Baby BBQ Extravaganza!

Don't worry, we didn't actually BBQ babies. Hamburgers and hot dogs only. Hubby and I decided long ago that we wanted to have more of a party-like get together for family and friends instead of a "shower" because, we wanted to do something different and something that the women, men and children in our lives could all help us celebrate instead of just chicks....which is just as fun, but seeing as how this is our last baby, we figured why not do something else?

Everything worked out great! We had about 80 people here all day, dropping in over the course of 4 hours....kind of like an open house! It worked perfectly! There was even more family and friends we would have liked to invite, but we had to make a decision about where to draw the line. We went with first cousins and aunts and uncles. Now, most people would say, well, "DUH" who else is there?!? Lemme tell yah...I not only have 2nd and 3rd cousins, but I also am lucky enough to say I have 4th, 5th and 6th cousins as well as great aunts/uncles and great-great aunts/uncles....believe it or not, its the truth! So, hopefully nobody was offended and they all still love me! :)

We received such beautiful gifts, it still blows my mind! Just to name a few: Bassinet, car seat, stroller, flat screen monitor, diaper cake, bumbo chair with tray, baby gate, bathtub with all the accessories, tummy time mats, diaper bag, bibs, blankets, mobile, diapers, wipes, first aid kit, money and many gift cards!

We totally feel over joyed with all the wonderful gifts people bought for our new baby, all the support they have shown all three of us over the last 7 months, and all the love we feel everyday. Thanks to all of you, you know who you are!

Oh yea, and for the duration of yesterday/last night I experienced Braxton Hicks contractions. Wow. Can't believe I forgot what a contraction felt like. Now I'm shaking in my boots all over again.

All we need now is a baby. C'mon Gummy Bear....we all want to meet you!
:)

Life's a Breech

Gummy Bear and I had an appointment with Dr. M today. It went well, BP was great, urine test was fine, I'm up half a pound and no swelling and Baby's heart beat was 156 bpm. The only negative thing is that he believes that he/she is still breech. So, next step is to go see him again in two weeks, if he thinks that the baby is STILL breech then, I will have to go for an ultrasound and to see an obstetrician to discuss a possibility of a C-section :(
Mama doesn't want a C-section. Hopefully my exercises will eventually get this little guy/girl to turn naturally. We will have to see. I've been reading a lot about something called Version where the doctor actually turns the baby either internally or externally. It is supposedly very painful and can actually cause you to go in to labour, that's why it is not done until at least week 38. Dr. M didn't even mention this, so I'm assuming it's nothing to think about yet. We will just have to wait and see.

Does anyone have any advice about breech babies and C sections?

Eat, Pray, Loved It?

Movie Review time....don't worry, you won't find any movie ruiner's in this post. Even though I'm one of those weirdo people who BEG to have someone tell me the outcome of a movie or TV show (Big Brother Spoiler websites are bookmarked on my computer) I wouldn't do the same to any unsuspecting poor soul. I'll just tell Sissy later, since she has the same cooky attitude as moi.

Eat, Pray, Love

The movie was pretty good. I think I enjoyed it a little more then good friend N. We went on our bi-weekly movie date (gotta love $6.00 admission nights!) and chose this one as the subject of our movie critiquing scrutiny. I did like it, but it was over 2 hours long, which usually adds up to me being super bored and losing my interest, but it was definitely do-able. The message of the movie was a great one. Very deep and uplifting (if your into that kind of stuff) and I liked Julia Roberts as the main character. Most of her movies are hit or miss for me.

Our evening was still a great one, we always have fun catching up on our news/adventures/funny stories (Gossip). Boston Pizza provided me with my newest food obsession. Southwest Potato Skins. Yum. I'm already thinking of when I can back there to order more. What time do you think they open today? :)

I would say the movie was a success, although, I think it says a lot that while we were waiting for the previews to begin, we both were exerting WAY too much excitement about the new Jackass 3D movie coming out.....maybe that tells you I'm not the right gal to give my opinion on a deep, spiritual, uplifting movie. I can't help it, those Jackass boys hold a special place in this chick's heart.

Venting

My blogging style has so far been pretty light hearted and (hopefully) at time amusing to all of you who read it. I like that, because, well, that's me. I try not to take life too seriously and have fun while enjoying the little things like a guilty pleasure TV show and visits with friends and family. Well, tonight, I'm gonna try something a little different! Pet peeves is the topic tonight. Why you ask? Every woman (especially pregnant ones haha) are allowed to vent about various frustrations and piss-offs about people which everyone experiences daily.

1. Ignorant people
Man, there are some ignorant, rude people on this lovely Isle we call home isn't there? Well, to be fair, they are everywhere, not just here of course. There is just something about people who are impolite to strangers, family, friends whoever that make me want to tie them to a pole and repeatedly strike them with one of those super frustrating paddles with the rubber balls attached. Boing Boing Boing

2. Users
You know the kind. Only call when they need something. You don't hear from them forever and yet, all of a sudden they call when they need a favor whatever it may be. Sure, I wouldn't mind helping, just like I wouldn't mind giving up the fall lineup of TV. Sheesh

3. Cranks
They don't smile, laugh or basically do anything that makes them even remotely resemble a nice human. Tell me, what is SO horrible in your life that you can't take two seconds and smile back at someone?

That's pretty much it really. All Cranky, rude, using people should be sent to live with only each other for a few weeks and see nobody else. I bet they would come back kissing all of us normal people's butts!

Thanks for listening to my little vent peeps
:)

So far so good.......

Summer is more then half way over with. Hard to believe. I have to admit that this is the first time I've EVER been wishing the summer to move quickly because once it is over, Gummy will be here shortly after. It's been a great one though.

So far this summer I've:

Laughed so hard I cried
Been so mad I cried
Got to spend a whole week with a wonderful Great-Aunt from Ontario
Enjoyed MANY BBQ's
Swam in the Bras D'or Lakes
Ended up at a fun, loud Ceilidh in Mabou at the Red Shoe Pub
Put together Gummy's crib
Filled Gummy's dresser
Pretty much took care of everything on Rockstar Daughter's Back-to-School list
Over-indulged on ice cream and fudge
Witnessed a beautiful wedding of two of our close friends
Tried a new recipe
Cooked dinner for Lovely Nanny
Shopped with Sissy
Yelled at the contestants of Big Brother through the TV
Felt Gummy's hiccups at least twice a day
Had some wonderful sleeps
Had some AWFUL sleepless nights
Visited with family and friends
Got a new piece of jewelry
Started a Christmas to-do list
Ear-marked some recipes that I want to make and freeze to have on hand
Been to many "Cheap Night's" at the local movie theater with good friend N
Laughed too loud in public and got "the look" from embarrassed Rockstar Daughter
Found myself looking at ads online for puppies that needed a home
Kept all my houseplants alive.....so far
Watched Rockstar Daughter kick some major ass on the soccer field

Yep, it's been one for the books, that's for sure.

Hope everyone else's summer has been as fun-filled as mine has so far :)

Woooo-Freekin-Hoooooo

Just a quick little note to express my excitement that today is the day that I fit into my maternity jeans!!! Feels like I've been waiting forever! Just thought ya'll would like to know :P

They are still too long, but as a vertically challenged gal, I've gotten used to rolling up jeans, so it's all good!

Keep on Truckin'

We are getting there! 33 and a half weeks down, 6 and a half to go! I really can't believe we are at this point. Feels like just the other day when I was dreaming about finally getting a belly and feeling Gummy Bear kick. Both of those dreams have come true and then some!! :)

Hubby and Rockstar Daughter started to set up the crib last night and finished it today. It was "suggested" I leave them to do it alone because, I was feeling quite bossy last night, and I was taking many pictures which was hindering the progress due to the constant flashes. I may have been snickering a little while Hubby was trying very hard to fit his manly hands in places where they just don't fit naturally which resulted in many fumbles and dropsy-like actions. When I say snickering, I actually mean laughing so hard tears were streaming down my cheeks accompanied by my lovely snorting cackles. Good times.
Regardless, the crib looks marvelous! It was a VERY generous gift from Ma and Pa D!
The bed clothes were a also a gift from my Lovely Nanny, Gummy's Great-Nanny! Thank you - Thank you - Thank you!

I've come to the realization that it is time for me to change some of my habits due to my extreme tiredness tonight. As most of you know, I'm a Lady of Leisure during the summer months because of my wonderful job within our school system. Usually this is the time that I get to spend a lot of days with my own Mamabear, Lovely Nanny, Sissy and Crazy Aunts. We LOVE to spend the day going from store to store, going for lunch, laughing, shopping, and generally having a good time (Usually at the expense of someone within the car!). Unfortunately, I think this is catching up to me. Take today for an example: We all got together for a quick trip to the local mall and then made our way to the casino for some light-hearted gambling (We all lost - booo) and then supper. Well, I'm pooped! I can't even get off the couch. Poor Hubby did the grocery shopping himself, and did very well I might add! He has also done the laundry and doted on me since he arrived home from work. I can't help it! I'm just worn out. I'm a little distraught thinking about all the funny, lucrative shopping trips I will be missing out on from now on. Maybe those Crazy Aunts wouldn't mind taking turns piggy-backing me through the mall? I will mention it to them, but I'm thinking they will say no. They are Crazy, not suicidal!

So, I'm spending the evening with my feet up while dozing on the couch in my air-conditioned piece of heaven watching crappy TV like "Wipeout" with the occasional trip to the freezer to get yet another red freezie. :)

Check up with Dr. M

Well, I finally made the dreaded switch to the Doctor who will be delivering Gummy Bear from my beloved Dr. J. I have to say, it wasn't bad at all. Dr. M is a lovely man, very friendly and thorough. Seems like we covered more in today's appointment then all my others combined! I even got to hear the heartbeat with the Doppler. Heaven. Gummy Bear's little heart was beating strong at 126 bpm. That is a lot lower then the previous three time's we have heard it, which all ranged from 142 to 150 bpm. The baby is still in the breech position, so I have to do a very interesting looking exercise three times a day to help to encourage him/her to naturally turn. I have to get down on all fours, press my nose close to the floor and stick my butt up in the air and wiggle it. Haha. Lovely visual huh?
I'm also down another 3 pounds, but was assured everything is fine and to keep up the good work. Still amazes me to see that number go down. Irony is a beautiful thing. BP and Urine test was all A1 as well. I will be heading for another ultrasound between the 36th and 38th week. All in all, it was a good appointment. We go back in two weeks time and hopefully by then baby will have turned naturally and be that much closer to making his/her way out to see us!
:)

Attention Daddy-Bears

I've been thinking lately about what to post about, and I think I've come up with a little somethin somethin....

How about a little list for the daddy-to-be's out there? Everyone knows that the Mamabear is obviously the main "incubator" for the precious little baby in there, but Daddy's play a very important role to.

If you want to keep your lady happy and less-stressed during these 9 months, here are a few little tips I've come up with. Of course, these are based on Hubby and I.

1. Read up on massages. Any kind. Back, foot, hand, belly.....any kind. You never know which body part will be needing some TLC. It can change from day-to-day. For me, it has been my lower back. I think this is mostly because of the pregnancy, but also because of my total lack of coordination when walking. Especially down stairs. Ouch.

2. Learn to cook for yourself. I'm sure most of you can cook, and are quite good at it. That's a good thing. Take me for example: considering I puked all day, everyday for 4.5 months and could only hold down slushie's and Popsicles, I really had to depend on Hubby to provide breakfast/lunch and dinners for himself and Rockstar Daughter. He did great! The last thing any Mamabear plagued with morning sickness wants to do it cook. Yuck. So, tune in to the Food Network boys for some pointers :)

3. Don't complain. This one may sound harsh, but there is nothing worse then hearing your Hubby complain of a runny nose or sore throat when you have a huge belly full of destruction that is preparing to catapult out of your body. Trust us guys, NOTHING you have ever felt or will ever feel will EVER compare to this.

4. Read. A good pregnancy book will help you through these 9 months. Hubby has one that his lovely Sister-in-Law C and Brother-in-Law B purchased for him as a thoughtful gift that he reads frequently. He also researches on the Internet and always has some cute little fact about the baby that he tells me. I love knowing that he cares enough to look for that kind of stuff.

5. Prepare yourself for the labour and delivery. Watching the "Baby Story" on TLC won't cut it either. I'm talking real birth stuff here.....none of those edited, blurred out crappy TV shows that don't always really portray a perfect vision of what it can be like. Since I have already delivered one Gummy Bear 11 years ago, I do have some memory about what can/will happen. Hubby is a first timer. I have no worries that he will do wonderful. I always try to be honest about what to expect from me and all the goings-on of that day. I'm excited to see how he reacts. Just remember that every labour is different and anything can happen or change in an minute. You will never forget this day, it's one of the best in both of your lives.

So, these are only little tidbits of what I feel is important for a partner to do during a woman's pregnancy.

There are some that go without saying like;
Don't argue
Be patient
Always have yummy, nutritious snacks available
Do what she says. (Feel free to use this one after the baby is born to.....for the duration of your marriage. It'll make things easier for you!)

Feel free to add any!

I know my Hubby meets all these requirements....that's why I know he will be a wonderful Daddy Bear to our Gummy. :)

Absentee Blogger

Slacker. Thats me. I have to admit I've been having some mental blocks lately about what to write about, but hopefully that will all change soon!

As of today, we are 32 and 1/2 weeks. I'm starting to get very sleepy and lack energy all the time! I've been napping and resting more then usual during the day and that has been messing up my night time sleep schedule. The last two nights have been better then others in the past week though, thank goodness. I'm a real morning person who loves to be up by myself for some time before the rest of the house wakes up for the day. I wonder if Gummy will be a morning person to? :)

I go for my first appointment with the Doctor who will be delivering Gummy on Monday. Can't wait to see what he has to say. It's very possible I will be heading for another ultrasound as well. Yay for pictures of the baby!

We are also gearing up for a shower type party thing! BBQ'ed food and good friends and family. What more could a gal ask for? Can't wait to see everyone and celebrate the upcoming arrival. It's so close now, hard to believe.

Well, hopefully soon I will have some interesting topics to blog about!

Until then......
:)