Saturday, December 25, 2010

B is starting to sound like a dad...

So the holidays were a little crazy this year. Not nearly as nutty as last year, but scheduling is still a problem. We have my family and then Bran's went from one to two, meaning three stops for any given special occasion. We've made it very clear that next year, we set the schedule. But as we were reflecting on our day, I commented that I hoped next year would be 1) less hectic and 2)a time for us both to stick to our guns.

One of the scheduling conflicts we always hit is Christmas Eve. Our families have very different ways of spending that evening. We were discussing this and B looked at me and had his first daddy moment...he said, "Well, I know where my son will be on Christmas Eve. He will be in church with his family. He will be raised in church and we will only worry about starting our own family traditions."

Wow. I needed to hear that. With all the uncertainty that surely lies ahead, it felt so good to hear B as an assertive Daddy who is already making his own game plan. =) And I told him so. I told him he was sounding like a daddy...and how much I loved it.

He also sounds like a daddy when he is making up silly songs, but this was more of a grown-up dad sound, lol.

We're having a BLUE Christmas this year...

Well, the secret's out. Our blessed Jellybean is a bouncing baby boy! Parents, hide your daughters. =)


And because I can't do anything the easy way (heh), I wanted to find a creative way to tell our families. Our first stop on the Christmas train was to be my parents' house. When I was a little girl, my mom had a yellow pillow that she'd cross-stitched that went on my bed. It had a poem on it:
"Sugar and spice and everything nice, 
that's what little girls are made of.
Snips and snails and puppy dog tails,
that's what little boys are made of."
So I had bought scissors (the snips), a little stuffed snail, and a puppy dog for my parents. I put a bow on the doggie's tail. 

Here are mom and dad opening up the gifts...as always, I tried too hard. =) But my mom figured it out.

Then we got them a blue baby frame for a "real" revealing gift.

For B's family, I wanted to get them each a pink or blue gift, but he said that would be too much confusion and wanted to do one simple thing. So, I recorded a CD with the following songs on it:
  • Anything Like Me (Brad Paisley)
  • Let's Hear it For the Boy (Deneice Williams)
  • Tough Little Boys (Gary Allan)
  • Watching You (Rodney Atkins)
After brief technical difficulties, Dwane finally got the CD to play on one of their players and they listened to the first song. Anything Like Me pretty much describes how we felt and our worries for the kid. =) If he's like B, he will be a wonderful little guy with a knack for getting in trouble from time to time. Here is their reaction:

Everyone seemed very excited to be welcoming a boy to the family!

Our last stop was at B's dad and stepmom's house. We had gotten them a soccer ball rattle (since Dad Sawyer was B's official soccer sponsor/transporter/right-hand-man) and just knew it would be an instant giveaway. We didn't think about the pink loop on the rattle...I think we threw them off a bit...so we had to resort to gift B, the frame.
(I keep trying to upload the video and getting an error...I am working on it and will post when I can get it to work!)


So, it was a busy day...a very long day...Maggie Mae is crashed and curled up with Brandon. It took me about five seconds to change into my jammies. But we feel very blessed. We have told the people we love the most that our beloved bambino is a boy. It is currently on Facebook. (Of course...) and I have to say, Baby Boy Sawyer cleaned up pretty good today! He'd already gotten a blanket and pillow from Aunt Manda and Uncle Nick. We got him a couple cute outfits, his crib bedding set (turtles, of course) and a few toys and such, my parents got him a precious "my first bear" teddy bear. Mama Todd from church had given us a little stuffed doggie that sings Jesus Loves Me. Gail and Dwane got him a swivel feeding/booster seat. Aunt Heather and Uncle Rob got him an NC State t-shirt. (GO pack!) Doris and Dad Sawyer also gave us a photo ornament of me with my 19-week-baby-bump, and it's perfect because we want to put a photo of the baby on our tree each year, just like my parents have since I was born.

So, thank you for waiting so patiently for our big announcement. Thank you for the wonderful goodies that we have been given for the baby. Thank you for sharing in our joy and excitement. We had a fantastic "blue" Christmas. =)

But...you'll have to wait til Jellybean is actually here to get his name!

Had to tell my kiddos...

I planned to tell the parents first, but I had made a promise to my kiddos to tell them before break, and I just couldn't break a promise to them. So I taped "It's a boy" to the overhead screen while my intern was reading with them.


Then I had her pull down the screen to surprise them. Here's their reaction...
Only had a couple more days til we could tell the families. =)

Monday, December 20, 2010

We know what the Jellybean is...

But we're not telling!

Not yet, at least.

Jellybean was very cooperative at our visit last week, thanks to the Coke/Ho-Hos lunch I ate. (Thanks to the teachers who shared with me the secret to shaking him/her up!) The ultrasound tech actually told the kid to slow down so she could keep up! What a difference two weeks (and a ton of sugar) can make!

The baby was very healthy. We saw the heart--we could see the chambers and watch it beating. We saw his/her mouth open and close. We saw that the bladder was full (which means the kidneys are functioning properly) and the tummy was full (so he/she is swallowing amniotic fluid properly). We saw the definition of two little calves, tiny little biceps, and a big ol' head. (That scared me a little, hahaha) Everything looked and sounded wonderful. The tech even showed us the umbilical cord and told us to find the "hidden mickey" where the arteries are. =) Mickey's everywhere!

And, we found out what the baby is. We are waiting to tell our families on Christmas morning, then we will post the news on Facebook. (Of course!) The only exception is I am telling my kiddos tomorrow before they leave for break. I am keeping a promise to them, and a promise is a big deal to me. They'd written about what they wanted me to have before the first ultrasound--we'd graphed their choices and done writing. (See, I can relate anything to SOLs!) and I'd promised treats to those who guessed correctly. They were devastated when JB didn't let us see what he/she was...so I promised them if I found out the next time, I'd tell them before Christmas break. Tomorrow is our last day, so I will tell them. And after we tell the family, I'll be able to post their reactions along with the family's on our blog.

In the meantime, everyone will just have to wait patiently. =)

Our first family Christmas ornament

My wonderful teaching assistant, Debbie, brought me a super cute prego ornament. I have been everywhere looking for one and she found one and had it personalized for me! It is our first "family" ornament, and even Brandon was super excited to see it! We hung it at the top of our tree, right by some of our favorites...

Sandwiched snugly between the bride and the Krispy Kreme ornaments, definitely a place of honor!
What a special way to mark this Christmas. Thank you, Debbie, for such a sweet keepsake!

Gearing up for Christmas...

Well, all of a sudden, December was here with a fury! Bring on the activities everyday after school, the rehearsals for the Christmas pageant, the baking and the parties and the germs.

Ahhhhh, December.

For starters, I had the honor of playing Mary in our church Christmas production, A Baby Changes Everything. Appropriate, huh? Funny, that song was the first song I heard in my car when I left the doctor's office after hearing Jellybean's heartbeat the first time. Needless to say, the show this year held a very special place in my heart. Here's a couple pics from the production:
Me, Baby Jesus (Annaliese) and Joseph (Mark Crowe) at dress rehearsal. I couldn't keep my headpiece on that night, it kept sliding off!

Me with my sweet "mama," Kim Pope
Me, night 2, singing from the stable (at the top of a ramp and platform!) about how much I love my baby. It was truly a touching moment--the words seemed so different and meaningful this year! Especially with the bean fluttering around in my tummy as I sang!
After two busy weeks of rehearsals and two nights of the actual performance, I was pooped! But I was so pleased that so many friends, family, and coworkers took the time to come see the production. I hear that many of them were very touched by the message, which is exactly what all of the cast and crew were aiming for!

B and I fit in a visit to ChristmasTown at Busch Gardens, something we hope to make a family tradition. This was our second year going, and we loved seeing the new things they'd added this year.
We also had to bundle up for the Great Blizzard of December 2010...
Whew! Bring out the snow plows!
And, for my favorite day of the winter, we had PJ day at school. Polar Express day was a hit, as always. I got to wear my stylish baggy Christmas jammies and bathrobe to school. After snuggling up for a bedtime story and sipping on cocoa, I was clearly ready for sleep by 10, haha.
Me with my reading buddy, reading our bedtime story to the kiddos.
As Christmas nears, I find myself behind in everything. I haven't sent out cards yet. I got a fantastic upper respiratory infection which meant we called off our annual open house (ugh!) and I haven't baked a thing. But it's been a good month filled with blessings. Here's to the craziness of December!

Friday, December 3, 2010

19 weeks along


Here's my baby belly. I've started to show a lot more since the week before Thanksgiving! I'm 19 weeks along...

The first time in my life I haven't been trying to hide my stomach behind my arms or a purse. =)


Bean Pics!

Well, we have anxiously awaited the big day of our ultrasound. We went this past Monday for our first snapshot of the Jellybean...and we were super excited to find out whether it's a boy or a girl! We learned immediately that we have a crazy stubborn and uncooperative kid on the way...he/she's a Taurus, as am I...and between B and I both being stubborn, we realized we are in trouble.

First glance, the kid was curled up like a little shrimp. I mean, total ball. Couldn't see much of anything.

So the tech tried her best to get the kid to straighten out. He/She straightened out for a hot second, long enough to snap a quick pick of two beautiful, tiny little feet.

And before the tech could barely snap the shot, Jellybean had moved. JB was breach and facing backwards, so we couldn't even get a good picture of the heart. But B hadn't heard the heartbeat last visit (he'd had to return to work before I was seen), so the tech put on the speakers and took a pic of the heart rate for us.

B was blown away by how loud and strong the heartbeat was!

But, alas, Bean was determined to keep his/her gender a secret. The tech had me roll from side to side, she jiggled my belly, she poked and prodded with the ultrasound wand...but JB would not cooperate. JB was breach, facing backwards, sitting Indian style, with a hand in its crotch. We could not coax that kid to move for us to see what he/she is! But, it rolled for a quick enough second that we grabbed one pic where I think the kid looks like Skeletor...and I said that out loud...B agreed and the tech laughed at us. Here's our little baby, Skeletor:

After being prodded for nearly half an hour, the poor tech was giving up. So I said aloud to the screen, "Jellybean, quit being so stubborn!!!" and the response we got was this:
Yeah. I can't even make up a story like this. The kid moved its head to look "at" us from the screen, then gave us a thumbs up. 19 weeks old and he/she is already a smart @$$. The tech laughed and had to get a picture for us. All I can say is B and I are in trouble if the kid already has an attitude like that!

So, Jellybean's gender is still a mystery. But, on the plus side, everything looked and sounded good and healthy! Sadly, before my doc could look over the pics and hopefully see something we couldn't (in terms of gender), the office computers went down. Just my luck! So I go back in a week and a half to see if my bambino is a little more cooperative.

Sorry, folks...we will all have to wait a little longer to find out what JB is gonna be!

B will be such a good daddy...

So B is very funny about inspecting things when we buy them, and equally careful in trying them out for the first time. Given that so many of our baby things have been given to us, B is carefully testing them himself before we use them with the bean.

Exhibit A:
 
Poor Maggie Mae has been given rides in the baby jogger as well as the stroller. She is so thrilled.
Exhibit B:
B tries out the Floppy Seat (cover for shopping buggies and high chairs) himself. I'm impressed he fit in it. Love those pale little chicken legs! And yes, I was given permission to post this. =)


B is also being so sweet about talking to JB and rubbing my tummy. We always make up silly songs to sing to each other, so the next logical thing was for him to make up songs to the baby. He sings to my tummy as I walk by his chair, it's super sweet. We were playing with Mags last weekend when we woke up, and then B decided to sing to the baby under the comforter. Well, Maggie was not really thrilled about that one. Here's the video:

We were in absolute hysterics! I made B get up and go get the camera so I could tape the scene. =) Poor dog. She doesn't know what kind of craziness is headed her way!

Moral of this post: B is gonna be a great dad. He's not ashamed to make a total goofball of himself. I can't wait to see him sing to the kiddo and be super silly with him/her. JB is one lucky kid to have a dad like B!

Jellybean's first brush with a celebrity

So Bran and I are big fans of Mike Holmes, a Canadian super Mr. Fix-It who has a home improvement show (Holmes on Homes) where he fixes the horrible mistakes that crummy contractors have made on unsuspecting homeowners' property. He's pretty amazing--he can do anything! Make it right!

Well, we drove up to Colonial Heights and waited in line to meet him. Yes, we're like that. And no, it was actually MY idea and not B's. =)

I asked him to sign my magazine to "Peggy and Baby," and he smiled and hugged me and said, "Congratulations!" He asked B if this is our first, to which we replied, "Yes." Mike then told us that he has three kids and that having kids is a wonderful, life-changing blessing. He signed my magazine, then said, "How about a poster for the baby?" and started laughing. So I said sure! Here's a pic of our poster:


I love it! What a sweet guy with a great sense of humor. And I'm sure if the bean is a boy, this poster will be framed and on his wall. =)

Mike signing the poster for Baby
All 3 of us with the man himself!

Spoiled Jellybean

So I had posted a few days back about how many goodies our Jellybean has been given already. I think it's safe to say that, until the nursery is done, the Man Cave is no longer in existence. Check it out:
The baby jogger is in the corner by the high chair...and all of the other goodies were given to us by Jenny and Charlie! WHOA!


The travel system and other goodies
Yup...no more man cave...
We've also been given goodie bags and gifts from other friends we love!
Mindy and Jonathan (DZ sister) sent me an enormous gift bag of baby items, mommy books, and some of the best advice I've been given yet!

Nick and Manda bid on this beautiful baby blanket and pillow at a charity auction and won it for us!
Soft, beautiful, and perfect for the Bean
And, for security and screening purposes, Maggie Mae carefully inspects every baby item coming into our home. You can never be too careful!
So let me reiterate our thanks for everyone's love and generosity! We are so blessed to have such loving, giving friends!

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

More 1st grade fun

We were talking about how close we are to Christmas in class today. I announced that I had gotten Mr. Sawyer his "super big" Christmas present. The conversation that followed went like this.

Kids: "Tell us! Tell us!"
Me: "I can only tell you what I got him if you promise not to spoil the surprise if he comes to visit us!"
Kids: "We promise!"
before I could respond...
Anthony: "I already know what his big present is."
Me: "You do?"
Anthony: "Um, yeah, it's a BABY!"
Me, laughing: "Well, yes, but he has to wait until April to get that present."
Anthony: "Well, have you at least told him about the baby yet?"
Mackenzie: "Yeah, does he even know you're pregnant?"
Me: "Um...I think that he would pretty much have to know at this point, kiddos."

So, there you go. Mr. Sawyer's big present is a baby. Surprise, honey, just thought I should tell you I'm expecting! lol

gifts and blessings

I have to say, I am amazed and the kindness and generosity of others! The pregnant teachers at school (who are all on their second pregnancy) have been so wonderful with sharing advice and checking in on me. The PTA president bought me ginger chews to ease my morning sickness. So many folks have offered suggestions for our registry. My mom and dad have already bought onesies, bibs, blankies, and more. My SIL bought us a super cute ultrasound frame (which will be put to good use in a week!!!). My DZ sister, Mindy, and her family sent us a wonderful gift package filled with goodies for the baby and truly wonderful advice for me! And Jenny and Charles keep sending us Austin's baby things--we now have a travel system, bouncy seat, tummy mat, and a bunch of other goodies from them.

How truly blessed we are to have such loving friends and family! We want everyone to know how much we appreciate their gifts and hand-me-downs! Jellybean is already the proud owner of some fantastic baby items...and is very blessed to be so loved and cherished before he/she makes an appearance!

Thursday, November 18, 2010

1st grade wisdom

Well, I was reading a book, The Perfect Thanksgiving, to my kiddos yesterday. It was about a girl who compared her family's Thanksgiving to that of another girl. The other girl's family was prim and proper, wore their Sunday best, ate politely...you get the picture. The main character's family was "normal" in that they were loud and crazy, wore jeans and PJs to eat, the siblings fought and the babies cried. We talked about how sometimes being with our crazy families is the perfect place to be.

One of the kids pointed out that their baby sister cries a lot and that a normal family has to stop what they are doing and make sure the baby is happy before everyone else can be. Sensing a fun follow-up, I asked them what exactly it takes to make a baby stop crying. I told them that because I didn't grow up around babies, I needed them to give me good advice for Baby Sawyer. They told me that in order to stop a baby from crying, the following steps must be followed (in this order...)
  1. Check their diaper. If it's wet or stinky they need a new one. Or sometimes if they have a wedgie.
  2. Feed them. They can't go to the fridge, so they need you to feed them. But they usually want milk. And not in a sippy cup, in a bottle. And you better hold it for them, or they'll just cry more.
  3. After they are clean and fed, you have to put them in the swing. That makes them dizzy and they will start to fall asleep.
  4. If the swing doesn't work, you have to bounce them. A lot. But not too much, or they'll throw up the milk all over your shirt.
  5. It is also very helpful to put a pacifier in their mouth, because if their mouth is full, no sound can come out.
  6. Lastly, sing them a lullaby. But only if you can sing real good.
I laughed the entire time they were talking...but I have to admit, there's a lot of wisdom in their words! Obviously, they pay attention. =)

Enjoying the conversation, I asked them to each tell me one thing I need to make sure the baby has in order to be happy and healthy. Here are their answers...

  • clothes
  • PJs
  • a bed
  • a swing
  • baby toys
  • blanket
  • milk and baby food
  • high chair
  • bottles
  • diapers
  • pillows
  • lots of wipes
  • a comfortable carseat
  • a cage so they can't get upstairs (to which I replied, "You mean a baby gate?" and Landry said, "Yeah, cage, gate, it's the same thing.)
  • jackets
  • shoes
  • baby socks
  • rattles
  • hats
SO there, it's settled. Registry is complete. =)

And at the moment, 14 think I'm having a boy, 7 think I'm having a girl.

I have a feeling getting baby advice from my students this year is going to be even more fun than getting wedding advice was when B and I got married!

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Starting to get a belly

So I wore a maternity shirt to school today. It was the first time I haven't tried to downplay my tummy. I hadn't realized just how much belly there is down there. Now I realize it's not all baby. In the words of Jenny McCarthy in her book Belly Laughs, there is a lovely "protective layer of fat" currently keeping Jellybean warm and snuggly. But even B noticed my tummy was showing! He wanted to start taking belly pics tonight. So, here they are. Not so pretty, but you can see the bump!
17 weeks along. Good thing I already have a big butt to balance things out. It will keep me from toppling over as Jellybean makes my belly bigger! =)
And, the first person (besides B and my mom) to touch my belly is officially Gina Stukes from school. =) It made me giggle. I don't think I will mind the belly rubs, as long as they aren't from strangers!

Moving through fall...

Well, we went to our last ODU game tonight. We stomped VMI! It was a lot of fun to have season tickets. Many thanks to all the folks who invited us to your tailgates! The last game was very chilly, but Jellybean was snuggled up beneath many layers of clothing. =)

At a warmer game in the early part of the season

With the bestie at the White Out game

4th grade smiles with my Delta Zeta girlies

Me and mom at the final home game =)

Best parents ever =) (Can you tell it had gotten chilly?)


We also had a super fun Halloween a couple weeks ago, but I never posted pics of us. We wore Dad's old Army fatigues...and I tried to wear his drill sergeant hat. (But evidently, I have a ginormous noggin...it had to be balanced for pics, lol) Maggie Mae was in little doggie fatigues, dressed as Sgt. K-9. =) Her "dog tags" were official. B even wore his John McCain mask from our year as John and Sarah Palin to our house party.
That's my boy =)

I love this silly fella! He's my favorite POW!

Us and the rat at the church Trunk or Treat

Dad's hat, balanced on my head. While I'm discussing uniform...I'm pretty sure a Bella Band and Shape-Ups are not official US Army gear. =)

I love that we've had a good time this fall. Despite my constant pukiness and always being tired, I've been determined to cram in as much fun as possible. Next year, all this fun will require a babysitter!

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Prego dreams are wicked weird...

So...everyone had told me that dreams when you're pregnant are very strange. I have kind of weird dreams anyway, but I will say that pregnancy dreams are totally screwed up. Random bits of info, random people...they come together to make the strangest sequences. Here are a few...

  • B was working on the neighborhood entrance sign to a ritzy neighborhood...and Gene Simmons lived there. He stopped by to talk to us, found out I liked baking, and asked if I'd make him a birthday cake. So I made him a two tier fondant cake with music notes around the bottom layer, and a little model of him on the top tier with the Kiss logo behind him. Gene invited mom and I to his party, and loved the cake. As a thank you, he treated us to pedicures in the private spa he owned that attached to his house.
    Yeah. weird.
  • One of my grade level teachers made us all go shopping at K-Mart for a grade level meeting. We were searching for craft ideas to make reindeer for our centers. Then, Betsy and I were observed at the same time by my principal, who failed us because our reindeer crafts that the kids made looked stupid.
    Can't explain that one, either.
  • Mom and I owned a ritzy, overly-expensive furniture and decor shop in a fancy mall. We took a group of people and business owners to a lunch in a pricey restaurant. I was WAY pregnant, so I couldn't have wine, but the manager let me keep the wine bottles to decorate with. I walked away with a white shopping bag that held eight empty wine bottles.
    Um...yeah...
  • B and I had a baby...it was a little girl wearing a yellow onesie with her name embroidered on it. She was named Vivian Leigh, hahaha. (I do love Gone with the Wind!) But then when we got her home, we brought her inside and it was a boy with a boy decorated nursery.
    No comment.
Those are just the four most recent ones. I'll have to update with my newer weirdo ones as I have them. Sleeping is always an adventure. If I'm not getting up for a bathroom break, I'm having weird dreams. =)

Friday, November 5, 2010

What a difference a month makes!

So I had another doctor's appointment today. B couldn't stay--a definite disappointment, but I had to get bloodwork and shots anyway, so I don't know that he would have wanted to see that. =)

First thing...I did the blood test for Down's and different spinal deformities. It was weird to think about. I mean, if our child is sick, of course we would still love him/her...but it's sort of scary knowing that I took a test to find a problem and that I could get bad news in a few days. How intimidating. It was my first scary decision as a parent. Just one of those "grown-up moments" I guess...

The doc came in and checked the heartbeat. WOW! Four short weeks ago, she had to really search to hear it. It was faint, and she had to tell us when she'd found it. Today, it was easy to find and SO strong! It was blaring through the speaker! I wish B could have heard it. It still baffles me that there's a baby in there. I just look bloated at this point. =) What an unbelievable realization! Doc said everything sounds good--strong, good heart rate--and I should be good to go. I will have a fetal EKG around week 28, just to check for heart defects since they run in my family. But so far, so good.

I also felt a flutter last night. I don't know for sure if I felt the baby. It's normal--in fact, the doc asked if I'd felt anything yet. I had stayed up late reading this amazing blog (libbyryder.blogspot.com read it if you have some time!) and headed to bed after B was already cuddled up with the dog. I turned onto my left side, curled up in a ball, and felt a little flutter in my tummy. It was weird, like a butterfly was in there. I gasped, then poked B and said, "I think I felt the Bean!" He grunted and rubbed my belly, said hello to the jellybean, and fell back asleep. I told Manda about it...she said the baby has eyelashes at this point, so perhaps he/she was batting those sweet little eyes. =) I like that thought...already giving goo-goo eyes, in utero. (I am an expert in goo-goo eyes...just ask my dad!)

What a difference a month can make. Wonder what I'll experience in the next four weeks!

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Help with my registry

Okay...so I'm planning to start registering for baby items here soon, but I don't know what I need! I have asked some of my dear mommy friends what to get, and so far I have been told these are the must-haves...
  • the Angel Mat that checks for movement and breathing while baby sleeps
  • video monitor
  • size 2 and 3 diapers
  • lots of bottles and extra nipples
  • 3-6 month clothes instead of newborn
And this is where I need your help! I am looking for the "totally must-have" items...as well as the "don't bother registering for these" items...and for the things you thought you couldn't live without that you realized really weren't so important after all. Please leave a comment and give me your two cents! I need a little guidance here!

Monday, November 1, 2010

Feeling better

Well, I am feeling a little better! I really think that having all my parent conferences threw off my schedule to the point of making me sick again. I have been getting home late, so I either skip a  nap and feel crummy or I take a nap and sleep later...either way, I don't really want dinner, which isn't helping...so hopefully things will settle down this week as I finish up conferences and staff meetings.

Two prego teacher friends suggested I take my prenatals at night, and a mommy friend suggested I check the DHA in my vitamin, so we'll see what helps there. And, my awesome PTA president bought me these ginger chews from Trader Joe's, which I have been living on at school, and it may be mind over matter...but they seem to be working. Hey, if they work because I think they will, that's still good enough for me. A win is a win!

So here's to a sunny day on the horizon. =) I go to the doctor's this Friday...can't wait to schedule the "big" appointment for an ultrasound and to find out whether we're having a Baby Amanda or a Baby Alvin, lol.

What a wonderful Christmas present that will be!

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Morning sickness is a misnomer

I think that morning sickness should be renamed. Perhaps we can call it "anytime you think you're going to get up and be productive or go somewhere" sickness. Or maybe "anytime you smell/see/touch/know of food" sickness. I've been sick since the week I found out I was pregnant. It was just in the afternoons and evenings. By the time I got the kiddos on the bus, I was turning shades of green. I'd go home, put on the jammies, curl up on the couch with my guard dog (ha!) and remain there until B got home from work and woke me up. And then, the thought of food just sent me running for the back room where I couldn't smell it.

From there, it moved to suppertime til bedtime, then I'd wake up queasy the next morning. I'm still in that stage. Don't get me wrong, I'm feeling much better, but I am still not 100% yet. Mornings are better overall, though not fantastic...and I have managed to eat supper for a week and a half now! (Who thought that would ever be an accomplishment?) But I still cannot touch raw meat or smell it cooking...and a trip through the meat section at the grocery store makes me feel like I'm going to pass out. Ugh.

I am not unhappy, just stating the facts. If this constant yuckiness is what it takes to bring a life into the world, then so be it! I'll gladly deal with the not-so-fun side effects. I am, however, quite ready for the next stage. =)

Enough of the can't look at food...and the I always feel like I'm going to throw up...and the I only look fat...
I'm ready to look pregnant and eat like it's my last meal. And I know Brandon will be glad when I can cook dinner instead of him having to eat sandwiches and frozen pizzas because he won't cook anything else, too! Bring on the second trimester!!!

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Visiting Friends!

I had the pleasure of hosting a dear friend from college over the weekend. She had flown up from down South to spend the weekend with our 3rd musketeer, who had a death in the family, and it was so good to have the gang together again. I know the weekend was filled with sadness and we were busy, but our down time was so precious to me. On Sunday night, she and I sat up and talked babies. She is my resident expert, the one person I told outside of my family so I could get advice and ask if what I was experiencing was normal. She is such a wealth of pregnancy knowledge! I loved asking her about all things prego-related...and then we discussed childbirth. She shared her experiences, told me what she would have done differently, and answered every weird and disgusting question I had.

Then, on Monday, the three of us did lunch together and headed to Target for baby window-shopping! The two girls walked me through the baby section and told me what they liked and disliked, what I needed and didn't need, and ooohed and aaaahed with me over baby clothes and toys. We are all together so infrequently, I felt guilty for monopolizing our shopping time, but I think it's safe to say it was a fun distraction from the previous few days and we all had a good time.

I have also devised a plan for revealing the sex of the baby, and I am trusting that task to these girls. =)

Sometimes, you realize just how important your girlfriends are. Time, distance, and life just can't separate us. Friends and sorority sisters share a bond, we can pick up where we left off, no matter how long it's been since we were all together. I just love those two! I don't know what I would do without them!

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

The secret is out!

Well, we finally told the world. Wednesday before I headed to choir, B and I (simultaneously, of course) posted on Facebook that we were going to be parents. What did we do before Facebook? Then, at choir, I put on the prayer list that I was expecting and asked for prayers for a healthy pregnancy. The folks around me started whispering as the sheet went around, my choir buddies went nuts...and Mama Todd and Ms. June got my attention from the end of the row and gave me a thumbs up. That cracked me up!

By the time I got home, my Facebook had exploded! As soon as I walked in the door, Brandon yelled, "You've gotta see your Facebook! Everyone's commenting!" Between the two of us, we had over 100 comments and just as many "likes" on our posts.

How wonderful to share our joy with our friends around the country! How happy it made us both to read and hear the good wishes!

We've waited a lifetime to share news like this!

Monday, October 4, 2010

Keep beating, little heart

So today was our first "big" doctor's appointment. I am a couple of days shy of hitting the 12 week mark, but we were scheduled to go in an try to hear a heart beat. I'm a little ahead of schedule because of schmoozing my way in a week early so I wouldn't have to miss school. The office was really crowded--lots of babies on the way! We got back to a room after a few minutes, and found ourselves sitting there with nothing to do. Soooooo, of course B found a way to entertain himself...



Finally, my awesome doc came in. (She's my "sister" since she is a DZ, it's kind of a joke with us.) She introduced herself to B and then pulled out a tiny, hand-held heartbeat monitor. After warning us that it was still a little early to hear a good heartbeat, she put the freeze gel (haha) on the monitor and began moving it on my stomach to find that magical little whoosh. When she finally found it, it was very quiet, but her whole face lit up and she moved her lips to the beats so we knew what we were listening for.

I recorded B's reaction. It's pretty tough to hear--my camera was right by her speaker--but you can tell when there's a heartbeat just by watching his face. =)


Let me just tell you that the weak little rhythmic whoosh I heard was one of the most amazing, magical sounds ever. There is a baby in there! Wow! How can there be a life that tiny that can make such a powerful little noise? I can't wait until we can hear that sound louder and stronger. I cannot even describe what was going through my mind when I heard it...but I think I was so focused on catching B's reaction that I didn't fully appreciate my own until I texted my BFFs after the appointment to tell them we heard it.

Life is full of miracles.

Sunday, October 3, 2010

Busy weekend

This was another busy weekend.

Friday was a long day at school; five rainy days means five days of indoor recess. My poor babies were going stir crazy! (And it's supposed to rain this week, too! ARGH!) Friday is spirit day, so we get to wear jeans and school shirts to work. We live for our jeans days. =) Well, my jeans have continued to grow a little snugger each Friday when I put them on, but I have yet to find a pair of maternity jeans that fit me and don't make me look like I'm wearing something from the clearance rack of Omar the Tent Maker. And since I haven't told the entire school about the baby, I don't want to wear a bella band yet. Well, as I got dressed on Friday morning, I laughed and told Brandon we've hit "muffin top" stage. Time for bigger pants. In fact, if I don't get some soon, I am convinced my child will be born with a zipper imprint on his/her forehead!

Well, I made it through lunch, but as I drank more water and apple juice, my jeans just got snugger. By noon, I was really uncomfortable. I went to get a hair tie to extend my waist band a bit, but realized that with the one hour delay we'd had, I hadn't grabbed my purse. Hmm, well, time to be creative. So, I got a big paperclip and discovered that the loops fit around my jeans button perfectly. Now that is thinking like a teacher! I felt much relief with my ingenious little extension. But, when given the opportunity for a quick bathroom break, I discovered that my paperclip was easier put on than taken off. Oh, the scene of me struggling to get that stupid clip off of my pants so I could use the bathroom was straight from a Hollywood comedy. It's a good thing I was alone in the ladies' room--people would have wondered what was going on with all the dancing and huffing I was doing! Classic Peggy. But hey, what's life without a little comedy?

Saturday was a day of errands, followed by a nap (of course). Brandon's dad and stepmom went with us to the ODU game, so we hit up Doumar's first and then went to the game. I get so irritated with myself for being tired over doing nothing! By half time, I could have easily returned home and crashed. But we stayed through the end and cheered on our Monarchs to victory.

Sunday morning, I wasn't feeling my best. This morning/afternoon/evening sickness is for the birds. =) But I felt well enough by lunch time to head to Norfolk for the India Fest (to see my student dance) and hit up the ODU bookstore for some Christmas shopping, too. I had a million things to do for school, so returning home I grabbed a nap (duh!) and then tried to motivate myself to do fun things like progress reports and PALS reading reports.

Tomorrow is our big day. It's the day we head to the doctor's and listen to a heartbeat. I'm so excited and so nervous. I keep having all these weird dreams about not being able to find one or getting terrible news. I am keeping my faith, I pray for a healthy pregnancy every night, but I am haunted in my dreams by bad news. I asked my friend about it; she said this is normal. So I am trying to contain my excitement and look forward to hearing that little whoosh tomorrow afternoon. I just know it's going to be a long day at school--my brain is already focused on 3:10 tomorrow afternoon! Bran is excited, too. He keeps rubbing my tummy and talking to Jellybean. It's really sweet. =) I look forward to his reaction at the doctor's office!

So keep praying for us! All I want is wonderful news tomorrow!

Teacher Pride

One of my students invited me to see him dance at the India Fest today, and I was glad I felt well enough by lunch time to venture out of the house to attend the festival. I was so excited to see him on stage! He was obviously the only person I knew there, but when he was dancing, it was like I could only watch him. Sure, I noticed the other children, but my focus was on him. I was so proud, I sat there beaming as he remembered every step to his routine. He was precious!

And, as I was leaving, it dawned on me...is this what it's like to be a mom? I mean, obviously the pride of a mother is 100 times more, but I just felt so proud of him! I can only imagine that as a mother, you beam in your child's triumphs and crumple at their struggles. Your child is the center of your whole world; what a change in your life! Your schedule, finances, priorities all focus around that little person. When they are happy, you must beam. When they are sad or hurt, it must break you inside.

I know being a parent is a challenge and a huge, lifelong commitment. But I am so excited for the opportunity! I am prepared to mess up, I know there's no real instruction book and that you learn as you go...but I am up for the challenge! I think B and I will be good parents; not perfect, but loving and fair. And it feels like April is a lifetime away, but it will be here before we know it!

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Stealing my thunder

I believe that a pregnancy is one of those amazing, beautiful secrets that you keep quiet until the right time...and then, it becomes a wonderful surprise for the people close to you. Brandon and I decided to tell only the family and a couple people at work (since I needed them to check in on me from time to time) and wait until the end of our first trimester to tell the world.

Well, someone at school began the rumor that there were five pregnant teachers. Obviously I am the5th, but no one knew when this rumor began. To my chagrin, some of the teachers on the other hall have made it their life's mission to find out who the mysterious pregnant teacher is.

I didn't think too much of it. Women will gossip, and who doesn't like to have a juicy bit of news here and there? But what I didn't expect was for a couple of teachers to go on a headhunt. I have been asked by three different teachers whether I was pregnant. I lied through my teeth. Not only is the news no one's business until we decide it is, but what kind of person asks a woman if she's pregnant? Holy cow, where are your manners? I have also heard of the headhunters coming to women on my grade level as well as on my hall and asking questions. They had narrowed down the possibilities to three of us, and they just had to keep being nosy until they got the scoop. I actually had a sweet TA yesterday come to me, quite upset, that one teacher had been to this TA's cooperating teacher and asked questions. The TA told me she wanted me to have a "heads up" that the other hall had determined I was the pregnant one. I thanked her and looked at her sadly, then said, "I don't understand why people are so nosy. Can't they just let the person with the news be the one to share it?"

I'm saddened. I feel like I have tried so hard to keep the pregnancy a secret. Not only did we want to be a little further along, but we also wanted to hit that point in time where it is "safer" to tell people because your chances of miscarriage drop. How would all those gossip queens feel if, God forbid, something happened? I haven't told them because I didn't want them to know. I would die if I had to go back and tell a hundred people that something terrible had happened. Why can't people just be respectful of privacy?

I never thought that such a joyous occasion for me and Brandon could have such a cloud over it. I shouldn't harp on it, but I am. I'm heartbroken. I just want to yell at those ladies! I want to tell them that they should have minded their own business! That they had absolutely no right to ask questions and come to their own conclusions. How dare they make it their mission to come up with information about my personal life. I would never do that to them. They have managed to steal my thunder. Will I still be overjoyed to share the good news? Absolutely! But have you ever told someone wonderful news and get the reaction, "yeah, we figured." What a let down. One teacher almost slipped up in the office today and caught herself before she finished the sentence, "Just you wait..." in reference to another conversation I was having. She completely caught herself. Yes, I realize that everyone has figured this out, but it is my damn news! It is MY life! It is MY pregnancy! I have lost sleep for days because I am so heartbroken over all of this. =(

I never thought I would deal with this kind of ridiculousness after I graduated high school. I thought adult women knew better. What happened to the golden rule?

At least my friends will be surprised. =)

Going Haywire

So I knew that pregnancy would, in and of itself, be a life-changing experience. But I'm not quite sure I was prepared for the fact that my body would be going haywire. =)

Things that normally work have, well, stopped. I have aches and pains in places I never have before. My clothes are already getting tighter, although I've lost about six pounds since I found out I was expecting. It's like my weight is shifting. I need to go shopping or soon I will be wearing PJ pants to school. I wake up a little queasy and dine on a delicious jailbird breakfast of Saltines and water. By the time I get home from school, all I want to do is curl up in a ball with my doggie and snooze. By supper time, I don't want to smell food, see food, touch food, eat food, or even know there is food in my house. Poor Brandon has been living on bacon sandwiches for the last six weeks!

Altogether, I am trying to enjoy the experience. Okay, I'm over the the pukey feeling, but the other things are noted in my journal each night. What an amazing miracle! I'm astonished at the changes I am seeing and feeling. My pregnancy journal documents the cell by cell growth everyday, and I cannot believe how much changes in the Jellybean each and every single day! I may not feel great, but I want to relish in the opportunity of becoming a mother. I don't want to miss a thing.

And, while sharing my ailments, I should offer a HUGE "thank you" to Brandon, who has waited on me hand and foot. He never complains when I'm asleep as he arrives home, he doesn't argue when I tell him I can't make him dinner again. He checks in on me when I go to bed early, he makes sure I am comfortable, and if he hears so much as a cough he literally comes running down the hall to check on me. I'm sure he's tired (especially since I am up every 60 minutes at night for a bathroom break!) but he's so loving and caring and understanding. I'm so lucky and blessed to be sharing this whole thing with him! I couldn't ask for more from him.

I am, however, looking forward to "looking" pregnant instead of just feeling gross and looking fat. =)

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Telling Brandon's Family

So we decided we needed to tell B's family this week, and the scheduling began.

On Wednesday, B helped his sister move some more furniture to Gramma's house. He told her the news when Gramma was inside. He said she beamed and squealed and jumped up and down. She was very excited! She texted me that she is already ready to go baby clothes shopping!

On Thursday, we had B's mom and stepdad over to show them the sewing machine we refinished. After showing them the final product, we had them in the den and made a little small talk. We gave them the anniversary gift we'd had since July, then I told them we had something to show them, though it wasn't really a gift for them. It was a little Harley Davidson doll baby; it was a soft little boy doll with blonde hair and blue eyes wearing overalls. They thought it was cute, then B said, "What do you think that little doll might mean?" His mom's chin hit the ground and she started squealing and hitting herself in the lap with the doll. She then jumped up and ran over to hug him, then did the same to me, then kept saying she had known something was up. I think Dwayne was a little more reserved (our family craziness is still kind of new to him!) but he was very excited for us. We celebrated with dinner at Chili's, and by the time we woke up Gail had already sent a lovely congratulatory email to Brandon. She's claimed the names Memaw and Pawpaw. =)

On Saturday afternoon, we had B's dad and stepmom over to show them the sewing machine. B had written a four-line poem that we rolled and tied up like a scroll. When they came into the den, we gave them that. Doris knew immediately what it was (in fact, she'd had a feeling we were telling them we were pregnant, and she'd actually bought a little Alvin from Alvin and the Chipmunks and brought it with her to give us!). Doris has 9 grandkids, so the last line of the poem said "What was once 9 will be an even 10." It took a minute (literally!) for Harlan to figure out what it meant, but when it finally dawned on him, he was ecstatic. We celebrated at Chesapeake Pizza, and we spent most of the meal talking about pregnancy stories. The longer we talked, the bigger their grins got. They are very excited.

We came home, grabbed Maggie Mae, and headed to Gramma's next. We surprised her with a visit and finished watching the race before we talked. She asked what we'd done all day, so I told her we'd gotten up early and went shopping for her great-grandchild. She caught it immediately and just grinned the sweetest smile. =) She was very excited and asked us all sorts of questions--when was I due, were we going to find out whether it's a girl or a boy--she looked very happy!

While we were there, Uncle Wayne called, so we told him over the phone. He said at first, he didn't know if we meant Maggie (the granddog!) or a baby, lol, but he was very happy for us too.

So there! Whew! In four days, we fit in all of B's family and managed to tell everyone. We got home from Gramma's and I was completely exhausted. I just can't take all of this excitement these days!

Next up...make it through our doctor's appointment, then we feel like we can tell our friends. This secret is killing us!

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Baby shopping

I found out from a friend at school that twice a year, the Tidewater Moms of Multiples hosts a huge consignment sale. So I dragged B out of bed at 5am, we headed to the Church of the Ascension, and I found two teachers already there and camped out. So I joined them, and while B went to get breakfast for our little pregnant group, I picked their brains about what I needed to get for our little one. Three hours later, after watching the expectant moms of multiples (who go in before the public) come out with all sorts of wonderful buys, I was drooling at the goodies waiting inside.

When we went in, it was instantly overwhelming! They had thousands (literally!) of clothing items for girls on the right, boys on the left, all from newborn to 6t. There were tables and tables of toys, divided up by age appropriateness. There were stacks of baby gates and piles of potty chairs and accessories. The center of the room was filled with high chairs, car seats, strollers, cribs, bounce seats, and play arches. There were also rows of tables covered in feeding items, boppy pillows, bibs, blankets, travel items, etc. There were racks of Halloween costumes and Christmas outfits. There were shelves of bedding, decorations, and nursery accessories. If you can think of it, it was there and probably in pairs or trios.

It was unbelievable how much baby stuff there was! I'm so glad I had a little advice, I would never have known where to begin!

We bought an Eddie Bauer high chair (online value $200) for $40, a Pack and Play (online value $119) for $30, and a floppy seat, carrier, blankie, and bottle racks...all for a grand total of $96.00! I can find some deals! B, who was less than enthusiastic to be up at 5am and heading to a baby sale, was actually very excited about the deals we got!

Now, all we need is a healthy baby to use all this stuff!

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Telling Mom and Dad...

So Bran and I discussed telling my parents before anyone else. He said he wanted me to be able to discuss everything with my mom, and I told him I wanted to know more about my mom and Gramma's history so I could stay a jump ahead of any problems. We invited them over for a cookout at our house on Sunday, September 12th. I think mom suspected something right away; she kept asking if there was a special reason for this cookout. Of course, I lied through my teeth. =)

I had bought Mom a cute little grandparent photo brag book with turtles on it (of course) and pop-up animals inside. I'd bought Dad a Grampa picture frame. I wrapped both and had them ready to give.

Then, cue the UTI. I was literally doubled over all weekend. That was not a fun experience. That morning, I'd had to sing in the praise team at church; after I sang, I literally snuck out the back, went home, and curled up on the couch until supper time. My mom knew I was sick, but I insisted they come anyway; I think this only furthered their suspicions.

They came over and B was manning the grill. We made small talk for a bit, then I signaled B to come inside. I gave them the gifts; I sat with Dad, B sat with mom. Dad opened his frame first. He grinned, looked my way and cut his eyes, then laughed and shook his head. Mom opened her book and laughed, then said she figured something was up. Neither of them cried! I expected waterworks, and was pleasantly surprised when we got laughs and smiles instead.

Over supper, at which I only ate rolls haha, my parents shared stories from when Mom was pregnant with me. She would feel queasy, Dad would call from work to check in on her, and as soon as she said she was queasy he would lean over and hit the trash can at his desk...and the funny part is (at least for mom) she would feel better! Dad had her morning sickness the whole nine months. He even passed out at work on a ship one day, and after the nurse couldn't find anything wrong with him, the "old man doctor" asked if his wife was pregnant; when Dad said yes, the doc sent him back to the office and said he'd be fine. I thought this was hilarious, Brandon...not so much. =) Dad also gave B his first bit of advice. "Brandon, find out what she wants and craves. Then buy ten bags of it, hide it, and when she wants it late at night pull it out all ready for her. It'll save you late night trips to the store." My mom had craved M&Ms, and the nearest store was a 7-11 that was eleven miles away...so Dad had wisened up quickly.

Overall, it was a wonderful afternoon. I feel like the biggest weight of my secret is gone. My parents know, which has allowed me to talk more about how I am feeling the last week. My mom checks in on me and even gave us the stethoscope she and Dad used to hear me when she was pregnant! It's been wonderful talking with my mom...and now, they have the burden of keeping this secret, too!

And on their trip to Myrtle Beach for the Shriners' Convention just a few days later...they hit up their first baby outlet store. =) I think the fun part for them begins now.

Friday, September 17, 2010

Field trip day

Field trips are always exhausting...especially this close to the start of school. For the second year in a row, we've been selected to attend this awesome Farm Days trip at the city park, and the kids spend all day outside going to different exhibits dealing with farm animals, recycling, pollution, watersheds, insects, honeybees, and ending with a hayride and pumpkin picking. It's a fun trip that covers nearly every science SOL, but by the end of the day we are always pooped.

I think I underestimated the Pregnant Teacher Field Trip phenomenon. Ooooooooooh my gosh. By the time we finished at the park, I was soaking with sweat, flushed in the face, and had been through my huge bottle of water. I couldn't get back to school fast enough! That air conditioning felt so good! Even the kids were pooped.

I left school as soon as the buses left...came home...took a shower, sat down for a quick second...and woke up two and a half hours later. Holy smokes, I was beyond tired. Between the heat, literally being on my feet all day, not eating much lunch, and becoming dehydrated, I felt horrible. I was sick to my stomach all night. All I did after waking up was curl up in a pitiful little ball and snuggle with Sammie dog until I finally went to bed and crashed.

Ten hours of sleep later, I am still feeling kind of punk. I gnoshed on Saltines all morning like they were the anecdote!

First week of school

Well, I survived the first week of school. I must say, my kiddos are soooooo much calmer than last year's group! Knowing how stressful the first few days of school can be, I expected to be tired...but I didn't expect to be so exhausted! My doc said to expect to feel like I had been "run over by a Mack truck," and boy was she right on! I have napped every single day since school started. God bless Brandon for being so understanding when he comes home to find me curled up in a ball on the couch.

And, I'm finding that morning sickness is a misnomer. I seem to be getting queasy at night, right around supper time. I don't want to eat, see food, smell food, even know it is in the house. I've not gotten sick, but I sure feel like it. B has been living on bacon sandwiches and frozen pizza. =)

The weekend will be even busier. Maybe I can rest a bit more and catch up next week!

Friday, September 3, 2010

It's officiallly official now!

Today was my first official OB visit. =) I was their first of the morning (which meant I got to miss part of my teacher workday!), which was good because I was so jumpy. I'm officially 6 weeks and 3 days pregnant. My due date is April 26th, 2011. WOW! I have a due date!!!

After the vampire stuck me, my doc examined me. She was so sweet and reassuring. I told her I supposed I need to get over the modesty, to which she laughed and pretty much said there was no modesty when you're pregnant. She is such a great doctor, I feel like I can ask her anything. She gave me a packet of info and chatted with me for a while in her office.She reassured me that all of my weird symptoms--lack of appetite, cravings, things working overtime and not working at all, aches and pains and swelling and fatigue--were all normal and healthy. I'm still nervous, we are going to wait to tell everyone, but I feel very good after talking over everything I'm experiencing with her.

So, the great adventure begins. Doctors visits, tests, checks, questions...I've got a lot coming at me in the next few months!

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

And we shall call it Jellybean

So many of our friends have referred to their growing babies as "peanut" or "bean," I suggested to B we call ours Jellybean. It's more fun! I'd rather have colorful candy than a legume. =)

And so, for the next few months, we shall refer to the baby as our Jellybean.

Saturday, August 21, 2010

Pics of our big night

Here are the pics of our towel animals...the monkey, the elephant, the swan, the cow, and finally the Boston Red Sox puppy dog.Of course we dragged poor Maggie Mae into the festivities (doesn't she look thrilled?) In addition to the towel animal, I got Brandon a man's guide to pregnancy to keep him updated on the pregnancy. Lastly, a picture of us with my positive test. Amazing how two little lines can change your entire life.