Pregnancy Brain

So, you don't know what pregnancy brain is? Well, it's a phenomenon that takes place when an otherwise intelligent and rational woman becomes pregnant and then loses all ability to think rationally, listen to others, or remember anything, even if it happened an hour ago. Also includes wandering off into la-la land several times an hour. See examples below:

* Two weeks ago, Chris and I were driving by the mall. We saw a sign: BLACKBERRYS-(xxx)xxx-xxxx. That's all it said (and yes, with the "Y"). Chris looked at me and said, "Need any blackberries?" To which I replied, "Why would anyone call a phone number for blackberries? Why wouldn't you just go to the grocery and buy them? That must be some pretty special fruit." He very calmly said, "Honey, I think they mean phones, not fruit." Yeah, I felt pretty stupid. HERE'S the kicker: About 5 days later, we were driving home and saw the same sign in a different location. And what did I say?? "Why would anyone call a phone number for blackberries? Wouldn't you just go to the grocery and buy them? That must be some pretty special fruit..." I'm pretty sure Chris was speechless by this point.

* Last week I went to Target and bought some things which included a box of my favorite candy Mike & Ike. I got out of the store and a few miles down the road and decided to eat some candy. I took out the box, opened it and shoved a handful into my mouth...and then promptly spit them back into my hand. I picked up the box...Tropical Typhoon Mike & Ike. What the hell?!? That's not what I bought!! I took out the receipt and read it...as if someone had sneakily switched my original Mike & Ike with these nasty tropical ones. Nope, I sure did buy the tropical ones! I then take a closer look at the box...for those of you who don't know, the original Mike & Ike box is like neon green. The Tropical Typhoon box is...are you ready? PINK. Yes, pink. Now, this box was GIANT. How did I mistake a GIANT PINK BOX for a neon green one? Who the hell knows...

* The day after the Mike & Ike incident, I made Chris stop on our way back to work from lunch to get me the REGULAR Mike & Ike. He asked me to get him a can of cashews while I was in Walgreen's. I went to the candy row and got my NEON GREEN box of candy and headed to the endcap where the cashews ALWAYS are. They were there. They had "Fancy Cashews" and "Lightly Salted Cashews." I got the lightly salted ones because they have less salt than those there fancy ones. I paid and went to the car. We drove away. I handed Chris his cashews. And this is the conversation that followed:

C: Were they out of cashews?
Me: No, they're in your hand. (while rolling my eyes)
C: These are mixed nuts. It's not a big deal, just wondering if there was a reason you got these instead of just cashews.
Me: I didn't buy mixed nuts, I bought cashews.
C: No, you bought mixed nuts. Really, it's not a big deal. Look at the can.
Me: NO, I BOUGHT CASHEWS. (while frantically looking for the receipt as if someone had sneakily switched my merchandise TWO days in a row)
C: Are you really looking for the receipt?? Look at the damn can!! They're mixed nuts!
Me: But I bought cashews...
C: Fine. You bought cashews...but these are mixed nuts.

* I can't tell you the amount of times in a day that I have to ask people what they just said...simply because I've wandered off to a far away place and have stopped listening. I know it's rude. I know. But I just can't help it! And I normally do this to my very understanding, sweet, patient husband. I don't know how he deals with me on a daily basis.

All I can say at this point is that hopefully my normal rational mind returns once Jayna is born. Even if only half returns I'll be happy because this is just craziness...

35 Weex

There is no 35 weex picture. Yes...I'm horrible. Maybe I'll have Chris take one tonight. Maybe. That's how I feel. Maybe everything. Maybe I'll eat dinner. Maybe I'll shower. Maybe I'll go to work. Nothing is certain right now. I feel like Jayna could decide to make an appearance anyday now and I can't do anything about it. And I'm sooo not prepared. So...maybe I'll do things and maybe I won't.

I had my 35 weex appointment last Tuesday. I was supposed to have an exam that day, but doc said that since everything was fine that we'd make the appointments every week now and do the exam at 36 weex. So, this Thursday I have my 36 weex appointment which will definitely involve an exam. Yuck, I think. I hear it's just one big ball of uncomfortable.

I do atleast one thing off of my list every other day. They are small things, like rearrange under the bathroom sink. That took me all of 10 minutes. But I still feel like I don't get anything done. Jayna's room is a wreck. There are things in there that don't belong. I ALREADY can't seem to keep it clutter-free. When I get one pile of things dealt with then there's another pile. I feel like I should be doing something off the list everyday, but that's just crazy talk. I get tired and worn out enough as it is.

On Saturday, I finally broke down and cried...and cried and cried and cried. Once it started, it wouldn't stop. I was feeling great until around dinner and I then realized that I may or may not have overdone it for the day. My body was so worn out and no way I sat or laid was comfortable. I ate dinner and that just made things worse as far as being uncomfortable. I was swollen up like a blimp and things were just horrible. I went to take a shower and as I was taking off my pants, I tripped and fell into our bed. And then it started. I got so frustrated that I just started crying. I can't even take off my pants properly at this point. And then everything else that's been difficult came to the front of my mind and added fuel to the breakdown fire. Chris came and tried to comfort me. He was being so very sweet. But I just couldn't stop. He then promptly left to get my best friends...Ben & Jerry.

I took a shower and ate some ice cream and things began to look a little better. This part of pregnancy is definitely the most difficult part. Morning sickness has NOTHING on end-of-third-trimester junk. My only solace is knowing that this will soon be over and Jayna will be here. And then a whole new set of obstacles will ensue...

The Third Trimester Yucks

So, lately I haven't been having a very easy time. Things are more difficult now. I am slightly more emotional now. I am less than slightly more giant now. Everyday tasks are difficult. I have a hard time even putting on my pants! I can't reach my feet while sitting down. I can't find a single comfortable position to sleep. I can't stand up for long periods of time. The heat KILLS me. The swelling in my feet is out of control...I've been told that nothing is wrong, I'm just swelling because of being pregnant and the heat and that there are limited things I can do about the swelling anyway. I get very winded when I exert any sort of energy. Yesterday I carried a load of laundry (not heavy) from our laundry closet to our bed which is about 15 feet away and I was out of breath.

Here's a picture of my huge-mongous feet...

Why does anyone have more than one child? Don't get me wrong...there have been WAY more good things about pregnancy than bad things, but this third trimester business is just insane!! I've been told that I will forget all of the bad things once Jayna is here and I'll focus on the good things. I guess I'll just have to trust that that is true for now because I can't see that happening at this point.

Tuesday was possibly the WORST day of my pregnancy yet. I spent ALL morning fighting back tears for absolutely no other reason than the fact that I was uncomfortable and exhausted. I just wanted to throw myself on the floor and throw an old-school 2-year-old tantrum. I didn't, but I wanted to. All afternoon was spent worrying about a doctor's appointment that ended up being fine. All evening was more of being uncomfortable and not being able to sleep.

Yesterday I had a slight freak out moment when I looked at my calendar and realized that I only have 3 weekends, 4 at best, before my due date...and I still have a list of things to do/buy a mile long before that happens. I made an actual written list of things that need to be done and bought so that I can see the big picture. It really eased my mind to see it all on paper. It is a little more manageable now that it all isn't just jumbled up in my head. All of the things to do are fairly simple and will require little effort on my part...and Chris will help me or just do it for me. He is the most wonderful husband ever. I've never known someone with so much patience...let's hope that lasts!

I am very ready for Jayna to be here...but I'm so not ready for Jayna to be here. How's THAT for a contradiction?! I'm ready to be done with the pregnancy, but not mentally or physically prepared to have a baby. Here's to hoping I'm cut out for this...

Better Late Than Never

On July 19th, I had my baby shower. I know, I know...that was 2 weex ago! I haven't really felt like blogging for the past few weex. I've been busy getting things together, busy with a million appointments, and very very tired and exhausted. I can definitely tell that I'm getting close to delivering...I'm uncomfortable as hell and I'm ready for this part to be over!!

Anyhoozy, the baby shower was great!! I got to see some friends that I rarely see because we are all so busy or because we live far away from one another. I enjoyed everyone's company and the munchy food and the cupcakes...and all of the awesome gifts!! I got the travel system from my mom along with some other miscellaneous things. Chris' mom got us the high chair and the cutest little stuffed rattle dog. I got lots and lots of onesies and socks and lotions and soaps and such...all things I'll use. And I got the most awesome diaper cake from Kelly, the girl who does my hair!! I think it's the cutest diaper cake I've ever seen!! It's still assembled and on Jayna's dresser. I'll be sad the day I begin taking it apart, but happy to have all those diapers that I won't have to go out and buy!!

I've washed and gone through everything and have some things to exchange or return. I registered RIGHT after I learned that I was having a girl. I sort of wish I would've waited until a few weeks after that...when I learned alot of things about what to use/register for. There are things on my registry that I don't remember putting on there. I'm sure I did, but now that I have it, I know that I won't ever use it.

I am so very grateful to all the people who came and brought gifts and took time out of their lives to come celebrate with me. I have yet to write my thank you notes!! I'm slow! They are made and waiting for me to write in them, but I just haven't had the energy to begin! I hope to have it done by the end of the weekend. Thanks, everyone!!

Say Cheese!!

On Friday, July 18th, I had my maternity photo shoot. It was fun! A friend from high school owns a photography studio, so we even knew our photographer...which made things move a little more slowly (with all the chit-chat), but it made me more comfortable. And I was very sore the next day from all of the sitting down and getting up and contorting into different poses. When I saw the pictures, I decided that it was all worth it!

After all of the pics were taken, Chris and I got to see them all and decide if there were some that we loved or hated. I'm telling you, I look HUGE from some angles!! I know that I'm pregnant and, well, big, but some of the pictures just made me look gigantic! There are so many that I loved...I know I'll have a difficult time choosing. There are some of Chris and I that are just so sweet that they bring a tear to the eye. I can't wait to get the proofs! Thanks, Nikki!

Pregnancy Woe of the Century

This is such a disappointment that it has made me cry a few times already. What a difficult decision I've had to make. I'll be missing these guys tonight...

The Foo Fighters are quite possibly my all-time favorite band. They haven't been to my city in almost 10 years. They will not be touring for awhile after this tour is over. And I really need to stay home.

I bought these tickets MONTHS ago. I knew that it would be a long shot that I'd be able to go at 34 weex pregnant, but I was wishing...wishing upon a star that I'd feel up to going. And I don't. If I even made it to the show, I wouldn't make it all the way through, what with my anxiety in crowds, my sore, swollen feet, and my conscience that tells me that I shouldn't be in an enclosed area with enough second-hand smoke (tobacco and pot) to kill a horse. I am sooo very uncomfortable at this point that I'm not even at ease on my own couch, let alone in a crowd of 50,000 plus people.

You may be saying to yourself, "But it's JUST a concert." No, no it isn't. Not to me. I LOVE music...especially live music. And especially the Foo Fighters. Dave Grohl is my hero! I went to see Jack Johnson at around 28 weex pregnant. That was an outdoor show and I weighed about 8 pounds less. My ankles weren't swelling then. And I could move around a lot easier. I HATE that I have to miss this.

I am in mourning right now...I'm handling it by eating an entire bag of M&M's. And I don't feel any better...

33 Weex

I know, I know. It's actually 34 weex...but I've been busy! These past few weex have proven to be more difficult than other weex. I've been to the hospital once now. I was having some pretty heavy pressure in my lower abdomen and Braxton-Hicks contractions. I called the doctor's office, but both doctors were out at deliveries. I was told by one of the doctors to go the hospital (where she was) and they'd do some testing and monitoring from there. And,of course, when I got there, everything came to a screeching halt. All of the pressure and contractions disappeared. I was sent home an hour later only to be told that I need to take it easy and drink about a gallon of water a day. Oh, and try to stay cool. The hot weather really has an effect on pregnant people.

I am swelling up very badly now. Mostly in my feet. It really looks pretty funny. My toes look like little sausages. I've been putting cold compresses on them in the evening for about 20 minutes and that seems to help. It doesn't really hurt, but it is a little uncomfortable.

My hands hurt like hell all the time. I've been told that it's carpal tunnel caused by pregnancy and that it will go away a few months after Jayna's born. It's really difficult to type now. I can't even staple things or open soda cans. It's very frustrating and painful.

Oh, and guess what?! I now have stretch marks on my belly. Only 3, but still. I'm so very unhappy about that...especially knowing that I have about 6 weex to go. How many will there be by the time I deliver??

I went to the doctor last week for my appointment that was really supposed to be 32 weex, and everything is fine. We talked mainly about my birth plan and how I shouldn't be upset with myself if I end up having drugs instead of doing natural labor. She just wants me to be as informed as possible...and that can't be anything but good!! Jayna's heart rate was 160 BPM and she moved like a wild child while I was being examined. My next appointment is at 35 weex and then I start once a week appointments. It's getting close!!!

Jayna is a mover and a shaker. She moves all the time and she let's everyone know she's in there! It seriously looks like an alien is going to pop out of there at any time. I even saw her footprint through my skin last weekend. It was very cool and very freaky all at the same time!! She's really showing off her personality...even from in the womb!

I am now to the point that I'm ready for her to be here instead of in there. Atleast I think I'm ready. I just know that I don't think I can get much more uncomfortable...but I have 6 weex left!! Who knows what new things will be happening to me by then!!

Here are some pictures. There is no buddha belly picture because I was wearing a dress. Trust me, you don't want me lifting my dress right now!!

33 Weex

33 Weex again

The 33 Weex sexy pose...if that's even possible! :)