Moving!

THIRTY-THREE WEEKS

Well, here's me moving again. Can't say where, unfortunately... But somewhere new and exciting!

 It's best that I journal elsewhere too. Henry and I bid you adieu!

Sara

Things I Look Forward to Doing Post-Delivery

1. Getting back into belly dancing
2. Build up to running a mile without stopping (again)
3. Be a size 8 again by October
4. Go for family walks with Henry in the stroller
5. Update this blog religiously with all the cute crap Henry will do!
6. Go back to school
7. Look down and see my feet
8. Having a good ol' cranberry and vodka
9. Make some moolah!
10. Play accordion comfortably again
11. Wear pretty dresses
12. Play with the kids outside!
13. Take all the kids to the zoo, museums, Science Center, etc...
14. Be the best mom I can be

Achy Breaky Feet

THIRTY-ONE WEEKS

Can you spot the misanthropic bear?

The third trimester symptoms are upon me. Legs and feet are swelling, lungs are crowded, heartburn abounds... Brain - fried. I've also been nesting like crazy. Last night, I piled two loads of baby clothes into the washer and I spent an hour folding them while I watched season one of The Monkees. (Off topic, but - oh my god - Davy Jones! Rest in peace, you long-haired weirdo!). Jared and I picked up the rest of Henry's things from my uncle's. The invites for the baby shower are out (and they're super cute!). I'm nearly finished reading The Happiest Baby on the Block (read it! it's wonderful!).

I also got a hair cut today, thank goodness. It's not shown in the picture, but I'm liking it.

Not sure what else to write... Just terribly tired, congested, and my feet are killin' me.

Sara

Get Down with the Staph

THIRTY WEEKS!

The final stretch is here! Only roughly ten more weeks to go and so much left to do... My step-mother and -aunts are planning my baby shower (!!!) for April 14th with a possible Little Prince theme. If I had a nursery that's what I would've planned, so I'm very happy that it may be the theme of the shower! I'm also considering a Little Prince tattoo in the future for Henry.

That is, on me - not on Henry.

But I'll be staying away from needles and things for a while (aside from that blessed epidural) as I have a nasty case of staph infection on my inner thigh. Basically, I lanced a pimple and Jared whisked me away to the ER the next day. Good thing too, because I wouldn't have expected it to be as bad as it actually is... So I'm on antibiotics four times daily and using a salve twice daily.

We've been having some car trouble, so we've been unable to pick up Henry's things from my uncle's place, as well as his crib and other things at my step-aunt's. I am deep in the nesting state of mind though, so it's driving me batty! I've been working all day on my baby registry though, so if anyone's curious or has suggestions, here's the link:

Sara's Baby Registry

Gotta say one more thing before I go... Henry and I have started playing a little game where he'll kick me, I'll poke back, he'll kick me, and I'll poke back. It goes back and forth like that for a few minutes. I can't wait to see this kiddo... :)

Sara

Three Weeks Ahead of Schedule!

TWENTY-NINE WEEKS!

No full length mirrors yet, so here's a nice shot of Giant Eagle's restroom.

New due date announcement! Lil' Hen-O is now scheduled to arrive around May 13th as opposed to June 1st. I am very excited about this, as though it most likely it won't happen on Mother's Day, but I may be a true blue mother just in time to enjoy it!

I'm living in a new house with Jared, Inara, and Riley, but also with Jared's father, his girlfriend, her daughter and her kids. On the weekend, there will be up to nine or ten kids staying here. It's an adjustment and a little nuts, but we're glad that Inara and Riley have other kiddos to play with. Sam has an eight-month old too. I got to hold him a little tonight. I haven't held a baby since Judah, the boy I used to nanny for, was eight-months old... It was simply sweet and amazing. I can't wait to cuddle Henry in my arms and rock him to sleep. I love this little boy of mine.

Last weekend was Krysty's baby shower. I hadn't seen her two years, and then only for dinner, and before that another two years. She and I used to be as close as sisters, and now we're having babies together. Her little girl is due in mid-March and I can't wait to meet her!

Alrighty. I'm tired and Jared's singing "Leggy Blonde". Time for bed.

Sara

Mama's Got a Squeeze Box

TWENTY-FOUR WEEKS, FOUR DAYS?

 I haven't been posting lately because many an exciting thing has been happening in my life. I've moved again, to Ohio with Jared and his family, for one thing. Life is smooth and on track. It's also Valentine's Day and besides feeling like the luckiest lady in the world, I received this beauty from Jared.

Meet Dame Judy and she's a peach. She's lighter and sweeter sounding than my last accordion, Ana Ng. I am truly diggin' her. When I play, I can feeling Henry dancing around. I can't wait to learn some lullabies and songs for Inara, Riley, and Henry. Jared plays guitar (and it's fantastic!), so we could make some real neat music together. :)

Today I'm having a Girl's Day with Jared's Mom, Barb and his sister TiAera while he's in classes. Not sure what we'll do yet! My mother sent me a Panera Bread gift card, so I think (if we can find one out here) Jared and I may go out for a little dinner tonight.

I'm still unsure as to how many weeks I'm actually along. I may already be in my third trimester already if I really am three weeks farther along! For now, I'm just going by my June 1st due date. We'll see! Henry will pop on out when he's good and ready. I cannot wait to hold him... :)

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY! <3

Sara

It's a . . . !

TWENTY-TWO WEEKS, FIVE DAYS?

Oy vey! Things be a-happenin'! I had my OB appointment in Pittsburgh on Friday the 27th...and the ultrasound on Saturday in Salem, OH. It was absolutely, positively, yet simply amazing. How do I describe seeing this little critter wiggling and stretching inside me? Seeing my stomach jump just as kiddo flexes one little foot?

There were plenty of large surprises with the ultrasound, starting with being required to gulp down 32-ounces of water an hour before the appointment - and being expected to retain a full bladder. That. Was painful.

Another surprise was that kiddo is actually measuring almost a full month ahead than we previously thought! Our tech thought perhaps we're three weeks ahead, but I'll be sure to talk with my OB to see where she may think I'm at. The tech thought maybe a new due date for May 13th could be possible. I cannot express enough how much that would mean to me, for kiddo to be born on or around Mother's Day. My first Mother's Day.

Kiddo was all curled up, grabbing a little foot with little fingers over kiddo's head! It was the cutest thing.

So that was all good and exciting, but lookee here...

Papaya! Papaya!

TWENTY-TWO WEEKS

I'm about to leave in five minutes for my monthly OB appointment, but just wanted a quick post to say that - yay! I'm 22-weeks! And baby's a papaya! 

Also: tomorrow's the ultrasound! Will it be Henry Allen or Charlotte Renee? We'll see soonly!

Also also: I'm spending a few days in Ohio with Jared. Excitement!!!

Also also also: I have an interview with Giant Eagle on Wednesday.

- Sara

Oh Happy Day!

TWENTY-ONE WEEKS, FIVE DAYS

I absolutely, positively believe I may explode from happiness right now. This Saturday I have our first ultrasound scheduled so we'll finally have a name for this kiddo who has been beating up my belly button for the last week! I also received a call from Giant Eagle today about a cashier position (they just filled their last Eagle's Nest position) and will be hearing back tomorrow to see if I can schedule the interview on Wednesday. I'll also be spending five days with Jared and his kids!

I wish I could add a poll to this thing, so I can see what people think, whether kiddo's a girl or boy! If you're reading this, leave your guesses in the comments? Also... I'll have to drink 32 ounces of water before the ultrasound. I'm just hoping I don't piss myself before then. My goodness.

- Sara

S'all Good!

TWENTY-ONE WEEKS, THREE DAYS

Feeling pretty tired (and happy!) lately, so here's just a quick post. I'm 21 weeks now and baby's a banana, so s/he's 10.5 inches and 12.7 ounces. I'm still working toward receiving medical assistance, but I've scheduled my monthly appointment for this Friday. Tomorrow morning I'll be calling around to see if I can set up an ultrasound for that Friday, as well. I cannot wait to see this little one! The kicks are getting stronger and stronger every day!

Life has been a whirlwind the last...six months, I'll say, but I think it's finally leveling itself out. I spent the weekend in Ohio with a really good friend who I'm now in a relationship with. His name is Jared and is a daddy himself to two amazing kids and I'm in awe of all of them. I am very happy and relaxed. I've met his family and they are so understanding and accepting of my situation. They are the kindest folks! It's all so unbelievable! It's happening fast, which made me nervous at first, however I'm comfortable - and we're happy and healthy.

Cantaloopy

TWENTY WEEKS

I'm 20 weeks along today! I can't believe kiddo and I have made it half-way already! I can't believe s/he's the size of a cantaloupe... So about 6.5 inches and weighing 10.2 ounces. I have been feeling the baby move around pretty much nonstop!

It's amazing how many things can change in a week. Just a little over a week ago I thought I was moving to Milwaukee, found out the last year and a half of my life was a weird, weird dramedy, and thought I was going to watch my child's early years in a women's homeless shelter. I think that week may have been the lowest, absolutely lowest in my life. I never want to go back to that.

Today I live in a nice house in Butler County with people close to my family. I just moved here on Monday and already I have emergency food stamps, with cash and medical assistance on the way. Things are running so much smoother now. Also, a Giant Eagle close to here is hiring for an Eagle's Nest attendant! I really hope to get it. I have the background and I love working with kids. I think this would be an amazing job to have, especially at this stage.

I've Moved!

NINETEEN WEEKS, FOUR DAYS

I'm all moved into Dave's house! I'll be unpacking today, re-applying for benefits (but this time should go smoother now that I'm away from the city), applying for jobs, and going bananas over all the baby things I've received from my friend Sals and her aunt.

I'm thinking of starting a pregnancy/baby diary that's documents kiddo's kicking and movement, as well as daily symptoms, then when the baby's here I'll write down the times s/he goes to sleep, needs a diaper change, when s/he eats... I think that may help to understand kiddo's schedule a bit better. I have a small journal I bought so long ago and never used, so that'll be perfect...

We may be setting up the baby room within the next few days! I am so ready to get my nesting on.

- Sara