June

Finally getting settled and realizing this apartment is way too tiny. We have no plan for the future so we just don't talk about it. As much as I want to get out of here, I don't know how the logistics of moving would work with a newborn and even where we would go. Stressful.

Rick is tentatively leaving Thursday, so we are going to Giants games the next 2 nights for a Lincecum game and hopefully Randy Johnsons 300th win.

It's nice and hot here and I've been very lazy despite having a few things to take care of. I haven't worked out in a couple days, but I figure it's an okay time to take a break. I feel very heavy though and am ready to have this kid. Feet are better in general, have some bloody boogers (sorry TMI) and I probably need to see a dermatologist, but I hear this is all par for the course of normal pregnancy. He is moving a ton, or maybe the same amount, but hopefully it feels like a lot because he's big and healthy.

37 weeks

Nothing happening yet. Doc said he won't even check me until 39 weeks. I told him everyone says I am small, and he says. "well, you're not big" but I think it's just how I dress. I was shopping for a dress today and put on some that made me look and feel like a house. Also, Motherhood Maternity has a really lousy return policy. Good thing i didn't even know that store existed in the mall until now. Didn't even bother to go to Pea in the Pod. Was pretty wiped after gym, doctors, eating and 2 mall shops.

BP: 108/70, heart rate strong. My tour is scheduled for 6/7. Better late than never. I am getting worried about this teensy apartment, but I know it's not permanent. I am excited for the shower. I think I'll make Rick come since it's a small group and he never sees his mom. No idea when he'll leave. Friday could be the day, but they've really messed up and know he's starting to realize if he gets through this weekend, he might as well just stay. Especially since his birthday is Friday so I don't think he wants to leave then. However, we're both really bored at home all this time.

36 Weeks

Nothing exciting going on. Baby is head down, apparently normal sized, heart rate good. just have to wait. Going back weekly now.

Rick is still here, and may be for a while. We still have insurance apparently, just no income. There is a pretty big glitch in the paperwork/organization, so we'll see if it gets worked out, or he needs to start applying for other billets.

So we're just enjoying our early summer together so far. Seen 3 movies in 4 days. Working out, organizing, etc. Will try to take him shopping today just to look around, but we really don't have the space for any baby stuff. Just the essentials.

Almost 8 months

Nothing new to report. Feeling good, trying to get lots of rest, sleeping is okay some days, lousy some days. Usually the first 4-5 hours are good. He is moving a ton during the day.

I hope our week straight of rain has passed. The river is flooded so we're not rowing on the water and it's really tough to continue motivation on land. We head to Philadelphia on Thursday for our last race.

Last night, the girls had a little baby shower for me. It was really cute, they were really proud of themselves. It was a total surprise too. Got an album and a little PJ set. They're a good bunch of kids.

Rick is still here and seems to be in no rush to leave. Which is good and bad, but I think he needs to get on it. They are just really disorganized and it is up to him to get his stuff in line.

Busy Week

Lots to report, but i just never felt like sitting down to type. We are moved in, it's good, not great. good location, easy to get to and access, but i miss our old place. I miss the Tivo and while i thought that place was a little cluttered, this one is definitely lived in and kitchy. lots of crappy crap and stuff crammed into every nook and cranny. way too much kitchen goods and old stuff - like it was the dumping ground for aunts and uncles and friends who knew they were setting up a second rental place in the city. ick. bed is uncomfy, but i'll live. balcony is full of pigeon crap and the birds come and coo in the morning. i got really spoiled the last year.

We moved LATE Thursday, rested Friday and unpacked this weekend. It took a lot out of me. I didn't do any heavy lifting but just being up too late (got a late start, R likes to sleep and is slow moving) and then morning practice Friday, I am still really wiped. Saturday was another pre-6am wake up so I'm using today to recoup.

We had Virginia State championships for the lower boats on Saturday and my boat got 2nd of 13. They did really well and I was pleased. Went to Colleen's new house in Alexandria for a Derby party. Risa visited today and we went for pedicures and ice cream. Now we're vegging out while it rains and doing a puzzle. Very exciting lives. I'm trying to elevate my feet since I think they're a little puffy from being up and around so much more than usual.

I'm geting a little more uncomfortable as I get into 34 weeks, but it's not always and a lot less today even than yesterday. Just crowded internally generally and some back/rib pain. But I feel good now. Got doctor on Wednesday. I will get back to the gym and see if that helps at all. Seems contrary, but moving is good for me. He's still moving a lot. I've gained almost 30 pounds and I'm feeling that a bit, more when clothes don't fit as opposed to when I try to do stuff. I'm not extra clumsy or off balanced, just less flexible at times.

Rick is planning on leaving Thursday to drive cross country.

end of April

Birthday was good and uneventful as they tend to be. Rick got me a big gift certificate to the Ritz spa and a bag of tootsie rolls from Bobby. First gift in a while, but he didn't need to/shouldn't have. Went out to dinner at California Tortilla and enjoyed the nice outside. None of the teams knew it was my birthday so nothing special.

Kid is doing great, just trying to get him big and fat. Rick is probably getting sick of me making him feel the kid move.

On better news - we found a place to live. It's in Courthouse in Arlington. It's 2-3 miles from our current place but across the river. It's in a big apartment building with no character and in Virginia (my only complaints) but otherwise it's perfect. It has a 24 hour doorman and a pool and garage parking. A bit roomier than any thing else we saw. Right next to the bank, CVS, movie theater, post office, metro, ez food and bars.

This might work for a day or two: http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/apa/1142515871.html

33 weeks

Getting closer and more real. I have gained about 6 pounds in what feels like a week. I am constantly overeating. I'm a little troubled by it since it's going to my arms and thighs. Maybe now that it's hot, my appetite will be less. It's not that I'm that hungry, I just slipped into having no discipline and eating a lot of crap. And, I thought a June baby would spare me from 90+ degree weather. Sheesh.

This just in, Rick went running while I went to a barbeque and overate (again) and when I got home, I weighed 1 pound more than him. He hadn't eaten yet, so it's close, but I'll definitely get him by the end easily.

Hmmm

When do I get to park in the special expecting/mothers parking space?

baby writings

a link for my sisters to read and comment on:
http://warner.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/04/02/why-i-dumped-the-pump/
NY Times is an interesting forum to get this info because they're some liberal crazies, but also generally working moms, but also a lot of well to do, so comments are interesting.

Also, I think Elizabeth should move to Canada or France for the next kid. Or at least watch Michael Moores Sicko, it is interesting how messed up our child care and insurance systems are here, but he's just a propaganda-ist and Rick would never talk to you again if you spewed it back.

Finally, is anyone watching Jon and Kate plus 8? Well I was, but now I'm boycotting it. It's gotten ridiculous. I don't know if they're exploiting their kids but Kate is a nut and too high strung and i don't like her mothering style and they're making so much money from TLC, it's just gross. She's so mean to Jon and makes the kids all scared and she drives me crazy. Plus they have so much help and are somehow super busy despite not working. Enough.

Tuesday

Another dreary day here. I got practice done early and went back to bed but I was still tired. I got in a workout and then had my massage - Thank you Roseann. It was nice, but I really want to lie on my stomach and have someone just crank on my back. I lay on my side and it was good, but i never relax because I keep thinking "I don't want this to be over, I don't want this to end" and it's just never long enough. I think I'm going to treat myself later this month at the Ritz spa next door. It's a real relaxing setting and the same price as Elizabeth Arden or the small salons in Gtown.

Still not sold on my decision to go to Las Vegas. Carolyn's OB doesn't take my insurance. I guess I don't want change, but know it will better after a week of readjustment or so.

Diabetes test was negative.

So, still a little bothered, but not stressed, just procrastinating. Staying in this place until April 30, then worrying about May later. I'm pretty sure I'll move, but a lot of me would just rather not change anything midstream. I guess it's too late for that.

I have been dealing with a major gas bubble for like 3 hours. Don't have to toot or burp, but I got to shake this out somehow. If this is what little babies go through, I feel for them.

Tomorrow I have really early practice, then I'm going to workout and nap and get a massage. If it's not raining I'll go see the Cherry Blossom trees, or catch a movie if it is. As I was walking around smelling all the flowers, I sort of would wish my heightened sense of smell would stay, but then I walk by a smoker and that changes my mind.

Case of the Mondays

A little stressful this weekend, over thinking the future etc, but now my third semester pain is kicking in. I'm not sleeping well from 3-6am, constantly tossing and turning, probably my bodys way telling me to stop sleeping the way I am - on my back, right side etc. So now I'm feeling pain in my lower ribs on my back. subtle, but annoying and I can't stretch it out. I think it will pass in a few days and my new shape takes form.

Nothing new going on, but I figured I'd blog just because. I like reading everyone elses and keeping current. Still don't have my glucose test results, they're supposed to be online, not that i know what i was looking at short of yay/nay. Baby is kicking pretty well. I've only worked out 5 times in the last two weeks, just don't feel like it. He is also more active when I'm not, but there's got a be a balance. You can also see my tummy move from the outside. It's pretty funny. I think he's flipping over, because the kicks are less in my pelvis and more level with my belly button.

I'm really glad we put together the basketball pool. I hate the Memphis/Duke etc all went out but it makes for some good games. I think there could be a UNC - UofL final.

So like I said I like to blog sometimes because it allows me to get thoughts out to you all. That being said, as I prepare for this huge change in my life, I have a lot of thoughts. Some are irrational and most are just thoughts. I know I'm not going to be alone, but of course it crossed my mind. I know Rick will be here as will Mom. Assuming it's here. My sisters are being so helpful and kind and I really appreciate it and feel more prepared having talked to hem so much.

So options are:

• Move West May 1st. Drive across country with Rick, stay in LV. Deliver there. Rick can visit from Carlsbad often. Not an option really that early. I plan on coaching thru May 20.
• Move west May 20. Same thing but hurry out there somewhere 8.5 months pregnant. Someone would have to drive with me. We would need to find a rental place and he would leave in September, therefore I move again. I know that area is probably amazing and I could keep busy, but why not stay where I know it and like it.
• Deliver here. stay here as long as I want.
• Move to Greensboro whenever. Deliver there or move after birth.

I know I can shack up with the kid in GSO, or Chapel Hill or LV or even San Mateo and Timberlake. Timing is going to be whatever I want and I feel like if I don't like something - too bored, for example. I can move. I really do want to stay in DC, but it is a bit overwhelming winging it long term, basically alone.

I have lots of options and a wonderful family and am honestly not worried. I like my alone time and am rather self sufficient. I know I don't know what I'm up for and want help for sure, but we are not poor or alone, so it will be fine. I just need to make up my mind and keep health insurance active basically.

Have a great weekend all.

28 weeks

of course, nothing to report. Had my glucose test to see how well my pregnant body handles glucose. I'm going to go out on a limb and say fairly well. The horrible flat orange soda has been replaced by some strong fruit punch Gatorade like mix, i had no problem downing it. I literally had nothing to say to him. Its been a super easy 4 weeks since my last visit. I gained 4 pounds. My BP is 111/60, The heart rate sounded good. He was kicking while I was in the waiting room. I asked for another ultrasound, doc said no need. :( I really want to see him. He said they don't worry until 34+ weeks if the kid is breech. He measured me, I was perfect of course. Told me to take a childbirth class and find a pediatrician. End of appointment. Test results online by the end of the week. I do go back in two weeks though. We must be in the tail end of this thing.

In other news, Rick has to do his training at Camp Pendelton in California beginning early May. This sucks a lot. We thought it could be Camp Lejune in NC, in which case I would have considered delivering in Greensboro so I could see him regularly and it would be easy for him to get to me in labor and his paternity leave. Now he has to fly etc. I had to look up where it even is. About half way between LA and San Diego. Maybe I could go stay with Judy M. He thinks it would be easy for me to be in Las Vegas, but that's a good 5 hour drive which he's not doing Friday night and cutting into a large chunk of Saturday. I'm pretty upset and he is too, but this means he's training for Iraq which is much safer than Afghanistan, so there's one plus. But I pretty much am sure I'll be all alone in labor and have to take a taxi to the hospital. And I thought shopping for a wedding dress by myself was lonely.

27 weeks

Rickism: "now you can scratch the sides of your belly"

Nothing new to report. Lots of movement. I'm tired again, but I think that's because we stay up too late doing our puzzle and I've started morning practices, so it's hard to motivate in the middle of the day. I'm glad Rick doesn't care I'm a bum, lunch and dinner are served and eventually laundry gets done, some housekeeping is falling though. Oh well.

i'm very glad our NCAA pool got kicked off. It will be fun to follow the standings. I think everyone picked UNC. I went with UofL and think they can do it.

Fail.

Remember this?

So I finally ordered my POD storage box moved from Kansas City to DC area. I was kicking myself enough already because if I ended up doing it at all this year and on March 12, I should have done it September 10, or even January 10, but I last the whole winter without my coats, Danskos and worst of all - coaching clothes, boots and tools. So we went out there, only about 10 miles - still inside the beltway, but a good 35 minutes to get there. No big deal, they have it pulled out of the giant warehouse and we can get in. It cost me money to move it but I can access it all I want there, or they can bring it to my sidewalk if I wanted to unload it. So long story short - I had it packed so full and the boxes I needed were so deep, I got nothing but a box of tide and a snow scraper out of it. I had boxes at the far back, behind desks, chairs, bikes and all things awkward. (see below picture with 6 more dining room chairs, coffee table, desks, bikes, bed frames jammed in there) We could have unloaded the whole thing but it was raining so we didn't want to take it all out just to get to some stuff I have lived without this long. It was crushing because I was SO excited to have my survival suit for Monday practice since it's cold here. 40 this morning on the boat got chilly. I was unreasonably excited to have my bib overalls and all weather uggs. So much so I might have to get a milkshake. Bobby didn't give up anything for Lent.

That's the highlight of the weekend. Going to watch basketball now and do a puzzle. It's rainy, may head up to the gym if I can motivate. No plans tonight or tomorrow.

It's high school spring break, week 1 of 2 so afternoons with them only, next week 2 a days then we race on the 28th. UNC and Duke also come up that weekend to race GU/GW on Saturday and GMU on Sunday if anyone wants to visit.

Clothing

So I bought some more maternity clothes online. Mostly $10-12 Gap and ON tees since they are comfy and its going to be getting warm soon but I also bought some jeans since Elizabeths handmedowns are a couple inches short in the leg, how does that happen? I got a pair at Target which I love but I dont want to wear them to coach in since they are my 'nice jeans.' So I wanted a more casual longer pair, I bought two at $25. One size 10 and one large thinking I could layer and they're not for fashion, anyways, the 10s are boot cut (good), low rise (bad) and tight! Am I that fat? I don't think so, I could wear them, but they're now more going out jeans than launch jeans. Sheesh. The larges are so big, they're almost sinched at the waist because there's so much fabric. I might keep them for month 9, but the roll top isn' t very tight. I can't get this right at all. Elizabeths jeans are M, L and 10 and I can wear them all. My Liz Langes might even be 8s. This is quite a pain. Good thing most of my time is in yoga pants.

I'm pretty sure I had Oreos and Applesauce for dinner last night. Oops.

So while feeling perfect, I would like to feel the kid kick more. I don't know what is normal. This worries me a lot but I guess he takes after Rick and just likes to sleep. a lot.

6 Months

I can't believe we're 2/3 of the way there. Starting 26 weeks, I can pretty much say I feel perfect. Almost not pregnant. Getting a little big but not enough to really impact my movements, just a bit.

Also I have decided that life is too short and I am going to eat several donuts today. I don't think pregnancy is a time to pig out, quite the contrary - you should eat healthy and not junk at all, but I love donuts and haven't had one forever so I'm endulging. The rest of the week I try to be better and will stay away from ice cream for Lent since the chocolate/sweets part has already been blown. I have no discipline when it comes to my sweet tooth.

Snow Day

So March 1st and we got a good 6" of the really fluffy stuff and it's still coming down like a snow globe. Rick went to work and judging from the lack of footprints in the courtyard, he's the only one moving in the development. I'm sort of upset he went, but he's right in that the Marines in his office will probably be there, although they are on a 2 hour delay. There's no one on the roads and all the schools are closed, so maybe he can come home early. All the civilian bums are definitely not working but we have no excuse, I just wish we were closer to a metro (15 min. walk) since it's 20 degrees with 20 mph+ winds.

The guys the HOA hires to shovel and salt decided to start at 3:30am and get the first layer of snow up and then they were back by our window at 5:30 or so. Those plastic shovels make a lot of noise, so it's lucky everyone else is sleeping in.