Friday, April 29, 2005

34 week appointment

This morning marked my 34-week appointment. I totally shocked my Sweetie this morning when I informed him of only 6 weeks until our due date. Of course, she will come when she wants to whether that is before or after her due date.

Everything looks good. I have gained a total of 5 pounds. That is awesome. Right now, they estimate that she is over 4 pounds. I was very happy to tell the doctor that my pains have been less this week. After drawing some blood, our appointment was complete.

JuneBug danced for the nurse. She was awake while we waited for the appointment, which is rare because she likes to sleep in. During the appointment, I pulled up my shirt for the fun Doppler experience. Before the nurse even touched me, my stomach started rippling. This caught the nurse off guard. While we did hear the heartbeat, it was hard with all her movement. Her heartbeat is normally around 140 and she hit 170 during this dance. The nurse assured us that everything was ok and that, just like us, when we do aerobic activity our heart rate rises. The nurse told me that JuneBug might be a handful. I told her that she could not be more of a handful than my Sweetie can be.

Our next appointment is scheduled for the 10th and our next big ultrasound on the 16th. Yep, after the 10th I am on a weekly schedule with my doctor.

My Sweetie and I were in the goofiest mood this morning. We laughed and giggled the whole time. You would think we were teenagers getting into trouble. My Sweetie even drew on the doctor’s white board while I was going through the normal routine of “pee and weigh”. We could not stop even when the nurse and doctor came into the room. After the appointment, we went to a grocery store, got some donuts, and proceeded to continue this behavior while purchasing our items. I love days like this. This weekend is going to be wonderful.

This weekend is an “only me and Sweetie” weekend. I cannot wait. We are starting it a little off from this goal. However, since it is for something fun and nothing like an obligation, I think it will be ok. We are meeting Best Friend, her husband, Sam, and MotoDiva for dinner. The funny thing is that we are meeting at Kerby Lane. This is where my Sweetie worked when we met.

I am off to pick up my Sweetie and begin our weekend.

Thursday, April 28, 2005

No more school?

Since Tuesday, I have felt very different. There are no more assignments on my mind, no research to accomplish, and no e-mail to anticipate regarding assignments due the first day of class in the next semester. I am done with school. This feels very different.

Even with all of the freak-out moments within my journey, I have truly enjoyed school. I will miss the anticipation of the first class, reading the syllabus, and buying the supplies. I will miss the pride in telling people that I am a student while working full time.

Yes, I am an emotional person in general. Yes, I am more emotional due to JuneBug. However, I feel a great mixture of feelings, pride, accomplishment, sadness, and even a slight bit lost. Since 1999, SEU has been a large part of my life. When I think of that timid 22 year old who asked for directions to Holy Cross Hall, I feel such warmth and happiness. I have changed tremendously. However, this journey was one that I chose and my Sweetie followed suite with support. I felt drawn to my school. I knew it is where I needed to be. Now look at me. I am graduating with a graduate degree, eligible to sit for the CPA, and expecting our first child.

SEU did not only offer academic growth. I also grew emotionally and spiritually. I had to rely on myself; I had to have faith in my abilities. Moreover, I learned that I could accomplish great things when I put my mind to it. My instructors watched me transform. My mentor spoke with me after I started graduate school regarding my change. She told me that I began at SEU as very mousey (kind of funny that she used this term) and did not feel strong about my answers or beliefs. She continued explaining that my self-esteem skyrocketed throughout the program. She could see my confidence rise in my ability to answer ethical questions in class without caring what anyone thought. I agreed when she told me these things. I could see the difference. The difference was good.

My school’s focus is on applied ethics and teamwork. I had several classes where the class was a discussion-based course and we would discuss case studies. These classes would heat with debate. However, everyone respected each other and knew that we all were in the same situation (adults working full time and that kind of thing). I will miss these debates. I felt safe in these debates. In a school my size, you have to feel safe due to most classes (for the graduate level) having an average of 10 students. There is no place to hide.

My big decision now is how to celebrate my degree. I have a class ring from my BBA. I think I will get an engrave-able pendent from James Avery to mark the special occasion. I think my Sweetie and I will look this weekend.

I will send out my graduation invites tonight. My Sweetie designed a website with all of the information. This is very nice due to only giving 2 weeks notice. He did a wonderful job and his pride in my accomplishment is very evident.

GO HILLTOPPERS!!!

Wednesday, April 27, 2005

Pass the CPA exam

Next month I will graduate with my MBA. As of this past summer I am qualified to sit for the CPA exam. However, the miracle of becoming pregnant changed the timing of the tests. After baby arrives in June, I hope to begin the studying process and test in October/November.

Tuesday, April 26, 2005

Done Done Done Done

Tonight went wonderfully. I think we did well. The instructor smiled through the entire presentation – I hope this is a good sign. I made sure to look very pregnant.

I turned everything in. Now I wait for the instructor’s feedback.

The good news is that the professor said that she will see us at graduation.

I cannot believe that I am at the end.

It feels fabulous.

Final Countdown

All I have remaining is my presentation. By 8:00 tonight, I will have everything turned into the professor. I still have to practice my part of the presentation and I am not ready for this. I hate being the first to speak. We have a conference table so maybe I can do it sitting down, which would me more like work.

My Sweetie showed me my invite for graduation today. I love it. He is so proud and this proves it. He even wrote his love for me into the source coding for the site. I am so very lucky to have a man that adores me this much.

We had lunch today since I will not be home until late. As always, it was wonderful. I absolutely adore being able to see my Sweetie during the day. Once again, he could not stop kissing me or smiling. I love his smile. The checker at Pok-e-joes asked if we are having a boy or a girl. That made my Sweetie smile SOOOO big. Everyday he tells me how much he loves me, loves us, and loves her.

We decided that we do want to do a BBQ after graduation. This sounds perfect to me. I simply want a moment to celebrate with family and feel pride in my accomplishments.

I hope that I will know somewhat my grade for the class tonight. That would be nice. However, I am not holding my breath. I know the instructor needs to grade everything.

It just feels so strange to be this close to being done. Of course, I still have the CPA to study for after graduation. But one step at a time.

Now I am headed to campus for one last academic purpose. Unless I go to take photos, my next trip to campus will not be until Graduation rehearsal on May 12th.

Monday, April 25, 2005

Father in Training and 27 Hours Remain

Last night my big girl got hurt. We are not sure what happened, but her paw was bleeding. My Sweetie is so ready to be a father. Before I even knew what happened, I was in the bedroom working on my homework; he picked her up while speaking so gently to her and brought her into our bathroom. His calming voice worked, as she did not freak out when he closed the bathroom door or when he cleaned her paw. It was so wonderful to see him react to a situation like that with such a calm touch and voice. He is so ready for our JuneBug to arrive. I know he is going to be a fabulous father. I do not have a single doubt about that. The good news is that my girl was feeling much better this morning.

My Sweetie is in a great mood today. When this happens, it is very hard for me not to follow suite. Do not get me wrong, he is normally in a good mood. However, today he is in a great mood. He is working on my graduation invite. Hard to keep that a secret when he needs degree information from me, heehee. He is so excited and so proud of me. I have to admit that I am too. With him, anything is possible. I am so lucky to have him as my biggest fan. He is the one who pushed me through, even when we both found ourselves without work. He is also the one who agreed to take on any amount of debt in order for me to earn my degrees. And he is the one who helps me in anyway to finish my assignments – even if that means playing his game.

Tomorrow is my last presentation at my school. It is so very crazy. I cannot believe I am at the end. I think I will go to campus early and enjoy the sights and sounds before the meeting. I am hoping to get the rework done early tonight for our group deliverables so I can finish that stupid three-page paper. I want everything done tomorrow. As much as I love school, I really am ready to be finished.

This weekend is totally blocked for alone time with my Sweetie. We have not decided if we are going out of town yet; want to see how I feel. We simply want the weekend to be one long date. I love weekends like this. I love spending any amount of time with my Sweetie. This will be our opportunity to celebrate my graduation in a romantic way since the next weekend is Mother’s day and the weekend after is Graduation.

Since this is my last year not to be a mother on mother’s day, I want to celebrate my moms in a big way. I am not sure what we will do, or what I will be able to do, but I want them to know how much I love them and how much I need them in my life right now. I am so lucky to have such a wonderful Mother and a wonderful Mother-in-law. They are there when I need them, no matter what. Times like this make me so happy that I live so close to both moms.

I cannot wait until tomorrow evening at about 8:00. There will be much rejoicing.

Celebration Weekend

This weekend was so wonderful. Friday I enjoyed a quiet evening with my Sweetie. Saturday was my big shower.

This shower was amazing. The restaurant overlooked the lake with a large window to watch the movement of the water. The decorations were perfect. Butterflies, flowers, and bright colors filled the room. Best friend had my Sweetie walk into the shower with me and that was so wonderful. My Sweetie asked me to wear a shirt that makes me look the most pregnant. It worked! Everyone commented on my belly.

It is getting late, but I wanted to write an update.
~ The best part of the shower included my SIL giving my Sweetie a childhood toy of his and he got chocked up over this.
~ The Diva’s had everyone pick a color of thread. They tied the thread to my wrist and proceeded to braid the very long remains. Once braided, they cut everyone a bracelet. The bracelet is on everyone’s right wrist (for giving) and mine is on the left (for receiving). The thinking is that well-wishes go into each strand. The bracelets stay on until Serif is born, or until it falls off (the main thing is not to cut it). My Sweetie wears one as well. I love this. I am constantly reminded of the support that I have during this wonderful time in my life. I feel so very blessed.

It was so wonderful to see so many people that I care about. We received a ton of wonderful items for our JuneBug. Other than a couple of purchases, we are ready for this little girl.

Today we went to the store and my Sweetie could not keep his loving touch away from me. He was constantly kissing me, hugging me, rubbing my back, or holding my hand. While I napped, he mowed the yard while my MIL planted some flowers from the shower in our flower bed.

I have more school work than I thought I did, but that is ok – it is only prep for the presentation on Tuesday.

This weekend was amazing. I feel so confident in everything in my life right now.

Friday, April 22, 2005

Not too big

This morning I woke up with a pinched nerve in my hip flexor area that made walking difficult. Luckily, this eased up as the morning progressed. However, some Braxton Hicks contractions caused much uncomfortableness at work. So I decided the best thing to do was to go home early for a bubble bath.

I did not get my pampering on Thursday. So one good thing about my pain was the opportunity of some much needed pampering. I came home, filled up my bath (I have always loved my garden tub), brought my computer in so I could listen to music, and proceeded to take a hot bath. No worries, my duck thermometer said I was still in the safe area for temperature. I enjoyed a long bath and a facial.

I am happy to report that even at 7 months pregnant and a large belly I can still do many things. I had no problems shaving my legs or painting my toenails. I then enjoyed a nap. The bath helped my pain and swelling. I might have to start getting up earlier and taking a hot bath before work.

I am almost ready for tomorrow. I cannot wait. I still have to decide on what to wear. I simply want to be cute and comfortable.

Now it is time to spend some quality time with my Sweetie. He is so wonderful and is as excited as I am about the shower tomorrow.

Thursday, April 21, 2005

One Shower Down

I just finished my work shower. It was wonderful, decorations everywhere along with good food. My co-workers are fabulous. Finance people filled the room. I received two large group gifts, really a smart way to go. Our JuneBug has her bassinet – yay a place to sleep. I also received a large basket filled with baby items; receiving blankets, diapers, wipes, mittens, booties, hangers, outfits, bibs, a couple of neat toys, and other items that I cannot even think of right now. I cannot believe all of the items. My co-worker friend bought me a boppy and two outfits and another co-worker bought about 4 outfits for when she hits about 6 months.

This really made it sink in. I just opened gifts for my little girl. I now have a bed for her to sleep in. This is crazy. I cannot wait. However, my Sweetie and I are scared to death – though we know that we will handle whatever comes our way. We always do.

I cannot wait for this weekend. No matter how it turns out, it will be perfect.

Now I want to go home and play with my, I mean JuneBug’s, new items.

Wednesday, April 20, 2005

Bliss

I do not know how to describe my mood today other than to say Bliss. I do not mean, “oh that chocolate is so good” kind of bliss, or a Hallmark overused commercial version of bliss. I actually feel bliss. Bliss is the kind of mood when you are smiling all day and you do not even realize it – including while you pee. Bliss comes from deep within as a warm and light feeling. Being in-love or happy does not always bring bliss. However, you rarely experience bliss if you are unhappy with life.

It started this morning; I slept wonderfully and woke up in my Sweetie’s arms. I normally wake up snuggling him in some way, but today was different as we were extremely tight with our snuggles and feeling so perfect. In the shower, I was feeling so good that I could not help but sing all the way through. Oh and I am having a good hair day. A co-worker asked what I did differently. When I replied with nothing different, she said that I look different today and a good different, quickly recovering by saying that she does not believe that I normally look like ass. This caused much laughter.

Then while deciding on lunch with my Sweetie, he instant messaged me “GOD, I love you!” This made my smile HUGE. We pulled into the parking lot of our restaurant of choice at the same time. He came over to my car with a smile as big as mine was. You would think that I was someone he had not seen in years, or about to give him a lot of money, or someone with whom he is completely in-love. I guess the third is the only option heehee. He looked so blissful and so happy to see me, although it had only been three and a half hours since we last saw each other. He helped me out of the car, this was different because normally we do not arrive at our place for lunch at the same time, and held my hand tightly with one hand while loving my belly and saying hello to JuneBug with his free hand. Our lunch was perfect, food wise as well as conversation. I left the restaurant feeling fed and healthy and not stuffed and miserable. My Sweetie walked me back to my car, lingered for kisses and big smiles, and we headed back to work.

Once back at work the feeling remained. I chatted with a couple of co-worker friends and could not stop smiling. My shower is tomorrow. I do not care what I receive as far as gifts. All I care about is celebrating my JuneBug. I love that I have co-workers, family, and friends that like me enough to go to all of this trouble. I love that my co-worker says that my Sweetie and I are so obviously in love that you cannot tell that we have been together for almost thirteen years. Although I hate the opening of gifts in front of a crowd. I worry that my reaction will be too little, or too much. Moreover, I hate all the eyes on me. However, it is just a part of the party. I can't wait.

Tonight I am going shopping with my mom while my Sweetie works out, one last look for an outfit for this weekend. I have a couple of options already; I just want to look as cute as possible. Now that I know the location, I can select something appropriate. Then I am going to let some pampering begin: a bubble bath, manicure, pedicure, and facial. This week is so exciting. I posted awhile back about coloring my hair a slight shade lighter (my hair has really darkened since high school). My Sweetie requested that I leave my hair color as is, that he really likes it. So that is one less thing to worry about.

I am about to head out the door and begin the wonderful adventure home. I am still in the blissful mood. Feeling my little one kick right now makes it even better. I hope everyone has a blissful day.

Tuesday, April 19, 2005

Group Project Done and 1 year ago

It is done. The instructor received my group project. As with most universities, final grades are not due until after the graduation ceremony. For this reason, you do not receive your diploma when you walk the stage. I will receive my diploma on July 14th, where graduation is May 14th. I asked my instructor about grades, and she replied letting me know that we will know our grades for the ceremony. This is a big relief. Not that I have a chance of not graduating, but I need to know how I did when I walk. Otherwise, it will not be the same closure. I still have my three-page paper to write. It is going to be a little difficult as the assignment is to write about what I learned in this class. I have been completely preoccupied with my Sweetie and our JuneBug. I could write three pages easy on what I learned about pregnancy, but not about this class. Do not worry. I can BS very well.

Last night I waited by my computer in case a group member had questions before submitting. I did not even feel lazy when my Sweetie went to work out while I lay in bed. That is one thing about being as pregnant as I am, and having the pains that I do, I do not feel guilty. So I did not do anything productive and that was fine by me. I plan to finish my three-page paper and peer eval while my Sweetie works out on Wednesday and Thursday. So close to being done. Only one more week. I can’t believe it.

Today is a good day. Today marks one year since I walked out on SKIDS. Last year I was so miserable. I was so relieved when my Sweetie began at his current job. It meant that we could make a very important decision regarding my job. Much like when my Sweetie did his only walk-out, it was my best decision career-wise. SKIDS told me that I needed them to advance my career. And I knew I was taking a risk with how I left things. However, my current employer did not care after I described the situation. I even started with a 23% raise. In so many ways, it feels like longer than a year. So much has happened during this time. Now I am with a company that I really like, anticipating a work shower on Thursday, and have a huge belly for my baby. All is good.

Today I am also highly emotional, not in a pissy kind of way, in a weepy kind of way. That is one thing that sucks with pregnancy. You do not simply get teary eyed; you have huge, rapid, and emotional tears. They can start for any reason and end suddenly. Normally the only way to end them though, is to let them flow. My Sweetie hates to see me cry in any form, other than due to laughter. He hates pregnancy tears. However, he has started to understand that it is hormonal and the best thing to do is hug me and hope that the commercial (or two of our cats kissing, or a butterfly outside) stops and does not occur again that evening. Hormones really are fun, especially at this stage. I know I will be crying during both my showers this week.

These hormones do not only cause tears, they also cause me to be very grateful for the relationships that I have. I am protective, appreciative, and even overwhelmed with the wonderful people in my life (family and friends). I am very luck and blessed to have the people that I do in my life. I hope they know how much I appreciate everything that they do.

Monday, April 18, 2005

Nesting

I updated my spreadsheet. I feel much better about what we need to accomplish before graduation. This nesting is crazy. I already cleaned and organized my desk today. My desk has always been a wreck. Thanks to nesting, it is clean. I am sure people who walk by will think that I am already on maternity leave. Let us hope that this continues tonight at home heehee

At work early today

My Sweetie needed to get to work early this morning so here I am at work way before my boss. It is not that we rode together; my Sweetie just has a fear with me being this pregnant that something horrible will happen if I am home alone. It is completely normal. What is the harm? This means I get to leave early. No, his fear is not as pronounced with my going home from work.

Yesterday, I woke up feeling the previous two days. I was not sore, but I knew that I would have cramping issues if I tried to do the normal marathon shopping. In this respect, I cannot wait to get my body back. My mom decided she wanted to buy me my breast pump for the upcoming shower. So my Sweetie, Mom, and I all went to breakfast (wanted to make sure that I got a good meal before meeting with my group). After breakfast, my Mom and I went to BabiesRus to buy the pump. This was so much fun. She insisted that I get a model higher than I registered for because she wants me to love the pump enough to keep our little JuneBug on breast milk for as long as we can. We had fun going through the store although we were rushed to get back to the house so I could head to school. We got back in plenty of time for me to get to South Austin. My group met, for a surprisingly short amount of time yesterday (less than an hour) and divided the remaining portions of the paper. After a short nap and dinner, I finished my portion of the paper. WOO HOO.

Tonight at 11:00pm my group project is due. I will not consider it complete until the professor receives the final copy. However, we are so close. That means after tonight I only have my final three-page paper, peer evaluations, and a group presentation left for the class. The best part about yesterday was planning our presentation. I get to speak first (which I HATE), but we want to gain sympathy when they see me as pregnant as I am heehee. For my group, because we are presenting early, the class will finish on April 26th instead of May 2. That is awesome. My group discussed in depth how we are all experiencing senioritis. I did not go into why mine is worse – baby and going straight from BBA to MBA. I think that is also why I am so excited about the graduation ceremony. I want closure with school. Yes, it is long, yes it is boring, yes I will most likely cry all the way through it, but it is an important step.

Last night I worked on my paper while sitting in bed with my feet up. My Sweetie was playing his game and we were on instant messenger. He sent me little messages of how proud he is of me and how much he loves me. It makes me so happy. I would not be finishing my MBA if it wasn’t for him, he is my biggest fan.

After turning in my portion of the paper, I decided to settle down into one of my pregnancy books. This caused another stress. The stress about what we did not registered for, what we need, and what needs to be done before she arrives. Yes, we did accomplish A LOT this weekend. Yes, I feel much closer to being prepared. However, hormones are a fun ride. My Sweetie came in to get ready for bed and I listed all my thoughts about what remains for our JuneBug. He told me everything will be fine and gave me a big hug. I think I will update my spreadsheet today.

Saturday, April 16, 2005

Packing, memories, and swaps

Last night we accomplished so much. We went through a lot in my room. I have not lived there since 1997. However, I lived in that room for the 15 years prior and in the house for 20 years. A lot of memories. Letters from an old best friend and photos. I found photos of my Sweetie when I met him and photos that I took while in photography. I found the photos of ex-boyfriends. My Sweetie is so wonderful and did not mind me bringing them home. I found all of my senior year in high school mementos. It really made me think back. I cannot wait until I hear about the reunion. I hope I can make it. There are several people who I cannot wait to see. One sad thing is that I have a photo with myself and a large group of people – in this group are two students who are no longer with us. They both offered the world so much.

I also found the last b-day card that my father gave me. The strange thing is that he dated it “Nov 12 ‘96”. He never dated any of his cards. I took it to my mom to show her and she could not believe he dated it either. It was actually kind of creepy, like maybe he knew on some level.

Going through everything was very emotional. Not in a bad way, but more like a contemplative way. Looking at how my life was when I left that room and before. In many ways, it was like a time capsule. I realized what a different person I am now. When I left I was 20, I still had two parents, and was taking the summer off from school. Things are so different now. Although I miss my father deeply, I love the person that I have become. I am more confident, sure of myself, and overall happier.

Today we woke up early and began cleaning out the final furniture for the swap. Mom, Best Friend, her husband, Sam, and MIL came to help. I am so happy to report that we completed the move. My mom and I planned to swap bedroom furniture for almost 6 years now. Luckily, our JuneBug helped speed up the process. We have her room ready for painting and I have my Grandmother’s bedroom suite. This made me so happy. I feel so accomplished and so much closer with being prepared for our JuneBug.

After everyone went home tired and fed, Brother and SIL came over to chat and play games. We enjoyed the openness of JuneBug’s room and stayed in there for quite a while chatting. My Brother is going to be a great uncle. I am convinced of this. Sitting in the room really made me think about how much I love that she will use that room for a bedroom. I believe in balance in life. There is good and bad. This room has had the bad, now it is time for the good. I honestly believe it will be even better because of it.

Everything feels so good right now. While I am experiencing some pain due to the work I did yesterday at Mom’s, I am feeling so good. My Sweetie is so wonderful. He makes me so unbelievably happy. I cannot say it enough how everyday that I spend with this man confirms to me that he is my soul-mate. Tomorrow I get to go to school and crank out the last of our group project. I hope it goes well. I simply want this class complete.

I am off to play more games with my family before heading to bed.

Friday, April 15, 2005

Once again, perfection

I wrote a blog at home last night. I think it was a good one too. Then what do I do? I go to sleep and do not forward it to work. I was very tired.

I woke up wonderfully yesterday. My Sweetie woke up at the same time I did. My back was to him and he started massaging. I must say this is the best way to start the day. He is so wonderful.

Yesterday marked one month until graduation. The lack of completeness with my group project has me in a slight panic. However, regardless of quality, the deadline is Monday night. I have faith that we can pull it off, I will simply be on the computer at lot this weekend and on campus on Sunday. Speaking of graduation, I need to get with my designer for some ideas for the invites. It is nice to be married to such a talented man.

Speaking of invites, I finally received my invite for my shower (BestFriend was keeping it a secret). YAY. We had dinner with Best Friend, her husband, MotoDiva, and Sam. It was so yummy. The invites are perfect. She knows me so well. I even know the location now and I highly approve.

Today we had our 32 week appointment. Although normally it would be on Monday, I moved it to today in order to get my sonogram the day before graduation – I am quite manipulative, aren’t I? Well, medical opinion said it AGAIN. I am perfect. I did have a bit of strangeness with the weigh in. I lost a pound over the last two weeks. This is even stranger with what I ate for dinner last night. I am back to only a 3-pound gain. My doctor said that my pain is normal and will most likely get worse. At least he is honest. I spoke with him about reduced hours at work and such. He said that if I get to the point where that is what I want, he will write a note. He is awesome.

This weekend is going to be crazy. Tonight is packing my room at my mom’s house to make room for the furniture swap. Tomorrow morning we will finish cleaning out the furniture and preparing the items for the move. Then the fun begins. I will be directing traffic for loading the U-haul while I am on my laptop working on my group project. After we finish unloading, what my mom is sending to our house (new bedroom suite), I plan to enjoy anyone who wishes to stick around with games and conversation. Sunday is another fun day at school with my group. Most likely, the second to last time I go to campus before graduation. Our group project then is due on Monday where I will show much rejoicing. Once this hits the only thing between me and my MBA will be a 3-page paper on what I learned in Capstone – that is easy enough. I cannot believe I am so close. I went from a clerk in accounting who could not get further because I did not have a degree to having two. This is all so exciting.

Wednesday, April 13, 2005

Another great mood day

Seriously, I think I am finally hitting that feeling great point in pregnancy – not that I have been miserable at all. However, my mood the last few days has been so great.

I feel secure and happy. I feel wonderful. I cannot even describe it really. I went to lunch with co-workers again today. I actually talked more about school than JuneBug. I think this is a first.

She has definitely started to drop some; my boobs are not resting on my belly as much. I am so torn about my appointment on Friday. Part of me wants him to say “half days starting now” and part of me really does want to work until the end. We shall see. I will not mind being home as long as I am feeling as good as I am now.

I did not get off work until almost eight tonight. Now I am resting my back. I simply cannot do those hours right now. I am not letting this bother my mood. My Sweetie made me a gourmet dinner of PB&J. OK, it was my request, but he makes it exactly the way I like.

Sorry for the lack of in depth posts. Things are crazy this week between work, school, and getting ready for the move this weekend.

Tuesday, April 12, 2005

2 months remain

It is lunchtime. I have a lot to do today with work because the auditors will be here on Thursday. However, I do not feel motivated to work, I want to blog. I want to enter my thoughts into my journal. I want to express my emotions. Perhaps I can write a little all day and still accomplish the much needed property plant and equipment requests from KPMG. See when I phrase it like that doesn’t my job sound exciting?

I cannot get comfortable today. Walking causes pains and when sitting I am antsy. I did have a bit of a freak out moment earlier. Today is April 12. My due date is June 12. That means a mere 2 months away. That time is going to fly, especially with everything that I have planned during the course of the last two months. Now everyone together – group freak out – AAAAAGGGGGGGGHHHH!!

I must say – when you are pregnant, the simplest things can make you so happy. I am drinking a Big Red and I am so happy.

I am happy to report that as of leaving work tonight I am on the last bit for the auditors. WOO HOO.

Tonight we started preparing for the move this weekend. We tackled our dresser. To be honest, our bedroom and bathroom are always the last rooms to clean because no one goes into the rooms – or at least that is the theory. We found movie stubs, photos, concert tickets, marathon bibs, and other items. It was wonderful going through these items and reminiscing.

My Sweetie is finishing some of the picking up while I relax on the bed. I am having a bit of cramping – nothing scary, only Braxton hicks. However, he likes me to take it easy when this happens.

I am very tired tonight. Think it is time to let my head fall gently into my pillow.

Monday, April 11, 2005

I am done!

It is done, complete, and sent. My personal business plan project is in the instructors’ hands now. Godspeed paper, Godspeed.

After finishing the paper, my Sweetie and I enjoyed a relaxing evening in each other’s arms. Next week my group project is due, that will reduce much stress, of course it is going to be quite a ride to get to the end product.

I have had a great day. Feeling as I am on a high all day, nothing could bring me down. I love this kind of mood. I walked around with a grin from ear to ear throughout the office. Even my hip flexor pain did not bother my mood, although the pain enhanced my waddling.

Warning pregnancy hormones ahead:
I am so happy right now. I love my Sweetie. Everyday is better and better. Things are not only wonderful with my Sweetie, they are going so well with the other family members. We are seeing my brother on a weekly basis and I am trying to stay in better contact with my Sweetie’s sister – she has quite a social life and we do not get together as much as I would like. However, I feel greatly protective of all of my family members and friends. Hormones are fun in this respect. I want everyone happy and become disgusted when others try to break this harmony.

So we are looking at less than 9 weeks until JuneBug’s arrival. My Sweetie thinks she will come early simply because of all that we need to do in preparation. Of course, we will be better prepared after the showers. It simply amazes me that we are this far along. Tonight our JuneBug did a grand dance number for my Sweetie. She performed her largest moves to date. My belly rippled with waves. It was amazing.

I hope tomorrow is as wonderful on the emotional front as today.

Sunday, April 10, 2005

Play Time

Today has been very busy. I went back to school today for my group meeting. The meeting went well. I am not the slacker in the group. We are all slackers. OK that sounds bad. After meeting for two hours, we left the library with a plan of attack for our final product. I came home to my Sweetie, Mother, and MIL. They helped my Sweetie move some furniture to open our living room. This kind of thing helps my Sweetie. He is going through nesting big time.

After dinner, we ran to Target to get a flashlight as well as a couple of other items. I told you he is nesting – “we do not have a big enough flashlight, must get one today”. While passing the toy isle, or rather entering, I saw some big bouncy balls. We get one out and decide the only decent thing to do as soon-to-be parents was to test the equipment. The next isle was empty and so began the ball play. We then noticed different textures for the balls – well that means we have to test the other option. That meant another test run. It was so much fun. We did experience a small girl, I would say maybe two and a half or so, come running past us without a parent close by only to hide in the clothes. The mother, who was also pregnant, obviously had played this game before and came looking for her. Terry gave away her hiding place by saying “I have no idea where she went” while randomly waving into the direction of the clothing rack with a huge grin (he wants me to add that he did not rat out the little girl). It was so cute. All we could see was two little white sandals and blue jean shorts under the clothing. I cannot wait. This prompted my Sweetie to want to look at picture frames.

Once we got home, I started back on my project. I can happily say that I am halfway complete with the final proofing. It is due tomorrow night at 11 and I know that I will get everything complete in time – and do a lil missy dance to celebrate. My Sweetie continued his nesting, which I LOVE and moved some items around on a shelf. He put my moo-cow photo in a frame to display along with the picture of the candle display from our first Christmas as a married couple. He is so wonderful, no wonder I call him Sweetie.

I will be so happy when the semester is over, so very happy. However, my Mom did point out my lack of complete breakdowns over school this semester and last, basically since becoming pregnant. This is true. I have been much less stressed during the last almost seven months. Let us hope this continues over the last three weeks of class.

It is time to drift off to sleep. What a wonderful and productive weekend. I feel much accomplishment as I cuddle into my husband’s arms.

Saturday, April 09, 2005

You having baby, yes?

I am sitting on my bed listening to Tori Amos and trying so hard to work on this research for my meeting tomorrow. I am distracted. I feel that maybe, just maybe, if I write my thoughts in my blog that I might be better equipped to find financing for non-profit cooperative housing.

Ever since I was very small, my family has eaten at a particular Chinese restaurant. When my Sweetie and I got together, it became our restaurant. This is good food and even more impressive, they have been in business for over 20 years without changing management. The owner has watched me grow up. Many times over the past few years she has asked us “any babies yet?” We always smiled and said “no” without going into details about my schooling. She has even asked my mom about it, “when are they going to give you grandbabies”. Since becoming pregnant, we have eaten there often, even more since I started showing – in hopes to be able to say, “yes” to that all-important question. However, she has not been at the restaurant the times we chose to dine there. Last night we stopped in for a very impromptu date. She was there. She was not sure but we could see her looking at my belly. At the end of the meal, my Sweetie got up to go to the restroom. While away she came up to set the next table and said very casually “you going to have a baby?” I replied with a proud “yes”. She could not believe that I am due in June. My Sweetie walked up just as I was saying the due date. Come to find out her b-day is only 4 days after our due date, so who knows - I am thinking free egg rolls for life if we get the same date. Throughout the whole time, she kept saying how great I look. She said I did not look tired or anything and was impressed that I am still working. I was not even wearing any makeup so it was just what I needed to hear. It is official; we know that this will be the first public outing that we will take our JuneBug to after her arrival.

Today we were very productive. We bought three new tires for my Sweetie’s car and one for mine – of course my flat was not fixable. After we headed to campus. My Sweetie worked on ideas for a mural in JuneBug’s room while I worked on my project due on Monday. After I did all that I could for that sitting, we decided to walk around my campus. I love my school. I will miss it so much. My Sweetie took pictures of me in front of the red door of Main Building. It was such a nice day and such a great chance to enjoy the quietness that a Saturday afternoon holds.

Walking around campus made me think of the memories that I have over the last five and a half years. I appreciate my degrees more because of how I had to earn them. I did not have someone to pay for schooling. I am not complaining. I think I appreciated it more knowing that it was my money and knowing how much debt we compiled during the process. I also did not have the luxury of attending school without working. This is one reason why I ended up at my school. The program that I earned my BBA through is geared for working adults. This means all classes on nights and weekends. While it was hard, when I graduated I had a great resume due to the years of experience along with my degree. I will miss my school greatly. My Sweetie loves my school as much as I do, and he attended a different university.

After our exploration of my school, it was time to head home and complete more research.

Friday, April 08, 2005

Pissy, Tax Return, and Family Doctor

Today started out wonderful ;-) But quickly changed once getting out of bed and realizing that I still do not feel great. Then I found that I have a flat tire so Sweetie came back to the house to take me to work – he only got to the end of the street before realizing that I was not behind him. When I get to work, the hormones kick in and I am in a pissy mood. Not at anyone in particular, or anything, just in general. I have a co-worker who is my buddy, in spite of her being 21 and calling me old LOL. I warned her about my mood and she did not flinch and focused on making me laugh. She even took me to lunch to make sure that I got out of the office. That combined with logging into our bank account and finding that our tax return deposited today – YAY. This means we can buy anything in our registry that others do not. I also received more good news today. Our family doctor accepts infants, some do not, so JuneBug will have the same doctor as me. This is a huge relief.

So, the pissiness has lessened. Hormones are such fun. This weekend is more schoolwork and cleaning for the upcoming move. Also, have to rent a small u-haul. This is getting exciting. So much to do. Best Friend imed me today with “YOU ARE GRDAUTING NEXT MONTH”. That made me smile. I reevaluated my timeline for everything for our JuneBug. We are not off track, but I need to feel better this weekend to get everything done. I am being good, drinking my water, and taking my vitamins – so that has to count for something.

We started planning our weekend away last night. Thanks to the tax return, we may go all out. We found a wonderful hotel on the RiverWalk. Our last outing before our baby, I cannot wait. Of course, I hate spending a lot of money on a hotel. My Sweetie said it is my decision. We shall see. The sheer ability to do a nice weekend is wonderful. It will also depend on my ligament, sciatica, and hip flexor pain. Wow I sound old there, don’t I?

Even with all my sleep yesterday, I am very tired today. I cannot wait for Sweetie to pick me up. Tonight will be research, research, and more research. I cannot wait until this class is over. I am so glad that I am only taking one class this semester. I like having the ability to focus on baby as well. With the end of my undergraduate, I took 15 hours while working full time. I was so exhausted when graduation hit that I do not know if I enjoyed it fully, although that might also have to do with starting the MBA program only a couple weeks after graduation.

I love where my Sweetie and I are right now. In looking around our family and friends, I am happy to have such strong and wonderful people supporting me. I think about this a lot recently due to my upcoming shower. Not to mention, that the Diva’s have been so wonderful, even with the issues in their own lives. I am so lucky to have this group as my closest friends. Every time I am with these women, I learn something new, feel stronger and more secure about myself, and feel as if I am worthy of their friendship.

I could keep rambling, but it is almost time for my Sweetie to arrive to pick me up. In case I do not blog again until Monday, I hope everyone has a great weekend.

Thursday, April 07, 2005

Sick at home

I am at home today recovering for the niceness that my co-worker shared with me. I am not so sick that anyone should worry, I simply got a fever last night and want to make sure that it does not come back. So, I got to relax today. After breakfast and sending Sweetie off to work I went back to bed. Apparently, I needed it as I slept for three and a half hours. I woke up a couple of minutes before my Sweetie called to make sure that I woke up to eat lunch. I even got some research done. Once again, I have to say that I love my laptop. It is the best when I need to stay in bed. I took another nap and now I am here happy to report that I am feeling much better. June Bug has been very active today and that makes me happy. As long as she stays out of my ribs, I welcome the kicks and punches.

Other than that, I am feeling great today. I feel confident, sexy, happy, able, and silly. There might be something to this saying in bed thing, I have not had any of my normal pains today. I will make sure to bring this up with the doctor next Friday. I know that I will complete a good amount of research tonight. I started and once I start, there is no stopping me and I will have great results for my team. Plus, I always do my best work during the last moments before a deadline. Overall, today has not been bad.

What is on my brain today? That is a good question. I think about how my life will change in June. I also think about how much everything has changed over the past six and a half months. I am excited about these changes. I still cannot believe we are having a baby. I am so very grateful that she is so healthy. I know that my Sweetie will be a wonderful father. I know that we will be a wonderful team. The next couple of weeks are going to be crazy. Between finishing two large projects for school and two showers, things are pretty non-stop.

Tonight is another relaxing evening while I work on schoolwork. Sweetie is busy in the kitchen making pork tenderloin with blackberry sauce. It sounds wonderful. It is so nice to be a princess – heehee.

Wednesday, April 06, 2005

Crazy Life

After posting last night, I received an e-mail from a teammate. He reminds the group that the final group project is due on the 13th. I look up the assignment file and see it is the 18th. However, that is still so soon. I log into blackboard and see that my teammate was not altogether incorrect. I see conflicting deadlines, not good for a project this big – 5 days is a big deal. I have to make sure to get everything done this week. I am starting to stress badly. This weekend I also wanted to get everything done for the move on the 16th. I know it will all come together. However, it causes my stomach to go into knots. It would not be so bad but a real company is waiting for our results so we cannot slack. I will focus myself into the paperwork tonight through Friday.

Before I got pregnant, I did not believe in pregnant brain. Well, it is here and strong. I read that it happens because we become so distracted with what is happening within that silly things, like forgetting where your keys are or failing to finish reading an e-mail before replying, come into play. (My MIL sent an e-mail telling everyone her new work e-mail and phone number, I replied before reading the entire e-mail asking for the phone number.) I have noticed this and now believe. It is the sheer distraction and lack of concentration that truly gets me with this pregnant brain. I have not focused on school. I cannot get myself to do the in-depth research that I normally would not have a problem. Moreover, with the project that we are working on, I would normally enjoy it a lot.

I believe the remainder of April will be very stressful. As always, I will simply keep my nose to the grindstone and focus on the end results – GRADUATION. I am so close!!!! I must think of how I want to celebrate my most likely last graduation. I want friends and family there, of course. However, do I want a BBQ at the house, which sounds great? Actually, that sounds really great. Having everyone back at the house after graduation until who knows when. I want a big small celebration. Hope that makes sense. Now I must start the planning since it is so close.

I just cannot get over how everything is happening right now, back to back. I love it, but need to make sure that I take a moment to enjoy the process. I am graduating and having a baby – both are so wonderful. My focus is on Serif more than graduating. I also cannot believe how in love we are with this little girl. We have not even held her and she is our world. I am so ready for her, just need to get her room ready.

Sweetie and I rode into work together again. I love the extra few minutes this allows. I love my husband. I love our life and I refuse to let anyone break us. Can you tell I am hormonal today? Yes, it is so much fun.

And a moment of silence for Black Kitty – we do not know which one you were, but you will be missed. I hope you find peace under the tree.

Tuesday, April 05, 2005

Happiness

Tonight, I blog from home. Today was long and busy. My Sweetie requested that we ride together today. I felt bad when I had to work late to make sure that all day three close items completed as needed. However, it was worth the wait to see his smile when I picked him up instead of having to wait until getting home.

My throat is feeling a bit better. However, I am not letting work know. We are supposed to have a work weekend this weekend. Not only will all my items be complete, but I have to finish a 32 page paper, prepare for the moving of furniture the next weekend, meet with my school group, and spend some quality time with my Sweetie.

Tonight the weather is nice. We have the windows open and the cats enjoy the breeze. A thunderstorm approaches. I see the radar on the screen and can hear the thunder in the distance. My Sweetie prepares our dinner as the first warning weatherman warns of large hail approaching. Serif is hanging out behind my ribs. While this is uncomfortable, my sciatica is feeling better today.

I feel at great peace today. Best Friend is teasing me about my shower. I am not to know anything. I will not even find out the location until a couple of days before the engagement. I love it. She is so wonderful. I only hope that I can do the same for her when the time comes.

School is very stressful right now. I have my personal project to finish this weekend. The one good thing about this is after Monday I will be that much closer to graduation. My group project is advancing slowly. However, I am confident that we will complete our assignment on time. Graduation is fast approaching, only five and a half weeks away. This is crazy. I am so close to the end. I can taste it. Now I need a cute outfit for the occasion.

Mmmmmmm I smell dinner. It is time to enjoy Chinese chicken salad.

Monday, April 04, 2005

Time for renewal

I lie in bed. The alarm’s function is useless as I watch the darkness through the window. The day begins to emerge. My Sweetie and I have a magical moment where we both wake up without an alarm or other distraction. In each other’s arms we watch the sun finish rising without a spoken word. I leave the holds of the bed and begin my shower. My Sweetie joins me and I stand in the shower in his arms as the hot water falls onto our bodies.

Life is interesting. I was raised that people are good. This is not true. People are people. Some are evil, some are whores, and a few fall into the true friend category. My Grandfather taught me to never let them see your weakness. This is true. Bad people only use your weaknesses against you. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to decipher the good from the bad.

One of my biggest pet peeves involves people judging others. I hate it when someone who does not live your life feels that they have a right to an opinion on the choices you make. No one, except you, can know the full extent of the reasons behind life decisions. People that judge truly bother me. One of the biggest decisions for my Sweetie and me recently involves daycare. This was a hard decision. However, with a mortgage, car payment, credit cards, and huge student loans we cannot survive on one salary. I wish we could. However, like many many other expectant mothers, we ventured out to choose a quality school for our child. I am grateful that I do not have to enroll her at only six weeks old.

As with my nesting inside the house, the same goes for outside. The focus is getting rid of the junk. This involves any relationship that does not promote growth. This is sad as one of the relationships that we ended involves a person that my Sweetie met in Junior High. However, we have to eliminate the trash in our life. Unfortunately, that means some stay and some go. I will not put up with people calling me a bad mother for putting my daughter in school when I cannot stay at home. This is a hard decision. Moreover, this is a personal decision. It is one that I made with my Sweetie.

This morning we had our 30 week appointment (yep every two weeks now). Everything looks good except for my throat. Apparently, the co-worker who got me sick last time was nice enough to share yet again. Nothing to worry about unless I still have a sore throat on Thursday. My weight is still looking great. I am at the 1 pound a week point. I am four pounds higher than my pre-pregnancy weight, and an average baby at this stage weighs 3 pounds.

It is time for me to pick up my Sweetie from work.

Saturday, April 02, 2005

Relaxing in Overalls

Last night my Brother and SIL came over for some gaming fun. We had a blast. I even stayed up until 2 in the morning. They brought a duck and toy fish for our little girl's room.

I forgot to mention an important aspect of Thursday evening. While it was not my b-day, Best Friend was nice enough to bring me a present. She gave me five 1”x1” square magnets brightly colored and featuring the letters to make up the name of our daughter, Serif. I love them. Today she gave me two paper butterflies for the room. And MIL stopped by today and dropped off socks that rattle along with a print for the room. This little girl is so spoiled.

This morning was about cleaning. My Sweetie is in the nesting phase as much as I am. I have to admit that I did have a hormonal breakdown of sorts. However, he was wonderful and held me while I freaked out about how much we need to do in 10 weeks. We then headed out with Best Friend, her husband, and Sam (best friend’s oldest friend) to watch Sin City. I have not read the comics. However, I enjoyed the movie. The movie looks fantastic.

I am currently on my computer while at Best Friend’s house. The rest of the group is playing their game. My Sweetie loves to play video games. I do not think he could ever give it up. That is one of the reasons we work so well together. I understand his need to play the games. He bought his first PlayStation in May 1997, right after his father died. I bought him the PlayStation 2 in 2002 in celebration of winning his Addy’s. He played with the single player type games until 2002 when he started his first massively multiplayer on-line game, Lineage. From this moment on, he was hooked. He introduced his current game, FFXI, to our closest of friends over a year ago and they like to have LAN parties and such. I do not play due to school. However, I like to support him with his hobby and I love hanging out with our friends. Some girlfriends or wives do not like for their husband's to play video games. I am not this way and understand that this is a trait of my husband that will never change. Since I love everything about my Sweetie, this means video games and all :-)

Friday, April 01, 2005

One Year

First, I want to say a big Congratulations to my Sweetie. Today marks 1 year with his current job. This is huge because from July 2001 to March 31, 2004 - he only worked in his field for 6 months.

Yesterday I left work early for grad fest. It was wonderful. The best part was when my advisor from undergrad saw my name and said she remembered me. I have not bothered her in 2.5 years. In addition, this same woman called me when I inquired about SEU and the reason I made the final decision to attend my school. I got my cap and gown, information for a pendent (since I already have a ring), and a small present for myself and Serif. I felt very proud to be there and very accomplished. My belly was a big discussion point and I loved it. I went and picked my Sweetie up wearing the mortarboard. He laughed. I also had the tassel hanging from my rear view mirror to show it off. I am set for graduation – except for finishing that last class – pesky little details.

Last night was wonderful. MotoDiva’s house is beautiful. She now lives in central Austin and has an old house. This is the kind of house my dad would love. My Sweetie and I talked at great lengths about our next house being similar. Best Friend and her husband, DarkDiva and her family, and one other friend made the party complete. DarkDiva and her husband could not believe how much my belly has grown since last weekend. Guess that explains all the “when are you due?” questions this week. Also explains why my boss wants to get a temp in here pretty quick to learn my job.

This morning, while we were getting ready for work, my Sweetie asked if we could have lunch. This makes me very happy. Where else would we go to celebrate 1 year of working without an apron? Texas Land and Cattle, of course. While we did not dine at the location that he worked at for close to a year, we did enjoy the food and celebrating. And, of course, there was much kissing at the end.

Today marks another important day. As of today I can no longer fly. This means that if my Sweetie has to go on a business trip, I do not get to tag along. This also means that I do not have to worry about going to CA for training – YAY. Starting May 1st I can no longer leave Austin. I think I will take my Sweetie away for a romantic weekend the last weekend in April – one last adult weekend for a while.

Today is a great day!