Lather, Rinse, Repeat

There is not much to blog about lately. As it turns out newborns eat, sleep, poop, cry, sleep... Lather, rinse, repeat. I guess during these first few weeks no news is good news. I could tell you she's betting bigger, but it would be a much more compelling story if she were getting smaller. I could tell you I'm tired, but a lot more people would be reading this post if it had the secret to staying energized and well rested during the first month after their child's birth. I could tell you how she's getting more and more beautiful each day, but real story would be if she peaked in middle school. So for now, know that Norah is an entirely normal baby who does all the things that normal babies do. I am entirely comfortable writing a boring ol' post about my boring lil' baby, because the last post I want to be writing is some heart wrenching tragedy that spreads like wildfire and lands me in the hospital or on the local news channel. No, we will take our sometimes fussy, always beautiful, and entirely normal baby and cherish every moment we can. So you just keep on keeping' on Miss Norah. Eat, sleep, poop, cry, sleep... lather, rinse, repeat.

Happy Due Date Norah!

I am a bit shocked that 10 days after Norah was brought into this world still no one has come by to determine whether or not I am really qualified to raise this child. No one is monitoring my parenting. There is no safety net to ensure my daughter's well being. Norah has a lot of people that really love her, but pretty much everything comes down to me and her daddy(and God of course)!

In order for Shawn to become a lawyer he had to attend three years of school training, pass a character and fitness test which required multiple references, take countless exams and read countless pages of text, swear an oath before the Supreme Court of our state, and so, so much more. For Shawn and I to become parents all we had to do was have sex. Just wow.

 Norah is 10 days old today. She's already growing up too fast. There are 10 whole days that have gone by, and I already know I have not made the most of them. I already know some mistakes I have made or things I would do differently. I just can't believe they're letting me keep her!

 Norah has already lived so much in her 10 days! She has met so many people that love her! She admirably endured all of daddy's graduation ceremonies and celebrations. She travelled all the way to the state Capitol and even met one of the supreme court justices! Norah had a photo shoot, plenty of costume changes, and filled countless diapers. She is a champ. Way to go, baby girl. I love you, and am very proud of you in your first 10 days!

Shawn Woller, Esq.

Shawn's Hooding Ceremony

Big Weekend for Norah

Our little lady's calendar is filling up quite quickly! Naturally the pretty girl has plenty of callers, but there is so much more than that. This morning Norah was up and ready to go for her newborn photoshoot by the lovely Sarah Of Fresh Frame Photography. She also oh-so conveniently lives on the 4th floor of our building, so we didn't even have to go outside! Usually newborns are zonked out during the first week or two of life resulting in adorable sleeping bundles in various positions and props. Not Miss Norah! Thus far she has been such a laid back kid, but the little diva had a whole new temperament once that fancy lens was pointed in her direction. I don't think we'll be signing her up to model for Kohl's catalogs anytime soon.

After a long morning of constant frowny face we came back downstairs. Less than an hour later there were two very handsome boys at the door calling after my darling daughter. I didn't turn them away as they were accompanied by my lovely sister, their mother. Yay for meeting the first of her cousins!!

A couple hours later it was time to prepare Norah for her first Milwaukee adventure- picking up Aunt Mae-Mae from the airport! Initially getting in the carseat was about as dramatic as the photoshoot, but once she settled down she was perfect the whole ride the and back. Big sigh of relief.

The rest of the evening was pretty relaxing, but we need a lot of rest to prepare for the weekend ahead. Tomorrow we meet Grandma and Grandpa Woller (yay!!) hopefully a few more aunts, uncles, and nephews, and lots of Marquette Law graduates! It will pretty cool to watch daddy in the Law School Hooding ceremony as well!! Very big day for this little family!

We'll check in again soon (hopefully) as we have plenty coming up in the next few days (and weeks and months and years for that matter).

2nd Night- Same as the 1st, but a little bit louder and a little bit worse

Our first night at home went swimmingly! She woke up every two hours or so to eat throughout the night, but would go right back to sleep afterwards. Shawn took the first night shift, would change all the diapers, bring her to me when she needed to be fed, etc., and I took the late-late to early morning shift. Easy peasy. Fortunately, I was smart enough to realize that not every night would go this well.

 Enter the 2nd night.

 Daddy had pretty much been holding Norah for the last 6 hours (except for a few feedings in between of course), so when it was mommy's shift around 2 or 3am Norah seemed to have been expecting the same. Trying to lay her back in her playpen was simply laughable at that point-- or screamable anyway. Baby girl has expectations now. Daddy works tomorrow so Grandma is coming over tonight to help out. We will just see how night 3 goes.

She is getting more and more beautiful as each day passes, by the way. Shawn and I are torn between wanting to have some quiet family time while we get adjusted and inviting everyone over all the time so we can show off our little miracle!!

Our Newest Addition: Norah Naomi

As I lay here in bed holding my daughter in my left arm I struggle to find any words to write about her. I assure you that this is not due to any shortage of feelings or events I'm eager to share. It is entirely due to the fact that the words "my daughter" seem more beautiful, complex, and significant than any combination of written word in the history of man, and nothing I could possibly write would stand any chance of expressing how beautiful and barely comprehensible those words are to me. Maybe someday those words won't be such a tidal wave rushing over me and I will be able to write about Norah's birth with more clarity, but today you are going to get whatever I can manage to divulge as I gasp for air between waves of taking in this experience. Friday night May 11th Shawn and I went to dinner at a friend and co-workers home in Milwaukee. I had been feeling increasingly off throughout the night, but had no concept of the impending events of the next 36 hours. We left for home shortly before 10pm. On the way home I was explaining to Shawn how I felt and giving him reasons that I didn't think I was having contractions. My confidence in those arguments did not take long to waver. It was shortly after 10pm that I decided to time these "definitely" and then only "probably" not-contractions. They were remarkably consistent. The first hour was nothing short of comedic. There was so much left to do, and so many things we hadn't figured out yet. Shawn ran around packing the hospital bags, putting together the play pen, and all kinds of other tasks as we quick crammed for parenthood like an exam we thought we wouldn't have to take for another few weeks. We laughed and joked about the hilarity of our cliche unpreparedness. I even called into work at the Pfister for the very first time. I had read and heard how often women were sent back home from the hospital during early labor, and was well versed in stories about how long labor could take. I did call my doctor and ask for her opinion about when to go in. As expected she recommended I try to stay home for a bit until the contractions were more severe. She also suggested I take a warm shower. I was a bit hesitant about the shower at first, but once I got in the shower it was almost an hour before I got out. Then I laid down and tried to rest for a few hours between contractions. The rumor was that I would need my energy. Around 5am I noticed the increasing severity of the contractions as well as another significant change (I'll spare you). I sent a text message to my doctor and she told me she would tell the hospital I was on my way. I woke Shawn who hadn't been sleeping any better than I had, and we got ready to go. It was still before 6am and we realized we had no idea which of the three entrances to go to. It was just funny little details like that occurring that whole night. We found an open door, did a bit of paperwork, and got wheeled upstairs. I was admitted to the hospital around 6am. They brought me up to the birthing suite, and it was awesome! I had my own private tub in the room, a birthing ball, and plenty of space to move around. I spent quite a bit of time in the tub the first few hours. As relaxing as it was, it sort of slowed down my contractions, so I eventually decided to give it up. I ended up really liking the birthing ball too. I had been a bit nervous about my "birth plan", how realistic it was, and how to best communicate my intentions to the nurses. I am still shocked how smoothly it went. I never had to be hooked up to an I.V. or anything like that. My heart rate , the baby's heart rate, my blood pressure, and my contractions were all monitored intermittently, but most of the time I was walking around a free woman! I was very blessed to have things go as smoothly as they did! Things didn't move along especially quickly, but I was "complication" free! (Thank you Jesus!) My mom and sister came up to see how I was and got a nice list of things to do, which was really, really nice considering our aforementioned unpreparedness. Shawn was able to stay by my side the whole time, and was absolutely amazing. By 3pm-ish I had been stuck at about 5 cm for hours and my doctor was starting to discuss breaking my water. I was debating a bit (not sure why now as I look back- I think I was scared of how painful I knew it would be after that). Finally around 7:30pm I think I realized I was just being a bit of a chicken and decided to go for it. She broke my water around 8pm. Then things started to get real. Little Norah was herself in a frenzied little rush of last minute preparing before the impending changes. She might not have realized she was being evicted so soon! The next 3 hours were a complete blur. In retrospect I'm sure it wasn't me those last 3 hours, as I am sure I couldn't have handled it. There was one point especially while I was pushing that I felt like I had just been transported back into my body after 5 or so minutes of absence. It took me a few seconds to remember what was going on. It was shortly after this that I was struggling for reasons why I had decided to go "drug free" (but I did it)! So I pushed some more. Then I could see the head. So I pushed some more. It hurt. So I pushed some more. It hurt so much. So I pushed some more. Then it happened. My eyes were like saucers as I watched her come out of my. It was so completely surreal. One more big push to expel those shoulders and fingers and toes. Then I heard from my amazing husband's lips, "it's a Norah", and the next second my sticky little daughter was on my chest and I was in sheer awe at everything that had happened. And the rest I can tell you later...

30 Weeks

I Should Have Paid For Expedited Shipping...

Usually I am a ground shipping kind of girl, and can't recall any time I have ever paid extra to have something shipped to me faster. I am patient enough that I can wait a bit longer for whatever it is I just ordered, and frugal enough not to waste my money on instant gratification or at least quicker gratification.

Nine months is a long time to wait for anything, none the less that which you have wanted more than anything for as long as you can remember. Had I choice, I may have paid the extra fee to expedite this time. Needless to say, I did not have the choice. I guess I'll just have to wait.

72 days left before this little package arrives on my doorstep... you know, give or take. I sure hope I'm around to sign for it!

As for the general update: I'm about 30 weeks. I have gained exactly 10 pounds. Heartbeat is healthy, kicks are frequent, and all is good as of my last appointment. My pregnant belly is as adorable as ever. :) I know, I know... you want pictures. You'll just have to wait... or visit.

I think Shawn and I have agreed on a first name for both a boy and a girl. It took us a while... and it's a secret. Sorry.

If anyone is curious, here is the grand master plan (subject to change, of course):
My last day of work will be May 17th (should both my baby and I make it that long), and I will cash in all of my vacation days and then start maternity leave.
Shawn has his Law School Hooding Ceremony on May 19th which happens to be the only day I don't actually want the baby to come, but you know how these things go sometimes.
Now- if everything goes PERFECTLY, I will go into labor on the morning of the 20th so that Shawn doesn't have to go to the otherwise required all-school graduation ceremony.
After that, only God knows. It's amazing how things can all be so absolutely up in the air and perfectly planned at the same time.

I don't have too terribly much else to say. I just thought I should check in since it's been a while. So, there's the update. In summary, we're still waiting and just getting all the more eager as the day approaches!

Sweet Baby Shower Swag!

First baby shower!!

The Marquette Law School ladies who hang out with Shawn decided to throw me a shower before school started. It was really sweet! (Thanks again Breanne!!)

I was actually kind of nervous, which may seem odd. The shower was thrown for me and another fabulous wife (Anna) of one of the guys they hang out with. I think I had convinced myself that I was just going to her shower since going to one thrown for me was so foreign to me.

It's a great group of girls who I am happy to permit my husband to spend time with ;)
We played the game with clothespins where the word "baby" is forbidden. Every time you say the word, the first person to notice gets to take your clothespin. Whoever has the most clothespins at the end of the shower wins. I was the very first one to lose my clothes pin. That's ok with me, because I just like talking about my baby!!

We also had a race to see who could feed their partner a jar of baby food faster. I ate the peaches, which I felt was appropriate. Candy bars melted in diapers is also always a classic, and I got 'em all!

It was really sweet of them to throw me the shower! It's exciting to start getting more baby stuff, and have my belly keep popping out! It's all becoming so real so quickly! "Ready or not, mom, here I come!!"

I wouldn't say I'm truly "ready", but I don't think any first mom ever is, so bring it on, kid!

Baby Bump:: 20 (and a half) Weeks!

It's a BABY!

Week 20: My Baby is a Carrot

I have an application on my iPad which tracks my pregnancy. Each week it tells me a few interesting facts about my baby's development. I have quite enjoyed learning what my baby is up to 20,000 leagues under the sea. Each week it makes a point to describe to me the approximate size of my baby. Often comparisons to fruit and or vegetables are used. I will list each week's size description below for your entertainment. I have found them at least mildly amusing and I hope you do too.

Week 5: an appleseed
Week 6: a pea
Week 7: a blueberry
Week 8: a jelly bean
Week 9: a grape
Week 10: an olive
Week 11: a fig
Week 12: a key lime
Week 13: "3 inches"
Week 14: a small lemon
Week 15: an avocado
Week 16: a lemon
Week 17: an apple
Week 18: a pear
Week 19: a softball
Week 20: a carrot
Week 21: "a miniature version of a fully developed person"
Week 22: "11 inches"
Week 23: a mango
Week 24: "12 inches"
Week 25: a squash
Week 26: a large zucchini
Week 27: "2 pounds"
Week 28: "2 and a half pounds"
Week 29: a cabbage
Week 30: an eggplant
Week 31: a small melon
Week 32: "17 inches"
Week 33: "4 pounds"
Week 34: a small pumpkin
Week 35: "5 and a half pounds"
Week 36: a bowling ball
Week 37: "19 inches"
Week 38: "7 pounds, 20 inches"
Week 39: a small watermelon
Week 40: "7-9 pounds"

I am not making any of this up, I promise. What's your favorite week? :)

Half Cooked Catalyst

My little life changer is at mile 13 in this gestational marathon. I am 20 weeks tomorrow!

If you're curious what Teebs has been up to for the last 4 months, it has recently become quite clear: Mastering Martial Arts. My child, who will most likely come into this world looking quite a bit like Yoda (but hopefully less green), will also have his mad fighting skills. Whether he/she has truly tapped into the Force, only time will tell.

We were having an altogether delightful time celebrating Christmas in Mankato this past week. I was tucking my nieces Rylee and Olivia into bed and reading them both a bible story when WHAM BAM I felt a roundhouse kick about half way between my belly button and my hip from INSIDE MY BODY! Chuck Norris better watch out! I had to stop the story and tell them. It was pretty fantastic sharing the moment with them.

Shawn has also been able to feel baby, which is also exciting. Three times in a row Shawn told the baby to kick his hand, and baby dutifully obliged each time. I think Peanut was showing off a little for Dad, already eager for that approval.

I am also finally starting to show a baby bump rather than a cross between a big lunch and an affinity for keg parties. Hallelujah.

I hope to start posting baby bump pictures soon! We also have our ultrasound on Thursday! Eek! So, more details soon!

Happy New Year from all 3 of us!!

I GOT PUPS FOR CHRISTMAS!

Here you're imagining adorable little four legged bundles of furry joy terrorizing our place.

You're thinking to yourself, really Jes? Do you really think that this is the best choice considering the time and effort necessary for this kind of undertaking, not to speak of the financial responsibility. With a baby on the way and your current work schedule this really isn't the best time for a new pet, none the less multiple.

Isn't Shawn more of a cat person anyway?

Is this one of those rash pregnancy decisions resulting from flared hormones and increased stress?

I can even think of a few friends in Milwaukee who would love to take the little guys off my hands once I come to my senses!

 

Before you get too carried away, just calm down a minute. No one is getting a new puppy.

This "rash" decision was no decision at all, and I would be quite opposed to the undertaking had I say in the matter. And we're not talking about bundles of joy terrorizing my place, but oh they are terrorizing.

 

I have "Pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (PUPPP)"- shortened to PUPs in the medical community.

 

Apparently I have a relatively severe case. Essentially I have what look, feel, and act like a few hundred mosquito bites from my neck down to my ankles. Usually they start at your stretch marks (none of which I have yet) and spread around the belly. In some cases they affect just about the entire body (except the face). Well, they're all over. Sorry for the "TMI" factor there.

Fortunately, this condition in no way affects the baby. Completely harmless. I had wondered though, considering the hundreds of mosquito bite looking bumps, if I would be soon blogging my own version of The Metamorphosis, and become the new modern and maternal Kafka. Can you imagine birthing a 9 pound mosquito? Can you imagine nursing it?? Someone asked me this morning if I would love it as much. I would try really, really hard. 

I would, though, be instantly famous I'm sure. Take that Octo-mom. Bring it on Duggars. Forget the anxiety surrounding Shawn getting a job right away or how soon I would have go back to work. We'd be on every week right after Teen Mom 2! 

Anyway, no need to worry about that! I wouldn't want to bring my baby up in that kind of spotlight anyway. Maybe a heat lamp, though. I don't know much about raising mosquitoes.

In summary, all is fine. Mom is just a bit inconvenienced. Baby has a healthy heartbeat, and I'm even starting to show! 

We hope you are all enjoying your holiday season, and hope to see you soon!!! 

Great Responsibility (Warning-- Serious Post)

Today I feel a great sense sense of responsibility in preparing this child inside of me for the world outside of me.

I'm not so concerned with the scraped knees, bruised elbows, and bonked heads. Those are things that life will teach itself. Physical pain is by in large bearable.

I'm a bit concerned about the broken hearts, betrayed friendships, and shattered dreams. Life is full of deep and inevitable hurt. I hope that I can teach my child at least a little bit about life's unavoidable disappointments and how to cope. I will want them to know that it's okay to be sad and to look to loved ones for support. They also have to understand, though, that life will keep moving with a tough love that will not adjust itself for the sake of our recuperation.

What concerns me the most, above the inevitable hospital visits and the depth and frequency of wounded hearts, is my own child's responsibility in the world. He or she will have an often misunderstood duty to place the needs of others before his or her own. He or she is commanded to hate the sin, but to love the sinner. He or she has a purpose in the world, not to be self serving, but to serve others in love, to carry their burdens, and to love their enemies. How can I teach a child what I am constantly struggling to learn myself?

When I think about how early they will be able to walk or talk, how soon I can potty train them, or whether they will know their colors before the others kids their age I find myself (at least for now) altogether unconcerned.

On the other hand, just thinking about the daily battle with the sinful nature that this little life inside of me will face is at times almost overwhelming. I know full well the regularity with which my child will miss the mark. My child will be just as guilty as I am and it's devastating.

Thank goodness for the words of Romans 8.

Life Through the Spirit

 1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
 5 Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. 7 The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. 8 Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.

 9 You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. 10 But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. 11 And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.

 12 Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. 13 For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.

 14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. 15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

Present Suffering and Future Glory

 18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. 19 For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. 20 For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.
 22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23 Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

 26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.

 28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

More Than Conquerors

 31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34 Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written:
   “For your sake we face death all day long;
   we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”

 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.



I can't really explain my comfort any better than that. I guess we'll be alright after all.

Beat Boxing Baby Woller

Hello friends! Sorry for the hiatus. I'm not going to make excuses though, because I'm pregnant and that should always be enough said.

The exciting news is that our baby is already a pretty talented beat boxer! A good friend of mine lent me her pocket fetal doppler so that I can hear the baby's heartbeat whenever I want. It's been pretty amazing. When listening to it there are a lot of sounds, but once I find the heartbeat (which has been hanging out between a healthy 130-160) it completely sounds like this child of mine is laying a pretty wicked beat. Unfortunately I can't really jam out because I will lose the beat. I imagine my offspring has some pretty killer moves to go along with that wicked beat. Go baby go!

On Tuesday the 15th I will officially enter my second trimester! Crazy! I'm starting to show a little bit, but only those who have known me for a while would notice at all. I'm getting some of my energy back, but the nausea is still lingering. It's not unbearable, though. You do get used to it.

Someone asked me last week what I was going to do for the nursery, but I hadn't even thought of it yet. Well now I have! A girl at work has offered to paint a mural on the wall, so I'm processing ideas for that (I will keep it simple, I promise). Then I found this etsy site, and love it! http://www.etsy.com/shop/DesignByMaya?page=1 I'm usually not one to spend money on stuff like this, but may end up splurging on a print or two.

I hope to be a little better about updating you more often. Thanks for reading :)

Congratulations: Teebs Has a New Cousin!!

Aiden Kaspar has made it into the world!

A big congratulations to my sister Alyssa on the successful delivery of her second son Aiden!

Aiden was born around 10pm last night. 7lbs 12oz and 19inches long

I'm excited that Teebs will have a cousin so close in age!

I heard she was in labor and drove up to the hospital last night after work. Around 9pm she was only 5cm, and wanted to rest so I decided to head home since I was pretty tired myself. If I would have known he was only going to be another hour I would have waited!! I can't believe I missed meeting him right away!!

Congratulations Alyssa, Luke, and Riley! Aiden is coming into a beautiful family!

I can't wait to meet him!! Neither can Teebs!!

My Peanut is a Health Nut!

So apparently the only things that I can eat now are those which this tree-hugging little hippie inside of me deems "healthy". Greek yogurt, allowed. Pizza, definitely not allowed. Fresh fruits and veggies, they can stay. Chicken wings, forget about it.  This little punk (whom I dearly love and adore) is apparently on a soap box about eating right and making good choices. I don't know what that's about.

The tricky thing is that I had to figure this all out the hard way. Baby couldn't tell me "no, please don't eat or even want that pizza. I'm not going to like it." It's like the kid was on their cell phone with someone else's fetus saying, "Yeah, she's about to eat a slice of pizza... I know, but I really want her to learn this lesson on her own... it's really best for everyone if she discovers how to make good choices through her own discovery... it will mean more in the long run...Ok, well here she goes, gotta run. Ciao babe."

I love you baby, but sometimes mamma just wants a candy bar.

On a side note, I heard my favorite pregnancy craving yesterday. One of the Cafe waitresses would only eat rye bread loaded with butter and topped with Cheetos folded over into a sandwich when she was pregnant. Hilarious.

Shared Sandwich

Baby Bean Sprout aka Teebs (short, but also long, for TBD) just shared a sublime sandwich with me. Grilled cheese with tomato, spinach, and apple. Delicious! I may or may not (definitely may) have charred one side of it, but baby didn't mind. It was still spectacular. It was one of those things where you think to yourself, "why in the world don't I make this more often?!". Good share, eh?

On yet another positive note I think I may have hurt the feelings of my morning sickness. He's been giving me the silent treatment today, and I am so totally ok with that!

Saturday afternoon I went up to my parents house and did 6 billion loads of laundry. My sister brought my nephew and my soon to be nephew down to see me, which was wonderful. My brother in law was there too, but who really cares. (Ha ha! Just kidding Luke, love you!) At one point my sister asked my nephew if he thought I was going to have a boy or a girl. First he asked the baby, and then assuredly stated that it was going to be a boy AND a girl. I found this especially amusing considering Shawn's earlier jokes that he doesn't care what sex the baby is as long as it's one or the other!

On that note I am going to take a nice long nap before work since I have to close the bar tonight! Ugh!