to enjoy the days and feel motivated and like I accomplished something. Today my big yahoo was getting the cable fixed in our bedroom---woop woop. I feel like I could be doing so much more but I'm in a bad mood, tired, HOT (have I mentioned it's still in the upper 80s everyday here). Uggggh. I am making my lists and hoping to get more and more done before I hit 36 weeks (in 2 weeks 2 days from now). So much to do but I guess a lot of it will remain until after the baby arrives. So many other complications when a new one is here but at least I'll have my body back and the ability to do things around this place without asking someone for help.

gotta run for dinner.

Baby #2 update....

I'M LOSING IT, JUST POSTED THIS AND THEN SAW THAT I ALREADY GAVE THE UPDATE. D'OH!

I forgot to give the update from my appointment thursday. Baby is indeed head down! She/He is deep in my pelvis (engaged) and ready for action once the day comes. Pam was very happy with babe's position. I have gained gobs of weight but noone seems concerned aside from me so I'm trying to let it go.

Anyhow, 2 weeks from today and Pam will allow us to deliver at home. That blows my mind considering how much we have to still do. With my luck that will be the day too since we are planning our "night away" that day. Ha.

Allison

Apple Picking

We went apple and pumpkin picking yesterday. Lots of fun. I have more pics but this is a great one of G doing what he does best....running!!

We found the sheets!

Shout out to Mark and Kelly for finding the sheets. They actually became available again on line but I wouldn't have known if not for Kelly's persistence!! So, she is also going to look for the totally awesome pirate lamp and pillow. My kids room is going to ROCK!

Slept well last night but still tired. Had my appointment yesterday with Pam. Baby is head down and engaged which is a good thing. She is very happy with the positioning so I must be doing something right. I'm just happy babe is head down. I was having some weird panic about that this week.

Well, off to my adjustment and a few errands.


The Lamp


The Pillow


Yarrrrggggh!

Tomorrow IS another day!

I am feeling much better today. I tossed and turned all night but apparently it was enough to make me feel rested. I have a loooooong day so hope my energy continues. As I was reminded in a comment Johnny Angel will soon be visiting as will my mom :) Anyhow, today is in fact a new day and I'm more smiley!

Tomorrow is another day...

I'm down today. I know this happens time to time but while being pregnant my sad emotions always seem so amplified...grrr! Worse I cannot really identify why I'm sad. I feel it's stemming from feeling overwhelmed. At least it is time for bed and tomorrow will be another day.

allison

3rd night review and some more guesses added....

So, G man slept through in his bed again!! Seriously pretty cool stuff. I went out for dinner so Lee was on his own to do this. He said G was a bit over tired, did not want to go to bed, but he just said, "It's time for nighty night. good night." and left. He said G cranked for a few minutes and then out. This a.m. he woke earlier than monday or tuesday, around 6:50 a.m., and I asked Lee if he would go get him/tend to him. He mumbled something about he sounded happy and he was fine. That annoyed me but so do a lot of things these days-can you say massively pregnant?-ha! Anyhow, about 7 a.m. I hear him again and he does NOT sound happy so I get up and got to him. He is stuck down the side of the bed. I don't know for how long? Did he sleep this way? Did he just get stuck? Anyhow, he seemed fine and happy but seriously, my poor guy! :( Good, up side is he slept and seems still really into the bed. Guess we will just continue to focus on the positives :)

So, here are some additional guesses for baby dates. I'm also doing this at the office and it's been fun to involve the patients.

Momma Norris (me): 11/11/07 and 11/25/07
Grammy Carroll: 11/22/07
Pappa Norris (Lee): 11/17/07
Granpa Carroll: 11/24/07
GGG (my grandmother): 11/3/07
Ahmie: 12/3/07
Kelly: 11/15/07
Mark (Uncle #1): 11/22/07, duking it out with Grammy Carroll :)
Great Aunt Bette: 11/18/07, because it is a Sunday :)
Fake Auntie Lisa: 11/15/07
Mary BS (haha): 11/17/07 and 11/22/07

We now have several guesses for 11/15, 11/17, and 11/22....we shall see if you are right.

I am feeling well. I describe my current state as though I have a hue of fatigue following me. I'm not overly tired but just constantly tired. I also feel like I"m dragging my ass through mud behind me. I know the latter feeling is from the weight gain since I remember that from G. I think the former is just late pregnancy stuff. I continue to rest when I can and go to bed promptly. I"m sleeping well though so that is good and my aches are minimal which is also good. Baby is LOOOOWW compared to G and I'm not convinced he/she is in the right position (head down/face down) but Pam will give me a better guesstimate on thursday.

tata

2nd night a success!

Another easy night...is this my kid? ha.

One night down, how many to go?

So, G slept all night in his bed. I have no clue if this will continue but would be awesome if it did. It's a bit surreal but I'm happy :)

Big Boy Bed

Griffin is currently sleeping in his room in a TWIN BED!! It's pretty surreal and I have no idea if it will continue so smoothly but wow, it really was easy tonight. We walked him into his room, laid him down, tucked him in, said goodnight, and walked out...he fussed a few whimpers and then nothing. I am just feeling kind of numb about it honestly. But it is really cool.

My dad and I drove half way to Columbus today to meet my uncle who gave us the bed. It was his son's bed when he was growing up and even though it is older it is really nice and in great shape, just some "loved" dings :) Of course we didn't keep it in its original form...we cut off the spindles and gave it an "update". We plan to get some pool balls, shave down the bottoms, and super gluing them to the four posts. 1,2,3,4...We are also hoping to locate this pirate bedding from target that is being discontinued. I'm psyched!

32 weeks!!

It is soooo surreal that 4 weeks from today my midwife would be ok with me delivering at home. 2 weeks from today and the hospital would probably not stop my labor. And 11 weeks from now I could still possibly be pregnant---shoot me, if so! ha.

I'm doing well. Belly is getting big. I took some pics last night but our power supply to the main computer is down so cannot upload them right now. very annoying, I know.

Dad arrives tomorrow...I can hardly wait. We have lots of things to do but nothing major so he will be able to also finish his floor project at the condo. It will just be nice to have him around for the weekend :)

Off to get G man...it's a cloudy day, I think we'll watch a movie when we get home. Lee is out for the evening so I have to dole out my energy from 4-8 p.m. for G !!

Sorry no recent updates...

It's been awhile. I've been busy, tired, and a little distracted I think. Business/Fatigue started last friday when I think Lee and I experienced one of the worst, if the not THE worst, evenings/nights with G man. It all started around dinner. He didn't seem exceptionally over hungry but he lost it 100% when we tried to feed him. Full out tantrum, rolling on the floor, crying, punching, kicking for at least 20 minutes. After that time we were able to somewhat calm him down, feed him, and his mood improved or we thought.....then it was bedtime. No go. He was up a bit later than his usual 8 p.m. bedtime but it was the weekend and we are usually a little lax if he seems up for it. 8:45 and he shows no signs of readiness but we were ready. Put him in his crib after bedtime routine and mass hysterics unfold from his room. This continues for a loooooong time until we surrendered and took him back out. He was very upset and we had to make popcorn to calm him (he loves watching it pop with lee). He was up for about an hour with us watching some non kid t.v. and playing quietly. Tried sleep again, he protested but went down. I then went to bed only to be awoken at 1:30 with screaming bloodly murder from his room, "MOMMA." boy, that pulls at your heart strings. I got him out and he was just hysterical and sooo tired. He passed out in my arms with me rocking him. I took him to my bed after that. He did sleep the rest of the night but I use this term loosely because his "sleep" consisted of multiple times of popping up straight in bed, looking around and then going back to sleep (quite startling to a sleeping mom next to her child), kicking me in the back (fun stuff considering I'm also being kicked in the front :)), and holding my arm like a teddy bear for over an hour at one point. I swear both Lee and I were just beat by saturday morning. We individually took an hour extra sleep to "catch up" but it was NOT enough.

Griffin thankfully has slept better since but I think we have most definitely reached the "trying 2's" (I prefer this to terrible). He has an opinion and gosh darnit he is going to have it heard and executed. ha.

Saturday afternoon was Mike and Melissa's wedding followed with an evening reception. It was lovely and we had a great time!

Sunday was a LOT of lying around for me. I just wasn't feeling great and was overly tired. Lee finished the hole on the side of the house which was awesome. We also watched the Browns lose which stunk but they played well.

And now it's tuesday. I'm off for home and then bed soon. Dad comes in two days!! I'm psyched. I miss them.

The Baby Book...

I bought this kid's baby record book. This has been a bigger ordeal than last time. Maybe because I'm pickier or maybe because they are mostly all dumb :) I don't know but I finally found a few I liked and chose this one:


Baby Love
by Susan Branch

It has original water colors by Susan and is very beautiful!

Hi

My titles are becoming more and more creative-ha. So, to follow up with Griffin and the horse from yesterday he was VERY happy to have the horse back and played with it quite a bit. It is still amazing me how much he does imaginary play. I mean, he can still barely create coherent sentences but he sure does talk to the toys. lol.

After my day of running around I was able to pick him up a little early and spend a nice long afternoon/evening with him. It involved lots of playing: cooking, castle, cars, taking things from one basket to the other and then back to the original basket, trains, books, and just general silliness. We also had Bugs Life and Finding Nemo on at different points because he requested them. I took a few shots of him and this is my new fav, kind of silly but he's so cute. He loves posing for the camera which never involves a really great REAL smile.



As for me, I think I definitely overdid it yesterday. Grrrrr. I just want to be fully functioning. Anyhow, I'm feeling mild shortness of breath today like my chest is tight. First chance I get I'm taking this stupid bra off! Also, headache for a few days...feels sinusy. I just need some rest. I can't manage to get to bed much earlier than 10-10:30 these days but that is an improvement from my 11-11:30 old bedtime. I will try to catch up a bit this weekend.

31weeks and feeling large and in CHARGE!!

I"m putzing around today. I"ve cleaned up the house, done some paperwork, put on laundry, gathered some goodwill items, and now I"m gathering things to return to target. I tried to convince Lee he should play hookey with me today from work but he is too dedicated to his job, I guess :) I didn't have anyone scheduled so I thought I would take the day to get caught up on all the little things, home and work. So far, doing well.

Just found out one of my long time patients is preggo!! It's so exciting. I"ve had quite a few pregnant women either come to me because they were pregnant or because they were already patients and then have gotten pregnant. I love working with them and then of course meeting all those babies!! It's the best kind of work.

Apparently Griffin had a mini-break down with Lee last night over a missing horse from his castle set. He was having a conversation with the two knights. The first knight said, "bwa blah, ah ha, bwar Horse" and the second knight said, "bwa bwa ba ba don't know horse". Then he demanded Lee find the horse. Lee could not locate said horse and tried replacements from the little people horse to the digger but G man just wanted that horse. So, I went in search of the horse.....found one horse and a knight under the couch along with the following: 5 dinosaurs, a dryer ball, a pair of shoes, a sippy cup, three balls, a bat, a golf club (kid size), fake food galore, a couple cars, and a bunch of dog fur. ha. I was most excited about the shoes and the horse. Been looking for those darn shoes for a few days....stinker kid!

later.

30w5d belly shot, just over 9 weeks 'til D-Day

Monday Check-In

So, I've been a bit down and not really wanting to blog. I'm not sure why really...assuming it's just an emotional phase and will pass. Sleeping better though so that is a relief. After a few restless nights my body figured out that I needed to get up to go pee at night and although since I have woken up every night to pee I am able to go right back to sleep. I have also started taking my vitamins more diligently again and I think that is helping as well. It is NOT helping my pubic bone pain, I fear that is going to stay but it is helping my mood and energy a little. I'm still tired though...ha.

G man has been great. We had a wonderful weekend of just the 3 of us. Our next two months are quite busy with visitors, sitters, weddings, etc. that I wanted to have a weekend just to lay low. It ended up being exactly that. I wasn't feeling great on saturday though so that stunk (headaches, chills, achey). Thankfully it passed by sunday afternoon so I still enjoyed my weekend with the boys. Griffin is talking up a storm. It is still at times difficult to understand what he is saying but usually I can figure it out after a couple listening attempts. He has also gotten a bit bossy which we are ignoring and hoping just passes. God, please let it pass. He likes to tell us "no" and push us in the direction he would like us to move. But the sweetest thing he says to me now is, "come momma" when he wants me to go play or he wants to show me something. Then he grabs my hand and we go...sooo stinking cute.

well, off to the races. I have a 2nd time new mom new patient this a.m. She is bringing her 3 weeks old baby girl, Edie, with her. It's so fun working with families. This is a woman I met through one of my "groups" when G was younger. When I get a patient from those situations I am reminded of why I made myself crazy doing all those activities! In part because I enjoyed them but also in part because they were some great connections both in friendship and in business.

Birth Date Guesses

So far,

Momma Norris (me): 11/17/07 and 11/25/07
Grammy Carroll: 11/22/07
Pappa Norris (Lee): 11/17/07
Granpa Carroll: 11/24/07
GGG (my grandmother): 11/3/07
Ahmie: 12/3/07
Kelly: 11/15/07
Mark (Uncle #1): 11/22/07, duking it out with Grammy Carroll :)
Great Aunt Bette: 11/18/07, because it is a Sunday :)

Waiting for more guesses....

New babies, late night, and snoring :)

We met baby Maia last night. It was a great visit. I hope we didn't impose too much as it was short notice on the visit. My evening entirely canceled which was a bummer but I figured if we were all home we should see if a visit was possible. The boys played well together, mostly Griffin ignored Owen and Owen tried to get him to do things with him.....so cute! Owen was so warm and fun to be around :) Maia is so itsy bitsy tiny! She's a little peanut. Of course I didn't bring my camera-d'oh (sorry mom).

We didn't get home until nearly 9 p.m. and G went straight to bed but it made for a slow, late start morning. I didn't sleep well either because Lee was snoring (cats had him congested).

In good news the weather has significantly cooled off. In typical fashion I want what I can't have...I am thrilled beyond belief that it has cooled off but I"m sad if I can't use my summer maternity clothes longer...boo hiss!

off to tackle some stacks of papers...yuk.

Insomnia

Yes, it is 1:20 a.m. and Yes, I am awake. I'm not happy about it either. I am very tired, have been all weekend, but I took a nap today so I"m thinking that didn't help my current situation. Grrrrr. I couldn't keep my eyes open earlier so I thought it would be a good idea. This happened with Griffin's pregnancy too but I"m hoping it's just a fluke tonight and not happening again. Ugggh, tomorrow will be loooong.

Shark Attack

Griffin's newest "obsession" is Finding Nemo. Here Lee re-enacts with him in the tub.

Anyone up for a friendly wager....?

So, I have decided as the mom to this child growing inside of me I am entitled to TWO guesses in this game as to the birth date. I am choosing November 11th and November 25th. Lee has chosen November 17th.

Official due date given was November 21st (November 19th by Ultrasound) by Ovulation date. I was 10 days early with Griffin just for some background.

Anyhow, anyone interested, comment your guesses. And if you choose before 10/31 or after 12/5 I may have to hurt you or stick little pins in a doll that looks just like you :)

ha.

Baby Trees

Griffin ate almost a cup of cooked broccoli tonight and two fishsticks AT the dinner table with us FOR dinner. This is a major accomplishment and we are not expecting a repeat performance anytime soon but we'll take it. Hey, now I can relax on veggies for a week, right? ha. Since retiring the high chair last week we have decided to attempt family mealtimes during the weekends. Once that becomes consistent we will start putting in weeknights here and there. We are ok with being a t.v. tray dinner family sometimes just not all of the time. :)

Anyhow, we have also started a new routine with him for bedtime. Washing and brushing his teeth. Since he often wants to stay up later these days, we run out of time for bath and/or he doesn't really need one some nights. I've noticed though he struggles a bit more on those nights to settle into bed. Considering we plan to transition him to a big boy bed in the next month or so I think it is time to get him in some definite routines he can rely upon. He is so freaking cute doing it too.

He is really into imaginative play the past few weeks. Both Lee and I are enjoying this and agree it will be our saving grace with this very active child. I have picked him up from daycare 3 times this week and walked back to the office. We play stop/go and "shhhhh, quiet we're hunting bears" both consist of running and then stopping. The 2nd game adds in being very quiet, tip toeing and then running screaming at the "pretend" animal. I'm loving it.

off to eat cookies and watch t.v. with Lee...

2 year olds....

Have I mentioned Griffin is two? ha. Anyhow, he is such a good boy and I'm continuing to love parenting him but man, he is stubborn, opinionated, and has an agenda some days :) He has a plan and he's going to do it! (Even if mommy disagrees). We retired the high chair over the weekend. According to others, real life and on-line friends, we are on the later end of doing this but it was one place we could rely on keeping him contained. It has been much harder on us than him to retire it. I don't even think he noticed honestly. Now, eating at the table is not something he is enjoying but we are working on it. He has had several meals there, several at his plate on the t.v. tray, and a few roaming (which we are attempting to halt asap). I think it's going well.

What else is new with the G man? Tonight he requested a bath. It's not that we are awful parents and want to refuse but it was already getting late and it is his new ploy to "extend" waking hours. So, we kindly told him "no". I did offer to let him brush his teeth which he was into doing. So, we go to the bathroom, he gets his toothbrush, I grab the toothpaste and place him on the toilet like he usually wants (even though I bought a nice stool for him at target, what do I know, right?). Anyhow, he gets his toothpaste and then gets down....where does he go? to the stool! awesome! But he still didn't want to brush his teeth, he wanted to wash his hands. This is something I've been trying to get him to do more often (all in training my dirty little boy :)) He took the soap, rubbed his hands until the bubbles came, and then gladly played in the water until the bubbles went away. It was so fun! Then he brushed his teeth, put his toothbrush away, put the stool back, and left the bathroom. He's getting sooooo grown up!

As for 2nd baby, crazy kid! she/he is acting just like the G man and kicking me up a storm, also doing this rolling thing that sort of makes me feel like a permanent belly flop. Kind of fun, kind of annoying. I am discovering that she/he is sensitive to caffeine moreso than G which is a bummer because I"m more tired this time. Grrrr! Anyhow, maybe I will have to limit now but won't have to later? One can hope, eh?

As for dog news....she sucks. I love her but man, she is pooping, peeing, and vomiting in my house, stinking it up, staining it up and just causing chaos. And Lee is not the best at the stains....he cleans the mess and is trying desperately to help me but it's just not his strong suit. Ugggh, I'm looking at one now in the hallway and can still smell the hint of vomitus. It's just great. All I can say is for the sake of her life she is lucky this didn't happen in april/may....she'd be a goner with morning sickness in full effect :)

off to bed....

3 day weekend...

Aaaaaah! Both Lee and I have things we have to do this weekend but no plans which feels GREAT! I am hoping we will both feel a bit renewed after the 3 days in prep for our quite busy September. The good new about being busy is time flies! The bad news about being busy is time flies! ha. We have a lot to accomplish both at work and home before #2 arrives but I think we are also both anxious for him/her to get here. I want to continue to cherish the 3 person family though so I'm really really trying not to wish the days away.

Anyhow, today I think we will go do a little shopping. I've been needing to go to BRU for some time now for a shower gift on line. I would also like to get Lee some new work clothes because he needs them. And if there are any deals for G man that would be smart too since he is growing and the weather will soon be changing.

well, off to snuggle my guys.

Ok, who's skeeving on my mom?

I'm placing bets on Q or Mark.....sorry guys, your reputations prevail :)

But seriously she IS a good looking lady, I don't blame whomever commented. (wink wink)

Picture of my family--makes me soooo happy!

28weeks today...12 more weeks :)

and yes, I'm in my underwear. ha. who cares!

Stupid Braxton Hicks

I've been having them all day long. I am assuming I just did too much today but man, they suck! I"m exhausted so off to bed but wanted to track that today at 27w6d I am officially having them like I did with Griffin. Too bad I wasn't blogging back then because I don't remember all the details. Lee says they bothered much more and earlier but I just cannot remember. I do remember around this time is when I canceled my NYC trip? but that was yeast related causing the contractions...I am not really having any issues with that this time that I can tell.

Uggghhhhh! complain complain complain

goodnight

Back to the grind....

I'm back from a great trip to St. Louis. As usual it was too short although I think my body was ready to go home. We did practically nothing and yet I exhausted myself. I think that's why they say to limit travel while pregnant :) At any rate it was wonderful seeing the family, including Gma and Meg, spend some time with Thomas and Suzi, catch up with Camilla and Lisa, meet Tori's baby Londyn :), and attend Kari's wedding! Go Kari and Doug!!

So now I'm back at home and back at work. By my estimations I have the rest of this week and 10 more for sure to get some solid work in. I have a LOT to do in that time but it's doable if I put my mind to it. I need to start making a list!

Lee and I met with the JWCL website task force (officially sounding, eh?) last night and got some great headway on that project. I'm excited to get it going and they all were very supportive of my ideas, lee's input, and added their own. I think we are actually going to do this. I feel soooo excited since this is my first major contribution to the group. It makes me happy to give!

G man was a bit of a terror last night, literally during the night. It gave me visions, nightmares, of what is to come once little babe arrives. I heard him awake around 12 midnight, then I either just fell back asleep or he did because I didn't hear him again until around 1:30. Then he just kept crying and crying and saying, "momma". Then of course a train came and he was yelling "train train" out his window. That's when I knew we were done for as far as sleeping was concerned. ha. I went to him thinking maybe I could just calm him down, snuggle on the couch and get him back to bed but he wouldn't calm down. He just kept crying and demanded the light on, then was screaming, "dadda dadda" When I asked if he wanted dadda he screamed more, "nooooooo". I finally got Lee since I wasn't sure what else to do. He did finally calm down, had a snack, took some ibuprofin but he decidedly did NOT want to go back to sleep (even though he had dark circles and was yawning). Everytime we would suggest he go to sleep he would lie down on the couch and snuggle in like he was going to sleep there. We just took him to bed with us finally. I really thought that was going to work too but then he just popped up, said, "t.v.", and tried to crawl off the bed. Lee took him to his crib and he was out in 15 minutes. None of us were really up that long but it's the disruption that I can't handle. I wouldn't even care if he slept with us but he won't sleep, he just wiggles around and hits us in the face. Oh well....I'm not as tired as I predicted but I'm not exactly perky.

Oh, and today was the 2nd haircut (pictures to come later). He's a handsome boy. He did really well with daycare drop off-he has been having troubles since last week so this was a nice change. She has been using her 6 passenger stroller as promised and they all seem to LOVE it :)

gotta go work, 10 weeks is ticking away.....

Meet me in St. Louie...

I'm in St. Louis!! I was sooo emotional leaving this a.m. It didn't hit me until I got to the gate, waiting for boarding but then I started welling up. By the time I was seated on the plane I was almost losing it. I managed to keep it together but, WOW, I didn't expect that. I think it was just a combo of guilt not taking G and also feeling like I somehow don't deserve a weekend away. I know I do but it was just emotions...

anyhow, I'm here and just chilling. Ha. Already talked to gma about food, the weather, more food, and her knees :) Gotta love her though.

Midwife appt. 27 weeks

Just some stats:

total weight gain so far 34 lbs. I am 4 weeks ahead of my weight gain with G man but I am gaining in a stair step pattern this time so let's hope for a small change in the next month.

I also had my Glucose checked, post-prandial, it was 98 so I"m cleared for Gestational Diabetes.

This pregnancy has been better in regards to little health problems as well so I"m happy with that. So far, no yeast issues or sickness. Just more muscle fatigue, aches, and TIRED!

That's it...

playing before bedtime

If you listen closely you can hear him say, "Where's Griffin". Most adorable thing yet as a parent, I swear...your kid saying his own name.

Almost 27weeks!!

#2 at 26w6d



and #1 at 27w3d for comparision

I look sooo different in many ways, but mostly I'm talking about my belly area :)

Shit Shit everywhere...

and some pee too! Thankfully Lee volunteered to let me shower first and tend to G man for breakfast. So, he was faced with pee and poo all over the dining and living rooms. Last night we retired to our bedroom before our usual time to watch t.v. (we can't cuddle on the couch because I'm too big now). Anyhow, when lights went out around our usual time the dog was pacing and trying to get in the bed. It was very annoying, especially to me, so I asked Lee if he had let her out. He said, "yes, around 9:30." In my gut I knew she probably needed to go again but she can just be so dumb so you never quite know and honestly I was just too comfy in the bed. Pure laziness! See where it got us? Covered in poo! Well, at least not literally, I suppose she could have pooed and peed on the bed while we were in it...that would have been worse. Yuk!

Convo with Griffin this a.m. as we were following Lee's car up Marlowe.

Me: "Griffin, what's that in front of us?"
G: "A car."
Me: "Who's car is it?"
G: "Tis Daddy's"
Me: "YES. What color is daddy's car?"
G: "Tis Black"

So cute! Of course it wasn't as clear as the writing but I love being able to communicate with him. On our rides now we search for diggers, buses, trucks of various working capabilities, and of course cars (which are all around but he only likes to point out certain ones).

cousins, aunts, and nieces

I look tired and large, but hey, that's me!


Not too bad of the two of us....are we getting old? lol.