Stay At Home Mommy!

Well, work at home mommy anyway. I gave 30 days notice at my job last week and it felt so good! My last day is January 8th. Just four more weeks and I'll be home with my baby full time. I am so happy I can hardly stand it!

Everything is falling into place for my home day care. I am CPR and First Aid certified, I have my food handlers permit, I'm calling Tooele City about my business license tomorrow, I have all of things to safety proof my house. I should be ready to open up for business mid January.

I am so happy. I feel so blessed that I have this opportunity. Merry Christmas to me and my wonderful family! It's the best gift ever! =)

An Update of Sorts...

Well, it's been a month since I've posted so I thought I would update. I just never have time anymore.

Chili is fine. Our neighbors were assholes and said that Chili bit their dog when he didn't. He passed all of his aggression tests and was very well behaved while in quarentine. So we got him back after two days instead of ten. I'm so thankful I got my dog back.

The newest thing that I'm going through is postpartum depression. I didn't really understand how anyone could be so depressed after giving birth to a beautiful baby. What is there to be sad about? Now I have PPD.

It is awful! I cry everyday. It's mostly when I'm at work. I think about Tristan and I bawl my eyes out because I'm not with him. Sometimes I cry for no reason. I haven't been sleeping well, I never want to eat. I know that my hormones and brain chemicals are out of whack, but I hate feeling like this all of the time.

My doctor prescribed me Zoloft. It's been taking the edge off, but it's making me sick. Apparently my body needs to adjust to it for a couple of weeks though. I have an appt on the 15th to talk about it with my doc.

I think that me being home with Tristan will help so much though. I got my CPR and First Aid Certification today so I'm one step closer to getting my day care business. I'm going to be able to turn in my two weeks after Christmas and that keeps me sane every day I sit behind that desk. Getting state licensed is a lot of work, but it will be so worth it. I'm very grateful to my dad for helping me get started. I couldn't do it without him. At least not this soon.

That's the jist of what's happening now. I'll post again when I can.

I Hate Animal Control

Wow! I haven't blogged in such a long time. I've really been slacking. I do feel that this is important though and I want to share it with all of you.

We came home from work around 5:30 on Friday and found a notice on our door from Tooele City Animal Control. It said that Chili was involved in an incident of biting another dog and that he would have to be quarentined for a minimum of 10 days. It also said if we didn't take him in within 24 hours they would be forced to take further action.

Needless to say, I was in a panic. We rushed inside, then headed straight for our backyard. Chili and Roadie were both still out there. We checked our gate and it was locked and secure. Chili did rip a couple of the planks of our wood fence out which sucks for us, but the hole wasn't big enough for Chili to fit through and he didn't do any damage to the chain link fence in our neighbors yard.

We called animal control to find out what happened. If you know Chili, you know his mouth is too big to fit through a hole in a chain link fence so there was no way he could have bit a dog through there. The lady at animal control had no information because the officer that left the notice on our door didn't file the report before her shift ended. They said we could call back on Monday, but in the mean time we had to bring Chili in, or they would issue a warrant, they would come take him, and we would be fined!

I was furious! They didn't even have a record of what happened, but he has to be quarentined and observed for 10 days anyway and they threatened to fine us and take him away if we didn't comply. So we still have no idea what he did, but if he really did bite our neighbors dog, he was in our neighbors back yard playing so it obviously wasn't serious enough to need medical attention.

Now we have to just wait. If they decide he's not a threat they will release him back to us. If they decide he is dangerous or even potentially dangerous he will have to have a hearing and we can be fined anywhere from $50 to $500. Worst case scenario is that he'll be put down.

I'm so scared for Chili. When we brought him in he was shaking, he was so scared. He started whimpering and crying when they put him in the kennel. The kennels there are so disgusting! It smelled like shit and it didn't look like anyone had cleaned the kennels for days. I felt awful having to leave him there. I hope he's good while he's there so we can bring him home.

I'll post another blog when we get some answers. Fuck Tooele City Animal Control! I am so furious with them and I'm terrified for the fate of Chili Pepper. Everyone cross your fingers and pray that we can bring him home.

Much Needed Update

Wow! I don't think I've ever gone this long without updating my blog. It's been a crazy couple of weeks. Between bringing a new baby home, my bedroom ceiling starting to cave in, and my basement flooding, I haven't had time to update. I'll write about part of what has happened now.

Let's start with my favorite, Tristan. =) He is doing so well! When I took him to his two week appointment, he weighed 8 lbs 9 oz, was 22 inches long, and his head circumferance is 37.5 cm. He has a normal sized head and is long and skinny like his daddy. Lol!

He is going through a growth spurt now so all he wants to do is eat. He has been sleeping a lot today, so hopefully he'll be back to his normal schedule soon. He was sleeping in four hour stretches before.

I love my little man so much. I had the baby blues bad for the first two weeks. I cried everyday. I was so overwhelmed with being a mom and having my life change so much. It's hard caring for a newborn 24/7. I'm starting to adjust now though and I love being a mother. It's going to be so hard going back to work in October. =(

Okay, now to my house problems. Our bedroom ceiling started caving in. At first we thought it was water damage from the swamp cooler, but no. The contractor that built this house got lazy and didn't seam two pieces of the dry wall so the ceiling started to sag. Luckily my hubbie took construction trade classes and can fix just about anything. So that wasn't bad.

Now to my basement. My mom stayed with me for a week to help around the house while I adjusted to being a mom. Her intentions were good, but she ended up costing us $1,400! She put a shitload of potato peels, peach skins, cherry tomatoes, and God knows what else down our disposal and clogged that drain. So much pressure built up in it that when the drain couldn't hold anymore it burst and all of that water leaked into our basement. I was furious to say the least.

We got it taken care of, but it took a huge chunk out of our pocket that we needed for Robbie's car. Just a lot of un-needed stress.

There is much more going on, but I will write another blog later. I'll try to be better about my weekly posts. =)

Tristan Jude Randall

Is finally here! Well, he was born one week ago, but I haven't had time to blog about his birth yet. There is only so much time when you have a newborn.

Tristan Jude Randall was born on Sunday, August 30, 2009 at 9:42 pm MST. He weighed 7 pounds 8 ounces and was 21 inches long at birth. He has a full head of dark hair, has Robbie's nose, and is healthy and perfect!

I had a really good labor and delivery. There were no complications and it was only six hours from the time I was admitted to the time that I delivered him. Of course, I did go to labor and delivery twice before thinking I was in labor. I was, but it was early labor so they sent me home both times. =(

When they admitted me I was 4 cm dilated and 100% effaced. They checked me about an hour later and nothing had changed, so the doctor decided to break my water to make my labor progress faster. It worked. I was dilated to 10 cm by 8:15. They still wanted me to wait 30 minutes before I started pushing because Tristan needed to descend a little bit more.

I started pushing at 8:45. I pushed for 45 minutes, but I couldn't get his head past my pelvic bone for some reason. I was scared that his head was too big, but as soon as the doctor came in she saw that he was posterior, or face up. Luckily, she was able to turn him around safely. Ten minutes after he was turned I had my beautiful baby boy in my arms.

I can't describe the happiness I felt at that moment. Robbie and I both teared up a bit. The first week has been tough to say the least, but it is so worth it. Everyone tells me it gets much easier once mom and baby have some time to adjust. So I'll trust the words of wisdom from other moms that have been giving me advice. I'm just so glad he is here. I couldn't be happier. =)

40 Weeks

"It's hard to say for sure how big your baby will be, but the average newborn weighs about 7 1/2 pounds (a small pumpkin) and is about 20 inches long. His skull bones are not yet fused, which allows them to overlap a bit if it's a snug fit through the birth canal during labor. This so-called "molding" is the reason your baby's noggin may look a little conehead-ish after birth. Rest assured — it's normal and temporary."

Today is my due date, but I am still pregnant. =( Tristan is being a tease. I'll get contractions for hours, but they aren't consistent at all. They will start five minutes apart, then seven minutes, then ten minutes, then 14 minutes, then they stop. I don't know if that's normal or not. They hurt, but they are bearable at least.

I went to labor and delivery yesterday morning because my contractions were really strong and I was having a lot of them. They checked me and monitored Tristan. I'm 2 cm dilated and 90% effaced. There were no problems with me or Tristan, which is good, but they sent me home and told me to come back in when my contractions are four to five minutes apart and I need to time them for an hour.

That was discouraging to say the least. I was really hoping that was true labor, but I guess it wasn't. I hope he comes before my next appointment on the 2nd. My friend, Tannin, told me that her midwife had her take primrose oil tablets to help get labor going. The primrose oil softens your cervix apparently. It's all natural, 100% safe, and no icky side effects like castor oil. So I'm going to try that and see if it helps.

Come on baby boy! I know it's warm and snug in there, but we all love you and want to meet you and hold you. Come out into the world!

And The Waiting Game Continues...

I went to the doctor today. She checked me and I'm still 1.5 cm dilated and 80% effaced, so she stripped my membranes again! I was really hoping I would have better news this week. I've been trying everything to induce labor. Well, except castor oil, but I refuse to do that.

I have been having stronger contractions since my OB stripped my membranes again, but they aren't consistent at all. They are still really sporadic. =( Ash and I are going to go for a long walk tomorrow and see if we can't help him come out. He is just a really stubborn baby I guess. There is nothing wrong with either one of us. He just wants to stay in there.

I have another appointment scheduled for September 2nd. My doctor said that if I am still pregnant by then we are going to schedule an induction. Please come out before then, Tristan! I don't know if I can handle another week. Everyone keep your fingers crossed!

Why is it...

... That anytime Robbie and I help one of our siblings out that they take complete advantage of us and use us as fucking doormats!?

My brother has been living with us since April. He's going to school full time and working part time. He needed a room to rent, so Robbie and I offered our guest bedroom in our house for $250 a month plus $100 a month for food. Not bad considering I don't make him pay utilities. I had no issue with that until I realized what an ungrateful bastard he is!

He rarely pays rent on time. He'll pay it a week late, or later some months. He knows that I won't just throw him out into the streets because I'm his sister, so he takes advantage of that. He never seems to have money to pitch in for food, but he always seems to have enough to go to Salt Lake and go clubbing with his friends. Oh, but he has no problem raiding our fridge and eating all of the food that we pay for!

My in-laws got us some fried chicken tonight so we didn't have to cook. Before Robbie and I even have a chance to help ourselves my brother takes four pieces. Plus, he eats like eight times a day. What the fuck!?

And don't even get me started on him helping around the house. The only thing he'll do without being asked is the dishes. He doesn't actually clean the kitchen, just the dishes. I guess he expects me or Robbie to finish the half-assed job he does. I ask him to keep the guest bathroom clean and he can't manage to do that either. Grrr!!! >=(

Most of you are probably wondering if I've talked to him about all of this. You bet your ass I have. Multiple times in fact. I tried to be nice at first, but then I finally had to get mean and blunt about it. That changed things for about a week and then he starts doing the same shit over again!

What do you guys think I should do? Should I kick his ass to the curb? I'm really starting to think so. Tristan is coming soon and we'll need every penny we can get to stay afloat until I go back to work since I'm only getting 60% of my normal pay. My brother is actually costing us money rather than saving us money, so financially kicking him out would be the best option, but do I want to deal with the bullshit from my family? Help?

Tristan's Nursery

Finally! Tristan's nursery is all done! I'm really happy with the way it turned out. Here are the pics...

39 Weeks

"Your baby's waiting to greet the world! He continues to build a layer of fat to help control his body temperature after birth, but it's likely he already measures about 20 inches and weighs a bit over 7 pounds, a mini watermelon. (Boys tend to be slightly heavier than girls.) The outer layers of his skin are sloughing off as new skin forms underneath."

Tristan Jude Randall, please come out now. You are fully developed, healthy, and you've already dropped, but I'm still only 1.5 cm dilated and 80% effaced. Why must you tease me like this? It really is okay to come out. We all want to meet you!

I went to the doctors office yesterday morning and my OB stripped my membranes (OUCH!) to make contractions start, but nothing has happened yet. Although she did say it could happen within 24 to 48 hours so there is always tomorrow, I guess.

I am so ready to give birth! My hospital bag is packed and ready to go, Tristan's nursery is all done (pics are soon to come), his car seat is installed, I am officially on maternity leave... it's time.

Everyone hope and pray that I go into labor this weekend. I really don't want to be induced if I can help it. =/ Here are my 39 week and hopefully my last pregnant belly pics. Enjoy!

New Car!

We got a new car! It's a white 2008 Chevy Equinox LT AWD! We traded in our mustang and alero to get it. It's what we needed to do. We needed a four door car and it's going to save us money on monthly car payments and insurance. We're selling Robbie's 1968 Buick LeSabre for $1,000 then we're going to use that money to pay cash for a Thunderbird that Robbie wants. So we'll have two cars, but only one payment. Woot! Our car looks like this...

Guessing Game!

Anyone want to guess when Tristan will make an appearance? Robbie and I are both thinking the 22nd at this point. Let the guessing begin!

Still Pregnant at 38 Weeks 1 Day Gestation

Your baby has really plumped up. He weighs about 6.8 pounds and he's over 19 1/2 inches long (like a leek). He has a firm grasp, which you'll soon be able to test when you hold his hand for the first time! His organs have matured and are ready for life outside the womb.

Wondering what color your baby's eyes will be? You may not be able to tell right away. If he's born with brown eyes, they'll likely stay brown. If he's born with steel gray or dark blue eyes, they may stay gray or blue or turn green, hazel, or brown by the time he's 9 months old. That's because a child's irises (the colored part of the eye) may gain more pigment in the months after he's born, but they usually won't get "lighter" or more blue. (Green, hazel, and brown eyes have more pigment than gray or blue eyes.)

38 weeks and 1 day pregnant and I am still playing the waiting game. I know that I'm not due for another 13 days, but I am ready now! I also know it's not up to me. Tristan will come when he is ready, but I am so impatient! I'm sure everyone is sick of hearing about it from me by now, but it's really hard to concentrate on anything else.

I've been having really strong Braxton Hicks contractions, but they are not close enough together to be considered true labor. Now is the time when I should be catching up on sleep, but it's almost impossible when you sleep on a queen sized bed with a husband, two dogs, and the summer heat. Even when the swamp cooler is on full blast I'm still too hot. I am so miserable! I just keep telling myself it won't be long now and all of this will be worth it.

My OB checked me on Friday. I am now 80% effaced, but I am still only 1.5 cm dilated. It's a little discouraging, but the doctor still thinks that I'm going to go into labor before my due date. At this point I'm trying all sorts of things to make dilation progress faster. I'm walking up and down the stairs a lot, having sex, etc. So we'll see if any of that helps.

I started nesting this weekend. Everyone says that's a sign that he will be here soon. I sure hope so. It is nice to feel this energized for once. I've been so worn out and tired the last few weeks.

Robbie won't let me do much as far as cleaning goes because my feet are so swollen. Don't worry. I got checked for Preeclampsia and Toxemia and I don't have either disease. Tristan is just putting so much pressure on the lower half of my body that it is restricting some blood flow to my legs. My doctor told me to take it easy and keep my feet up as much as possible, which is so frustrating right now! I know it's important that I do what she says though, so I'm being a good girl.

I'll keep everyone updated and let you know once I go into labor for real. LOL! I can't wait!

Weeks 37-Delivery (Month 9): Watermelon

"At week 37, your pregnancy is considered full term, meaning baby is likely to thrive after birth. Baby spends these last weeks in preparation for the outside world… meaning careful refinement of the blink, suck, inhale and exhale. Meconium, which you’ll probably find in the first diaper, is accumulating in the intestines. If (okay, as) you worry about giving birth, consider what it’s like for the little one. During the journey out of your womb, baby will produce more stress hormones than any other time in life."

I am officially full term today! Yay! I can have him at any time and he will most likely be healthy and thrive. I feel like I've reached a huge milestone.

I went to the doctor yesterday. She checked me and I'm 1.5 cm dilated and 70% effaced! I know that could mean a short time to delivery, or a long time, but I'm still really excited. It's nice to know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel and that I'll be holding Tristan in my arms within three weeks.

I've been feeling a lot of pressure on my cervix the last few days and it's been a lot harder to do simple things like walk and change positions. My doctor confirmed yesterday that my baby has dropped into the birth canal. I think the fact that he is as big as a watermelon is very appropriate because I feel like I am carrying a watermelon between my legs. The pressure is intense, but at least I can breathe now. LOL!

Since Tristan has dropped, my doctor thinks that I'll be going into labor sooner than later now, but there is no way to tell for sure. I'll just continue to play the waiting game. The important thing is that he and I are doing really well. His heart rate is at 130 BPM, he is still moving around all of the time. I don't have Group B Strep, Gestational Diabetes, Preeclampsia, or any other serious pregnancy complications. Everything is going so well.

Hurry, Tristan! We can't wait to see your cute little face. =)

36 Weeks Pregnant

"Your baby is still packing on the pounds — at the rate of about an ounce a day. He now weighs almost 6 pounds (like a crenshaw melon) and is more than 18 1/2 inches long. He's shedding most of the downy covering of hair that covered his body as well as the vernix caseosa, the waxy substance that covered and protected his skin during his nine-month amniotic bath. Your baby swallows both of these substances, along with other secretions, resulting in a blackish mixture, called meconium, will form the contents of his first bowel movement.

At the end of this week, your baby will be considered full-term. (Full-term is 37 to 42 weeks; babies born before 37 weeks are pre-term and those born after 42 are post-term.) Most likely he's in a head-down position. But if he isn't, your practitioner may suggest scheduling an "external cephalic version," which is a fancy way of saying she'll try to coax your baby into a head-down position by manipulating him from the outside of your belly."

28 days left until my due date! Aaaahh!!! I'm so nervous. I'm going to be a mom in less than one month. I feel so unprepared. There are still so many things we need to get for him. I know everything will turn out okay and that I'm probably just over reacting, but I worry we won't have everything we need in time.

I had my 36 week appointment yesterday. My OB said they aren't going to check me to see if I am dilated until my next appointment which is on August 7th. She did do the Group B Strep test though. That appointment literally took like ten minutes. The shortest one I've ever had. I guess that's good though, right? That means nothing bad is happening.

His heart rate is good at about 135 BPM and I'm measuring at 35 1/2 cm which is where I'm supposed to be. He isn't too big, or too small, just average. My blood pressure is 92 over 58 which is also normal. My OB thinks I'm going to be pregnant up to my due date if not a few days longer, so I guess we'll see what happens.

I can't wait to meet my little guy. I will admit that I am nervous and a little scared, but I am also really happy and excited. My life is going to change forever, but it will be for the better.

30 Days!

30 days until my due date! I am so excited!!! Just had to share. =)

Prego Pics

These are the pics my sister-in-law took of us yesterday. I love them! She is going to take some more on August 8th! Woot!!! Let me know what you think. =)

35 Week Belly Shots

35 Weeks

"Your baby doesn't have much room to maneuver now that he's over 18 inches long and tips the scales at 5 1/4 pounds (pick up a honeydew melon). Because it's so snug in your womb, he isn't likely to be doing somersaults anymore, but the number of times he kicks should remain about the same. His kidneys are fully developed now, and his liver can process some waste products. Most of his basic physical development is now complete — he'll spend the next few weeks putting on weight."

Only five weeks left until my due date! That's 35 days! I'm getting closer and closer to being a mom. He might even come sooner. As long as he is born between 37 and 40 weeks he is considered full term, so he could be here in as little as two weeks. Aaaaah!!! I can't wait! =)

We have almost everything we need to finish Tristan's nursery. We set up his crib yesterday, we have his swing, his pack and play, his bassinet, and changing table. His dresser, my rocking chair, and his bedding are in the mail, so they should be here soon. It's all coming together. I'll post some pics of his nursery when it's all done. =)

It's starting to get real now. I'm going to have a baby boy in a month. Starting next Friday I will be going to see my OB every week until Tristan is born. I'm ready for him. Come out, come out! We want to meet you!!! =)

34 Weeks

"Your baby now weighs about 4 3/4 pounds (like your average cantaloupe) and is almost 18 inches long. His fat layers — which will help regulate his body temperature once he's born — are filling him out, making him rounder. His skin is also smoother than ever. His central nervous system is maturing and his lungs are continuing to mature as well. If you've been nervous about preterm labor, you'll be happy to know that babies born between 34 and 37 weeks who have no other health problems generally do fine. They may need a short stay in the neonatal nursery and may have a few short-term health issues, but in the long run, they usually do as well as full-term babies."

I have 41 days left until my due date, so just over a month. I wish that time was here. I am so ready to be done. The summer heat is brutal! I had to open my baby shower gifts outside yesterday and it was over 100 degrees! I thought I was going to pass out.

Speaking of my baby shower, with the exception of the scorching heat, it turned out really nice. A lot of people showed up and we got a lot of Tristan's essentials which makes me and Robbie very grateful and happy. There are still some big ticket items that we need to go buy, but not as much as I thought.

I just found out yesterday that my dad and step-mom bought all of the furniture for Tristan's nursery that we don't have yet. We should be receiving it in the mail within a few days. So that means that we'll be getting his dresser, my rocking chair, and his bedding. I don't know what came over my dad because he usually isn't that generous, but I am so thankful that he's doing that for us.

I find it impossible to get comfortable these days no matter what I do. I can't breathe, I can't sleep, I have the worst heartburn, my lower back hurts if I sit for too long, which isn't good for me since I work at a desk job. I just keep telling myself that I have less than six weeks to go now and it will be so worth it once Tristan is born and I can hold him in my arms.

The good news is I have all of my appointments scheduled up until expected delivery. =) I only have to see a different doctor at my next one, July 31st, since my OB is on vacation till August 4th, but after that I'll be seeing my doc the rest of the time. Hopefully Tristan will decide to stay put until she gets back.

Jenny didn't take my pregnancy pics yesterday like we had planned, but I'll post some pics of my 34 week belly soon. I'll keep you all posted. =)

Today Is The Day...

...That I am going private. If you haven't sent me your e-mail address yet do it soon. =)

Guess Who Gets A Chihuahua? I do!!!

Yep, that's right. My aunt is moving and can't take him with her, so she is giving him to me! I am so excited!!! Look at how cute he is. He is 3 years old, weighs 3 pounds, he is potty trained, great with kids, babies, and other animals.

We've been wanting another dog for Chili to play with for awhile and for some reason he only likes small dogs. Don't ask me why. The only reason I can think of is it must be a dominance thing. I think I'm going to either pick him up on Monday, or my aunt is going to bring him to me at my baby shower next weekend. YAY!!!

The only problem is I need to come up with a name for this cutie pie. Any ideas for names for a male chihuahua? Go ahead and leave me a comment! =)

Weeks 33-36 (Month 8): Honeydew

"Baby’s senses are continuing to improve -- when light peeks in through your (extremely) stretched belly, those tiny eyelids and irises blink and dilate. And, baby can now recognize and react to simple songs… time to start practicing your lullabies! Growth (at least inside your womb) is starting to slow, and you may notice baby descend into your pelvis at the end of this month."

Holy crap! Tristan is now the size of a honeydew and he's going to get bigger! That is so crazy to me. Somewhere between 4 and 8 weeks I am going to be a mom. It is coming so fast and I don't feel prepared at all. The baby shower with my friends is at my house today and the one with my family is next weekend at my aunt's house, so hopefully that will help a lot. Then I will know what else I need to buy for my little guy.

My ribs and back have been feeling much better. I had my last physical therapy appointment yesterday and she did some more work on my ribs and spine. I was really sore afterwards, but now I feel amazing. She said that if the pain gets really bad again I just need to call. I'm so grateful my OB referred me to her, or I would still be in excruciating pain not knowing what to do with myself.

When Tristan moves I can see little feet, little knees, little elbows, and sometimes little hands trying to poke through my belly. LOL! He is doing so well. My next appointment with my OB is in three days. The appointments are always so short, but I look forward to hearing his heartbeat each time I go. That's my favorite sound in the world at the moment.

I'll be going on maternity leave in six more weeks! YAY!!! My last day will be August 21st and I will be going back October 19th. Well, as long as everything goes according to plan and Tristan doesn't decide to make an appearance before then. LOL! I am getting so anxious and excited! I can't wait to meet him!!! =)

Officially Going Private

Okay, I will be going private within the next week. So, that means that if you want to continue to read my blog then you need to send me your e-mail address by July 12, 2009. I'm going to have to go with my good friend, Ash, on this one. I don't want people I do not know reading about my pregnancy and my son's life once he is brought into the world. So get me those e-mail addresses a.s.a.p. or you won't be able to read the blog of Sunny and Tristan anymore.

32 Weeks Gestation

"By now, your baby weighs 3.75 pounds and is about 16.7 inches long, taking up a lot of space in your uterus. You're gaining about a pound a week and roughly half of that goes right to your baby. In fact, he'll gain a third to half of his birth weight during the next 7 weeks as he fattens up for survival outside the womb. He now has toenails, fingernails, and real hair (or at least respectable peach fuzz). His skin is becoming soft and smooth as he plumps up in preparation for birth."

I'm 32 weeks pregnant today. There are only 8 weeks left until my due date. Even though I've been pregnant since November I still think, "Oh, my God! I'm pregnant!" everyday. When I roll out of bed (yes, literally roll), when I look at my ever growing belly in the mirror, when I feel him move around, or see his little foot when he is kicking me, I still can't believe it.

I think I'm feeling that more so now because in a few short weeks I will be a mom and I will be responsible for this little person's life. It's really exciting, but also nerve wracking and scary at the same time. I worry about money like most new parents do, but I also have to raise him, teach him, care for him 24/7.

It's overwhelming when I think about it. I just try to think positive and know that everything will work out and that I'll be the best parent I can be to Tristan. I can't wait to meet this baby boy that has been growing inside of me for the last 8 months. =)

Physical Therapist Appointment

I went to see the physical therapist my OB referred me to today and can I just tell you how much better I feel? My rib wasn't dislocated, but two of them were shifting and well on there way to being dislodged out of place according to the PT. She moved them back to where they are supposed to be, which hurt like hell, but not near as bad as it would have hurt if she had to pop a rib or two back into place.

She showed me some exercises to do that will help keep my ribs in place and help eliminate the pain as well. I did them in her office today and they made a world of difference. It's the first time I've had relief from the pain in over a week. She wants me to do the exercises twice a day for the next week and then she wants to see me one more time just to make sure that I'm not in pain and that my ribs are staying where they should.

My next appointment with her is on Friday, July 10th, then I go see my OB four days after that. This month is being filled with more appointments than I originally planned, but I don't mind at all. I can move without being in tears again. LOL! I'll keep you all updated as I get closer and closer to my due date. =)

Dislocated Rib!

I went to my doctor today for a routine check up and it didn't go the way I expected. Tristan is doing great. He is measuring at 31 weeks and he is very active and strong. So strong in fact that he dislocated one of my ribs.

I have been in excruciating pain for the last week. It started in my upper back and wrapped around to the front of my rib cage. I thought it was just normal back pain.

My OB examined me. At first I didn't feel any pain, then she pressed on the dislocated rib and I wanted to scream it hurt so bad.

She told me what happened and let me know it's very common in pregnancy. She referred me to a physical therapist that specializes in pregnant women. I have an appointment with her tomorrow to see if she can pop the rib back into place. The problem is there is nothing I can do for the pain till then.

So I'm just lying here in bed trying to keep the pressure off of the rib. Robbie is being so nice and cleaning the house right now. I have never felt pain like this. I can't wait till my appointment tomorrow.

31 Weeks

"This week, your baby measures over 16 inches long. He weighs about 3.3 pounds (try carrying four navel oranges) and is heading into a growth spurt. He can turn his head from side to side, and his arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath his skin. He's probably moving a lot, too, so you may have trouble sleeping because your baby's kicks and somersaults keep you up. Take comfort: All this moving is a sign that your baby is active and healthy."

He is kicking a lot! His kicks are up high now so I'm guessing he is in the head down position which is where he needs to be. I'll probably find out more at my next appointment on Tuesday.

Apparently all of his organs are fully functional except for his lungs now although his brain is still growing. I've been trying to continue to eat healthy, but all of my pregnancy cravings involve fried foods, ice cream, and sushi! All are things I shouldn't be eating a lot of if at all. Stupid cravings. At least Robbie is helping me resist the temptation. LOL!

I'm down to a single digit countdown now...9 weeks to go and I will be a mom! =)

30 Weeks Pregnant

As of yesterday I am 30 weeks pregnant. Only 10 weeks left! My due date is getting so close. Robbie and I have started guessing when Tristan will actually arrive. Robbie thinks that he will be one week early, August 22nd. I think he is going to be six days late, September 4th. I hope Robbie is right, but I just have this feeling that he won't be in a hurry to come out into the world.

Since yesterday morning I have had the worst back pain that just won't go away no matter what I do. It hurts so bad and I can't find any relief. I've taken Tylenol and that doesn't help at all. I put a hot pad on it when I'm home, but as soon as I take it off it hurts again. I don't know what to do. =(

My next appointment is on June 30th. After that I have to start going in every two weeks. Ahh! I still can't believe that it's almost time. It's so surreal.

Everything is going fantastic so far. Tristan moves around everyday, I'm doing great, I've had a very normal pregnancy, and I am so glad. Here are my 30 week baby bump pics. Enjoy! =)