Moving On

We had a wonderful Christmas.  We were spoiled, the baby was spoiled, the dog was spoiled.  Maggie even figured out how to open her presents this year.  I wish I would have recorded it instead of just taking pictures.  It was so cute to see her dig right in.

It's been very busy with countless parties and trying to fit everything in.  We were also asked to speak in church about magnifying callings and what the nursery has meant to us.  So we spent a lot of time pondering and researching for our talks.  Talk about stressful!  I've been a bawling, sobbing mess about it all week.  I think it's been pretty obvious how much we've loved those little monkeys for the past 3 1/2 years.  They filled a hole in our hearts while we battled infertility.  While it seems funny that being around kids actually healed us, it truly did.  I had a harder time being around the RS ladies complaining about their kids or talking about getting pregnant on "accident."  To feel loved by those kids week in and week out brightened our lives and gave us the strength we needed to press forward.  It also gave us an opportunity to serve others in our ward who needed "adult" time away from their kids while we didn't have any to come home to, so it was a win-win.  We will desperately miss that calling and don't even know where Sunday School meets!  It truly is the best calling in the Church.  And snack time is heaven sent while pregnant!  lol

We've also decided, after much contemplation and prayer, to move out of our house we've loved for the past 4 years.  Our landlord has given us the heads up that he's probably going to need it back and, not wanting to move with a newborn, we're moving sooner rather than later.  Our plan is to be out early to mid-February and move into Dallin's parents' basement for the duration of 2013.  It is advantageous to us as I'll be on unpaid maternity leave for about 3 months and have to pay 100% of our insurance premiums during that time.  It will also give us the chance to save some money to buy a house - which is the goal for 2013.  Lots of changes in store for us in 2013.  We are anxious, yet excited, to see what it brings.

Muppy

Maggie loved Santa

My mom's nickname for Maggie is Muppy (short for Magster-puppy).  Mags had a rough 2012.  Let's be honest, she had a rough 2011 too, and really, a rough life in general.

Helping "wrap" Christmas presents -
or eating the tubing

2012 started with us still trying to get her seizures under control.  When that finally happened, her knees went kaput.  After 3 surgeries on one knee and 1 on the other, she's on the mend.  (KNOCK ON WOOD).  She is still pretty lame on her right back leg and scoots around a bit, but a lot less than before.  Her knee is still inflamed and she's on steroids to help with the swelling.  It's not 100%, but helping.  She may never be 100% and we've come to grips with that.  Luckily, she's getting used to the steroids and the side effects are now minimal.  We've started using essential oils (mainly Frankincense) on her knee to see if that will help.

New bones waiting to be opened but
loving her new bed too much to move!

The interesting thing about the oils is that wild dogs self-medicate with the plants and herbs they need out in the wilderness.  So we read to put all the bottles on the floor and let her choose which one she needed and she chose the Frankincense - the one for arthritis and inflammation!  We always let her smell it before we put it on, as to not force her into something and respect her space.  It seems to be helping gradually.  She's been able to get up the stairs almost unassisted which is the first time in a really long time.

We also FINALLY got some good news about her.  The huge mass that has developed on her back is just a fatty, benign, tumor which is ok to leave.  If it gets bigger or hinders her, we can have it surgically removed but for the time being, it's ok.  The vet had taken aspirations and even done a biopsy on it and said that of all the things it could have been, that fatty tumor was absolutely the best scenario.  That's never happened with Maggie!

My new bed!

When we took her in to get her biopsy stitches out, another vet at the clinic saw her and we had her look at a bump on Maggie's head.  It's in her wrinkles and barely noticeable but she took an aspiration and said that there were some "scary" cells in there and to have it removed.  That caused me a LOT of stress and we were planning on having it removed tomorrow but after talking to our regular vet, he said he looked at the slide and nothing indicated cancer to him, and fairly normal, and that it was fine to leave.  He said that it wouldn't develop into anything scary, and to focus on the baby and we could revisit removing it in the Fall or Winter if it didn't go away on its own.  Also, so grateful and such a blessing.  Mags had such a hard time with the general anesthesia last time we were talking about just doing a block and Valium to save her from more complications but to avoid surgery completely was more than I could have asked for.  So we're also using Frankincense on that to see if we can help it go away.

It seems like everything with the Muppy is pretty dramatic and has stressed me to the max at every corner.  It was just what I needed to hear as we are already so anxious about how our lives will be changing with the baby and trying to get moved.  I'm a little nervous about how Maggie will adjust to a new environment (although not completely foreign) and a new little sister so I'm glad we don't have to cause her any physical distress at the moment either (another big knock on wood!).  The many times we've had to face the thought of losing her has been awful.  She is such a big part of our family and we love her more than most.  She's like a little human and has been our "child" for so long we just love her to pieces.  She makes our lives better and happier for sure.  Here's to hoping 2013 holds a lot more good news for Miss Maggie.

**Week 31

Maternity clothes - been wearing a lot more shirts for the sake of wearing something new and since it's Christmastime and who doesn't like to wear a new shirt to a party? Can still get away with some of my stretchy regular ones. I really like the ones that are gathered on the side and give me some shape instead of just draping me.

Cravings - nothing in particular. Cherry 7-Up really hit the spot a few times. Still liking citrus-y things like oranges and clementines. There has been an abundance of food and treats this past week everywhere I look and I haven't shied away.

Symptoms - got a little backed up again and prune juice did its magical powers. That stuff is ICKY but effective. My fingers have also swollen up like sausages. Gratefully, my blood pressure is still good, I just need to drink more to pull that fluid back in. Found out we're getting released from nursery this Sunday and have been a sobbing, hormonal mess. Let's be honest, I've been crying at everything. My back and hips have also been really sore.

Exciting this this week - Christmas, natch! Got lots of things for the baby and lots of gift cards to get things for the baby. Also, had a mother-to-be massage and it was heavenly!

To do - we've been de-junking and organizing and packing and stressing trying to get this house moved. We are 9 little weeks away and things are coming at us fast so we're buckling down and getting as much done as possible.

Merry Christmas

This Christmas has felt a lot different to me.  I feel a sort of kinship with Mary this year and have spent a lot of time dwelling on her divine mission of bringing the Savior into the world.  I can't watch the Church's "Nativity" commercial without being reduce to sobbing.  My worry is about my birthing plan and all going well and smoothly and in the video, she meekly walks into the stable surrounded by bleating animals and probably a lot of poop.  And there, in the humblest of circumstances, gives birth to the most important human being to ever walk the Earth.  My heart aches a bit for her and tries to empathize with what she went though.  I'm sure I'm far off from ever feeling an ounce of what she did but she still experienced the miracle of birth that I am so looking forward to.

Maternity Must-Haves

This is my own little list of things I've found that have really helped me and that I have really liked the past few months.

Maternity Belt from Babies 'R Us - I'm sure you can get these anywhere but that is where we ended up getting ours. It immediately made my back feel better and as there is increasing pressure in the front of my belly, it has given me the extra support that I've needed. Can't live without it. Baby isn't a huge fan and likes to punch it.

Earth Mama Angel Baby Natural Stretch Oil & Bella B Tummy Honey Butter - I rotate using these. I started a little too late for my chest but they've worked amazingly well on my belly - can't complain one bit.

Full panel maternity jeans from Motherhood Maternity - I got these on a killer deal and they are amazing. I think I may have forgotten that I used to have to button and zip my pants; just pull these babies on and off. They are much better than the half-panel ones that seem to cut into my belly.

Maternity/nursing bras - Also got these from Motherhood Maternity. I like that they'll have the versatility needed when it comes to nursing. I haven't worn them much yet but I do really like them.

 Snoogle full-body pillow - This is so great to snuggle in to and helps me make my "nest" so I don't sleep on my back. I only wish that the head part was a little fluffier to prop me up a bit and maybe help with the snoring.

Egg carton foam - This has SAVED my hips in my bed from sleeping on my sides continually. It's only about an inch thick but has made all the difference. LOVE it!

Tums - for heartburn, you know? And the Smoothie assorted fruit ones taste like Pez.

**Week 30

Maternity clothes - I wore a few things and finally started wearing the maternity bras.  Mainly because I only had 1 regular one that fit and needed to wash it.  The maternity ones are pretty comfy!  Glad for the switch.  Now that I only have 10 (!) weeks left, I may start wearing more and more of my maternity clothes to get some use out of them.

Cravings - still been eating oranges and clementines.  I've gained about as much weight this past month as I have all the months previous but I've just been so dang hungry!  Trying to be careful though.

Symptoms - Some heartburn.  I think the Relaxin has really kicked in and my joints are pretty sore.  Thought my extra-stuffy nose and sore throat were from my pregnancy-induced nasal congestion but I'm actually fighting a cold.

Exciting thing this week - I think the baby got the hiccups.  Dallin was feeling her and we were both like, "what is she doing in there?!" It was a strange rhythmic wave.  Also, I've been running on fumes but I made it through and my office is closed until Jan. 2!!  Eleven whole days of freedom - I've been living for!  We've also started practicing carrying a dolly around to get Maggie used to something small and with a different scent.  It was a disaster.  She's too smart and immediately knew it was plastic and started pawing at its face and trying to eat its foot.  It was pretty funny though.  Once we get a car seat and stroller we can start practicing with the dolly in there and let her get some sniffs out.  Luckily she is really gentle with real babies when they are around.  She's definitely figuring out something's up though.  Oh!  And some guy at my work who's wife just had a baby asked me if I still had six months to go.  Guess I'm not in "whale" category yet!

To do - REST, get a massage and enjoy time with our families for Christmas.

Munching

For family night we've been doing lots of things involving food.  That's what this time of year is all about, right?  There were these cute Rice Krispie train sets at Costco which was a fun alternative to regular gingerbread houses.  They were a lot easier to make and you didn't have to wait hours for the roof to harden on before decorating.  Plus, I'd much rather eat Rice Krispie treats than gingerbread.  I think I ate more than I decorated.



This is Dal and I's train.  We even had enough left over to make a snowman!  It was a lot of fun.  We've also been dipping carmel-covered pretzels and next we're onto mint Oreos!

**Week 29

 

Maternity clothes - I wore a skirt this week which was comfy and a new shirt, mainly just for the sake of wearing something new, plus it was cold enough to wear long-sleeves.  A lot of times I do that without a jacket but my work gave us new jackets as a Christmas present and I ordered a Men's XL so I could wear it throughout this pregnancy in the winter and not have to buy a coat that I may never wear again.

 

Cravings - I've been eating a lot of oranges this week.  The juice just tastes so good.  It gets Baby Girl hopping too!

 

Symptoms - Second trimester party is over.  I'm pretty sore all over, my tummy almost to the touch.  Even though she generally sits really low, things are starting to get crowded up top and my stomach organ is pretty irritated.  Feels like when you violently puke for days and it's just sore - like that.  Lungs are crunched too so I get a bit short of breath.  She slid down a little last night and that made things a lot better.

 

I've also had to resort to the grazing and eating small meals again with everything squished.  If I eat too much, oh I get so sick.  Sleeping is getting harder to do too.  My nose is so stuffed I sleep through my mouth which sets my throat on fire.  I usually wake up about 3:45 a.m. to the baby's dance party going on in my tummy and am absolutely famished.  I'll usually eat a bowl of cereal or an orange to make it through the rest of the night.  I may get some of those little Cuties to keep by my bed so I don't have to go downstairs and figure out how to peel an orange at 4 a.m. anymore.

 

Exciting Thing this Week - A lot of people this week have commented how small I look for 29 weeks.  That made me feel a little good since I don't feel small.  I think because I'm tall, I can hide 15 in. and 2.5 lbs. of baby a few more places.  It is fun having a round pregnant-looking belly though. 

 

Glucose test came back normal!!

 

To Do - Work has been insane and I have so much to do there before we close for the holidays.  I also have a lot to do at home to get ready for Christmas.  Also have some showers in the works so I have to put together some lists for those.

Mom

There are a few things I am learning about my mom as I'm about to become one.

She used to always say something along these lines, "Don't do anything stupid, I worked too hard to get you."  She battled her own infertility battle and had really rough pregnancies.  While my infertility battle was longer and tougher, my prenancy hasn't been as bad as hers were (read: puking every day).  But I've invested a lot into this too.  My body has sacrificed a lot and worked really hard.  I get what she means now.  You get in really deep and attach emotionally too.

I used to question why she did certain parenting things one way or another.  Now I know she was just as clueless and new to it as I am.  I have tons of uncertainties as to how to raise a child.  I've never done it!  And neither had she.  I'd just always known her as mom.  She knew everything and I couldn't understand how she could make a mistake or not know how to do something to make the world right again because she was MOM.  Superwoman, you know?  As I make the transition from Amy to Mom, I hope my kids are more understanding as we try and figure out this parenting thing together.

I'm sure I'll have a lot more "ah-ha!" mom moments in the near future but one thing I do know is how much my appreciation, gratitude and love has grown for my mom as I experience the same things and feelings she did 31 1/2 years ago.  She has been there for me every step of the way and I lean on her expertise and wisdom to calm my fears and insecurities.  She was a baby herself, at 22, when she had me.  And she became the most important thing in the world a woman can become to a child - a mother - and did a pretty darn good job.  Now she'll have another important job - grandma - one that she is SO excited for.  I'm sure she'll do a great job at that too.

**Week 28

Maternity clothes - I may be changing my tune about maternity garment bottoms.  I put on the one pair I have the other day and they were actually really comfortable and fit over my swelling belly without leaving a weird line that looks like it is cut in half.  The weird line also just makes me look fat, not pregnant because the roundness isn't there.  I think I may have to buy more.  Still rationing the maternity shirts - didn't wear one this week.

Cravings - I had a really weird one for pink lemonade this week.  For a couple days, that's all I wanted.  It actually still sounds good.  I'm not really a lemonade person so it was really uncharacteristic for me and so I know it definitely was pregnancy-related.

Symptoms - One I haven't really talked about that has been going on the whole time is nasal congestion.  With my body creating so much more fluid, a lot of it is in my nose, which leads to some horrible snoring at night.  Poor, poor Dallin.  He's probably had more sleepless nights than I have.  Sorry babe!

I've also been getting some leg cramps while I sleep that will wake me up and I have to flex my foot.  Heartburn also makes an occasional appearance.  Had a couple days I didn't feel great and was a little nauseous.  But that could be from the INSANE HUNGER I also had a couple days this week.  I haven't had hunger like that.  I've been hungry in the early stages, but unable to consume much, but it was crazy the amount of food I ate.  Baby must be going through a grown spurt.  But I think that's maybe what caused the nausea...

Exciting Thing this Week - Our marathon birthing class last Saturday!  Seven whole hours.  These were Dallin's notes:
Video (SCARY!)
He leaned his head on my shoulder and said, "I'm sorry." The video was fine, all computer graphics until, all of a sudden, there is an Asian lady full on giving birth.  Yikes!  And what's better is Dallin's ex-girlfriend was one of the nurses in the video.  I guess we should be grateful it wasn't her giving birth.  But we got a tour of the units and nursery and it was good to see where to go and what we'll be doing where.  Also gave us some good ideas on how to make up our birthing plan to make sure we get the experience we want.  We just have to remember to "shake the pickle!"  (That is what the instructor told us to do to get the baby down into the birthing canal in the right position before getting the epidural).  Kind of a big inside joke now.

I also did my glucose test on Thursday.  Haven't gotten the results back yet but it really wasn't as bad as people said.  I thought it was going to be awful but it wasn't bad.  I'm not going to say that I'd drink it every day but I had no problem chugging it down.  Once it hit my system and I felt like I ate 10 donuts is a different story.  Sugar doesn't affect me much but I was strung out!  Then I felt like crap.

Also decided on a car seat!

To Do - Get Christmas ready to go!  I think I have a good idea on who I want for a pediatrician, just need to run it by Dallin and call and give them the heads up.

Mizithra

 

  Dallin's been craving the Spaghetti Factory.  We were planning on heading there for our lunch break yesterday during our all-day childbirth class but they cut lunch short to 15 minutes so we could take a tour of the hospital and nursery.  So last night we attempted Spaghetti Factory at our house.  I googled how to make the brown butter and it actually turned out soooo yummy!  It's good to know now we can head to Smith's, grab some mizithra and make it anytime we want instead of having to drive into Salt Lake.  We'll still frequent the place for the Spumoni though!  Here is the recipe we used:

 

http://www.cdkitchen.com/recipes/recs/23/Spaghetti_with_Burnt_Butter38272.shtml