He is here!

It has been over a month, so I thought I might need to update you all! First, let me tell you about his birth. On Thursday morning at about 9 a.m., June 2, I received a call from Dr. Whitten's nurse and she had a change of hear. The nurse said she the doctor would put me in and "make a plan". I was thrilled, and suprised! Joey and rushed around to get ready and told the kids he would come back for them once we knew more.


At the hospital, my nurse was Tammy P., a friend of mine. What the Dr. Whitten decided, once she came in to check me, was to give me Cervadil. It is a medication designed to thin the cervix. She also said that once they put it in, I would have to lay flat for two hours. Until midnight, I could only eat Jello. After midnight, no food! Those two hours were not fun, especially for my bladder! That afternoon Joey went to get the boys and they came by to see me for a while before their game. All through this, I had contractions (which I had been having for days), but they got stronger as the day went on.


At midnight, they started Pitocin. My cervix had thinned slightly and I had dilated to "a good two". I knew the Pitocin would be no fun, but I was ready for him to get here! They told us that around mid-morning, we would have a baby. I knew it was worth it. As I guessed, the contractions got stronger quickly. Jameson decided he did not like the contractions and his heart rate dipped each time I had a contraction. They had also noticed this earlier. After about three hours, they stopped the Pitocin. The contractions, however, did not stop. At about six a.m. they gave me an epidural. That was a great relief!


The doctor came in about 7:00 to check me. She told me that they would try to the Pitocin again to see how Jameson would handle it. Dr. Whitten warned me that if he did not do better, they would have to do a c-section. They said he may not be able to handle the stress of laboring all day and then delivery. Thirty minutes later they stopped the Pitocin and told me that we would probably have to have a c-section. After a few minutes, they confirmed it. I was upset and was afraid it was my fault for having them induce me. They assured me that it was not my fault, but I was still really nervous. They got me ready and it all seemed to happen very quickly. I do remember that the anesthesiologist was named Buddy because we made jokes about Buddy the Elf!

During surgery, I could feel much tugging and pulling. At some point I remember feeling some pain in my chest, but otherwise it was pain free. Joey sat behind me the whole time. I can remember hearing the doctor say, "There he is." I saw him briefly as soon as he was born and I started crying when I heard him cry for the first time. Joey got him and brought him to me. As soon as he heard my voice, his eyes popped open very wide and Joey laughed. I couldn't believe all the hair he had and how little he was! He weighed only 7lbs 12 oz and was 20.25 inches long. Immediately I noticed that he looked like Justin.

Joey then took him to the nursery and the boys got to see him. I was sewn up and moved to my room. Everything was very hazy for a while. The nursery brought him to me pretty soon and the boys got to come in and hold him. I know some other people came in and out that afternoon, but I was very out of it. I was surprised by how major a surgery it turned out to be.

After a couple of hours I was moved to a regular room in the mother/baby section. Again, many people were in and out. I felt terrible and at one point thought I was going to be sick. They gave me plenty of pain medicine, but I still hurt pretty badly. Jameson did not sleep very well that night and it was possibly because he was a bit overstimulated from being passed around too much. They decided to limit the visitors the next day so we could rest better. We got to stay in the hospital for a few more days and each day I could move a little better. Jameson was just perfect and I loved looking at him. I still do!

One thing that has surprised me over the past month is how wonderful Jackson and Justin are with Jameson. They want to hold him and kiss him all the time. It is so sweet and it makes my heart feel so full. Jameson does little but eat and sleep. The only "trick" he can do is stick his tongue out when someone sticks their tongue out at him. We had his picture taken last week, although a bit late for newborn pictures. It just took some time for us to adjust and get used to our new normal!

Recently, we made the decision that I would apply for a one year leave of absence. It was a difficult decision. We really feel that this was all part of God's plan. It took us a while to get pregnant and Joey got a new job that could allow me stay home. Also, this school year will be very difficult for Justin. It just seems meant to be. Now we will wait to see if my leave is approved. The first 12-weeks is covered by FMLA, but I plan to help get everything ready for the new school year.

So, welcome to the world Jameson Carter South! I can't wait to see how you change the world!

Goodbye Due Date...

It has been quite some time since I have written. There are a couple of reasons for that. First, I was super busy with end of school stuff. Even though I missed the last several days, I still had to grade papers and projects. Then I had to get them all in on time, turn in my gradebook, do state reporting, etc. The second reason is that I've been so down about Jameson not being here.

We have tried nearly every old wives tale and piece of advice given to us to try to get Jameson here. Pineapple, spicy food, walking, swimming, Castor oil, jumping jacks, cabbage, balsamic vinegar, squats, galloping like a horse, riding on bumpy roads, plus those things I won't mention because kids might read this! I'm sure there are other things we've tried that I just can't think of right now. Nothing has worked; he simply is not ready to be born. My daddy says that he can hear everything that is going on and is too scared to come out!

I have become a hermit and do not get out often. Part of the reason is that I cannot handle the comments. "You've been pregnant forever." "You still haven't had that baby?" Trust me, people, if I could have had him by now, I would have. The other reason is that I am very uncomfortable and have to go to the bathroom about every 15 seconds. I'm not sure everyone understands. Being nice and hospitable isn't really something I can do right now! Luckily, Joey is so super nice to people that he makes up for me!

It has been great to have some time at home with Joey and the boys. We have really enjoyed the pool. It is the only place I feel a relief from all the pressure. When I get out, though, it is an adjustment and it takes a while to get my land legs back. It must be how astronauts feel after being in space. We have eaten dinner outside several nights and the weather has been perfect.

My doctor's appointment was yesterday. This is my second week to see the C.N.M. She is definitely NOT Dr. Davis. To be perfectly honest, I broke down yesterday at the appointment. I am still dilated to 1 cm and not thinned at all. I have been this way for a month despite having many contractions. When I mentioned inducing to her, she talked to the doctor that was there and she didn't want to do it. She has already induced several of Dr. Davis' patients and something went wrong with one of them. She is a bit "gun shy" now. Dr. Davis comes back Monday, so Jameson will definitely be here by sometime next week!

The "Guess the Date" calendar is almost obsolete. It only goes through Saturday, Annette's birthday. She really wants him to be born on her birthday, as does Justin! I never thought I would make it this far and this is the longest I have ever been pregnant. Even going by my original due date, June 2, I still have surpassed the time I carried Jackson and Justin.

Part of the reason I am so upset about him not being here is that I only have a short time to spend with him this summer because of our school calendar. People have said all along that I timed his birth date well, but to me it is terrible. I will not get the typical 12 weeks unless I miss part of the school year. Missing the end of the year is very different than missing the beginning. It would be very difficult to miss the beginning of the year and a new group of students. Each day that passes is one less day I have to spend with him.

This has been a long post, but I had much to say! Hopefully the next time I write, I will have Jameson by my side!

Full Moon - No Baby!

It is about 9:45 pm on the night of the full moon...no baby in sight! Though I was hoping the old wives tale would ring true, it isn't looking good. Jameson will come when he is good and ready! I put a calendar on Facebook for my friends to guess my due date. It has been fun to see everyone's guess. Today was my father's guess. Sorry, Daddy, it isn't going to happen. Tomorrow is my mother-in-law's guess. Let's keep our fingers crossed!

I've still not dilated any further, but the baby looks good. The estimated weight at the ultrasound yesterday was 6lb. 14oz. That is smaller than I expected! Of course, he has plenty of time to grow. The appointment was bittersweet because it was the last time I will see Dr. Davis. She is going on a mission trip and will be out for a few weeks. Dr. Davis told me she would assign me to a doctor, not a nurse-midwife as originally scheduled. I'm anxious to meet the doctor, so I will feel comfortable when the big day arrives!

Yesterday was my last day to work. It just became too hard and I was crying midmorning everyday. I was very sad to say goodbye to my homeroom because they are graduating. If at all possible, I hope to make it to graduation.

I will probably become more of a hermit than usual now that I'm not working. Part of the reason is that I'm really tired of hearing, "You haven't had that baby yet?" And there are still those people who think it is okay to touch my belly. Ugh. I think I just hate to be the center of attention. The belly naturally draws attention and it makes me very uncomfortable. I'm such a private person! The good news is that each day brings me a little closer to holding my little bundle of joy!

Full-Term Baby!

Jameson is officially full-term now that we are at 37 weeks! He can come anytime he is ready; I am definitely ready! Actually, I'm not necessarily ready to have him or just super tired of being pregnant, I'm just ready to rest. Between baseball and work, I have no time to rest. Enough complaining, though, right?

Today was my regular weekly doctor visit. I was not dilated any further, so there was no exciting news. She did tell me that anytime I was ready to take off, they would sign the papers. She told me that I have made it farther than most other people. Hooray for me! I am setting short-term goals for myself. My next goal is next Monday. If I can make it past Monday then I can avoid the paperwork involved with taking an official FMLA leave. If I make it that far, I will set a new goal.

HOWEVER, next Tuesday is a full moon! It will be very close to Taylor's big weekend, so I hope I can wait until after then. Having him Tuesday or Wednesday will knock me out of both things she has going on. I know from experience with Justin that pushing myself too fast is not a good idea.

We tried for so long to get pregnant and everyone keeps telling me that my timing was perfect (considering I am a teacher and it is almost summer). My response is always that it was not our time, it was God's time. I know that Jameson's arrival will also be in God's time and it will be perfect!

Closer and Closer!

This past week has been pretty great! The house is finally getting put back together after painting and Jameson's room is done. We are as ready as we can get. Well, maybe we are physcially ready, but I'm not sure if we are emotionally ready!

Jackson was in The Wizard of Oz this past weekend at school and he did a great job. I'm glad he is so well-rounded and enjoys lots of things like reading, sports, drama, singing, etc. Justin seems to be changing daily. He is really maturing lately and just looks older! He has been such a great helper whenever we have needed something put together for Jameson or his room.

I "get" to start going to the doctor twice a week. One day I do the non-stress test and see the doctor. The other day is a biophysical profile or another non-stress test. The biophysical profile is an ultrasound where they look at his breathing, movements, heartrate, and amniotic fluid. Today was the day I did the non-stress test and saw Dr. Davis. She said the test looked perfect today. She also said I was dialated 1 centimeter. That means we are getting ready, but it could still be a month away. I asked her what she thinks and she said it is too soon to tell. She did mention that a lot had changed since last week. She goes out of the country May 23 and she hopes I will have him before then. We will see!

Readying the Nest!

We are trying desperately to get the house ready for Jameson. It is amazing how much needs to be done for a tiny infant. It doesn't all need to be done, but I would feel better if it was! One major accomplishment was painting. The kitchen, foyer, downstairs bathroom, upstairs hallway, and all three bedrooms upstairs were finally painted. That is something that has been needed since we moved in! They all look great; thank you to Whitwell Painting! The problem now is that everything is a mess! We are attempting to get it all back together, but finding time between work, school, ball practice, play practice, ball games, and doctor appointments, is difficult!

I think we finally have all the major things we really need. We bought a little bassinet type thing tonight and some storage baskets. We also got the pacifiers I have been looking for and a Snugli. The boys needed another bookshelf in the playroom, so we bought them one. Joey says I will think of something else and I'm sure I will!

I had my weekly appointment today. I had the non-stress test first (as usual). As soon as she got Jameson's monitor on me, he started hiccuping. It was so cute! His heart rate dipped a little lower than they would like a couple of times, so I had an ultrasound. It wasn't a regular one and we never really saw anything more than his spine and neck. They said my fluid was a little low, so I will get another ultrasound next week. Next week I also start going to the doctor twice a week. After my four hour visit today, I'm not looking forward to going twice each week! On a positive note, I have officially made it farther than I did with Justin!

Storms came through our area last night and today. There were many tornadoes spotted, but no one I know was seriously hurt. They cancelled school today because of it, which means I did not have to use another sick day! I'm trying to save as many as possible.

Jackson is in the high school play this weekend, The Wizard of Oz. I can't wait and I know he will make a fabulous munchkin and flying monkey. Follow the yellow brick road!

Six Weeks....More or Less!

We had a wonderful time at our little shower that Ronnie and Annette threw for us. It was a great time and it was nice just to visit with family and celebrate Jameson's upcoming arrival!

I can certainly tell that it is getting closer. The aches and pains are really starting to get to me, as is my lack of patience! Joey and the boys can probably testify to this better than I because they have to put up with me. I went to the doctor yesterday for a check-up and non-stress test. I have actually been going every week for a couple of weeks for a non-stress test. Jameson didn't want to cooperate yesterday and I had to stay hooked up to the monitors for about 45 minutes. I saw the doctor later and she wants me to start taking off each Wednesday. Because of my history of preterm labor, she doesn't want me working more than a day or two at a time. Teaching is much more physically and mentally demanding than many realize. This time of year is especially tough because the students are antsy and ready for summer. ME TOO!

Little League is now in full swing. Judge Matthews won their second regular season game! This was their first win since 2009! After the game last night (in which both boys did awesome), Justin started complaining about his stomach. By the time we got home, he couldn't even walk. I have never seen him in so much pain, so I made Joey take him to the emergency room. Appendicitis was my concern and that's what they thought at the ER. Fortunately he had something called Mesenteric Lymphadenitis, which is not very serious. After some pain medication, he was fine and we spent the day together. Joey also worked from home today since he was up until about 2 a.m.

As my midweek reprieve comes to a close, I honestly don't feel very rested. I guess because we were up so late last night. At least I only have one more day before the long weekend! Happy Resurrection Day!

Dealing With Pregnant Women

I ran across a blog today called Almost a Dad (blog.almostadad.com). I was searching for a way to explain to Joey exactly what I am feeling. This was in response to him telling me it was "just hormones" because I was upset about all the running we have to do. I am TIRED. I struggle just to get through the work day, much less deal with all the other stuff after school. My feet constantly ache, my back and hips hurt, and I can't even think straight half the time. He then has the nerve to ask me, "why would you want to do it again?" Really? This is not meant to be a Joey-bashing post, but just a post explaining that people don't understand pregnant women. After reading through almost every page of that blog, I decided it would be a good idea for everyone who comes in contact with a pregnant woman to read it. I know I have said it before, but it is amazing what people will say to a pregnant woman. Just today I was walking down the hall and someone said, "waddle, waddle!" I smiled, but when she turned into a doorway I almost started crying. Here is a list of things NOT to say to me and an explanation of why. They are in no particular order; they are equally as insensitive. 7. Was this an accident? No, we have been trying for a long time. Don't assume that it was an accident just because it has been a while. 6. Oh, I bet you were hoping for a girl! Like I mentioned, we had tried for a while, so we are grateful for whatever God wants to give us. Also, I have dealt with enough teenage girls to know that I don't really like them all that much. Plus, I am not really a girly-girl. 5. Are you planning to work all school year? Yes, why wouldn't I? I can't afford to take off early. 4. You look like you are about to pop! Gee thanks. I feel bad enough without your insenstitive comments. 3. Can I touch your belly? Though I want to scream "NO", I am too polite and so I say yes and live through the akwardness. What exactly is the point? He probably won't be moving. Can I touch YOUR belly? I am a very private person and this just kills me. 2. How do you feel? Do you really want to know? I feel terrible, but if I share all of my aches and pains with you, it will just make both of us uncomfortable. Just know that most days I am exhausted and my back hurts. 1. You don't look like you feel good. Wow, thanks for pointing that out. I probably DON'T feel good and you just made me feel worse. As the weeks pass, I am feeling more and more exhausted and exasperated. I also am hungry! I am trying to eat smart so I don't get as big as a house, but I want to eat everything in sight! I keep telling myself that I only have 7 1/2 weeks left (or less). Let's hope I don't bite anyone's head off before then - literally.

Full Moon!

I had a great time last night with the ladies from my small group! We sat around and got to know each other. At some point a few of us were discussing how people get crazy during a full moon and Tammy, who is a labor and delivery nurse, said more babies are born. I thought it might be a good idea to look up when the full moon will be in May. It will be on May 17! That is very exciting! I would really like to make it through graduation at our school for several reasons. First, Taylor's graduation and senior dance recital is the 20th and 21st of May. Our final exams are the 23rd and 24th. Graduation is the 26th. My homeroom is a Senior homeroom and I have had these kids for four years. I would be sad if I didn't get to see them graduate! Ultimately, Jameson will come when he is ready! My nesting instinct seems to have kicked in, much to the dismay of the rest of my family. I have the overwhelming urge to get the house super clean and some remodeling. The boys have cleaned their room and I bought them both new comforters. I have Jameson's room cleaned out and all three rooms, along with the hallway, foyer, and kitchen, will be painted soon. We will also be putting in a dishwasher and french doors in the kitchen. The boys and I are giving the landscaping a major overhaul. Finally, we are covering part of the deck. Whew! I am tired just thinking about it all! These are all things that needed to be done, regardless of Jameson and any nesting instinct I might have. My hormones have just been the kick I needed to get it going!

Weebls wobble and they DO fall down!

I fell last Thursday. It wasn't a big deal because I caught myself with my arm and knee. As soon as I hit, though, I threw myself to the side due to the pain and hit my hip! People have asked what I was doing or what I tripped over. Nothing. I was getting ready for work and all of a sudden I was going down! I went to the doctor and they assured me I was fine. My back/hip was super sore on Friday, though.

This past weekend flew by and I beginning to think I am running out of time to get things done. The first major thing on my list is to get some rooms painted. Our friend Jonas owns his own painting business and he gave us a quote recently. In the next few weeks I hope he can come knock it all out. Next on the agenda would be making a list of what we have and what we need. I am having a small family shower in April so I guess I will wait until after that to buy anything.

We didn't want a full blown shower because we felt like it would be pretentious. Annette wanted to do something, so we are having a cook-out with immediate family. She told me the other day that someone asked her what to get us. My answer was, "NO CLOTHES!" People like to buy babies cute little outfits, but we have NOTHING and would love necessities! Frankly, we won't be going many places for the first couple of months and they just won't get used. We will be grateful for anything that we get, though.

Spring Break is in four days! I am really looking forward to it and hope to get some serious R&R!

Another Angel

As promised, I want to tell you about Justin's birth day.

I had been feeling like I had a little more discharge than usual (TMI - I know) all weekend. It honestly didn't seem like a big deal since my due date was still almost 6 weeks away. I tried to ignore it, but then I started having some strange pains on Sunday. After calling the doctor, they wanted me to come in. The doctor I was seeing at that time was in Franklin. After feeling my belly and listening to the heartbeat, they decided to check the extra fluid. The doctor, Dr. Williams, quickly walked out of the room. When he came back he told me that I was leaking amniotic fluid and Justin would have to be born immediately. He said if my water had been leaking all weekend, there was a great risk of infection. I was devastated and scared.

I called Joey immediately from the examination room to tell him I was going straight to the emergency room. He was working at home and needed to get Jackson dropped off with Annette. They moved me to L&D and I couldn't sit still. I just kept pacing the room. When I saw Joey get out of the elevator, I burst into tears.

I had wanted to have a natural birth this time, but very quickly they started the Pitocin. It made the contractions very painful and I gave in. The epidural they gave me was a "walking epidural" meaning it was very weak and I could still get up and move around. Finally after what seemed like an eternity, Justin was ready. And when I say ready, I mean he was READY! He did not want to wait for the doctor. The nurse actually was holding Justin's head so he wouldn't come out. When Dr. Williams came in he asked me how I was doing. I pointed down at the nurse and said, "She's hurting me!" He told her to leave me alone and I got ready to push. I pushed exactly twice and Justin was out. I felt really good, but I heard the doctor say, "Come on little fella - breathe." I waited anxiously to hear him cry. It seemed like forever, but I finally heard his little cry. He weighed 6lbs 4oz and was born at about 2:37 a.m. He was HUGE considering he was born 5 1/2 weeks early!

Shortly after taking him to get cleaned up, Joey came to tell me that they would be taking Justin to the Vanderbilt Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. His lungs weren't developed enough. I was so upset and I just cried and cried. They took me to see him before he left, but I never got to hold him. He looked so pitiful with all those tubes hooked up to him. I was moved to a regular room and made Joey go with Justin. I couldn't stand the thought of him being alone without one of us there. All I had was a little Polaroid they had taken of him.

I managed to get some sleep, but the next day all I did was pace the floor of the hallway. I was determined to leave ASAP and wanted to show the doctor I felt well enough to leave. When the doctor came in around lunch time, she did not want to let me leave yet. It had been less than 12 hours since he was born and she wanted me to have more time to recover. I begged her to let me go and she finally gave in. I was released at about 1 p.m. and Joey picked me up to go to Nashville. I can remember hurting so badly as I walked to his room that I had to hold on to the rail of the hallway to stand-up. I did finally get to see him and I was still devastated at how small he looked. I wanted to hold him so badly, but all I could do was rub his back or tummy. I did finally get to hold him the next day, but not very long.

We stayed at a hotel for a couple of nights, hoping to get in the Ronald McDonald house. We finally did and it was such a blessing to us. They had everything we needed and were so wonderful to us.

After about a week, I was at my breaking point. My Granny was on her death bed and the two events were more than I could take. I remember falling to my knees and begging God to help me. I just cried and prayed on my knees hoping He was listening. He was. When we went to see Justin that morning, he had moved to the NICU step-down. He had shown major improvement, but had two other problems. First, he could not regulate his temperature. Second, he was jaundiced. I remember telling the doctor that I would keep the house at 98 degrees if he would just let me take Justin home. Someone brought Jackson to see us almost every day and I really needed that. I am so grateful to Ronnie and Annette for being able to keep him for us.

Justin continued to show improvement, while my Granny worsened. Ten days after Justin was born, she passed away. I've heard people say they only got through tough times with God's help. This was definitely one of those times. I just don't think right now that I could ever be tough enough to deal with the situation again; there would be a nervous break-down involved. The day after she passed, the doctor gave us some good news. Justin could go home - the same day as Granny's funeral. It was ironic that as one life was leaving us, another was coming to us.

Justin had to sit in a car seat for two hours with his vitals measured before we could take him home. We left to go to Granny's funeral in Lawrenceburg. We then quickly headed back to get him. He was so tiny in that big seat. At this point he only weighed around 5 lbs.

One of my favorite pictures of the boys is when we all got home and Jackson got to finally hold his baby brother. His eyes were so wide and the look on his face was magical. They are so close now and I am so happy they have each other. I can't wait to take a similar picture when Jameson is born. Jackson and Justin will both be such great big brothers.

My threshold for stress is much lower now that I am older and I hope Jameson's birth is not as eventful as the other two!

One Born Every Minute

Joey and I have been watching a show on Lifetime that details the labor and delivery of three moms each week. Every week when we watch this, I cry and cry. I cry because I am excited, I cry because I scared, and I cry because I cry about everything! Joey and I nervously laugh, but we are both scared!

After watching the episode tonight, I wanted to write about what I remember about the boys being born. Tonight I will start with Jackson and I will save Justin for another night. With Jackson, my water broke at about 11 p.m. It wasn't just a little water like some people say. It started as a trickle and I ran to the bathroom. As soon as I walked in - WHOOSH! It was a gush! Because we were just kids ourselves, we were scared to death! I was not dilating at all, so they gave me Pitocin to help me along. This caused my contractions to be much more intense and I asked for the epidural pretty quickly.

I remember being irritated by everyone and everything. People would make small talk and I wanted to scream at them to shut up and get out. I was nice enough not to, though. I did get a little sleep at some point, which helped my mood. As Jackson moved he got caught on some nerve endings and I could still feel all the contractions in a spot about the size of a softball. The doctor had just about decided to do a c-section when Jackson decided he was ready to make his appearance. When it was time to push, Joey was helping me to keep pushing by counting to ten. I remember yelling at him that he was counting too slow. The nurse said that he was actually doing it about right.

After Jackson was born, with the help of a vacuum and a third degree tear, I got to hold him for just a moment. I kept saying "ohh, ohh". That's all I could say to him! As Joey took him to be weighed and measured, I started hemorrhaging. I remember Dr. Davis saying that she needed two pints of blood-stat. I was very scared. Joey said when he came back to the room they didn't want to let him in, but he told them he was going in anyway. I couldn't talk or move and I was shaking. Joey asked if I wanted to know how much the baby weighed and I couldn't answer. Dr. Davis told him to go ahead and tell me. Jackson weighed 8lbs 11 oz and was born at 5:23 p.m. Eventually I came around and was moved to my room. I remember the poor little fellow had a huge bruise on his arm where he was stuck for a bit (hence the vacuum). He was also jaundiced and was not released until about four days later. Luckily I got to stay with him because of everything I had went through.

The next day was my first Mother's Day. I remember holding him and saying that I never knew how much I could love someone so instantly.

Later I will tell you about Justin. That is another wonderful, yet slightly scary story. No wonder it took me eight years to talk Joey into having another child!

You've been pregnant forever!

We had a great check-up today! Another ultrasound revealed that he is slightly ahead of his original due date putting us at May 31. I like the sound of that! He currently weighs about 2 pounds and everything looked great. The ultrasound was scheduled because I had a low-lying placenta. It has moved and is fine now! My sugar, which was checked at the last appointment, is also good. I am supposed to keep checking it and if it is consistently in the 130s I am supposed to up one of my medications.

Now that I am getting bigger, the comments have started. "It seems like you have been pregnant for years!" "You waddle like a weebl!" "Gosh, how much longer?" Women seem to forget what it was like when they were pregnant and men have no clue. Joey told me today that he wouldn't mind a 12 pound baby. REALLY? That is probably because he does not have to carry or deliver such a little chunk.

On an off-topic note, we have lots of things going on right now that are not baby related. Thank goodness the fashion show at school is finally over! That has been a major source of stress to me for a long time. Now I have to get the kids ready for our state DECA competition. Some things are going on with Justin and school that is stressing us all. Joey has some things of his own going on. For those few of you that read this, please just keep us in your prayers!

I'm not done...but I am SOOO done!

Stress seems to be finding its way into every part of my life. I am just so tired that I don't have the energy to do anything. My brain seems to be AWOL lately too. Both of these factors have made my job really tough. Even though I have lesson plans, I feel lost every day. We have went over on our snow days, but they come as a nice breather.

I had my regular doctor's appointment the other day and my weight is finally "net". I am back to where I was before I got pregnant. I guess that isn't too bad. They did the glucose test and I will find out about it next week. The doctor thinks my sugar has been a little bit high and if it continues to be that way she is going to up one of my medications (Metformin). I go back in two weeks for another ultrasound. She wants me to do another because last time it appeared I have a "low lying placenta" and because of my "advanced maternal age".

It is so much fun to feel Jameson moving all the time. If he is as active outside the womb as he is inside the womb, we are in for a wild ride!

"Silent Night" in February

What a week this has been. For the first time this quarter, we are going to school all week. I was out Monday at the DECA regional competition, but it was still a full week of work. My body knows it and I have been slow moving the past couple of days.

I feel Jameson move all the time, but no one else has felt him yet. He is kicking, but there is a big layer of fat to kick through! It also seems that he stops moving almost every time Joey tries to feel him move. Yesterday I was again attempting to let Joey feel him kick, but he stopped moving. I told Joey that it made me mad that Jameson stops moving every time Joey tries to feel him moving. Justin leaned toward my stomach and said, "See? You aren't even born yet and you're already getting yelled at!" It was so funny!

Last night I was laying in bed and the boys came in to tell me good night (I have been going to bed before they do lately). Jackson was beside me on his stomach, but his head was near my stomach. Justin decided to get on Jackson's back and they wanted to sing to Jameson. It was so sweet! It was really sweet when they decided to sing Silent Night! I am so blessed.

A Letter to All-Non Pregnant People

We got to see Jameson again! I know I have really been feeling him lately. He moves very often, especially after a meal! The down-side of the visit was that Dr. Davis wants me to start checking my sugar. I've not had the glucose test where I have to drink the nasty orange drink; that comes at my visit on February 8. She is worried, though, because I am at risk with having PCOS. It is NOT fun! I have to check it first thing in the morning and two hours after each meal. By the end of the day my poor little finger hurts. I switch fingers each day, but OUCH!

I found the following letter on a message board I have joined. I thought it was really funny and wanted to post it somewhere. So here it is!

Dear Non-Pregnant Person,

I hope you find these guidelines helpful in your interactions with pregnant women as failing to follow them may result in serious physical harm. If you are thinking, surely she doesn't mean me- then you should probably read this twice.

1) The appropriate response to a couple telling you they are having a baby is "Congratulations!" with enthusiasm. Any other response makes you an ass (including, “Did you plan this?”)

2) Through the wonders of science, we now know that babies are made ONLY by the mother and father- not grandparents. Unless the baby is in your uterus or you are the man that helped put it there, you may not ever use the phrase "my baby".

3) On the same note, unless you made the baby as defined in 2, the pregnancy, birth and raising of the child are not about you. You do not have input. No one wants to hear your opinion unless they ask for it. The same goes for the name of the baby.

4) The body of a pregnant woman should be treated the same as any other body. You would not randomly touch someone's stomach if they were not pregnant, nor would you inquire into the condition of their uterus, cervix or how they plan to use their breasts. Pregnancy does not remove all traces of privacy from a woman.

5) Likewise, no woman wants to hear comments on her weight- ever. A pregnant woman does not find it flattering that you think she is about is pop, must be having twins, looks swollen or has gained weight in her face. Telling her she looks too small only makes her worry that she is somehow starving her baby. Making such comments invite her to critique your physical appearance, and you may not act offended. The only acceptable comment on appearance is "You look fabulous!".

6) By the time we are 20-30 years old, most of us have picked up on the fact that the summer is hot. We are hot every summer when we are not pregnant. We don't need you to point out that we will be miserably hot before the baby comes.

7) There is a reason that tickets to L&D are not yet sold on Ticketmaster. Childbirth is actually not a public event. It may sound crazy, but some women really do not relish the idea of their mother, MIL or a host of other family members seeing their bare butt and genitals. Also, some people simply feel like the birth of their child is a private and emotional moment to be shared only by the parents. Like everything else in life, unless you receive an invitation, you are NOT invited. This includes doctor appointments, ultrasounds, labor, delivery, the hospital and the parents home. You do not decide if you will be there for the birth or if you will move in with the new parents to "help out". If your assistance is desired, rest assured that you will be asked for it.

8) If you are asked to help after the birth, this means you should clean up the house, help with cooking meals, and generally stay out of the way. Holding the baby more than the parents, interfering with breastfeeding and sleeping schedules and making a woman who is still leaking fluid from multiple locations lift a finger in housework is not helping.

9) The only people entitled to time with the baby are the parents. Whether they choose to have you at the hospital for the birth or ask for you to wait three weeks to visit, appreciate that you are being given the privilege of seeing their child. Complaining or showing disappointment only encourages the parents to include you less.

I hope this helps- it sure makes us feel better.
Signed,
All Pregnant Women

A Journey Into Hip-Hop

As my belly continues to shake like a bowl full of jelly, I've decided I need to exercise. The biggest reason is that I cannot breathe! Walking gets me winded and makes my heart race. I wasn't in the greatest shape before God blessed us with Jameson. Hard to believe it, right?

So, I am going to try to exercise a little. I've looked at some prenatal videos but they all seem to be some type of yoga. This just isn't my cup of tea; I can do yoga on the wii (not that I would, but I could). While browsing at Target today (with a cherry icee in one hand and a bag of popcorn in the other), I decided to take a stroll down the exercise aisle. Joey and I looked at the videos and we were about to walk on when I saw it - cardio hip-hop. That sounded like fun so I decided to buy it. Joey wanted me to get another video that promised to make me look good naked. At this point I'm pretty sure there is no hope of looking good naked.

Walking away from the videos Joey said he wondered what the cashier would think when we went to the register. Would the cashier think it was for him or for me? I'm sure either option creates quite a comical mental picture.

Eager to try it, I put it in when we got home and asked the rest of the family to join me. The plan was to only go through the introduction that teaches the basic ten steps. No one volunteered to join in so I cleared the living room and got started. Did I mention that I am NOT in shape? About halfway through the learning portion I was ready to quit. What was I thinking??? I kept going, though and finished the learning portion.

Tomorrow night I plan to venture into the actual exercise portion. Wish me luck!

Snowed-In and Stir-Crazy!

We had a pretty big snow that cancelled school for a whole week. That normally would be great news for a teacher, but I'm kind of over it. I am ready to go back and get the new semester going! Jackson and Justin had fun playing in the snow although the second day it was super windy. They didn't stay out long that day. I have taken advantage of the boys going back after only two days out to relax. Two days I went to Buckheads and just relaxed over a long lunch. Ahhhh. Very nice....

Now I am ready to declare my resolutions for this year. These are basically my faults and how I plan to work on them:

1. I want to become less of a recluse. The longer I teach, the more introverted I become. I think it is because teaching is like acting and you have to be "on" all the time. When I am done, I am just exhausted!

2. I want to be less moody. Pregnancy hormones aside, I am pretty moody. I hate that feeling and so often I feel out of control when it comes to my moods. I know with God's help I can overcome this. It is especially difficult with my hormones raging right now and not being able to take some of my "crazy" medicine!

3. Tolerance. This is not the type of politically correct tolerance that we hear about. This is the type of tolerance that will allow me to look past the faults of others. Part of this goes back to me being moody, but not all of it. I know I have faults and I need to be more tolerant of the faults of others. This does not mean I want to take back my pet peeve list. It just means I will take a breath and look the other way instead of acting upon my feelings when those things happen!

4. Be a good mother and wife. Above and beyond everything else on this list, I want to be a better wife and mother. This means having more patience with the boys, doing a better job at cleaning and cooking, and paying more attention to Joey.

I'm sure there are a million other things that I can come up with and I will add them as I think of them. For now, I'm off to finish homework with the boys and cook supper. See - I am doing better already!

Back to School

The first week back after the break started out a bit rough! By the end of Tuesday (the day the students came back), my back was absolutely killing me! I didn't feel like I was going to have a good week. The next day, though, was great and so was the rest of the week. I felt good and my classes are really wonderful. I do have many school things going on, though, and it will be a busy month. The DECA competition is coming up on January 31 and the fashion show is on February 17. The good news is that it should make the next few weeks go by quickly.

I have felt Jameson moving quite a bit this week. His favorite thing to do is kick my bladder, especially when it is full. It is fun to feel him move and I won't complain!

Kraut and Weenies?

Now that I am well past my morning sickness, I have noticed some strange foods appealing to my palate. This is not to say that I have been eating alot; so far I've still not gained any weight. At least I am still not losing weight! Pregnant women are supposed to eat weird things, right?

Here are some of my latest cravings:

• Oranges: I eat them constantly! Jackson has become a master and quickly peeling them for me and we all enjoy them. If I have to drink juice instead, I prefer Tropicana to Minute Maid.
• Water: I can't seem to get enough of this either. This is a positive thing! I hope it continues.
• Caramel, pickles, and cheddar cheese. This was just a one time craving!
• Pickles, cheetos, and fudge. Another one time craving.

My latest strange entrée came today. Let me preface this by saying I hated kraut and weenies growing up. Gross. Today, though, I went to lunch with a few ladies from work (students come back tomorrow). We decided to go to Kathy's, a local eatery that offers real home cooking. When you go to Kathy's you typically pick a meat and two vegetables. The meat options today were fried chicken (which they do a great job with), roast (I think), and kraut and weenies. I felt sure I was going to only get vegetables, or maybe the fried chicken. As I stood there looking at my choices I felt a nagging desire for the kraut. I went for it! It went famously with my mashed potatoes and green beans. Looking back I just don't know if I would do it again, but it satisfied a craving at the time. Who knows what food tomorrow might bring!

6578739300