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September 30, 2003
September 30, 2003
Collin is 2 years, 3 months old.
I’m 27 weeks pg, third trimester.
So here I am at the start of my third trimester. Time is really starting to go fast. It’s finally hitting me how much we still have yet to do before Ireland is born and how much of a hustle and bustle we’ll be in because of the upcoming holidays.
In all actuality, I know that all a baby really needs is a warm place to sleep, a clean diaper and a warm meal. All things we could provide if the baby were to be born this very second. On the other hand, my well thought-out side also realizes there are gowns and onsies to wash, carpets to clean and a room to get organized and ready. Add all that to Thanksgiving plans to finalize, a birth plan to type up, a doula to find and interview and Christmas to think about and you’ve got me in flow blow list making mode. Those who know me know that I love lists and if you open my purse, at least 3 or 4 will fall out at your feet. Making lists makes me feel in control, even if the situation isn’t in my control to begin with. I would feel absolutely misplaced if I couldn’t make lists. It’s just my thing.
With approximately only 12 weeks from my due date, I’ve got mounds of things I’d like to accomplish. Finding a doula is at the top of my list. I did find one that I really seemed to like but it turns out her and her family will be out of the state (for the holidays) right around my due date. Prospective doula #2 just moved here and takes most of her clients in another city and doesn’t have a back up in the city we currently live in. I’m on to potential doula #3 so wish me luck. This is where I’m hoping the saying; “The third time’s the charm” holds to be true. Mark keeps telling me “we” really don’t NEED a doula, but this is something “I” REALLY want. I think it’s owed to me, really. If it makes my birth experience that much more beautiful and magical then I think it’s worth it no matter what.
**BRA PROBLEMS**
I can’t seem to find a bra that fits to save my soul. I’ve been having the worse problems finding something that both fits and is comfortable. I measured myself, according to exact directions from several online sites and according to them; I should be wearing a “D” cup. I swear, I almost passed out when I figured that out. So one night I go to Target to look for a new bra and I’m in the dressing room trying one on (waaaay too small). I’m taking my current one off and wouldn’t you know it, BOING! The strap comes flying off, coming completely unstitched at the seams. I had nothing in my purse to help, no safety pin, no paper clip, nothing. I look at my watch and I have 15 minutes to get home before Mark had to leave. I strap on my broken bra the best I could, with one breast practically falling out and go racing for the intimates section. I grab a bra that LOOKS like it would fit, LOOKS like it would be my size and went tearing back into the dressing room. I throw it on, it seems to work and I went flying out the door to the dressing room attendant. I had to tell her my story, tell her I was taking the tag up to pay for the bra I had on under my shirt and that I seriously, no seriously, wasn’t a crazy woman trying to hot lift a $10.00 bra. She looked at me strange like I was on drugs or something so then I had to show her my old, ugly broken bra that I had stuffed into my purse, and then show her the crisp white bra strap that I had on. I was embarrassed, but I knew I had to get out of there and make it home so Mark could leave. I take the tags up to the register, pay for the bra and hightail it home. As I’m driving home, this new bra starts pinching me in the sides and starts floating around. Another one bites the dust! When I raced into the house and told Mark the story he calmly said, “why didn’t you just leave without a bra until you could find one you liked.” Was he serious? A nearly 7 month along pregnant lady go BRALESS? I don’t know about some, but for me that IS NOT an option. It’s not like I had a sweater, a sweatshirt, a jacket or a heavy shirt on. All I had on were a pair of Capri maternity jeans and a cotton T-shirt. It would have not been flattering let me just tell you that. The next day I took the bra back, exchanged it for another and once again got it home only to realize it hates me too. In search of the perfect bra – is there such a thing out there? I hope it finds me soon, I’m GROWING impatient.
**PREGNANCY**
The kicks and flutters have turned to jabs and pokes. Just today it went from sweet little movements to painful prods and punches. I love it though and marvel every time I feel a movement. Two nights ago I felt the baby have the hiccups for the first time. I think the baby is head down but of course I could be wrong. The most painful kicks come up high around my ribs so I’m thinking her feet must be there. Mark has felt the baby move several times and you can now even see my stomach move in waves with a quick kick here and there. Tonight I had my hand on my tummy, enjoying the miracle of movement when Ireland not only pushed my tummy up high but my hand went right along with it. She’s getting so strong.
When I stand for along time my lower back starts to ache and my feet have started swelling. Oddly enough, my right ankle/foot swell more than my left. My wedding rings are getting pretty tight but I don’t want to take them off just yet. I’m hoping I don’t have to but I also don’t ever want them cut off. That would be terrible.
**COLLIN**
The biggest joy in my life. He’s my sunshine, my bright shining star, my sweet little boy. I love this child so much, it’s simply not even possible to describe. Just when I think my heart can’t hold anymore love for him; it bursts with more and more and more. He’s getting so big and he’s so fun. I find myself laughing hysterically all the time at the things he talks about, the questions he asks and the comments that come out of his mouth.
He’s now into making up excuses and telling us jokes. I’ll ask him if he wants to feel his sister move, he’ll say, “I can’t, I’m laying down.” Then he’ll quickly fall to the fall and pretend he’s sleeping. If I ask him to come into the living room, he’ll shout out, “I can’t I’m in the bedroom.” If I tell him it’s time for bed he’ll say something like, “I can’t, I’m reading a book.” As for the jokes he just makes them up. They don’t make any sense at all but we laugh at them and he thinks it’s hilarious. He’ll even cover his mouth or eyes and fall back on the floor laughing thinking he pulled of a real good one. He likes to just say goofy things, stringing two words together like “Milk fruit” or “Shoe bathtub” and then bust out with a huge belly laugh. It is quite funny and cute and I find myself laughing for real at some of these cute jokes.
Collin also likes to sing. Thankfully he’s singing more than just Godsmack now. He likes to sing, “Jesus Loves The Little Children” and he also loves the jingles to the Mr. Clean, Subway sandwiches and the Meow Mix cat food commercials. He’ll walk around singing “Mr. Clean! Mr. Clean!” or “Subway! Eat Fresh!” or “Meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow. MEOW. MEOW. MEOOOOOOW!” I love this because in my very own baby book my mother wrote down that the Meow mix jingle was one of my first songs too.
We’re progressing in the potty learning. I can quite remember if I’ve mentioned this in my previous entries, but Collin is doing quite well with using the big potty. He’ll even tell me he has to go pee when he’s in the bathtub, which impresses the heck out of me. I’m not pushing him so lately he hasn’t asked to go as much, but I think it’s great that he knows when he is going and tells me before he has to actually go. He’s also been trying to be a big boy and pee in the toilet like daddy does. He barely makes it over the rim, but he does well and with only a few drops on the floor. He’s so proud of himself when he’s finished and shouts, ‘Just like daddy! Yay!” He has a smaller potty chair but he much prefers the regular toilet. I’m okay with this because when it’s time to conquer public toilets or visits at friends or families houses, he won’t be terrified of using the regular toilet.
Collin is also getting very good at saying Grace before we eat dinner. He’ll gently fold his hands in front of his chest, bow his head and quietly say a few lines. What we say is, “Thank you God for this food we are about to receive and everything it took to bring it to us. May it help strengthen and nourish our bodies and keep us strong and healthy. Amen.” What Collin says is. “Thank you God, food about to receive. Our bodies. Amen.” He loves to say this and even reminds us if we forget. What an angel!
**PIONEER VILLAGE**
We recently took a family trip three hours west to visit a wonderful little place called, Harold Warp's Pioneer Village. The website describes it as the worlds largest private collection of Americana. You'd have to see the website to know exactly what I'm talking about. WWW.Pioneervillage.com
My grandfather lived in the small town that Pioneer Village resides in and every summer he would take my cousins (Vicki, Andi and Amy) and me there. One week out of the summer, we would pack our suitcases and head to grandpa Alex's place. We were spoiled beyond spoiled and allowed to just be kids. Pioneer Village holds such fond and wonderful memories for me. It not only reminds me of being a kid but also reminds me of so many fun times with my cousins and also with my grandfather. I cannot think of PV without thinking about Grandpa Alex. They just go hand in hand.
Since it had been YEARS since I had been back, I thought it might be fun if we took a road trip and went. Mark's family had never been there and Collin is old enough to love the tractors, airplanes, and old cars. A road trip involving ALL of us (MIL, BIL, SIL, niece and nephew, Mark, myself and Collin) was risky because we've been known to not really...how should I say this...enjoy each other's company. We rented a mini-van and aside from a few minor blowouts over the car seat not fitting in correctly, we got off without a hitch. Thankfully everyone had a smile on their faces, we had a great time and we all enjoyed the long day. We actually had fun, if you can believe it. Collin couldn't stop ooh'ing and ahh'ing over all the items he saw and loved saying, "Pioneer Village!"
As I walked around I had such mixed feelings about being there - Almost a lonely feeling. I was missing my grandfather so much and missing all those times when we were kids, yet I was so pleased to be walking the very same grounds with my OWN family. We even ate at the same little Pioneer restaurant and I insisted on ordering what I always ordered as a kid. A grilled cheese and fries! I would have never thought in a million years that I'd be back with my own husband, 2 year old son and carrying our baby daughter. It was a special day indeed and I know my grandfather was looking down with a smile on his soul.
**CHUCK E. CHEESE**
The next afternoon we met some friends, Pat and Celeste and their twins, Julia and Johnathan (also 2), at Chuck E. Cheese for some good old kid-style fun. Collin likes to watch Sesame Street on PBS and they are always showing the commercial for Chuck E. Cheese and Collin is always saying how much he wants to go. We've been trying to take Collin out and do lots of fun things before Ireland arrives so that we have that special one on one time with him before it's the four of us. Boy did he have a blast. We ate pizza and salad, watched the show and then played games and rode rides for over an hour. The place was swarming, everyone was screaming and laughing and there were bells and whistles going off every few seconds. Definitely not the place to go if you are susceptible to headaches. Collin wasn't afraid of the 6 foot mouse (Chuck E.) and even gave him a high five. His favorites were the little rides, especially the bright yellow bulldozer (picture on website).
**FALL’S ARRIVAL**
Fall has arrived and I’m so happy! Autumn is my favorite time of year and I just love it. It’s even beginning to get quite nippy in the evenings, down to the low to mid 30’s. We’ve even had our first frost already, which is a bit early. Mark turned on the heat this morning for the first time since the thermostat in the house said it was only 63. Brrr!
I’ve been enjoying lots of hot steaming mugs of Celestial Seasonings, Sleepytime tea (decaf, of course!) with honey and lots of apples and caramel sauce. Yum! Yum!
My last monthly OB appointment is Monday, Oct 6th, then I’ll start going every other week. At this appointment I will take my glucose test and also schedule another ultrasound. I’ll post after my appointment, I’m sure it will all be routine.
Enjoy the last day of September!
~Jennifer
**Website updated**
http://www.babiesonline.com/babies/n/nebraskacollin/
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