Road Trip

Wesley and I went home to Mississippi this weekend. We left Thursday evening and got back last night (Monday). Our trip began with a stop in Atlanta and dinner with a few friends who live there. It was great to see Julie and Charles, Jamie B. and Slim (his adorably fat tabby cat). We stayed the night at Jamie's house and hit the road early Friday morning, destination: Gulfport.

Friday evening we hung out with Wesley's mom and his youngest brother, Christopher, who leaves for England tomorrow. We had a great time playing Wii, eating a tasty dinner, and enjoying each others company. I never get tired of letting people feel the baby kick around and seeing their reactions. It amazes me how surprised people are when they meet Ninja-Baby. I also find it amusing when people get a little weirded out by the "alien." Christopher's reaction was equal parts astonishment, gross-out, and "That's so cool!"

Saturday morning Wesley and I drove over to New Orleans. We haven't been back since before we got married and both missed the city, it's life, music, and food. Cafe du Monde was packed so we headed up to Magazine Street and got coffee and a muffin at CC's coffee house. We then walked around a few blocks of the garden district, admiring the homes. We found a great baby boutique on Magazine and had a lot of fun checking out the toys, clothes and nursery goodies. They had a wrought iron four poster crib that was as gorgeous as it was pretentious and a robot building kit that made Wesley light up with glee.

We went back to the Quarter and walked the block around Jackson Square, admiring the art and hearing the sounds. A local Jr. High band was playing in front of St. Louis' Cathedral. It made my day to hear that Big-Brass New Orleans sound. Afterward we walked along the riverwalk back to our car. We saw the Natchez steamboat on the Mississippi River, had a sno-ball, and passed by the aquarium. We talked about how great it will be to come back to the aquarium and zoo with Baby DB one day. We also discussed- again- how if we ever move back to the South, we will live in New Orleans.

Back in Gulport by 1 o' clock for my book shower that was hosted by Wesley's mom Lucy and her friend Lori. Lucy's friends were incredibly kind and Baby DB has a great collection of books now. Fairy tale books, board books, Dr Seuss, Corduroy (one of my favorites), and sweet books for us to read together at bedtime. Not only were there great books and a bouncy seat from Grandmother Lulu, but there were cucumber sandwiches and the best cupcakes this side of the Mississippi river. Chocolate cupcake with strawberry filling, chocolate icing, and a chocolate covered strawberry on top. Oh my goodness!

After the shower we continued our trek up to Jackson where we had dinner at Keifer's with my dad and his good (best?) friend James and his wife Mary. Keifer's is a staple in Jackson and they have the best gyro I have ever eaten. Ever. As happens when dad and James are together, there was much talk about cars, motorcycles, and a little bravado. We had a great time, I just wish I could have spent more time with Dad this trip.

Sunday morning Mom and I spent time in the pool while Wesley and Mark, my step-dad, went for a bike ride at a new trail in Madison. The pool was a great relief from all the Mississippi heat and the weightlessness felt wonderful. After their bike ride the men joined us in the pool then we had burgers for lunch. Mark has become a master grill-man and the burgers were mmm good!

My aunt Michele hosted a shower for me Sunday afternoon. I was so excited to see family and old friends and really wish I could have spent more time chit-chatting with everyone. Two friends from nursing school were there and my oldest friend, Wren, came too. There were so many people dear to me there that it made me feel a little homesick for Jackson. I do miss being close to everyone but Asheville is home now.

Mom and Mark cooked us a good ol' southern meal Sunday night- something you can't get in Asheville no matter what they say. We had grilled chicken on the Green Egg that would make you slap yo' momma, crowder peas, Mom's awesome cornbread, my favorite marinated cucumbers, and creamed corn. It was a feast!

We got back home last night. The house looks like a tornado ran through it and the animals are all happy to see us. Time for life to return to normal for a little while.

*sidenote* As I read this entry for proofing, I realized I mentioned food in every paragraph. Think the kid is trying to tell me something? Off to the pantry I go...

Final Stretch

My third trimester started yesterday. Right on cue, I have started thinking about things like the birth plan, what to pack for the hospital, and "holy moly, my body is going to do What?". I'm getting really excited about meeting the little critter. I feel like I know Baby DB so well already but I still don't have a clue. It's like internet dating for nine months. I mean, I guess it is... I never did internet dating. Wesley has been stuck with me for a long time now. Anyways, back on track.

I've been having Braxton-Hicks contractions here and there. I started getting them at the beginning of the second trimester but now I have them at least once every couple of days it seems. My body is gearing up. I know I'm petite but I really have a feeling that I am going to be able to do this without induction or c-section. In spite of ME feeling crummy, my body has done a great job taking care of this kiddo so far. The baby has grown right on schedule, has all signs of good health and is very active. The hormones that make me pukey and my nose stuffy and runny 24/7 (which is maddening) are protecting Critter from possible dangers. I used to think my body was horrible at being pregnant but now I think maybe it's really, really good at it- albeit at the expense of my own comfort, but so what?

I've also started working out on a regular basis. Nothing too strenuous, mind you. I ride a stationary bike at the lowest setting for 15-30 minutes, do some time on the elliptical to build up my stamina and try to do 50 squats a day to strengthen and tone important muscles for the upcoming task. All of the cardio equipment has heart rate monitors so I can keep an eye on the ticker and make sure I don't overdo it. It feels good to exercise and I can already see the benefits in energy and mood.

Ladies, did you have a birth plan? What was most important to you? Was it honored to the best of the staff's ability? Any suggestions? And what random item should I make sure to pack in the hospital bag?

Baby Stuff

I've had several people ask me where I am registered. You can find a list of goodies for Baby DB at Babies-R-Us. You can peruse the list online via the link or go into the store if that's easier. Man, some things are just hard to say, aren't they?

Cake

Life is cruising along here. Not too much to report. I'm sitting in my totally awesome rocking chair avoiding things like cleaning the house, doing laundry, and getting ready for a garage sale I hope to have on Saturday. After a pretty rough morning, I don't have much go-juice. Wesley suggests I get out of the house and do something fun. I think I might do just that. Maybe after I will have the oomph I need to get stuff done.
Until then, let me share this little gem with you. Cakewrecks.com is a great website for wasting time. Her entry about 'butt cakes' is enlightening to say the least.

Here's an example.


I think that baby is a little too close to the ledge, don't you?

Preggie Pop Drops

Six months into this thing and I've finally given Preggie Pops a try. I think it's good I didn't use them before because I would probably be sick of them by now and they seem to be helping keep the queasiness down. I only have one bone to pick with the makers of these sour little treats.



No pregnant woman who actually has morning (make that "all day") sickness looks this good. So when I've turned a couple shades of green and reach for the little candies, seeing this perky face really just ticks me off. You could at least pretend to realize that pregnancy isn't all fun all the time for the people you are marketing to. That is all.

Breast is Best video

My friend Kelly shared this great video with me. It's a seven minute preview of a longer film about breast feeding and the importance of skin-to-skin contact. I thought it was very sweet and informative. Just be prepared to see moms and newborns doing what they do.



I love how constant contact is encouraged immediately from birth. I never liked the idea of having my child taken away from me for shots and weighing and such before we get a chance to bond. Seeing this video helped me feel like it is OK to ask for what I want after the baby is born and not let the 'hospital rush' separate Baby DB from me any more or any sooner than absolutely necessary. I want Baby DB to be in my arms or Wesley's arms the first 24 hours of life. I thought it was great that they showed the dad giving kangaroo care (the nursing term for skin-to-skin) to the baby while Mom wasn't available for whatever reason. I would be interested in seeing the whole video.

Funny Story

They say having a dog is a great way to meet people. I never expected the story to go like this, though.

I woke up this morning to a telephone call from someone saying my dog was in her backyard. Apparently Molly's playdate has taught her how to jump the fence. She was one street over in this person's backyard. I said "Thank you so much, I'll be right there." I could hear dogs barking in the background and thought "Oh, I hope she is behaving."

I rush over there and Amy brings Molly out to me. Amy is pregnant too! We start to talk and realize that our due dates are one day apart. We stood in her driveway and chatted for an hour about nesting, delivery, moving to the area (they moved here in December), dogs, and whatever else came to mind. Her husband seems very nice too. We made plans to keep in touch, become walking buddies and have dinner together sometime.

I'm really excited to have a friend who is right where I am- six months pregnant with my first child. It's great having friends who have a kid or two who can share sage advice but it will be fun to know someone who is experiencing it all for the first time too. Wouldn't it be something if our critters were born on the same day?

Now, what to do about the fact that my dog has started jumping fences??

To Do List

1. Sewing projects
2. Build a few playlists for the baby
3. Build a few playlists for the delivery (can't you see me giving birth to Rage Against the Machine?)
4. Put crib together
5. See a movie together (Thank you Thomas and Amanda)
6. Start stock-piling thaw-and-eat meals
7. Finalize name selections
8. Decide on art for the baby's room (Ahem, calling MOM)
9. Pencil in a calendar for family visits post-delivery
10. Declutter the house to make room for baby items