Sunny Side Up

Reflections

Reflections of the past week are more introspect than usual.  The week was started off by the monthly trip to the doctor for the measurements:  weight gain, of which I am not divulging; belly size and baby heartrate.  All was where it should be. 

The next event was on Wednesday where Im with my bulging bladder; Hubby; Gibbie (grammie) and Elisabeth were treated to the first really good view of this tiny human residing inside me.  Due to the fact that I am considered "advanced maternal age" it was a more indepth ultrasound that normal.  The doctor started off by going into a long detail on why 35 and over is considered advanced maternal age.  I somewhat tuned that part out because I was eager to see the baby.  He also wanted to make sure that I knew that he would not be able to tell if the baby had Down Syndrome.  I am sure that I had "yeah, so - let's get on with it already" look on my face because he acted like he was ready for me to be disappointed.

Well, needless to say, this child is not shy with what he has.  Yup that is right... its a BOY!!!!!  Every time the doctor tried to view a different part of his body he would flip around and show that which he was extremely proud of. LOL  That is a male for ya. 

Tonight was a special night for hubby and me.  We left Elisabeth with Gibbie and headed for some alone time amongst the crowded streets of downtown Tulsa.  Mayfest is an annual art festival that takes place in the heart of downtown.  I truly enjoy strolling around looking at the art, eating the typical "fair" type food, and people watching.  Plus it was the first "date" that hubby and I have had since our weekend away in March.  It was very much needed after this busy week. 

So, to my beloved husband, thank you for a fabulous evening of hand holding and strolling along on this warm spring evening.

Movement

There is nothing that compares to the first time a mom-to-be feels the soft pokes and taps of the tiny baby residing inside her.  Even if it isn't her first child, that first hello done in baby Morse Code is almost indescribable and very reassuring that all is well in the watery world inside. 

I think that since this is baby number two, I knew what to look for.  It is still such an amazing feeling.  I truely love being pregnant.  Knowing that there is a living being inside of me, created with the love of my husband and myself, and life given by a kiss from God.  I don't know what he/she looks like or what the personality will be but I already love this tiny child who will be joining our loving family in just five short months. 

One day this month we will get the chance to find out the sex of this little belly bean.  I am really excited to see him/her, see the tiny fingers and toes, the little heart beating so very fast, and the little legs and arms waving about.  A true God given miracle!!!!

Remembering...

Today is the 10th anniversary of the Oklahoma City Bombing.  168 lives lost but not forgotten.  The museum, which is wonderful, allowed anyone to come visit for free yesterday and today to commemorate the anniversary.

Oklahoma City Memorial

I remember where I was... I was at work.  Thankfully, it was a very small company and there was a TV which allowed us to watch all day the news and happenings.  It was a horrifying day.  One I will NEVER forget.  Since it was only a few short (6) years before the next horrific attack on America, I believe that Oklahomans were extremely understanding and were able to give emotional support to those of 9/11.

I am proud to be a native of Oklahoma.

Obsessive Compulsive?

Well, I am 16 weeks pregnant today.  I have spent the last several days cleaning, sorting and filing.  I am still intent on getting Elisabeth happily moved into her "big girl" room before this next one arrives.  That means ... painting, rewiring internet somewhere else in the house (location to be determined), buying mattress and dresser etc. I am sure I will be driving my dearest husband totally mad before it is all over.  It must be a pregnancy obsession to be so intent/focused on getting this done.  I feel such an urgency and yet still have at least four and a half months before the arrival.

My other "obsession" is getting a cute (probably an oxymoron) maternity swimsuit.  I bought a season pass to Big Splash for myself.  I figured if I am gonna be a beached whale... might as well be a beached whale in the water.  Right?  Consequently, a purchase must be made.  I cannot and will not wear last years' suit.  I don't think the other people would appreciate it.  I have three that I like but can't decided between them.  Choices: Pink/Black , Peek-a-boo tankini, or Hamlet tankini - So far hubby's preferred the first one and I am leaning towards that one.  I just hate to pay the price.  Oh well, due to the fact that I will be wearing it ALL summer, I guess it will be worth it.  I am such a tightwad!

Weekend Away

This past weekend, my beloved soulmate and I went on a wonderful marriage retreat.  We were able to relax and rejuvenate.  However, there are downsides to every good thing. Right?  Well, on Sunday morning we were supposed to drive back and join Grammie and Elisabeth at church.  Just as we were leaving for breakfast, Grammie calls on the cell phone saying that Elisabeth was not feeling well.  She was lathargic and wasn't keeping any food down.  DH and I knew that she was more than likely just missing us but like the dutiful parents we are, we rushed home to comfort her.  We were right about the missing us but she decided to also make it known that she missed us and was mad that we left.  How?  By spending the day having tantrums off and on.  It has taken me about three full days to get our routine back to normal. 

What will we do when the new baby arrives in just about 6 months?  I am just a few days away from being finished with the first trimester.  It has been an easy one, thankfully.  Last night as I lay on the couch I started feeling those little flutters.  They are concentrated in the same area so I am pretty sure that I am feeling the baby.  I am feeling this one about 5 weeks earlier that I did with Elisabeth.  But then I know what I am looking for too. 

I am already beginning to get the nesting feeling.  I want to paint the living and dining areas as well as Elisabeth's new room.  I am also considering making curtains for the living room.  We have shutters in there now, which we will keep, but I think that curtains will warm up the room.  My poor hubby!!  Me wanting to nest so early.  Gonna be a long summer.

A New Phase

My beautiful daughter has entered a new phase in her little life.  You see, on Tuesday she had birthday and turned two years old.  Therefore, she is no longer in the nursery.  She is now attending the "big girl class" which is classified as preschool.  As I reflect back over the past two years, I think about all the changes she has made.  Going from a tiny little bundle of joy to a walking, talking, mind of her own, toddler.  She continues to amaze me each and every day with the words that she speaks and her little personality that just keeps emerging like a butterfly from its cocoon.  I feel so honored to be her Mommy - to be be entrusted with the nurturing and guiding of how she will become as an adult.  It is my hope and prayer for her that she will become a strong young woman who know who she is and will do whatever her heart desires.  So to my darling little daughter, I love you and HAPPY BIRTHDAY.

To party or not to party

I am, by nature, such a planner.  However, when a planner is at the mercy of another, it can be quite unnerving.  I am attempting to plan my daughter's 2nd birthday.  The planning started about six weeks ago.  That is a good thing.  My dear hubby announced that our house is too small and that he did not want it here.  Okay, well... thankfully a friend had offered their neighborhood clubhouse.  The problem is that it wasn't confirmed until Monday.  That doesn't sound to bad except for the fact that the party is scheduled for ... uhmmm... this SUNDAY!!!  That, to a planner, is suicide.  Now here it is Wednesday and the invitations were just mailed today.  On the flip side, most of our friends are already aware of the upcoming festivities and are planning on being there.  WHEW!!!   Today was spent running all over town looking for a Hello Kitty birthday cake. 

The really bad part here is that the next two days are sewed up with babysitting.  (Well, not too bad since that is the money being used for the party favors, tableware and food) :D  But that leaves the evenings and Saturday to get the items necessary as well as the food.  I THINK I AM GOING CRAZY. 

My darling hubby prefers small get togethers, which I enjoy as well.   BUT I figure at least once a year, I want to throw a fun cookout for our friends.  A nice way to brighten an otherwise dreary winter.  However, now that there is another addition on is way into our family, I think a semi-annual cookout will be fun.  I mean, with the two children sharing each of our birth months... a perfect reason for partys.  One in February to celebrate Elisabeth and her Papa and one in September for me and the next child.  A winter one and a summer one.

Makes perfect sense to me. :)

Forgetfulness?

Today is the 4th of February.  An ordinary day to most but to me it is the birthday of my most beloved husband.  Right!  Then how the heck could I forget it this morning?  I was thinking about it last night.  Hmmmm???   So what happened between last night and this morning?  Nothing spectacular... just the average night of sleep and no sleep.  Getting up to pee ever couple of hours, tossing and turning beause I can't get comfortable.  (Yeah and I am not even showing yet)  I could blame it on the forgetfulness of the pregnant brain but that is a cop-out.  Honestly, I don't have an answer.  All I can say is ... HAPPY BIRTHDAY, to my beloved best friend!  I love you with all my heart - Always and Forever!

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When most people find out that I am expecting they say one of two comments... "Really? you don't look it"  (DUH - I am only 6 weeks along) or "What are you having?"  (Hmmm... I think I will go for a pony this time)  HELLO!?!?! It is WAY TO EARLY to know the sex of this child.  I am not even wearing maternity clothes yet.  Here is your sign!!!   

Things are going smoothly thus far.  I am not plagued with that horrible malady - morning sickness.   Thank you, God.  In fact, smells aren't even bothering me.  Granted it is still very early in this pregnancy but for the fact that I am two weeks late and took three pregnancy test which all came out positive, I don't even feel pregnant.  I see it showing up in other areas though.  For example, I can cry really easy because I am an emotional person.  Well, now it is even more so.  Plus the tears will come at things that touch my heart very deeply - like looking into the very blue eyes of my daughter, feeling her soft hands on my face or her little arms around my neck giving me a "Big Hug," hearing my husbands voice as he calls to say hello, sitting on the floor in the office wondering how we are going to make it into another bedroom, and the wonderment that after such stressful months we are finally going to have another little life join our already wonderful family.

Okay, I am tearing up again.  A sign for me to go enjoy a good cry while Elisabeth is still at Grammie's.

The Whirrings of a Pregnant Mind

After an uneventful visit to the doctor's office, I am ready to begin a second pregnancy.  They gave me the exact same date that I had calculated... September 30th, which means that I am five weeks along.  Only 35 weeks to go.  Sheesh - seems like forever, yet I know that the time will go faster than I want.

Yesterday was spent going through maternity clothes, washing and sorting those that I will be wearing.  Seems strange to be looking at them again two and a half years later.  It gives me that uncontrollable urge to get things done immediately.  I mean it isn't like this child will be here tomorrow yet my list of to-do things feels enormous.  The office/spare room must be painted, decorated, furnished, and Elisabeth needs to be transitioned to her new room.  Decisions must be made - do we buy a tandem stroller or not, a double jogging stroller or not, look into getting a bigger house and car...  AAAARRRRGGGGHHHHH.

Mind, HUSH!!!  (Sigh) I wish it were that easy.  On top of the pregnant mind going topsy turvy with planning the new baby's arrival, there is also Elisabeth's 2nd birthday, which will be here in 25 days, and her party to plan.  Plus working on the ever continuing effort to potty train her.  I swear it will be accomplished before or by her birthday!   Well, at least I can hope, right?

A New Beginning

As I cautiously enter the world of blogging, I wonder if I will be adept at capturing the things that I want to say.  I look back at my life -- where I was and where I am now.  It has truly made me who I am.  I am a daughter, a sister, a wife and a mother.  Each role I enjoy very much!  However, I am going to be a mother again.  It is true... after two years of trying to give Elisabeth a sibling, we have finally succeeded.  Our expected due date is September 30, 2005.

We have quite a journey ahead.  In some ways the same as the last but this time we have a toddler that will still clambor for my attention.  My little peanut is very much a mama's girl.  She doesn't enjoy sharing her Mama with anyone.  Sometimes not even Papa.  Many times I cherish that but I also know that Papa needs time with her as well.  It will be interesting to see how she handles having a brother or sister also vying for my attention. 

God has truly blessed our life.  As we undertake this next phase in our life, I look ahead to a wonderful year of blessings and miracles. 

(It is my intent to blog my way through this pregnancy while trying to keep the "sunny side up.")