For anyone who thought me slothful after having a "movie day", I am proud to announce that today totally redeemed the week. No, really since we got here! When we moved in November, the "baby's room" became a catch-all for all of my things and stuff that didn't have a home anywhere else. I have cringed almost every time I've passed or gone into the room. It's been a mess. An eyesore. A thorn in my well intentioned, organizational heart. Something that's kept me awake at night mentally scheming a plan of attack.
This morning I awoke with a determination to tackle the unsightly beast. It took most of the day, but the room that I so wanted to imagine away is now a place I look forward to spending lots of time in.
When the room was swept and mopped, I thought how nice it would be to get up earlier than normal tomorrow morning to sit in the rocker and read for a while. It's still a nice thought, but at this point very unlikely. Good grief, Charlie Brown...I just can't sleep! Maybe my adrenaline from the busy day is still working? Maybe it's that and the fact that munchkin thinks it's time to kick up her heels and follow the yellow brick road around my womb. Sorry to disappoint little one, but this Mama is going to try to sleep once again....and perhaps dream of the room that is SO much more baby ready. :)
February 24, 2011
February 23, 2011
Thirty Weeks
According to the Google-izer's research, at 30 weeks pregnant, baby:
- is about 15.7 inches long
- weighs approximately 3 pounds
- is the size of a head of cabbage
- can regulate her own body temperature
- is shedding the lanugo (aka - downy body hair) and accumulating fat
- has a rapidly developing brain
- will be gaining 1/2 lb every week for the next 8ish weeks
Mommies at 30 weeks along can expect:
- Inferno-like heartburn (yup)
- Discomfort standing, sitting, walking, sleeping (yes, yes, yes, and yes!)
- Breathlessness (gaaaasp!)
- Constipation, bloating & gas (I plead the 5th)
- Itchy belly, stretch marks (yes to the itchiness)
- General fatigue (Yawn...I may need to start taking naps)
- Anxiety & mood swings (Talk to my patient husband. Bless him.)
Despite however horrible sounding you may find the list above, it's worth it. Here is my own list of GOOD things that also come along with this time:
- Despite the heartburn, I'm still able to get a good night's sleep. This will be a thing of the past when our cowgirl arrives and wants to milk to the...urr...is hungry every few hours. (Forgive me. I can't help myself. MOO!!!)
- I still feel really good at this point.
- I'm treasuring this last 4th of the pregnancy because as a dear friend reminded me: "You'll never again be pregnant with your first baby." To me, this is a profound statement. Time is short so each moment is precious. Also, Lord willing, the next go-round will be completely different w/ a munchkin to care for!
- 10 weeks is ample time to prepare. At least that's what I keep telling myself. Never mind the fact that I yanked out the entire contents of our kitchen cabinets in order to reorganize them last Saturday. (Hubby thought my nesting efforts were really cute.)
- Being preggo at this time of year is (for me) ideal because spring is starting to tease us with samples of wonderful weather. I can shed a few layers and enjoy wearing lighter clothing!
- I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my big rounding belly. I haven't thought of "sucking it in" for a long time. Ladies, this is unbelievably freeing. What's more is that strangers are taking notice of the bump and adoring it. Being praised for anything but a flat stomach is counter cultural, but in the world of babies, it's something to be worn with pride. Freedom!!!!
- With my body in overdrive preparing to deliver and nourish this baby, I have never felt more girly or feminine in my life. My husband has been incredibly encouraging about my pregnant shape. Oh, how I love that man!
- I delight in feeling the movements of this child inside of me. A flutter, a kick, a turning is a reminder of this new little person God is bringing to us.
- There are ONLY 10(ish) weeks left before we get to meet our girl!
- is about 15.7 inches long
- weighs approximately 3 pounds
- is the size of a head of cabbage
- can regulate her own body temperature
- is shedding the lanugo (aka - downy body hair) and accumulating fat
- has a rapidly developing brain
- will be gaining 1/2 lb every week for the next 8ish weeks
Mommies at 30 weeks along can expect:
- Inferno-like heartburn (yup)
- Discomfort standing, sitting, walking, sleeping (yes, yes, yes, and yes!)
- Breathlessness (gaaaasp!)
- Constipation, bloating & gas (I plead the 5th)
- Itchy belly, stretch marks (yes to the itchiness)
- General fatigue (Yawn...I may need to start taking naps)
- Anxiety & mood swings (Talk to my patient husband. Bless him.)
Despite however horrible sounding you may find the list above, it's worth it. Here is my own list of GOOD things that also come along with this time:
- Despite the heartburn, I'm still able to get a good night's sleep. This will be a thing of the past when our cowgirl arrives and wants to milk to the...urr...is hungry every few hours. (Forgive me. I can't help myself. MOO!!!)
- I still feel really good at this point.
- I'm treasuring this last 4th of the pregnancy because as a dear friend reminded me: "You'll never again be pregnant with your first baby." To me, this is a profound statement. Time is short so each moment is precious. Also, Lord willing, the next go-round will be completely different w/ a munchkin to care for!
- 10 weeks is ample time to prepare. At least that's what I keep telling myself. Never mind the fact that I yanked out the entire contents of our kitchen cabinets in order to reorganize them last Saturday. (Hubby thought my nesting efforts were really cute.)
- Being preggo at this time of year is (for me) ideal because spring is starting to tease us with samples of wonderful weather. I can shed a few layers and enjoy wearing lighter clothing!
- I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my big rounding belly. I haven't thought of "sucking it in" for a long time. Ladies, this is unbelievably freeing. What's more is that strangers are taking notice of the bump and adoring it. Being praised for anything but a flat stomach is counter cultural, but in the world of babies, it's something to be worn with pride. Freedom!!!!
- With my body in overdrive preparing to deliver and nourish this baby, I have never felt more girly or feminine in my life. My husband has been incredibly encouraging about my pregnant shape. Oh, how I love that man!
- I delight in feeling the movements of this child inside of me. A flutter, a kick, a turning is a reminder of this new little person God is bringing to us.
- There are ONLY 10(ish) weeks left before we get to meet our girl!
February 22, 2011
Siskel and Ebert would be proud
Yesterday I was on my feet for practically the whole day and when hubs got home, I announced that I felt like my insides were all about to bottom out. Lovely, I know. He immediately encouraged me to 1) Go put my feet up, and 2) Take tomorrow "off".
GASP! What a notion! Take tomorrow off? What?! He grinned as I told him I couldn't ever think of such a thing because I am paid too well for what I do. Pshh! Take a day off indeed. ;)
Despite my scoffing at the idea, today...I did nothing. Of course I managed to dress, take my hoard of vitamins, drink buckets of water, make a call regarding my car, fold some laundry, and add to the compost pile, but really, I got nothing else done.
Today I sat on my duff and mostly watched movies. Of course I could blame the fact that I had ample media that "had" to be consumed: We started "The Green Mile" last night which my husband said I HAD to finish (and so I did), there was a tv show I missed that I HAD to see before the plot got around on Facebook and ruined it for me (so I watched it), and then the mailman just HAD to bring the 2nd Netflix disc of a Masterpiece Theatre series I've been engrossed in! ARGH! I simply couldn't win.
Perhaps it's the fact that I can't remember the last time I sat and watched more than one movie in a row, but I believe I've overcome any feelings of guilt. Maybe. It could also be that having this day of "rest" under my belt, I am all the more determined to do something grand tomorrow. Perhaps bring about solving the issue of world hunger. Or be nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. Or fly out to London to relive last year's trip with my Dad. Or maybe, just maybe, I might be satisfied with accomplishing a few things on my to-do list and then call it a day. Yes, that's what I think I will do...until the mailman brings the last disc to the M.T. series which should arrive on Thursday. But who's counting? ;)
P.S. In case you're reading this honey, rest assured that your socks and tightie-whities are washed and ready for the week. Dinner is also taken care of. And oh yes, you're the best. I feel quite rested. Thanks for the day off!!! :)
GASP! What a notion! Take tomorrow off? What?! He grinned as I told him I couldn't ever think of such a thing because I am paid too well for what I do. Pshh! Take a day off indeed. ;)
Despite my scoffing at the idea, today...I did nothing. Of course I managed to dress, take my hoard of vitamins, drink buckets of water, make a call regarding my car, fold some laundry, and add to the compost pile, but really, I got nothing else done.
Today I sat on my duff and mostly watched movies. Of course I could blame the fact that I had ample media that "had" to be consumed: We started "The Green Mile" last night which my husband said I HAD to finish (and so I did), there was a tv show I missed that I HAD to see before the plot got around on Facebook and ruined it for me (so I watched it), and then the mailman just HAD to bring the 2nd Netflix disc of a Masterpiece Theatre series I've been engrossed in! ARGH! I simply couldn't win.
Perhaps it's the fact that I can't remember the last time I sat and watched more than one movie in a row, but I believe I've overcome any feelings of guilt. Maybe. It could also be that having this day of "rest" under my belt, I am all the more determined to do something grand tomorrow. Perhaps bring about solving the issue of world hunger. Or be nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. Or fly out to London to relive last year's trip with my Dad. Or maybe, just maybe, I might be satisfied with accomplishing a few things on my to-do list and then call it a day. Yes, that's what I think I will do...until the mailman brings the last disc to the M.T. series which should arrive on Thursday. But who's counting? ;)
P.S. In case you're reading this honey, rest assured that your socks and tightie-whities are washed and ready for the week. Dinner is also taken care of. And oh yes, you're the best. I feel quite rested. Thanks for the day off!!! :)
February 17, 2011
A Good Work
A scripture that has come to mean a lot to me over the past few weeks is Philippians 1:6. "And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." (ESV)
It's a familiar scripture for sure, but has new found significance in light of our current circumstances. I don't want to rip it out of context, so the gist of it is that the Apostle Paul was encouraging the believers in Philippi to persevere; reminding them that God is the One Who, by His grace, would finish what He started with them.
In like manner, I see this baby (currently wiggling around!) as something wonderfully good that God has begun in Andrew's and my life. Something that only the Lord can bring to completion in His perfect time.
Over the weekend I stopped into a baby resale store and found an adorable bouncy seat (at a fabulous price!) for our little one. I washed the cover of it yesterday and left the frame in the living room, putting the cleaned cover on just before Andrew got home. Since the weather has been so nice, we couldn't bear to be inside so ate our dinner by the chiminea. When we came back inside and sat down, the bouncy seat was there on the floor in our midst. Andrew admired it when I showed him my find, and then we both ended up staring at it in silence for a while. I think reality might have started to hit. Just maybe.
Lord willing, in a relatively short time, there will be a little person filling that seat. One of our very own. Somebody we've known of but never met yet. Our life together has certainly been affected by this pregnancy, but the idea of another person joining us...wow!
For today I think I'll leave the seat where I can see it. It's having a joyfully sobering effect on me, and I'm rather enjoying it. I will also be meditating on Phil. 1:6, reassured that it's by the love of our Father that all of this is happening in our lives. So much change is about to occur, but HE is the One bringing it about. Praise Him for knowing what is best in each of our lives and for our sanctification, not letting it go unfinished!
It's a familiar scripture for sure, but has new found significance in light of our current circumstances. I don't want to rip it out of context, so the gist of it is that the Apostle Paul was encouraging the believers in Philippi to persevere; reminding them that God is the One Who, by His grace, would finish what He started with them.
In like manner, I see this baby (currently wiggling around!) as something wonderfully good that God has begun in Andrew's and my life. Something that only the Lord can bring to completion in His perfect time.
Over the weekend I stopped into a baby resale store and found an adorable bouncy seat (at a fabulous price!) for our little one. I washed the cover of it yesterday and left the frame in the living room, putting the cleaned cover on just before Andrew got home. Since the weather has been so nice, we couldn't bear to be inside so ate our dinner by the chiminea. When we came back inside and sat down, the bouncy seat was there on the floor in our midst. Andrew admired it when I showed him my find, and then we both ended up staring at it in silence for a while. I think reality might have started to hit. Just maybe.
Lord willing, in a relatively short time, there will be a little person filling that seat. One of our very own. Somebody we've known of but never met yet. Our life together has certainly been affected by this pregnancy, but the idea of another person joining us...wow!
For today I think I'll leave the seat where I can see it. It's having a joyfully sobering effect on me, and I'm rather enjoying it. I will also be meditating on Phil. 1:6, reassured that it's by the love of our Father that all of this is happening in our lives. So much change is about to occur, but HE is the One bringing it about. Praise Him for knowing what is best in each of our lives and for our sanctification, not letting it go unfinished!
February 16, 2011
Mid-February Update
Monday was Valentine's Day and I learned that motherhood is no respecter of romantic holidays! I had to go in and take the glucose test which left me feeling gross and unbalanced for an hour before I had blood drawn. Lucky for me (note sarcasm), my left arm refused to cooperate so I had to get pricked in the other arm to give my blood samples. My family can testify how much I HATE shots and needles, so this wasn't exactly the highlight of my day. If nothing else, motherhood is making me less of a wuss. I hope.
The rest of Valentine's day was LOVELY. I met up with hubby and he took me out to lunch. It was really fun to see him in the afternoon somewhere other than our house. Oh yes, and in complete vanity I must say that when we met for lunch, I looked and felt really cute. The weather has been fantastic in the 70's so a black skirt and turquoise blouse that nicely hugged my belly made me feel super feminine. For Valentine's Day, my sweet husband gave me a gorgeous orchid plant full of beautiful blooms. I've always thought orchids made a beautiful houseplant, but don't recall expressing this to him...so he gets extra points for reading my mind. :)
Baby is now 29 weeks along. She weighs in somewhere between 2.5 - 3 lbs, and is around 15 inches long. From this point on, the majority of her growth be filling out her little body. This past week her favorite past time has been kicking around. Last night hubby heard me yelp in surprise when she round-house kicked me in the side! Enjoy it now baby, because your womb-room isn't going to allow as much activity as you grow over the next few weeks. :)
I have a HUGE praise! Yesterday I interviewed another doula and almost immediately fell in love with her. She's got a great repertoire of experience, loves the Lord and definitely seems like a kindred spirit. For my fellow Anne fans, you will know what a compliment this is. It means so much to me to have her helping us prepare for baby and coach us through labor! What a blessing!
The sun is out and there is much to do. Ta-ta for now!
The rest of Valentine's day was LOVELY. I met up with hubby and he took me out to lunch. It was really fun to see him in the afternoon somewhere other than our house. Oh yes, and in complete vanity I must say that when we met for lunch, I looked and felt really cute. The weather has been fantastic in the 70's so a black skirt and turquoise blouse that nicely hugged my belly made me feel super feminine. For Valentine's Day, my sweet husband gave me a gorgeous orchid plant full of beautiful blooms. I've always thought orchids made a beautiful houseplant, but don't recall expressing this to him...so he gets extra points for reading my mind. :)
Baby is now 29 weeks along. She weighs in somewhere between 2.5 - 3 lbs, and is around 15 inches long. From this point on, the majority of her growth be filling out her little body. This past week her favorite past time has been kicking around. Last night hubby heard me yelp in surprise when she round-house kicked me in the side! Enjoy it now baby, because your womb-room isn't going to allow as much activity as you grow over the next few weeks. :)
I have a HUGE praise! Yesterday I interviewed another doula and almost immediately fell in love with her. She's got a great repertoire of experience, loves the Lord and definitely seems like a kindred spirit. For my fellow Anne fans, you will know what a compliment this is. It means so much to me to have her helping us prepare for baby and coach us through labor! What a blessing!
The sun is out and there is much to do. Ta-ta for now!
A Letter to our Little Love
**I wrote the letter below on the morning of February 5th, 2011. I've kept and savored it in a draft because it is so close to my heart, but have decided to share it. God's work in our lives through this little one even at this stage is just amazing.
Dear Baby,
Yesterday morning I went into your room and sat in the rocker. Your room is so bright in the mornings that I have a feeling you'll want to get up when the sun does. Unless you decided to come early, or hide in your cave as long as you can, you will be here in about 3 months. Your Daddy and I are so excited to meet you! I wonder who you will look like but know that you will be the most beautiful baby we've ever seen. I have held so many babies in my lifetime, but know that holding you in my arms will be the best feeling a Mommy can have.
You have been growing so much over the past couple of months. At 27 weeks, you are starting to take over some of my lap when I sit down. I felt your first kick on the morning of Thanksgiving and just this week have been watching as you make my belly move into funny shapes when you adjust and wiggle around. You are getting so strong and like to kick right around when Daddy and I are trying to go to sleep.
For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to be a wife and a Mommy. God's timing is perfect and He allowed your Daddy and I to meet at just the right time. Getting to know your Daddy helped me love Jesus more and I know you will do the same. One of the greatest things I admire about your Daddy is his wisdom in taking time to think about things before he responds. Because of this, I know he will take your entrance into our family in stride. You already know his voice, but will soon learn his face and how very silly he can be. I smile right now knowing how much he is going to make you grin and giggle. He will be your hero and keep you safe. He will teach you about squirrels and birds, how to neek up on things, how to "Whoop" and "Gig' Em", how to snuggle and give cuzzies, and most importantly, he will teach you about Jesus. He will be the best Daddy ever. By God's grace, together we will do everything we can to be good, godly parents.
Even though you are very small, you are already such a blessing. There is a big group of family and friends waiting to meet you, but take your time. Grow strong and healthy. Stay warm and cozy in your little home. You are in our prayers and dreams, our little love.
With a joyful and full heart,
Your Mommy
Dear Baby,
Yesterday morning I went into your room and sat in the rocker. Your room is so bright in the mornings that I have a feeling you'll want to get up when the sun does. Unless you decided to come early, or hide in your cave as long as you can, you will be here in about 3 months. Your Daddy and I are so excited to meet you! I wonder who you will look like but know that you will be the most beautiful baby we've ever seen. I have held so many babies in my lifetime, but know that holding you in my arms will be the best feeling a Mommy can have.
You have been growing so much over the past couple of months. At 27 weeks, you are starting to take over some of my lap when I sit down. I felt your first kick on the morning of Thanksgiving and just this week have been watching as you make my belly move into funny shapes when you adjust and wiggle around. You are getting so strong and like to kick right around when Daddy and I are trying to go to sleep.
For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to be a wife and a Mommy. God's timing is perfect and He allowed your Daddy and I to meet at just the right time. Getting to know your Daddy helped me love Jesus more and I know you will do the same. One of the greatest things I admire about your Daddy is his wisdom in taking time to think about things before he responds. Because of this, I know he will take your entrance into our family in stride. You already know his voice, but will soon learn his face and how very silly he can be. I smile right now knowing how much he is going to make you grin and giggle. He will be your hero and keep you safe. He will teach you about squirrels and birds, how to neek up on things, how to "Whoop" and "Gig' Em", how to snuggle and give cuzzies, and most importantly, he will teach you about Jesus. He will be the best Daddy ever. By God's grace, together we will do everything we can to be good, godly parents.
Even though you are very small, you are already such a blessing. There is a big group of family and friends waiting to meet you, but take your time. Grow strong and healthy. Stay warm and cozy in your little home. You are in our prayers and dreams, our little love.
With a joyful and full heart,
Your Mommy
February 12, 2011
I heart cookies?
A dear friend of mine came to visit before Christmas and together we decided to fulfill something on my Christmas to-do list: make Christmas cookies. I'm talking about the kind where you make the dough from scratch, have to refrigerate the dough before rolling it out, cookie cutting it, pan laying, baking, pan scraping, and cooling it. That's just the first half. What we discovered was that even halving our recipe make a TON of cookies, all of which we felt obligated to ice. We labored over just the right tasting butter cream icing, flavors, and colors. We laid everything out on the table with all of our supplies. It was perfect. We had Christmas music on in the background as we began to decorate. And decorate. And decorate. After an hour or so of well, decorating, we grew weary. We no longer cared if the icing was perfectly adorning the little bells, trees and stars. If it had some sort of icing on it, it was good. Done. Move onto the next cookie! When we were finally done with our cookie project, there was much rejoicing and vowing to never make or decorate cookies again for a very. long. time.
I write the above to remind myself of a good memory made with a friend. A friend who helped make and clean up the cookie madness. What boggles me as I sit here typing is what in the world would possess me to take on a similar project ALONE?!?! Was it the pretty heart shaped cookie cutters I found at Wally World? Was it my current preoccupation with pink? Was it pride that made me scoff at the grocery's version of what my baking genius has been?! ACK!!!!!!
Dear friends, I would go on, but I must leave you now. The kitchen beckons. The icing is yelling at me, threatening to dry out, as do the remaining 4 dozen undecorated cookies. Oh well. Tomorrow is another day. Hopefully one in which I'll remember my past ventures and leave the cookie making aspirations until a sweet friend can join the madness with me.
P.S. The cookies are super cute and tasty if I do say so myself. Lots of pink, chocolate chips and festive nonpareils.
I write the above to remind myself of a good memory made with a friend. A friend who helped make and clean up the cookie madness. What boggles me as I sit here typing is what in the world would possess me to take on a similar project ALONE?!?! Was it the pretty heart shaped cookie cutters I found at Wally World? Was it my current preoccupation with pink? Was it pride that made me scoff at the grocery's version of what my baking genius has been?! ACK!!!!!!
Dear friends, I would go on, but I must leave you now. The kitchen beckons. The icing is yelling at me, threatening to dry out, as do the remaining 4 dozen undecorated cookies. Oh well. Tomorrow is another day. Hopefully one in which I'll remember my past ventures and leave the cookie making aspirations until a sweet friend can join the madness with me.
P.S. The cookies are super cute and tasty if I do say so myself. Lots of pink, chocolate chips and festive nonpareils.
February 3, 2011
Snow and Humble-Pie
I grew up in a place where the winter season most usually meant sleet, snow, ice, and the muck you've got to deal when it all melts. Every year my siblings and I looked forward to prancing about when the flurries started to fall, making snowmen, having snowball fights, sledding, and one year, walking across our pond when it froze over 6 inches thick.
When I was in high school my family moved south. Far south. Just about as south as one can get and still remain in the continental U.S. My siblings and I were aghast to realize that when winter rolled around in the south, all it meant was the threat of really cold weather, and if we were lucky...maybe a few flakes of snow. To a kid, this is a dreadful discovery. No more sledding. No more snowball fights. No more "snow days" that would make the world come to a halt and require mandatory free time.
In contrast to our disappointment, our Mother was elated. She HATED winter and cold with a fierce passion. She was after all the woman who created the holiday "Winter's Half Over"...at least for our family. Yes, she calculated the exact day that winter, on the calendar at least, was officially half-over. This "holiday" meant that for a couple hours we would crank up the heater, put on summer clothes and flip-flops, and meet together with beach towels spread on the floor for a picnic of summery foods. The Beach Boys was the music of choice to serenade our celebration. Looking back, I think Mom "Winters Half Over" day was for her a light at the end of a long, dark tunnel. Her extreme desire for winter to be over was something we laughed at for many years.
This is my first year to be back in a region that is prone to the kind of winters I grew up with. Anticipating potential snow, I could see myself dizzy with excitement at the flurries, then the accumulation of the white stuff. At least I was imagining the romance of winter from my perspective as a child.
Well, it's here.
The rain that came for a day turned into a lovely sheet of ice, and then it snowed several inches to boot. Though thankful for a working heater, hot water (thank the Lord for hot showers!), and clothing to layer up in...I'm still cold. I am now haunted by childhood memories mocking my dear Mother's misery. Dear friends, perhaps I am a bit more like my Mother than I ever wanted to admit.
Watching the snow fall was a beautiful thing to see, and it sure looks nice covering the ground, but today marks day 3 of my being cold and house-bound. The roads were clear enough for hubby to go to work today, but I am too cautious to venture out. If it were just me, I might bundle up for a walk or attempt to make it to the grocery store for an outing. But it's not just me. My normal adventurousness is rather subdued with the gravity of baby's safety. Does worrying come with motherhood? Or it is just sin? Probably the latter. Regardless, I can just imagine that my car would careen into some ditch and I'd be stuck in the cold for longer than I should. :-p
For today, I think the safest plan of action is to pull out the calendar, and plan for my own Winter's Half Over party. While I'm at it, I may put on another layer of clothes, throw on a Beach Boy's record, bake some chocolate chip cookies, and settle down with a good book. Oh yes, and call my Mom. I should thank her for creating a fantastic childhood memory of getting to wear a Hawaiian shirt and shorts, drink lemonade, and dance around to "Surfin' Safari" while the winds howled and the snow fell.
P.S.
With the onslaught of cold weather, we had 2 very large rat sized mice try and move into our home to avoid the cold. I do not like mice. Especially when they are similar in size to the R.O.U.S from the cult-classic "Princess Bride". I am blessed to have a husband who defended me and child in-utero from the invading beasts. My hero!
When I was in high school my family moved south. Far south. Just about as south as one can get and still remain in the continental U.S. My siblings and I were aghast to realize that when winter rolled around in the south, all it meant was the threat of really cold weather, and if we were lucky...maybe a few flakes of snow. To a kid, this is a dreadful discovery. No more sledding. No more snowball fights. No more "snow days" that would make the world come to a halt and require mandatory free time.
In contrast to our disappointment, our Mother was elated. She HATED winter and cold with a fierce passion. She was after all the woman who created the holiday "Winter's Half Over"...at least for our family. Yes, she calculated the exact day that winter, on the calendar at least, was officially half-over. This "holiday" meant that for a couple hours we would crank up the heater, put on summer clothes and flip-flops, and meet together with beach towels spread on the floor for a picnic of summery foods. The Beach Boys was the music of choice to serenade our celebration. Looking back, I think Mom "Winters Half Over" day was for her a light at the end of a long, dark tunnel. Her extreme desire for winter to be over was something we laughed at for many years.
This is my first year to be back in a region that is prone to the kind of winters I grew up with. Anticipating potential snow, I could see myself dizzy with excitement at the flurries, then the accumulation of the white stuff. At least I was imagining the romance of winter from my perspective as a child.
Well, it's here.
The rain that came for a day turned into a lovely sheet of ice, and then it snowed several inches to boot. Though thankful for a working heater, hot water (thank the Lord for hot showers!), and clothing to layer up in...I'm still cold. I am now haunted by childhood memories mocking my dear Mother's misery. Dear friends, perhaps I am a bit more like my Mother than I ever wanted to admit.
Watching the snow fall was a beautiful thing to see, and it sure looks nice covering the ground, but today marks day 3 of my being cold and house-bound. The roads were clear enough for hubby to go to work today, but I am too cautious to venture out. If it were just me, I might bundle up for a walk or attempt to make it to the grocery store for an outing. But it's not just me. My normal adventurousness is rather subdued with the gravity of baby's safety. Does worrying come with motherhood? Or it is just sin? Probably the latter. Regardless, I can just imagine that my car would careen into some ditch and I'd be stuck in the cold for longer than I should. :-p
For today, I think the safest plan of action is to pull out the calendar, and plan for my own Winter's Half Over party. While I'm at it, I may put on another layer of clothes, throw on a Beach Boy's record, bake some chocolate chip cookies, and settle down with a good book. Oh yes, and call my Mom. I should thank her for creating a fantastic childhood memory of getting to wear a Hawaiian shirt and shorts, drink lemonade, and dance around to "Surfin' Safari" while the winds howled and the snow fell.
P.S.
With the onslaught of cold weather, we had 2 very large rat sized mice try and move into our home to avoid the cold. I do not like mice. Especially when they are similar in size to the R.O.U.S from the cult-classic "Princess Bride". I am blessed to have a husband who defended me and child in-utero from the invading beasts. My hero!
Third Trimester
Announcement: By God's grace, we've made it to our third trimester! YAY!
Baby girl is now 14.5 inches in length and weighs about 2 pounds with lots of room to grow over the next 13 weeks. Her eyelids have separated so she can tell the difference between light and dark from her "womb with a view". From everything I've read, babies born at her age can survive (with intensive care) out in the big world. There is something really comforting about this fact and makes entering this stage something of a milestone in the pregnancy.
Baby girl is now 14.5 inches in length and weighs about 2 pounds with lots of room to grow over the next 13 weeks. Her eyelids have separated so she can tell the difference between light and dark from her "womb with a view". From everything I've read, babies born at her age can survive (with intensive care) out in the big world. There is something really comforting about this fact and makes entering this stage something of a milestone in the pregnancy.
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