Back From Wisconsin

We returned from Wisconsin last Sunday. It was nice to visit with family, but packing up all of our stuff, along with Lincoln's is a pain in the butt! He was pretty good on the airplane, and even had his own seat to sit in. Old ladies seem to love Lincoln and he made several new "girlfriends" everywhere we went.
So now the fun of Christmas begins. I want to get a real tree this year, which of course Bill is resisting. I also scheduled family portraits at JC Pennys. We have yet to have a family photo taken and I figured now is the time with Christmas coming up. I need something super cute for our cards this year!

Plane Ride #2

In 9 hours we will boarding Southwest airlines for plane trip #2 with Lincoln. While I feel more prepared with what to bring this time, I pray to God that he does not scream or fuss during the flight. Since the flight is in the morning, I hope Lincoln sleeps through most of it since he is usually sleeping during that time.
Saturday morning I was hit hard with illness. I went to the weekend clinic not once, but twice because my symptoms changed. At first, I thought it was strep throat because one of my dirty students had it last week. My throat felt like someone slashed though it and my whole body ached, along with a high fever. The first doctor gave me Tamiflu and that helped with the body aches. The next morning my inflamed throat developed nasty while spots, along with a constant gagging sensations because my throat was filled with so much junk. It's gotta be strep, right? The second doctor didn't even do a strep test, only looked at it. She thinks it is some kind of bacterial throat infection (duh, strep) or - get this - Mono! What?! She did give me a prescription for an antibiotic so now I am taking meds around the clock. To make it worse, I am staying away from Lincoln so Bill had to take sick time to stay home. I felt awful when Lincoln was crying in his walker or bouncer and I couldn't pick him up:( Tomorrow will be 24 hours on antibiotics, so I can touch him again:)

Almost 7 Months Old!

My goodness, where has the time gone? Mr. Lincoln (AKA Chirpa, Baby Boy, Beep) is growing so quickly! He will be 7 months old on Thursday, weighing in at 17 pounds and about 26 inches. Lincoln has 4 teeth already. His favorite activities include cruising around in his walker, playing in his rain forest jungle gym bouncer, rolling all over the place, and babbling loudly! While he can sustain the position for crawling, no attempts have been made to actually move. He loves standing and using his walker, so we think me may just go to walking and not crawl at all. Lincoln is fascinated with Mercury, and she gives him an abundance of kisses everyday!
As for me, I have 15 more pounds to loose. I had high hopes of loosing the baby weight before school started in August, but that was totally unrealistic. My class this year has many behavior problems and the source of major stress. I have not budged on my weight for a month now. I know what needs to be done - stop eating candy! However, it my outlet after a stressful day at school:(
Bill, Lincoln, and I are flying up to Wisconsin over Thanksgiving for Aunt Julie's wedding. Mercury will stay back with the neighbors. Lincoln's first flight in July was a snap. A 3 month old sleeps pretty well through anything. A 7 month old will be a different story!

Busy New Parents

Needless to say, I've been a little busy the past 3 weeks. Lincoln is quite the piece of work. He has a little personality developing and can be stubborn. We have several nicknames for him including Sour Face, Little Bird, and Peanut. We mock him with his cries and it seems to tick him off because he "talks" back.
Breast feeding has turned out to be a difficult experience for me. I was (and still am) all for it, but I am in constant pain. Last week I went to see a lactation nurse at the hospital and she gave me some good tips, but the pain returned. I think it's just me being too sensitive and Lincoln clamping down. The pump isn't offering any relief. Sometime I feel nauseous. Either way, I dread the feedings by the breast or pumping. Our pediatrician told us we needed to supplement with formula because Lincoln was not gaining weight. He is consuming mostly formula now and I pump 2 to 3 times a day. While I had hoped to breast feed until returning to school in August, I am guessing Lincoln will be completely on formula by mid June.
The fun journey to regaining my figure has begun. Since having Lincoln, I am down 18 pounds. To get back to my pre-pregnancy weight I still have 26 more pounds to loose! It seems like a lot, but I lost a larger amount 5 years ago. I know what I need to do. My goal is to be at that beginning weight before school starts again in August. Yesterday I went for my first jog since January. I had been walking over 2 miles 4 times a week already. Maybe next week I will attempt a spin class. I think my stitches have pretty much healed where I can tolerate sitting on a bicycle again.
So far, Bill and I are handling the parent thing pretty well. Neither of us are exhausted. This past week I have been getting 6 to 7 hours of sleep a night because Bill takes over the night feedings. Once he goes back to work next week, that may change, but I'm hoping Lincoln will begin sleeping a bit more at night. He is eating every 3 to 4 hours now (thanks to the formula).
Mercury is adapting wonderfully! She seems unaffected by the crying. At first she was a bit jealous, but we continue to allow her to sleep with us at night and take her for walks/bike rides every day. In time, I think she will be protective of Lincoln.

Finally!

I am very excited to write about the birth of our son, Lincoln! He was born on Sunday, April 19th at 3:32 pm. Weight was 7 pounds, 5 ounces. Length was 20.5 inches. Came out screaming with a cone head!
My labor began on Saturday night with slight cramps that gradually became more intense. I started timing them around 11 pm and they were about 15 minutes apart. I had a feeling something was going to be happening soon so I checked over my bag and added some things I would be needing. Bill had gone to a beer bar to meet with some friends and I called him around 1:30 am Sunday to let him know about my cramps.
I didn't sleep at all that night. I began writing down the would be contractions at 1:00 am and they were 7 to 10 minutes apart. At 2:00 I woke up my mom and told her what was going on. She was so excited! Bill came home soon after and since my pains weren't becoming more intense or closer together, we all decided to go to bed for awhile. I didn't sleep because of the intensifying pain. At 4:00 I started recording the times again and they were 5 to 7 minutes apart. At 5:00 I called the doctor and she told me to go to the hospital.
In the truck the contractions became stronger and closer together where I had to breathe heavily and grab the door handle. We arrived at 6:00 and was admitted soon after. The nurse reported that I was 3 cm dilated:) I was taken up to the 2nd floor to the room that I would endure the remainder of my labor and eventually deliver.
The fun continued. My nurse, Carla, was fabulous! I managed to deal with the contractions until I was 7 cm dilated. By then the contractions were strong and not having any breaks in between. Even though I really didn't want one, I decided to have the epidural. My fear about not feeling my legs was at ease because they really didn't go numb. The last 3 cm came a bit slower, and my nurse thought it was because my water needed to be broken. When the OB, Dr. Bray finally arrived, (she was at the other hospital delivering another baby) I was comfortable, but anxious to get this show on the road. She broke my water and things progressed.
At 3:00 I was ready to push. There really wasn't much pain, just pressure. At 3:32 Licoln popped out, screaming bloody murder. Dr. Bray handed him to me and after a bit the nurse took him aside to be cleaned off. Bill and my mom took pictures while Dr. Bray stitched me up (I had a bit of tearing). Lincoln's apgar scores were 9's both times.
After about an hour I was sent upstairs to the mother/baby unit for my 2 day recovery. My nurses were wonderful the whole time I was there. If I ever choose to go through this whole ordeal again, I would definitely return to this hospital!
On the 21st Lincoln and I were released to come home. Everything went smoothly (with the exception of Bill's court case that held him up half the day). Introducing Mercury to Lincoln was very cute to watch. She is adapting quite nicely, with just a little bit of pouting jealousy.
So, even though I complained a lot about being pregnant, I am glad to have gone through it to have Lincoln. So far he is just a joy to have!

Past Due:(

Well, my due date came and went. This has to be the most frustrating feeling ever! It seems like I'm just sitting around waiting for the great unknown and I am SO bored!
On a glimpse of a positive note, I had consistent back ache and mild cramps all night, which could be a sign of early labor. The pains had been happening all week (at night) and I really haven't considered them to be a sign of anything. I have no idea what to expect to feel, so I'm not getting my hopes up for anything right now. What I do know is that I am really tired of hearing, "Come on, baby boy," and "We're just waiting for this baby boy to be born." If I hear those sentences one more time I am going to snap!

Still Crabby

Another trip to the doctor leads to yet more frustration! While I have dilated to past 2 cm, the baby has not dropped into a favorable position. That's crap, I feel like I'm dragging my crotch! The doctor explained today that I should wait to be induced until the 24th, which is a week past my due date. Not exactly what I wanted to hear, but I understood the medical reasons supporting the decision. I was really hoping to be free of this heavy bothersome belly by Friday, but it looks like I'll have to suffer one more week if nothing happens on its own. What's one more week? Bill asked. Easy for him to say since he's not the one carrying this fat gut around. Each day that passes wears me down. My mom has been with us for over 2 weeks and I feel like she is hovering over every constant move I make. I think part of the reason I want this kid out is so that she can have something to occupy her time. How are you feeling today? Just great! Now leave me alone!!! I am so damn bored. It makes me wish I would have stuck out another week at school. But how was I supposed to know? Stupid pregnancy!!!!!!!

Waiting and Waiting... Let's Wait Some More!!!

Still no action! I am giving up on the idea that this kid will come before Friday the 17th. In 5 more days I can be induced! I feel like such a humongous fat whale with a sack of bricks in my gut. This kid seems to get heavier every day!
Still, I know I don't have it as bad as it could be. Yesterday I couldn't stand the weed garden in the front yard anymore. I sat out there on my fat ass pulling out those darn things for over an hour. Luckily it wasn't too hot, but I did work up quite the sweat. There was my work out for the day! I refuse to waddle and I can walk 2 miles at a pretty good speed. Water retention hasn't really been too bad of an issue either.
The last few days I've been getting these menstrual like craps in the early morning. Nothing too bad; I wouldn't take a Tylenol for them. Maybe it's all in my head hoping that something will start to happen. Yeah, right. I'm placing a bet now that April 17th will be the day.

No Early Delivery

Today's trip to the doctor proved uneventful again:( I am barely dilated 1 cm. and my cervix did not thin out anymore since last week. My doctor asked if I wanted to continue on unassisted past the due date and I said, NO WAY! Get this kid out! So if nothing happens by the 17th, I will be induced. Nine more days of this crap and then I can be done (although what awaits me doesn't sound any better)! Some days I wonder, what I was thinking? Maybe we should have just gotten another dog! I feel bad that I have such a crummy attitude about this whole experience, but I'm hoping it's just hormones. Really, I do enjoy children (most of the time)...

I Hate Being Pregnant!

I was really hoping that I would drop this kid by today, but nothing has been happening to make that a reality. Delivering this kid today would have been a happy thing since it is the 10 year anniversary of my sister, Becky's, death. It would have been nice to have the date be a happy one for us. Oh well... Thanks a lot, kid! It will be just my luck that he stays all nice and squished in there past the due date on the 17th. I think I will be cracking some skulls if I go that long! I have complained about not liking the pregnancy thing, but now I am reporting that I HATE it! I told Bill I never want to be pregnant again! We go back to the doctor on Wednesday and I hope to God she tells me I have dilated something. If not, I think I am going to cry! On a happier note, I actually lost a pound this week. Only 44 more to go:(

Week 38 Doctor Visit

My mom went to the doctor with me today. I was hoping to hear that I have dilated something, but nope! Luckily I didn't gain any weight from 2 weeks ago! Blood pressure was good and the strep B test came back negative. The doctor predicts that Lincoln weighs about 6 pounds right now; she thinks he'll be around 7 when he's born. He's a small baby. Fine with me. I don't want to squeeze out a big kid.
Right now we're just waiting for something to happen. I really don't want to go another 2 weeks because I've really had enough of this pregnancy thing. Mom is anxious and I feel bad that she is waiting with me. The doctor did say to walk a lot and have sex. Yeah, like that is the last thing I feel like doing now! Hurry up, boy!

Maternity Leave

On Thursday my team at school threw me a baby shower. I really didn't expect much of a big deal, but they really put out a huge spread! Check out this cake! My co-workers brought me many wonderful gifts. This kid is going to be very well dressed because I have so many clothes for him!
Monday begins my official maternity leave from school. Being the obsessed control freak I am, it's not actually the case. I'll be going to teach on Monday so that my sub can observe my daily routine with the kids. It will be very difficult for me to let go and trust that things will go smoothly. I know they will. My sub is a recent education graduate and had been long term subbing in a first grade class before taking my position. I like her; she was with me on Friday for the work day. Once Lincoln arrives I will be occupied with him and hopefully not worry about my class...
Yesterday I had a massage for the first time in God knows how long. My first prenatal one, and I didn't really know what to expect. It was relaxing. When I left I felt less bloated and pain free! Today the back of my neck is a bit sore, probably because she really worked on it.
I've been warned of the nesting instinct that would be happening. I guess it's slowly starting to take effect. The last couple days I've been washing and folding baby clothes. Bill keeps telling me to stop because he doesn't like me touching the washer. I don't care. When he leaves for work tonight the washing machine and I will have more fun together!
My mom arrives tomorrow! The weather up north is snow and I know she'll be so happy to be in hot weather. I think on my first real day off (Tuesday) we will go to the pool if it's not raining. Speaking of rain, it is today! The pollen has been terrible and I'm happy the stuff will be washed away:)

Bill's Expensive Baby Shower

On Sunday I went to the flea market with Anna, which was really to distract me away from Bill's big surprise baby shower for me. He was so proud of himself. It was at the club house in our subdivision and there were about 20 people there (fellow deputies and a few friends and neighbors). Of course, Bill went all out on food and drinks. The food he had catered from Qdoba's and he bought several cases of beer and about 8 2-liters of soda. We had a ton of food left over. This "party" turned out to be quite expensive. I later found out that he spent probably close to $600! We did receive a few gifts, but Bill said he didn't stress it. Yeah, I was NOT happy! Do you know how many diapers I could have bought with $6oo? He complains about me getting a $60 ultrasound and then pulls this?! Oh, Pooh Bear, I did it for you... I would have been happy with people at the house and have them bring a dish to pass. He better have nothing to complain about when I pressure him again to consider cord blood banking!

Squished Boy

Wednesday I went to the OB again for the strep B swab test. After sitting in the waiting room for 30 minutes I finally went back to the exam room, only to sit there with no pants on for almost 45 minutes! I swear I was going to melt because it seemed with each passing minute the room was getting hotter. By the time the doctor came in I was pretty agitated. He did have a great personality about him and talked me down from my pissed off state. Everything is perfectly on track with the boy being head down and measuring where he should be. My cervix has started to thin, which is expected at 36 weeks. I get to go back for more probing in 10 days.
Today I went for a non-diagnostic ultrasound at one of those maternity massage and ultrasound places. Bill complained that it was a waste of money, but I had a discount card for a 15 minute session. Even though the images looked a little squished, I was excited to see any kind of image of Lincoln. The tech said he was right up against my cervix and he was just about ready to come out. Good! Get out because I've had enough fun carrying around this watermelon. Once I did get home, Bill loaded the images (my computer's CD drive is not working). The more I looked at the face, I thought he looked like my brother, Luke. It appears that Lincoln has the same nose Luke and I both had as babies. He also seems to have pretty full lips, but that could be from being squished. I guess we'll see how accurate the pictures are once he arrives.
One more week of school for me. I still do not know who the sub will be, which makes me very nervous and stressed. The last month I've been working to prepare materials and lessons so that my students will continue with their learning in the same manner. The bookkeeper told me that the district has trained interns to sub. Oh no! Someone right out of school will not have the classroom management skills or experience. That's just a small step up from having the class split. The 30th is my first day of leave, but I'll probably go in for the full day just so that the sub can observe my routines with this class. I know I'm going to have to let go, and it will be difficult because this is MY class. MY name is on their report cards. I just don't want some ding dong in there to screw it all up!

More Pregnancy Fun

Two more weeks of school left! I am looking forward to the rest, but also dreading the idea of leaving. I've been working diligently to prepare the sub, whomever it may be (I still don't know what is officially going to happen).
This week I had the pleasure of experiencing the swollen ankles and pain in the back. Today I tried to lay off the salty things and it's not as bad. Thursday I took off the wedding rings because they were getting tight and I didn't want them to get stuck. I feel weird not having them on my finger, like I'm carrying a bastard child for being an unwed mother!
The weight gain is now 40 pounds; I feel like such a fat pig! Many people say I look good, and I really do still have a waist, but I feel so gross! The weather is getting warmer and all I want to do is run and ride my bike. Even after I actually deliver this kid, it will be a few weeks before I can return to my exercise:(
My mom flies down in two weeks, which will be a great relief. I'll be so happy to have her help through the first few weeks with this screaming kid!

Counting Down...

I have the pleasure of going to the OB twice a month now. Tuesday's appointment was routine, although I worried that I would be inspected by a male doctor. Next time I get the strep B swab test down under, and it will be by the second male doctor. Ick, I am dreading it (not the test, but the fact that a man will be doing it)! I'm just praying one of them are not on call the day I deliver. I don't even want Bill looking there as the little buggar comes out. Yuck!
The doctor did say that at 34 weeks the baby would have a 98% chance of surviving without complications if he were born today. The only thing underdeveloped are the lungs. I've read that at 36 weeks, the baby could be considered full term. The week of spring break would be great. That would give me about a week to completely prepare without climbing the walls!
I'm counting down the weeks until I go on maternity leave March 30th. I really want to rest, but at the same time, I'm stressing over how my class will manage in my absence. Right now I'm working to prepare lessons ahead of time. Although I don't want to admit it, I will probably be sticking my head in there a few weeks later to make sure things are going ok.

Crabby Mommy

I have so had enough of being pregnant! While I am still able to bend over and actually pick things up off the floor, it's becoming a chore to do the whole squatting thing. I'm beginning to experience minor back pain and leg cramps once in awhile. Lincoln moves quite frequently and has those darn hiccups every day. Really, I have had a breeze of a pregnancy. However, the thought of 6 more weeks of being a bloated whale is not exciting.
To date, I've gained 33 pounds. Today when I weighed and measured myself, I was surprised to see that nothing had gone up (not even around the belly). The weight was actually the same as last week. Then I remembered that I didn't eat much candy or pizza this last week. Yesterday when I went for a walk I was actually sweating. Perhaps some of those retained fluids leaked out!
Becoming easily agitated with Bill has become an everyday occurrence. I don't think its him personally, but simply that he is the one person whom I can criticize openly without feeling terrible about myself. Yes, it's bad to say because I love him, but the things he does tick me off! For example, the dinosaur painting has the frame on it now, but Bill thinks the wire on the back was attached incorrectly. Now it has to go back to Michael's to be corrected. I really wanted it up on the wall and was quite agitated when Bill said he was going to take it back. It seems like every comment he says makes me feel criticized. I'm lazy, sloppy, stupid, fat, and ugly are thoughts that run through my head whenever he opens his mouth to say something.
I have 4 more weeks of school left before I take leave. I am very excited about it, but at the same time I feel worried that my class will go down the toilet. Overall, they are bright well behaved children, but I stay on top of them all day. I fear that a person lacking in structure and discipline will destroy all the work I've done with those kids. To make it even better, I found out I would be getting a new student tomorrow! What am I going to do with this kid for 4 weeks? How will I be able to assess him? It's not fair to me or the kid. I wanted to complain to the principal, but decided that it would not make a difference. Unfairly, I have passed judgment onto this child simply based on his name: Dakota. Certain names signal bad children. Dakota is one of them. Also changing to a new school at this late in the school year means that the kid is low academically and most likely a behavior problem. It's a terrible assumption to make, but unfortunately, comes true a majority of the time. Oh, why me? I had a perfect little class!

The Boy is Very Active!

My visit to the OB/GYN today was pleasant. My total weight gain is now 32 pounds. A bit high, but not terrible she says. My blood is great and she was quite pleased that I passed all tests and was not anemic (most pregnant women are at this point). The doctor says the boy is very active, according to his heart rate. I pretty much already knew that by how he moves around at night. Hiccups are a daily occurance. My next visit is in 2 weeks. The end of this pregnancy business is almost over (thank God)! Then I'll have poop, puke, and crying to deal with.
I was told today by the local Quizno's owner (we've been in his restaurant several times and he's big into astrology) that since Lincoln will be an Aries baby, he will be a very active go-getter and quite head strong. He'll like to ride motorcycles, sky dive, and travel. Oh, great. NO MOTORCYCLES! Already, Lincoln is looking to become the bouncy little monkey. That's fine - I'd rather have an active child than a lazy toad like some of the kids in my class.

Dino Painting

Hooray! The dinosaur painting is finally finished! Overall, I am quite pleased with how it turned out. The next step is to take it to Michael's for framing.

Hiccups and Continued Preparations for Lincoln

Lincoln continues to grow and move! He has been hiccuping in the afternoon or evening pretty much every day (just a bit annoying). I continue to have a pretty much symptom free pregnancy so far. Bending over is gradually becoming more difficult, but luckily at school I have 17 children willing to scramble when I drop things on the floor. The frequent urge to pee is returning, and from what I've read it's because the baby is resting on top of my bladder. Friday night Bill and I went for a walk, and by the time we were half way done, I had to pee. He ran ahead of me with the dog to open the garage and bathroom door so I could make it in time (luckily, I did, with some sideways crazy walking)!
I've been steadily gaining a pound a week, and I can tell it's all in the belly. When this whole thing is done, I'm guessing that my total weight gain will be around 40 pounds. A bit high, but nothing too horrible! I am learning to deal with it. Amazingly enough, I still appear to have a waist from the front! I will be happy when the weight is all off. Riding my bike and running are two activities I can't wait to return to!
I continue to purchase things and prepare for Lincoln to arrive. My new swing/rocker chair arrived a few days ago. Hopefully the mattress for the crib will be delivered this week. Even though we had an appointment for a pediatrician on Friday, we rescheduled it for next week. The office was running an hour behind and we didn't want to sit. The nurses said that is definitely not the norm; one of the doctors was out and they double booked patients that day. The dinosaur painting is just about finished. It would have been completed a couple weeks ago, but I just don't have the desire to sit down and work on it. I am quite pleased with how it's turning out. It will be done before the week is over because Michael's is having a framing sale!

Afternoon Naps

As I enter the third trimester, I find myself becoming more excited for this journey to finally end. I read my pregnancy book and cringe at the new symptoms I may encounter. So far, I have been pretty lucky. It seemed that when I entered week 29, that my energy level plummeted. Evening naps are becoming routine. Today I woke up at 10am, only to take a 3 hour nap this afternoon. Unfortunately, I'll be looking forward to this wonderful drained feeling for quite some time...
Two months seems like a long time until the baby arrives, but there are so many things that need to be done before that! Next week I have a couple appointments with pediatricians. We have to find someone soon so I can send in my hospital registration. There are some classes I want to enroll for at the hospital, but Bill needs to check on the dates so he can attend. He did order a crib mattress and a Boppy product I wanted, but there are still more items we need. Things will eventually fall into place. I'm not stressed about it (yet).

Lots of Things to Do!

The in-laws came down for a week with all my baby shower treasures. It's a lot of stuff, but there is still so much more we need to buy in preparation for Lincoln's arrival. The room could function right now if he were to arrive, minus the crib mattress.
My dinosaur painting is almost finished. I must say that it is turning out very cute! Now I have to keep my eyes peeled for the big framing sale at Michaels. That should only set us back $200 to frame the darn thing!
This week I enter the third trimester. I'm hoping I won't develop any of the wonderful symptoms that I've read about in the pregnancy book. Only 12 more weeks to go (about). After my next OB appointment, I get to visit them every 2 weeks. While I don't mind getting the check ups, I am not liking the idea of taking off 1/2 day of work each time. I don't have any days off of school next month.
I am on the hunt for a pediatrician! My doctor uncle has given me some pointers on what to look for and I have recommendations from co-workers and friends. There are 3 practices that I want to visit before listing a doctor on my hospital registration information. There are some classes at the hospital I want to take too. I want these 3 months to go quick, but there is so much to do before it does!

The Glucose Test

Last week I had the dreaded glucose test for gestational diabetes. Many women who have taken it have told me it was not a pleasant experience. They said the drink tasted nasty. Oh, and hope that you pass it so you don't have to go back for the 3 hour test! Thanks... So the day of this fun test I check in and wait to drink this nasty stuff. The tech said I had to drink it in 5 minutes. After taking a sip to test it out, I thought it actually tasted kinda good! Down it went in under a minute. The tech commented on how I chugged it down. Hey, I have a sweet tooth!
Sitting there waiting for an hour was the boring part. What made it worse was that all these OLD people started coming in. They either sat in their chairs sleeping or babbling about nonsense. I heard the life story of one woman who was a retired bus driver from New York. She kept talking about the bad kids and the unprofessional teachers who wear shorts and allow the students to call them by their first name. Needless to say I bit my tongue and buried myself in my baby book.
The hour finally passed and it was time for the blood to be drawn (which is always a fun thing). The same tech has always pulled my blood and does a great job of talking to me to distract the squirming. At first she couldn't get any blood! Oh great... I did not want to have the other arm stuck too! She did get the 2 tubes worth and I was on my merry way. I didn't get the sugar crash I was warned about. Could this be a good sign?
At my OB appointment the next week I was happily informed that I passed the glucose test! The doctor even said I have great blood levels. Blood pressure is still low. My weight gain was where it should be for the week, but still a bit high overall. Nothing to be worried about, the doctor told me. Everything was right on track. After February's appointment, I get to visit them every two weeks! How exciting...

The Kids Know!

Finally my students asked if I was having a baby today! One of them heard from her mom and she was blurting it to a few of the others today before class started. While we were doing the calendar I asked her to share with the class what she knew. They very interested and asked many questions. Now I'll have to start on that letter to send home to the parents...

Kids and Cats

Some of the older kids at school have noticed the belly and asked if I was having a baby. My students, however, have yet to say a word about it. Either they are afraid to ask or just clueless about the whole thing. One of my student's parents did write a note asking about my due date today. I never see her in person, so I'm wondering how she found out. I'm planning on writing a note to parents about the situation so they can feel at ease that their kids won't be left hanging with a new sub everyday after I leave. I really hope a certified teacher is hired so I don't have to deal with the end of the year paperwork fun!
Meow Meow kitty cat is finally on her way to Aunt Jamie's house! Bill and I came to a compromise (which he suggested) that the cat stay with Jamie until I go back to school next fall. That way we should have Lincoln in a regular routine. We hope there won't be an issue introducing the cat back into the house. Part of the deal is that the litter box be in the garage. I absolutely refuse to allow it back into the house! Bill seemed fine with the whole arrangement, but when I came home today and saw that the cat was still here, I was worried that he would try to back out. I texted Jamie and she confirmed that Bill would bring the cat over to her house after 9:00 tonight. Good, because I was ready to drive her over there myself! I know Bill will hold a grudge against me for awhile, but he will have to get over it. We will have a new baby to focus on in 3 months. He won't have time to think about the cat!

The Crib and Mercury's Baby Doll

Bill finally put the crib together tonight! I am very happy with how it looks, and I think the set looks very handsome. We still need to purchase a mattress and other necessary items before Lincoln arrives.
I bought a baby doll to prepare Mercury. She was very cautious at first. Whenever I carry it around, she quietly follows me wherever I go. I think she understands that the doll is not a toy and has made no attempt to jump up or touch it in any way (other than to sniff). We allow her to come into Lincoln's room and she is always very quiet and lays down on the floor. I have every confidence that she will do just fine once the baby arrives and will probably stay in her kennel with all of the crying (she's not one to like loud noises).

The Baby Shower, 2 Pounds, and a Name!

The baby shower was held in WI on December 28th. It was a great success and we received many wonderful gifts! This baby will be a very spoiled little boy. Today I picked up pictures and organized them in a small photo book. In a couple of weeks the in-laws drive down with all the stuff:)
Speaking of names, we finally decided on one! I told Bill I wanted to have this issue decided before the shower so I could tell everyone. We are looking forward to meeting Lincoln Aaron Heck in a few months!
Also on the plus side, my weight has seemed to even off a bit. I was pleased that I only gained 2 pounds over the 2 week holiday. It must all be in the belly because it has made a noticeable gain since the last time I measured myself.