Baby Watch

It is Thursday, June 21st and we are anxiously awaiting baby number 2. My official due date is July 11th but since the beginning of this pregnancy, they have suspected I am a week further along, closer to July 4th. I would be happy with any day at this point. I have had contractions for the last few days and the doctor says things are changing but no dilation at this point. UGH! Oh well, I haven't really been ready for her until the last few days anyway.

The baby clothes are washed and put away. The Pack N Play is in our bedroom. The crib is clean and ready to go...even if it is in the wrong bedroom. That would be hubby's only job to do so we will see when it gets done...before or after she comes. The car seat is sitting on the dining room table along with the pad that goes under it, the mirror to see her little face, and a few other accompaniments. The swing and bouncy seat are in the closet ready to go also. Everything just waiting for a precious little girl.

A few friends had a little "sprinkle" for me two weeks ago. They gave me enough monetary gifts to get the one thing we really need, a double stroller. As I have gone through the baby stuff, once again, I feel so extremely blessed for the friends and family I have. Because of the 4 miscarriages we had before Mackenzie, everyone really spoiled us when I was pregnant with her. The few things (and I emphasize few) that I had to buy were covered by gift cards. I am amazed at all of the memories sorting through baby stuff has brought back. I remember all three showers with Mackenzie and who gave us almost every outfit and accessory. I worked so hard to take care of everything and now I get to use it all again. I am more than grateful to everyone who helped us then...and now as we use it with this new little baby. Thank you again.

Okay, so now the negative. I am over being pregnant! I haven't gained as much weight with this baby but I am MUCH bigger. About two months ago, I outgrew that clothes that I wore when I delivered Mackenzie...and was 20 pounds heavier. I am carrying this baby lower and it has been interesting. The good news from that is no acid reflux/vomiting like last time. The bad news is that I have to be in the bathroom about every hour. I am as slow as a turtle on valium and sometimes, I feel that way too. It takes me at least 3 times longer to accomplish anything. My dear daughter has figured out that she can run from me and I can't catch her. Funny, huh? Here is a picture of the big belly, complete with all of the bruises from the shots, which I am happy to report that are now finished! YEAH!

One last thing and then I better go finish working on the house. Last Sunday, I wore a dress to church, trying to make myself feel pretty and pregnant. I wore pearls and worked extra hard on my hair. I was feeling good about myself. It was short lived! As Mackenzie and I were walking into church, the first person I saw said "Oh my gosh! You look like you are ready to explode! Are you sure there is only one in there?" When I walked up the center aisle, people looked at me in total sympathy and literally shook their heads. I was standing in my aisle singing and someone walked up behind me and said "Your zipper is broken and we can see your panties so I am going to fix it for you." Since I was in the third row, I thought it might be best to head to the restroom instead of standing there for the entire church to watch. Once we got there, I lifted up my dress to try and help and the woman said loudly, "YOU ARE SO HUGE! You must be miserable. My daughter is due in another month and you are MUCH bigger than she is." What exactly do you say to that? "Why, thank you! I was feeling as big as a tank and you have confirmed it." Anyway, I offered to take over the dress repairing process and went back into the sanctuary. As I was leaving, another woman came up to me and said "You are sooooo swollen. I hope the doctor is keeping a close watch on that." While I know that some people just don't get it, I can't even imagine saying any of those statements to someone.

"Gosh, you look like you have had one too many chocolate bars. Are you planning to start Weight Watchers this week?" Okay, so maybe I could say that mentally and smile!