He's Here! Baby D's Birth Story

As of October 24, 2020, I am officially the mom of TWO very sweet boys. 

So, here's the story. 

Baby D never spun his little body into laboring position. However, he did turn back to his original position (back against my right hip, facing my left hip), which was really good news! I could feel him move and knew he was turned back to the side so I tried doing some more spinning exercises but they were really starting to make me sore and wear me out. By Thursday, October 22, I gave up and decided I'd just wait until induction time. 

Friday, October 23- I went in for the NST and saw my midwife. She said I was having small contractions and confirmed that Baby had turned back to the side. We went over the plan for induction the next day (how we'll get baby into position) and I was pumped and ready to go! That afternoon, I picked Mertoddler up from daycare and went to a local farmer's market to shop for pumpkins. He chose a handpainted bulldog pumpkin and I couldn't say no to his sweet face so we came home with TWO massive pumpkins. That sweet little face of his convinced me to spend $20 on a prepainted pumpkin but we still needed a regular pumpkin to carve. Hence, spending too much money on pumpkins. Oi! The sweet owners gave us two baby pumpkins when they found out I was being induced the next day. It was a fun little outing before his little world was rocked. 

We were scheduled for induction at 5 AM the following morning. We were instructed to call in at 4 AM to make sure there was a bed for us. But that night, I got a call from Labor and Delivery telling me that there were 6-7 women scheduled ahead of me and not to come in the next morning. The charge nurse told me to wait until someone called me and if we didn't hear anything by 10:30 AM, to call for a status update. I immediately texted my midwife who said she'd get me in somehow and told me not to worry. So, I decided to remain positive and enjoy sleeping in. 

Saturday, October 24- Baby D's BIRTHDAY

We were up by 7 the next morning with no word from the hospital. My mom came over around 7:30 as Merman and I were getting ready. We had our bags packed and by the door. I cleaned the whole house because I knew my mom would be here and I wanted it to look nice for our return home. Then we played the waiting game. I was anxious but enjoying my time with Mertoddler. Mom and I were able to go over everything she needed to know to hold down the fort. By 10:30, I hadn't heard anything so I texted my midwife. She called back to tell me that she bumped me up on the list so I was next to be called! Whooooo!! (It really pays to know people). We were told to wait a couple of hours while they prepped the room. So Merman went out to grab lunch for all of us. As luck would have it, the hospital called while he was gone and wanted us to come immediately. 

As Mr. Merman walked in the door, I couldn't help but exclaim that we needed to go now! He was so excited that he started loading up the car with our stuff. Before we left, we gave Mertoddler a little gift bag from us. It was an assortment of toys, games, and activities for him to do while we were in the hospital. He was so excited and kissed us goodbye. I thought I'd be super emotional telling him goodbye for the last time as an only child but it was a fleeting feeling. My adrenaline kicked in and I was ready and excited to go! I couldn't wait to see him as a big brother. We climbed in our new car and stuffed our faces with Chick-Fil-A as we rushed to the hospital. 

12:30ish PM- Once there, we had to fill out all the paperwork and wait a little bit before they put us in our room. The very first thing they did once we were put in a room was swab my nose to test for COVID-19. ARGH! That was the longest 15 seconds of my life. I had no idea it would be so bad but it was torture. Everything in me was cringing and I had to force myself not to grab that nurse's hand and pull the swab out. AND, Mr. Merman didn't even have to get swabbed! LUCKY!! But he did have to keep his mask on the whole time we were there. I'll take a 15 minute swab over mask-wearing for 48 hours. 

2:10 PM- We started the pitocin! This time I was laid back in the bed, texting friends, turning on a movie and just hanging out and waiting. They started the pitocin at a 2. My midwife checked me and I had dilated a bit more. If I remember correctly, I was almost at a 4. They went on and did a catheter as I knew I'd be getting an epidural pretty soon. The midwife wanted me lying in some contorted positions while laboring. There was no way I was going to suffer through contractions in those conditions so I told the nurse I wanted the epidural pretty quickly after being induced. Because of this, she started the IV fluids that are required prior to getting the epidural. 

It wasn't long before I started feeling the contractions. They weren't horrible but were pretty uncomfortable. I was lying on my side with the peanut ball between my legs. With each contraction, I held onto the bed rail and breathed through them. As they intensified, we phoned the nurse and asked her to speed the epidural up. 

3 PM- Merman surprised me with the most beautiful push gift! A ring with three pink sapphires in it. Baby D's birth stone (and mine). It's absolutely beautiful!

4:30- I was given the epidural. What a different experience! With Merbaby I was having such terrible contractions that I could barely sit still for the epidural. I hardly remember having it done because I had escaped to "survival mode land." This time, I was fully aware of what was going on and able to sit still through contractions. Which made it much scarier. Merman held my hand and stood in front of me. I was feeling very anxious and doubting whether I really needed it. The anesthesiologist put the needle in my back and asked if it felt centered. It felt like it was off to the right a little, so he had to REDO the whole thing!!! I was so upset but held still while he inserted yet another massive needle into my back. But, within minutes, I felt that calming numbing feeling start to take over my lower body and relaxed. 

5:15- My midwife came in to check me again and I was 5 cm. dilated! Things were progressing quickly! She decided to break my water to get things moving along. I don't remember much after that. The epidural has a way of making me feel sleepy and calm so I rolled over and took a nap. 

6:30- My blood pressure was getting low so they gave me ephedrine. I don't remember much about this  either because I went back to sleep afterwards. 

8 PM- My memory is a little blurry for the next bit. But I know I was feeling the contractions through the epidural. It wasn't bad but it seemed like they were coming nonstop and getting increasingly more uncomfortable. I called the nurse and asked her when they wanted me to get in the contorted position to flip baby and also upped the dose of my epidural with the push of a button. The nurse wanted to check me before we got out the stirrups to flip baby. But when she looked down there, she exclaimed that it was go-time! I was 10 cm. dilated and Baby D was trying to come out. So she ran to get my midwife. 

The midwife said it didn't matter if he turned at this point cause he was coming out no matter what. Also, she said he would likely turn as he entered through the birth canal. 

8:20 PM- I started pushing! She instructed me to push slowly to get a few practice pushes in. She was afraid that a full-forced push would send the baby flying out. Once again, I had the mirror so I could see what all was going on. I saw how the tiny little pushes were actually pushing him forward. After 2 of those, she told me to push a little harder. 3 contractions later and with very little effort, Baby D came out! 

8:27 PM- Little Baby D was born into the world. My sweet baby boy!

They put him on me and started cleaning him up, sucking out fluid, etc. Mr. Merman cut the umbilical cord and by 8:30, we were doing skin-to-skin, I was able to do skin-to-skin for the full hour this time and it was GLORIOUS! I loved every second of it. However, it did feel like it was only a few minutes in the grand scheme. That sweet hour went by so quickly. 

This time, my placenta came out as it should. No digging or retention. Thankfully! Because of my history, the midwife prepped for that. We continued the pitocin at a higher dose to help my contractions continue. That was supposed to help get the placenta out but also help with the bleeding. However, my bleeding didn't stop as it should. Once again, I was having post-partum hemorrhaging. There was a lot of bleeding and clotting that wasn't stopping. I'm unsure of the medical details but the nurse kept pushing large clots out. Then they would measure and weigh them. My midwife wasn't happy with what she was seeing and made the comment, "It's a good thing you're not having anymore babies." She said that my body just doesn't like to stop bleeding after birth. This scared me. Merman and I immediately looked at each other wondering what she meant by that. I was given TXA through the IV. But that didn't stop or slow the bleeding, so they gave me a Methergen injection in the thigh at 9:41 PM. When that wasn't working, the midwife came in and gave me Cytotec. If I remember correctly, she put two pills in my butt and one in my vagina. At this point, she told that there was only one more medication to try. I asked what would happen if that last medication didn't work. She just gave me a look but never answered. She also had someone come in and start another IV on me "just in case" but didn't say what it was for. I was texting two nurse friends and one made the comment that I might need an emergency hysterectomy. Which explains the "not having anymore babies" comment from earlier. I tried not to freak out and focused on my new sweet baby. 

9:30 PM- After skin-to-skin, they took him to be weighed and evaluated. He was 7 lbs. 12 oz. and 20 1/4 inches long. He rated beautifully on the APGAR scale and by 10 PM, we were being moved to the recovery room. 

My bleeding had finally slowed down to a normal amount. They tested my iron levels and ironically, it came back higher than it had been prior to delivery. My midwife was shocked and said she didn't believe it. So another blood draw was scheduled for the next morning. She still wanted me to take an iron supplement because she felt that I'd lost too much blood. However, I refused to take it because I didn't want to become constipated. Because I was feeling okay, my color was good, and the test showed healthy iron levels, they were okay with me skipping a dose. I asked the nurse if we could wait until my next blood test and she agreed. Especially since my prenatal has iron in it. (PS: My iron levels dropped slightly the next morning but were still at a really good level so I never needed to take the iron supplement).

Once in the recovery room, we were as happy as can be. I wasn't allowed to shower or clean up until all the IVs were taken out. And that couldn't happen until my bleeding had slowed to a certain point and my levels had been tested again. So, I just snuggled that baby and squeezed out drops of colostrum for him. Everyone left us alone for the most part that night. It was very quiet and much different than our experience with Merbaby. I cuddled him all night and let him practice latching and sucking. We slept for a few hours and basked in the glory of a new little life. 

View from my bed on a rainy Sunday 

I've never been happier and am so in love with this little man. What a calm and pleasant birthing experience (aside from the hemorrhage scare). I wouldn't change a thing about it. Our little Baby D is just perfect. :) 

Happy Due Date

 Here we are. October 20, 2020. What a cool birthday date! But, I don't think this baby is coming today... 

I went to see the midwife yesterday at 39 weeks 6 days pregnant with high hopes. I knew it was very likely that this little guy had shifted and turned himself sunny side up in the recent days. I could feel his little hands going across the bottom of my belly and it didn't seem like his back and butt were on the right side anymore. I'd been doing a few spinning baby activities (as mentioned in the previous post) but it felt like he was turning the wrong way. Regardless, I was still hopeful that the 2 cm. dilaton and his head being "way down there" meant something would be happening soon. And, I must admit, I REALLY would love for him to come on his due date so that his birthday would always be 10.20.20. 

The midwife came in as I was having Braxton Hicks and said she'd like to check me. She offered to do a sweep of the membranes but I opposed. We did that with Mertoddler and it didn't do anything to help bring on labor. I remember it being incredibly uncomfortable and if this baby isn't in laboring position, then what's the point? So, she checked me and said I was about 2-3 cm. and she could feel his head. Next, she squeezed me in for an ultrasound so that we could get a good look and measurements on baby to make sure he's doing okay in there. 

While I was super excited to be seeing him again, I was also really nervous that they would tell me he's measuring small and encourage me to continue waiting for him to come on his own. But the opposite happened and his estimated weight was 7 lbs. 10 oz. The midwife was shocked! However, the ultrasound did confirm that he is now sunny side-up. All was well with his heartrate, measurements, and fluid levels. He was just hanging out in there, all smushed up and cute as can be. We got the sweetest little picture of his face so that's definitely an upside to him facing up. I DID get my 3D picture of this sweet baby after all. He finally cooperated. At 40 weeks! ha! Who would have guessed? He is freaking adorable and looks a lot like Mertoddler did in his 3D photos. I can't wait to see what this little guy is going to look like. 

After the ultrasound, I met with the midwife again. She asked if I wanted to schedule an induction and I said, "PLEASE!" I've had so many uncomfortable nights, Braxton Hicks, etc. I'm ready to meet this baby! Plus, I'd really like to be home and somewhat settled before Halloween so that I can enjoy that holiday with Mertoddler. He's so excited and I've ordered PJ Masks capes and masks for me and Daddy. If we were to wait this labor out like we did with Mertoddler, we'd end up having a November baby and Merman would have to return the push-gift to exchange the birthstone out AGAIN. Not to mention the fact that Mertoddler would be devastated if Merman and I missed Halloween. The midwife looked at me like I was silly when explaining this to her, but I just love having that special time with my first little love and don't want to miss out on it when he's at such a fun age. 

Anyways, she told me that they're being strict about elective inductions because of COVID but that my cervix makes me a good candidate and moves me up on the list. So, we agreed to induce labor over the weekend and she told me to come in Friday morning for an NST. I left the appointment feeling really bummed out. Not really sure why, I was fighting back tears all the way to the car. I loved seeing that sweet boy's face but I really wish I could just go into labor on my own. Maybe that's why I felt so down. Defeated by that fact that I'd been working to spin baby into position, I was disappointed that he spun the opposite way.

This is how Baby D looks in the womb right now.
Spin, Baby, Spin!

Once home, I texted my midwife friend (the one who delivered Mertoddler and is now a good friend of mine). I explained everything to her and mentioned that I would be pumping for nipple stimulation to hopefully bring on labor. This was her response: "If baby is sunny side up, you're going to trigger a bunch of false labor contractions with pumping. When the baby is in that position it causes slow labor. Hence you're 2-3 cm. and haven't already gone into full blown labor. If he was turned around, it would be happening. So you need to do the specific positions on spinning babies website for occipital posterior. Do that today and tomorrow. If you feel him flip and you can feel his hard back on the front of your belly then start pumping. You do 10 minutes on and 10 minutes off alternating for an hour. Also do deep side lunges going up the stairs. Let me know if you feel a big movement like you flipped him!"

She then called Labor and Delivery and schedule my induction herself! She's on call this Saturday so she schedule me for a 5 AM induction. However, we have to call at 4 AM to make sure they have a bed available. If it gets delayed, she said she'd rush them along to bring me in by 7:30AM when she arrives. I'm feeling confident that we'll be able to get in that morning and having her advocate for us will really help get things going. However, I'm really, really, really hoping that I can get this baby turned and begin laboring on my own. 

Merman and I have been working hard to do these spinning exercises. And while it hasn't worked yet, I'm trying to stay positive that it will. Even if it doesn't bring on labor, it'll make induction a lot easier if the baby is in the correct position. 

So here's what we've been up to!

1) Rebozo sifting

2) Side-Lying Release

3) Forward Leaning Inversion

4) Side lunges up the stairs

We started #1 and #2 last night. We did them twice. Once after Mertoddler went to sleep and again before I went to bed. Then we did them this morning. Randomly, I'll side lunges up the stairs and then stop by the bedroom to do the forward leaning inversion. So far, it hasn't worked but I did wake up to some major movements from baby last night so maybe another day of stretching will help.  

In the meantime, I'm going to try to soak up and enjoy the sleep-filled nights, naps during the day, one-on-one time with Mertoddler and the freedom of not having a baby on my boob 24-7. :) 

I knew this past weekend would be the last one at home with Mertoddler as an only child (as I'd planned to request a induction for next weekend) so I tried to make some quarantined memories. We took a family walk to the neighborhood playground one morning. I took him to Starbucks for a special treat and then to the playground for a date with just the two of us. We made brownies, watched a new movie while snuggling up on the couch. I broke rules and rocked him to sleep a couple of times. And on Sunday night, I laid in bed with him until he fell asleep. I've talked to him about how baby brother is coming this week and am trying to prepare him for Mommy being very busy with the baby. Yesterday, he came home from daycare with a picture of two teddy bears that he colored "for my baby brother" so we put it in the baby's crib last night and Mertoddler was so proud! He just melts my heart and makes me the happiest mommy. I know he'll be a good big brother but am so nervous about him feeling jealous or becoming super clingy.

Well, I guess I'll go enjoy my due date while still being pregnant! These boys just love being in their Momma. I guess I should take that as a compliment, right? :) Hopefully, the next time I come on to write, it'll be a birth story!

39 Weeks!

10/12/20 

Whoops! It's been awhile and there is a lot to update on!

Tomorrow, I will officially be 39 weeks pregnant. Unbelievable... but also, I'm so ready!

My 35th birthday was yesterday so I'm officially a geriatric pregnancy now. 

I went to the doctor today and allowed them to check me. I'm already 2 cm. dilated and she said his head is "right there." She thinks that once I go into labor, it won't take long for him to come out. Eeeekkk!! It's getting close!!

How I've Been Feeling

This pregnancy has definitely been different from the Mertoddler's. I'm having a lot more discomfort and trouble sleeping or sitting still. 

A few weeks ago, I was having severe pelvic pain. It hurt to move my legs and switch positions in the middle of the night. Getting up from laying or sitting was extremely painful and even walking sometimes seemed impossible. But that has lessened now that I'm not working. I think sitting all day (to teach online) caused a lot of that discomfort. Because now that I'm not working anymore, I feel much more comfortable. It could also be that this little guy's head is just so far down there, it's pushing my pelvic bones apart. 

Obviously, chasing after a 3-year-old while pregnant makes a huge difference too. There's much less resting, sleeping, and down time when a toddler is involved. I'm constantly getting up and down off the floor to play with him. Carrying him around or picking him up to snuggle and get kisses is sometimes difficult to do but I won't stop doing it. I need my Mertoddler to feel all the love from his Momma even if it is hard to move around sometimes. I'm also making sure that I never blame the baby for my inability to do things I once could. Instead, I say things like, "Momma's belly is getting in the way." Or "It hurts to do that because my belly is so big now! Why don't we do this <insert a better idea> instead?" He is really attentive to my belly and likes to hug it and give the baby kisses. It absolutely melts my heart. He also comments on how big it's getting and pokes my belly button. He is such a sweet boy and I can't wait to see him as a big brother!

Sleeping isn't going well. I don't know if it's because we switched monitors. The noise coming through the new monitor is more high pitched and crackly than the old one. It could also be that I'm just SO VERY PREGNANT and this baby moves around all night long. It seems like I can never get comfortable. I'll wake-up 4-5 times throughout the night for no apparent reason and then just lay there wondering what I should do about it. But at least I'll be used to sleep deprivation once Baby gets here. 

Contractions? Braxton Hicks? Those are great questions! My stomach does get tight pretty regularly now, especially when I'm playing with Mertoddler or cooking. But it's never painful or uncomfortable so it's hard to know whether or not I'm having Braxton Hicks.

A few weeks ago, I was in a meeting (online) and suddenly felt very uncomfortable down there. My stomach was tight and I was feeling a lot of pain and pressure. So I stood up and started swaying. The pain was a but more intense, which caused me to start sweating. I was about 35 weeks pregnant and seriously thought I could be going into labor. I had a couple more episodes following that one. They lasted about 5 minutes each and then just stopped. I haven't experienced anything like it since then. How bizarre! It must have been some severe Braxton Hicks. 

Now, let me tell you what I'll miss about this pregnancy: Feeling this sweet boy move around ALL THE TIME. He's on the go all day long, it seems. It feels like he's doing full somersaults in my belly. I absolutely love watching it from the outside and patting his little booty when it's sticking up. I love rubbing his little feet when they push out through the side and laughing when he's popping around. He also gets the hiccups several times a day which is just the cutest thing. And, lastly, I love it when Mertoddler gets to feel him kicking from the outside. He'll talk to to my stomach and then rub it. Watching his eyes light up when the baby responds is the best thing ever. He giggles at the kicks and bumps and it makes me the happiest Mama. I never thought I'd get to experience this and here I am living a dream! I'm trying to make the most of it and soak it all in. 

While I'm thankful for this pregnancy, I'm also ready to have this baby. I don't think I could go to 42 weeks again. Not this time. But I'm reminding myself to remain patient and just enjoy. Cause I will really miss being pregnant and (more than likely) will never get to experience it again.  

Here's the Plan: If Baby hasn't arrived by my next appointment on Monday, October 19, we will schedule an induction for the weekend (23rd or 24th). In the meantime, I'll be doing some Baby Spinning exercises to get his head in the correct position. He's currently Right Occiput Transverse, which means he's facing my left hip with this back to the right. So I only feel kicks on the left side. (See photo). My midwife thinks that if I can get him turned correctly, labor will begin much sooner. I'm really hoping that I can get him in a good position and start laboring naturally to avoid another induction. But, it won't be the end of the world if that does happen. As long as I can deliver this baby safely, I'll be a happy Mama!

Picture from spinningbabies.com

I seriously can't wait to meet him! I've been nervous about how differently I might feel with Baby #2 or how it might change my feelings for Mertoddler. I have guilt about not being able to give Mertoddler as much attention and don't want him to feel left out. It's been weighing on me big time and causing a bit of anxiety. But then I dreamed that the new baby arrived. The dream felt so real and I was so in love and happy with both of my boys. Something about that dream has put my mind at ease and I'm more excited than ever to have this baby now. I'm ready to love them both and be the best Momma I possibly can be!

Work/Pandemic Updates

Work started back at the end of July. Due to COVID, they pushed the first day of school back to mid-August which gave us 3 weeks of pre-planning. My midwife wrote a note requesting that I be allowed to work from home so that's what I did! I attended all of our meetings online and did a lot of paperwork, professional learning, and webinars. It was quite an adjustment, especially since we attempted to keep Mertoddler home for the first two weeks. But that clearly wasn't going to work when Merman's meetings overlapped with mine and when I had doctor's appointments to attend, leaving Merman alone to work with a toddler. He ended up getting a lot of screen time and it made me feel very guilty. So we made the tough decision to send him back to daycare full time. It wasn't ideal to put him in a room full of germy toddlers everyday but it was the only way we would be able to accomplish anything with work and ensure that our toddler wasn't becoming a screen zombie. :)

So far, it has been great! The daycare is taking many precautions and Mertoddler has just blossomed and become so much happier since the return. He loves playing with his friends, singing, dancing, going out to the playground, and learning. In fact, his teacher says that he LOVES to learn and does so easily. It really helps me know that we made the right decision to send him back. 

Once the students started back to school, everything was virtual. Things went really well and I actually found myself enjoying the new virtual teaching routine. I was able to create lessons plans and activities online that aren't typical for my position as an ESOL teacher (oh yeah- did I mention that they moved me from EIP to ESOL so I've also been learning a new job!?). But I hated the sitting. I've never wanted an office job and now I know I never want one! Sitting in front of a screen all day is utterly dreadful. After teaching hours, we had meetings galore, then paperwork, then lesson plans. There were days that I just had to get up and walk outside for the fresh air, sunlight, and LACK of screens. It was also pretty uncomfortable to be sitting all day while in the 3rd trimester. All I wanted to do was get up and MOVE. But, overall, it wasn't a bad experience and I was starting to get used to the routine of it. 

That's when the county decided that we should return face to face on October 5. And my heart sank. That date was 2 weeks prior to my due date and I just didn't feel safe returning to a building FILLED with people, putting me at risk of exposure so close to labor. After a lot of calling and meeting with HR, we were able to come up with a plan that would prevent me from having to do so. 

Fall Break began at the end of September and teachers were required to return to the building the week prior to that in preparation for the students' return. I was told that I could no longer work remotely so I decided to go into work that week. We were still teaching online so I felt safe staying in my office bubble and continuing to work. However, that was my last week of work. I was approved for COVID leave from October 5-16. Because the doctor recommended it, I am being given 10 days of paid COVID leave to quarantine prior to my due date. Once that time is up, my FMLA will kick in and I will remain in quarantine until the baby arrives. At that point, maternity leave begins. Regardless, I cannot be out for more than 12 weeks total so my return-to-work date is January 19! Can you believe that?!?! I'm over the moon!  Because of fall break, Thanksgiving break, and Christmas Break, there are a few freebie weeks in there that won't count against my FMLA time, which allows me to spend more time out with the baby. YAAAAYYY!!! 

It feels good to be free and not at work stressing over catching COVID and figuring out how to teach online and face-to-face at the same time. I'm also loving this time to "nest" and prepare. I've been doing some self-care, working on the nursery, and getting things in order for my mom to stay with Mertoddler once I go into labor. It has been pretty stress-free and I'm thankful for that. 

Speaking of nesting... the nursery is *almost* finished! I'm just waiting for the plant stand to arrive (should be here on my due date). Otherwise, everything else is up and ready for baby to come! I absolutely LOOOOOOVE the nursery. It may be where I nurse and spend ALL of my time because it's just so stinking pretty. My vision came to life and looks better than I could have imagined. (Yes, I realize I'm tooting my own horn but... COME ON!)

Random Life Updates

We finally have a name! It has been very difficult to agree on one as we both have such different opinions and tastes in names. I don't know how we ever came to an agreement but I'm glad we did. Since we're so close to the birth, we're thinking about waiting to announce his name when we announce his arrival. We shall see.... but I already ordered the Christmas stocking with his name embroidered on it. :) 

Since being stuck at home during the pandemic, I've had the itch to update a bit so I ripped the fabric wallpaper off the lower panels of the dining room walls. Merman sanded the areas down. And then I painted the chair rail and everything under it white. We even replaced the wooden colored blinds with white blinds and I LOVE IT! The room looks brighter and more open than before. (This was my classroom office while working from home and it made my heart happy). Now I'm ready to replace all the wooden blinds in the house with white ones but Merman isn't on board  just yet. I'll have to keep working on him...

I can't believe this is the only picture I took!
*more to come*

We are getting a new car!! And, this time, it's going to be my car. We've been on the hunt since spring but not really taking it seriously until the last couple of weeks. Way to wait til the last minute, right? My heart was set on a Chevrolet Traverse but we kept our options open and ultimately I got my way. It's slightly over budget so I'm hoping we don't regret it. But, with two boys, leather seats were a must! And, for me, captain seats were the only way to go. We finally found the perfect traverse that met all of our needs so I called the local Carmax to have it transferred to our area. It arrived within days and after test driving it, I was sold! Unfortunately, today is a bank holiday so we're having to wait til tomorrow to finalize the loan paperwork and get everything in order. Hopefully, we'll be driving it home tomorrow evening. I really need this car to get here before the baby does. 

Socially Distant Sprinkles

On September 13th, my sister and best friend (with mom's help) threw me the most amazing drive-by sprinkle. They decorated the driveway and front porch with the most beautiful decorations. My sister had special coozies made as souvenirs for everyone who came by. My friend ordered specially made cookies and they even thought to have a basket of Goldfish for those with kids in the car. Over the course of 90 minutes, I stood in the driveway as friends stopped to drop off a gift, sign the guest print (that is now hanging in the nursery), and grab a water (with coozie) and a cookie. Most people were wearing masks. Everyone stayed socially distant. And, best of all, I got to see and catch up with so many friends. It was GOOD for my soul as we hadn't seen each other since before COVID. I'm talking more than 6 months. Many of them had not seen me since becoming pregnant so I really enjoyed showing my belly off. 

My sister even had custom onesies made along with the most beautiful floral arrangements and diaper cakes. I really was blown away by the beauty and thought put into each little detail. And we were spoiled rotten!

Work also threw a celebration. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to be there because it was during the quarantine period (Oct. 8). The celebration was for 4 different people (2 weddings and 2 babies). So they set-up and decorated tables in the media center. Staff were to come in, grab a cupcake, pass by the tables to say hello, drop off the gifts, and keep moving. As required by the county, everyone had on their masks and stayed socially distant. The media specialist set me up on the laptop so I could visit as people walked by and still get to be part of the celebration. My team leader dropped the gifts off the next day and I was overwhelmed by the amount of gift card love we received. I was able to finish out our Target registry! Whooo!! 

Merman also had a virtual shower thrown by his department. They tricked him into thinking it was a meeting and then surprised him with a virtual shower. They sent fancy cupcakes to our house and e-mailed a HUGE gift certificate from Amazon (which allowed us to complete our Amazon registry). This was back in early September when I was still working from home so I snuck downstairs to say hi and show off the belly. We have really felt the love from everyone this pregnancy. 

10-14-20

Well, once again I didn't get around to editing and publishing and now I have updates!

1) We got the car!! I'm officially driving around a massive boat! lol. I spent yesterday getting all of the lienholder paperwork completed and picked up the check to give the dealer. Then I picked Mertoddler up from daycare, swung by the house to get Merman and headed to the dealership. It was pretty simple as everything was already set-up for the sale. We just had to wait around for the paperwork, make the down payment, and hand over the check. The whole process took about 1 1/2 hours. Mertoddler was such a trooper and so well behaved. He had a minor tantrum about 40 minutes into the process. He decided that he didn't want to wear his mask anymore. I broke some rules and pulled out my phone. I told him that if he kept his mask on, he could watch YouTube. We have NEVER done this but I had no idea how long it would take and being in public in the midst of a pandemic while I'm supposed to be quarantining made me very anxious. So screen time won! :) 

Mertoddler and I took the new car home! We rode all the way home with the windows down (his request). Then I allowed him to "explore" once we pulled into the driveway. That's when I realized that I didn't have the house key! I'd given my keys to Merman to drive the other car home but he was picking up dinner first. So Mertoddler and I were stuck outside. Of course, he suddenly has to poop and we can't get in so... he totally pooped in the yard! ha! That was probably a site to see. Me holding up a 3-year-old with my 39 week pregnant belly while he takes a dump in the yard. hahahaaaaaa!!! 

Merman finally got home only to realize that my house key wasn't on the keychain! Which means that  we were locked out of the house. Luckily, Merman had the garage door opener and was able to break into the inside door. But now I'm missing my house key. I tried to call the dealership today to see if anyone turned it in but they put me on hold for at least 10 minutes so I finally just hung up. 

And, you won't believe this! There's already a small crack in the windshield and we have no way of knowing if that was there before we bought it. I set up insurance today and took it for a little joyride to Starbucks. That's when I noticed the crack. Thinking it could be a spiderweb or small spider, I rushed home to check it out. Merman came outside and confirmed that it's a tiny crack... like a small pebble hit it. So now I've got to try calling the dealership AGAIN to see what can be done. Oi!

2) HOLY BRAXTON HICKS!! Two nights ago, after writing about how good I felt, I had a full night of Braxton Hicks with no sleep and it was miserable. It started when I was cooking dinner. Merman took Mertoddler to the playground so I was home alone and it was killing me to cook. My stomach was extremely tight, my back was hurting, and I kept getting a sharp pain in my groin. So I took lots of breaks and chugged water as often as possible. Once the boys came home, we ate dinner and Merman made me lay down. But they continued through the night and into the next morning, finally stopping around 5:30 AM. I was up every hour of the night because of the discomfort. I tried using the bathroom to see if that would help but the contractions persisted and my back felt like it was locked in place. 

Since then, I've taken it easy and have been feeling much better. I'm definitely still having Braxton Hicks and feel like this baby is pushing down into my cervix as hard as possible. I really need to get started on the Baby Spinning today!

Here are the boards I've made since the last post: