Monday Makes: Memories

Monday Makes: Memories.

I decided this week's Monday Makes will be making memories. Mostly because the Coast Guard Festival that took over our town made for a very VERY busy week there for we haven't had much time to make things but also because the passed week has been a real treat. 

As some of you may know Summer grants us more time with Maddi, which is one of the reasons, on top of many others, that we look forward to Summer. During these hot, sticky, fun filled Summer days our relationships blossom again. And this time around Edee has joined the occasion and her and Maddi get to bloom into sisterhood. They are building memories that will last a life time. The best part, Ryan and I get to retell every silly little story. 

One memory I must share happened upon us on a normal everyday occasion. We were listening to music and singing along to one of the songs over played on the radio that of course we love too, Radioactive by Imagine Dragons, and all of a sudden we were surprised. If you haven't heard it please click and listen. It's not the most obvious song by any means. But for some reason Maddi, Ryan and myself just can't help but listen to it over and over. Well, after I sang the lyrics wrong (It's not, "ready to rock you.") and then Maddi sang the lyrics wrong (She sang "ready to rock you," too.) we found that Edee, all though she doesn't know the lyrics has several different dance moves! This girl loves dancing! 

She loves Radioactive.

So, we sing and she dances and we ALL laugh. 

How and why Edee has decided to wave her arm back and forth in the air, shake her butt and wiggle her little body to THIS song is beyond me?! But, we laugh and laugh. 

Another silly occasion:

Maddi decided she wanted to cough up hair balls during our morning errand. After attempting to seriously ask her to stop and laughing through the whole thing I gave up and eventually Edee caught on. Now Edee coughs up hair balls too.

Our week was filled with a few different belly laughs which gave me soar cheeks from smiling and tears in my eyes. I fall in love with these girls over and over again. These girls are truly amazing and the brightest light in my day. 

Keep loving. 

Double sad face

I apologize for the lack of posts the passed few days. I came down with...well, something. Shakes, shivers, cold sweats, soar throat, ick, nasty, gross stuff. Since Tuesday, which I just now realize was 4 days ago, I've been resting and doing the bare minimum.

We've been struck with a heat wave here (and in several other areas). I had originally planned to enjoy the beach, pool, parks and walking as much as possible this Summer but this 90 to 100 degree weather is forcing us to stay inside where it's cool and comfortable. Atleast, I know I'm not missing out on too much being sick.

Thankfully, my mother in law was here to help me out with Edee for a couple hours. Thank you again, Diane. I know I would have some how managed to push through it but you really saved me when I was the worst. Also, I couldn't have gotten the rest and relaxing I needed without Ryan. Thank you for taking care of Edee in the middle of the week. I really appreciate your help. You make being sick just a little bit more bearable.

So, now it's antibiotics for strep throat. *double sad face* Yes, it's strep throat. Smoothies, milk shakes, hot broth and hot tea are on the menu for me. I just want it feel better. I know that giving, doing and trying my best when I am sick is not even close to when I'm at my all. And I don't think the laundry can climb any higher. So, I know it is time to get better. Besides that missing two work days is one too many.

On a more positive note:

Edee has FIVE teeth! Yes, five. My little girl has 5 teeth in her tiny little mouth. I can't believe it. I discovered #5 when she rewarded me with a big giggle after tickling her belly. Which, she will grab and squeeze when you ask, "Edee, where's your belly?" Guess what came after that? Her belly button. She had to look and poke to see exactly what it was. She is learning so quickly.

Her personality is definitely starting to show through as well. She cuddles her monkey, blankie and various other toys. I think most of the time it is because she is excited for them but sometimes I believe it is a form of affection. She recently started laying her head down on pillows, our shoulders, or even the floor. It might be just to take a rest but I think it's a form of affection as well. Whatever it is, it is so  darn adorable. I can't get enough of how sweet she looks when she just pauses for a moment and takes in the world around her.

We are looking forward to more Summer hours with Maddi. August is full of time at our house. I know she will definitely get us outside with camping, swimming, biking, etc. If this heat keeps us inside I have some craft projects planned for her too. Either way it shall be fun!

Other than that, all is well. I hope everyone is enjoying their hot, hot summer in whatever way is most refreshing!

Icky sicky.

We are know 37 weeks and 2 days grown. Almost there. Almost.

Today I measured 39 centimeters, which means I'm measuring big for how far along I am. Eek! Is my nightmare of a 10 pound baby coming true?! I hope not. Of course I want a healthy baby but I don't want a BIG healthy baby.

And oh boy does she feel big. Her favorite position has her feet shoved right up into my ribs on the right side. If I even rest my arms on my belly she kicks as if saying, "Move Mama, I need some room." So, now my favorite craft of looming has me keeping my arms lifted.

Some days I feel confident about where I'm at with my pregnancy and other days I don't. Yesterday was one of those days. I thought I was having contractions and wasn't quite sure what was going on. I had a not-so-pretty visit to the bathroom in the AM and weird stomach cramps through out the day. I knew the offset timing meant they were not contractions. Slight nausea had me sleeping on and off most of the day. I felt a mess. My regular weekly visit to my midwife eased and confirmed my thoughts that this feeling was not normal. Turns out I had a minor stomach virus that's been going around. Or atleast that's what my symptoms lead too.

Today was nurse-myself-back-to-better-health day. I lost 3 pounds since my visit last week and the light headed feeling returned stronger than usual. The doc didn't have to tell me twice: lots of fluids and nutritional meals! I munched on fruits and veggies all day today. And Ryan's home cooked meal allowed for the much needed protein. Thank heaven for my husband.

My only other concern was baby, of course. But, she's been movin' and groovin' (a.k.a. kicking me in the ribs) and her heart beat is normal.

So now, back to waiting. I'm thankful I have had several friends from working wanting to hang out. And family is coming to visit this weekend. As long as I'm not cooped up in this apartment too much I think I can bare these next couple weeks.

Or maybe I'll get lucky and she'll surprise us.

Keep loving.

28 weeks.

I don't want to be pregnant anymore. I want to have this baby. I want my normal body back. So I can bend over without squatting. So I can stretch, get full body massages and sleep on my stomach. So I can work a 6 hour shift without asking for help or favors every time I turn around.

Is it too much to ask?

Okay, maybe it is. Considering the baby inside me is not ready to be born. It seems kind of selfish. But after an 8 day stretch at work my feet, shins, ribs and back are throbbing. I just want this pain to ease.

Are you sitting there thinking: what a wimp? Well, that's okay if you are. Because I'm sitting here thinking I SUCK at being pregnant. How did my mom do this 6 times?? I guess she really really wanted another baby...and another...and another.

I know the outcome is going to be worth it. And my patience are just worn thin from tiredness. But sitting here with a huge belly and swollen feet leaves much to be desired. I just can't wait. I have a lot of changes ahead of me and I am looking too forward to them to wait much longer.

Yes you guessed it...another moment of weakness...if you couldn't tell. I've become a major complainer I realize. I'll be better. I promise.

But, in the mean time (as I work on not complaining) I've got some fun things going. I bought an embroidery ring. Don't worry babe, it was only $2.33 at hobby lobby. I have almost completed my very first attempt at embroidery: Baby E's initials on a receiving blanket. I'm actually surprised at how easily I grabbed up one of the adorable patterned blankies I received at my baby shower and just went for it! And how I nice of a job I did. If I do say so myself.

I've also started looming a chocolate brown pouch-like sack that I intend on using for Baby E's first photos. I'm going tie bright pink ribbon around it and have her little head peaking out of the top. I can't wait. The way I imagine it is super cute but photos of finished product are yet to come.

Well, I have another appointment with my midwife on Monday. This I am looking forward too. These visits always give me peace of mind. I feel much better after talking with her. Due to the fact my appointment has been pushed back a week so the questions are piling up. I'm sure this visit will help my endeavour to stop complaining too!

My husband is cooking up something delicious smelling in the kitchen. I'm off to find out what it is.

Keep loving.