ste_noni

I'm at 34 weeks as of today and had my most recent appointment last Thursday.  I now weigh 212 lbs, which is a bit depressing, but within the range for where I started at.  The baby is growing and about the size he should be.  When Ellie heard the heartbeat, she said, "That Ellie's baby brother!" which was pretty cute.  I'm supposed to have another ultrasound next week just to be sure that the baby is properly positioned.  (This confuses me - the midwife says he still might change positions in the next few weeks, so I'm not sure what they are checking for, but no complaints here.)

I am totally counting down the days until I'm done working (about 20).  This week will be 3 days only, then a 4 day week, then two five day weeks.  I need to get moving on the dogs' flight to New Mexico as that date is coming very soon. 

I think I've decided to stay in New Mexico until the end of Feb and then come home.  I'll have just over 2 weeks at home which isn't a lot but I feel happy with that decision.

My parents are here until Thursday.  It's nice having them around and being done with all the festivities.  My mom helped me take down the tree today and put away all the Christmas decorations.  It's a bit sooner than normal but the tree was *very* dry and the trash men came today.  If not today, we would have had to wait an entire week to have the tree taken away.  Now I just have to find a place for all Ellie's presents.  I'm hoping to get my bags packed for New Mexico by Tuesday so my parents can take them with them.  Ellie's clothes are mostly already in New Mexico (they just stayed in October since the weather is so different here and there) so I just have to send the baby stuff, winter maternity stuff, and post-baby stuff.)

One cool thing about this stage of pregnancy with this baby.  It often feels like he's trying to push his way out the side or top or something.  He moves around a lot and I've really been able to feel distinct body parts this week.  Last night, I'm certain that I was putting my hand arund his little butt/back.  Very hard and way to big for an appendage.

Saturday started out great - we were all, including the dogs, headed to the beach to play with Ellie's new surfboard. Then, one of the dogs stepped in some dog shit, jumped in the back of the car, back out and into the front of the car. Joe was mad because he didn't want to bring the dogs to begin with because they make such a mess and he generally cleans the cars. I was mad because the dogs don't get walked as much as they should and taking them to the beach sort of makes up for that in my mind, plus the stepping in shit was a total accident on their part. We got to the beach and it was way too windy to be any fun.

Once we got back home, we all seemed to be in a better mood. We got dressed and headed over to get our tree. The trees were 50% off so we got ours for $22.50! When we got it home and unwrapped it (they ship them wrapped up to preserve them so you have to pick them without really looking at them) it was huge! I was so happy with it. We had to move some more furniture a bit but we managed to make it fit. It makes the house smell so good and is beautiful.

Joe and I then went to a movie while Ellie stayed with the babysitter. She seemed to have fun and we enjoyed the break. When we got home, we headed off to a barbeque on Ft. Buchanan. I'm actually really glad we don't live there (houses are very small and old with not high speed internet)but I was a bit envious because all the neighbors are people like us and they are all so close. So, the barbeque was nice and I got to talk to some people I hadn't seen in a long time and maybe make some new friends. Also, I found out that the bank robber was already off post when they closed the gates (missed him by 1 minute and 37 seconds) and that they caught him at home later that night. He signed in at the main gate before robbing the bank. (real genius material there)

Sunday, I got up early and put some lights on the tree. Joe had to work so he didn't go to church with us, but Ellie and I made a point of being there right at the beginning (we usually go 15-20 mintues late because the service is rather long and they sing a long time) because they sing all the Christmas songs at the beginning. I was really enjoying the singing and actually cried a bit because I'm happy this pregnancy has turned into a baby and I was thinking about the two other times I was pregnant at Christmas. Then, the associate pastor gets up to preach. Now, generally I like her, but this was the worst sermon I've ever heard. It started out funny but just got depressing. Apparently, she doesn't like the holidays very much. I can respect that and I can see why Christmas might be really hard for some people for many reasons. It has, at times, been hard for me. But I was in such a happy mood and really enjoying Christmas/Advent and then she starts in on how we all give gifts out of obligation and it's all fake joy and so on. After 20 minutes, I just left. I was so irritated - I don't require that all sermons be upbeat but it would be nice if they mention the Bible occasionally and aren't just a tirade about how much the holidays suck. Maybe she had a point but I tuned out before she ever got there. Ellie and I went to Dunkin Donuts instead and that was fun.

After donuts, we went grocery shopping and when we went home, I decorated the tree finally. I love putting the ornaments on and I was very sore and tired by the time I was done. (Too much bending and reaching for this pregnant body.) I took a nap with Ellie and then proceeded to sweep the floor and put stuff away while she slept. Then Joe and I cleaned the backyard area because we are having a party Thursday night and it was pretty dirty back there.

After dinner, I did laundry. I got most of it done, but there are still probably 3-4 loads of towels and sheets to do and a few leftover clothes. When I finally went to bed, my feet, legs, and back hurt so much. IN fact, my back still hurts this morning. We are just trying very hard to get the house clean and nice looking for the party on Thursday and then my family is coming. We are so close to being done - and we only have one weekend left so I guess that's when it will happen.

Besides the guests and family, I know that once the baby comes, it will be months before anything major happens in the house. So, I feel like we have this window to get everything done and lots of motivation to do it. The guest bedrooms are now totally ready except that one is filled with Christmas presents that need to be wrapped. THe downstairs needs to be cleaned but that's only a basic dusting/sweeping/mopping and it will be ready. Joe will finish the backyard area today (it's all tile so it has to be swept and mopped). The garage is overflowing but that's not a major concern.

Before next Monday, Ellie and I need to make Christmas sugar cookies for her teachers and decide exactly which ones we are getting gift cards for. (Probably just the three she has now.) I think the cookies will go to her current teachers, last year's teachers, and then a tin for the staff. Other than that, I just need to order something for Joe's dad and brother and I'll be done with Christmas shopping. And I need to finish our Christmas letter. I have all the other peices but the letter has yet to be finalized.