I might just be one of the most blessed people on earth right now. At a time when I have really needed it emotionally, God has shown me that He has provided me with an awesome system of love and support. I know that a bunch of changes are coming, but with His help and the support of my friends and family, I feel like I can conquer anything.
Saturday was my baby shower here in Austin and it was more than I could have hoped. 22 wonderful ladies came and others who couldn't make it still sent gifts which just is beyond my comprehension. Ashley Duran headed up the festivities, but many others helped her to put it on. My house could hardly contain all the people (not to mention the excitement)! William got many wonderful gifts including tons of clothing (this kid is gonna be well dressed, I tell ya!), the monkey lamp and hamper I have been needing, diapers, toys, his pack n' play, and many other functional items. Somehow I have managed to put it all away in his room. How can one child require so much stuff? And yet, I know in time I will realize just how essential each item is. Thanks to all of you. Your gifts are heaven sent!
After the shower, many of the people from out of town stuck around for a BBQ out back (the boys played Halo upstairs during the shower). Francis finally got to use his grill for the second time since he got it (the first time was Tuesday). Everyone hung around and chatted until about 7 or so and all but Ashley, David and Rebecca Browne, and Audrey headed home. We then began a rousing game of Settler's of Catan after which Audrey headed back to San Antonio. The rest of us talked until midnight before turning in. Dave and Becca went to church with us the next morning and we had lunch before they left. It was sad to see them go. It was kind of like the end to a wonderful story book where you hate to have to finish the last sentence and close the book. But let them go we did and this weekend will be yet another wonderful memory in my mind. I hope to see everyone again very soon.
I have my next doctor's appointment tomorrow. Depending on what she sees, I will go again in two more weeks or start going weekly. I had a bit of a scary moment with William last night though. He started pushing really low very rhythmically. It was not contractions; it felt like he was trying to stretch out completely and then curling up in a ball. It didn't hurt (it was kind of uncomfortable), but it went on for several minutes. I told Francis and he monitored it for a bit. I tried sitting and rubbing my stomach but the rhythmic pushing would not stop. I became very concerned. Francis was about to call the doctor when I told him to just let me lay down and take deep breaths. After a couple of minutes the kicks slowed and eventually subsided. That is when is dawned on me. William had the hiccups! He's had them before, but either he just wasn't quite so big or so low for me to feel them so significantly. I might have figured it out sooner, but it is hard to focus when every couple of seconds, your entire belly and lower abdomen shake like jelly!
I guess that is all for now. I might try and do what my dogs are doing right now and take a nap. We will see how it goes!
Monday, June 27, 2011
Monday, June 20, 2011
June 20, 2011
Can I just start off by saying that Francis is going to be an awesome dad? I tried to give him the best Father's Day. You'll have to ask him if I succeeded. Friday after i finished with VBS, I got all dressed up and we had dinner at Macaroni Grill. It was a nice date night, especially since our usual date night (Tuesday) didn't happen this week.
Saturday, we did the lawn first thing in the morning. It was so hot, but it had to be done. We then went to Lowes and Home Depot to find a long list of items needed for the house or yard. We had Chick-fil-a for lunch (does my husband know me or what?). We went that afternoon and saw Thor. Funny story. We couldn't decide what to see, but three movies were at about the same time so we headed up to the theater. As Francis walked up to the ticket booth, he turned and asked, "Is Pirates 4 ok to see?" I said sure, and he turned to buy tickets. We headed into the theater and got seats. I looked at my watch. "The movie should have started or at least the previews," I said. "No, it doesn't start until 4:20. We still have 5 minutes," he responded. I pulled out my ticket and looked at it. "We are seeing Thor???? I thought you said we were seeing Pirates 4!" Francis laughed. "I changed my mind when I turned around to buy the tickets." I laughed too. "Obviously. Do you realize how confused I would have been when the movie started?" Pirates in space would have been terribly confusing... William went crazy during the movie. I don't know if it was the surround sound or what, but after the movie, both the tops and side of my stomach were soft (he was that low). He kept kicking and worming his way down. Maybe he just wanted to be able to see the movie too! After the movie, we went to Kaleidoscoops, an ice cream shop, and got two scoops of very yummy ice cream (cake batter and birthday cake ice cream). It made the heat almost bearable.
Sunday, we went to church after I gave Francis a card and a onesie that says "If you think I am handsome, you should see my daddy!" We had lunch with Becky and Russ. It was nice to spend time with friends. Francis and I went to Academy to pick up a propane tank (we are now ready to BBQ!), and then came home to let in the dogs. It was already over 100. Do you realize that on average here in Austin, we have only 16 days over 100 on average, but this year we have already had 19 days? And it is only June! What a great summer to be pregnant, lol. Francis's favorite part of Father's day was what I made for dinner: Lasagna. He had the option to try out his new grill, but nothing was going to be as good as Lasagna. I'm glad I make at least one dish that is irreplaceable.
This week will hopefully be a quiet one. I seem to be due for one of those. I will be cleaning the house and preparing for my shower on Saturday. It should be great!
Saturday, we did the lawn first thing in the morning. It was so hot, but it had to be done. We then went to Lowes and Home Depot to find a long list of items needed for the house or yard. We had Chick-fil-a for lunch (does my husband know me or what?). We went that afternoon and saw Thor. Funny story. We couldn't decide what to see, but three movies were at about the same time so we headed up to the theater. As Francis walked up to the ticket booth, he turned and asked, "Is Pirates 4 ok to see?" I said sure, and he turned to buy tickets. We headed into the theater and got seats. I looked at my watch. "The movie should have started or at least the previews," I said. "No, it doesn't start until 4:20. We still have 5 minutes," he responded. I pulled out my ticket and looked at it. "We are seeing Thor???? I thought you said we were seeing Pirates 4!" Francis laughed. "I changed my mind when I turned around to buy the tickets." I laughed too. "Obviously. Do you realize how confused I would have been when the movie started?" Pirates in space would have been terribly confusing... William went crazy during the movie. I don't know if it was the surround sound or what, but after the movie, both the tops and side of my stomach were soft (he was that low). He kept kicking and worming his way down. Maybe he just wanted to be able to see the movie too! After the movie, we went to Kaleidoscoops, an ice cream shop, and got two scoops of very yummy ice cream (cake batter and birthday cake ice cream). It made the heat almost bearable.
Sunday, we went to church after I gave Francis a card and a onesie that says "If you think I am handsome, you should see my daddy!" We had lunch with Becky and Russ. It was nice to spend time with friends. Francis and I went to Academy to pick up a propane tank (we are now ready to BBQ!), and then came home to let in the dogs. It was already over 100. Do you realize that on average here in Austin, we have only 16 days over 100 on average, but this year we have already had 19 days? And it is only June! What a great summer to be pregnant, lol. Francis's favorite part of Father's day was what I made for dinner: Lasagna. He had the option to try out his new grill, but nothing was going to be as good as Lasagna. I'm glad I make at least one dish that is irreplaceable.
This week will hopefully be a quiet one. I seem to be due for one of those. I will be cleaning the house and preparing for my shower on Saturday. It should be great!
Thursday, June 16, 2011
June 16th
Francis and I have been a couple for 7 years and 11 months today. I just thought that was interesting. Who would have thought that the sweet young man who asked me to be his girlfriend during the credits of Italian Job and I would be having a child in 8 weeks? God is just amazing.
It is VBS (Vacation Bible School) at our church this week, and I am helping out with my favorite age: kindergarten. It's been a lot of fun and William has been very sweet to me. He did start kicking me on Tuesday during one of the classes and it made me jump. The sweet old lady who is in the class also looked at me and shook her head. "You can't go into labor now!" she said emphatically. As if I had any control over it if I did...
The kids have been very funny about me being pregnant. Some kids talk to and say hi to William. One boy went so far as to whisper a "secret" to him. One of the girls went home and told her mother I was going to have the baby that night and bring him the next day. I am SO glad she was wrong. The girls keep asking me if they can hold him when he comes (they keep telling me I will have him by the end of the week). Somehow I don't think that is going to happen. It has been a great week though, and we have a great class.
William likes hockey. He is his father's son. I posted a picture on Facebook a couple of weeks ago of a present Nana gave us: a baby size Toronto Maple Leaves jersey. Francis was more than ecstatic. How do I know William likes Hockey? I'll tell you. Last night was game 7 of the Stanely Cup finals. I was a good wife: I made dinner, set it up in front of the TV and had it all set to the right channel. As soon as the game started, William started kicking. And not just the sweet kicks he does normally. It was like he was practicing slap shots or checking inside the womb. Francis felt it too, and for a time was even more interested in William than the game (an amazing feat considering!). At one point, I thought William was going to break my water, so I stood up tentatively and left the room. As soon as I left, William calmed down and went to sleep. I came back 15 minutes later, and he woke back up and was up to his old antics. This continued back and forth for the course of the game. I am almost glad Vancouver didn't win, because William might have put me into an early labor. Future hockey fan? Yes.
I had another Doctor's appointment on Tuesday. William is head down! His heart rate was 139bpm, and everything looked good. Since there are no more Hockey games this season, I should go full term! My suspicions were correct: he has dropped significantly. He is getting in position and I am right on schedule for being 32 weeks. I am so excited I can hardly stand it. I'm going to be a mom! It still doesn't seem real. Maybe after my shower in Austin next Saturday, but it probably won't hit me until he is in my arms. August 13th will be here in no time!
It is VBS (Vacation Bible School) at our church this week, and I am helping out with my favorite age: kindergarten. It's been a lot of fun and William has been very sweet to me. He did start kicking me on Tuesday during one of the classes and it made me jump. The sweet old lady who is in the class also looked at me and shook her head. "You can't go into labor now!" she said emphatically. As if I had any control over it if I did...
The kids have been very funny about me being pregnant. Some kids talk to and say hi to William. One boy went so far as to whisper a "secret" to him. One of the girls went home and told her mother I was going to have the baby that night and bring him the next day. I am SO glad she was wrong. The girls keep asking me if they can hold him when he comes (they keep telling me I will have him by the end of the week). Somehow I don't think that is going to happen. It has been a great week though, and we have a great class.
William likes hockey. He is his father's son. I posted a picture on Facebook a couple of weeks ago of a present Nana gave us: a baby size Toronto Maple Leaves jersey. Francis was more than ecstatic. How do I know William likes Hockey? I'll tell you. Last night was game 7 of the Stanely Cup finals. I was a good wife: I made dinner, set it up in front of the TV and had it all set to the right channel. As soon as the game started, William started kicking. And not just the sweet kicks he does normally. It was like he was practicing slap shots or checking inside the womb. Francis felt it too, and for a time was even more interested in William than the game (an amazing feat considering!). At one point, I thought William was going to break my water, so I stood up tentatively and left the room. As soon as I left, William calmed down and went to sleep. I came back 15 minutes later, and he woke back up and was up to his old antics. This continued back and forth for the course of the game. I am almost glad Vancouver didn't win, because William might have put me into an early labor. Future hockey fan? Yes.
I had another Doctor's appointment on Tuesday. William is head down! His heart rate was 139bpm, and everything looked good. Since there are no more Hockey games this season, I should go full term! My suspicions were correct: he has dropped significantly. He is getting in position and I am right on schedule for being 32 weeks. I am so excited I can hardly stand it. I'm going to be a mom! It still doesn't seem real. Maybe after my shower in Austin next Saturday, but it probably won't hit me until he is in my arms. August 13th will be here in no time!
Saturday, June 11, 2011
New York, New York!
I just got back from a week in New York. What a week! William was a trooper. Francis and I flew up late last Friday into New York City and drove with the rest of his family to the thriving metropolis of Fishkill, NY. After a short night, we attended the wonderful wedding of Jessica Phillips (Francis's cousin) to Jonathan Lawler. The wedding was so sweet. The theme was breakfast and authors and the colors were blue and yellow. It was wonderful to see all of Francis's extended family. They are some of the most wonderful people you could meet! After the wedding, we celebrated Francis's Aunt Andrea's (mother of the bride) 29th birthday. We had pizza and spent much of the night chatting and enjoying good company.
Sunday we hung out with the family at breakfast and at a mall before Franics, his parents, Cyndy, Chris, Abby and I headed into the city. What did we do as soon as we arrived? Headed straight to Time Square, of course!
Monday we visited the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. I always cry when I read the inscription on Miss Liberty. On the way back to our hotel, we walked down wall street and saw the preview of the 911 memorial which will be unveiled on September 11th of this year. I cried again. Their plan of honoring those who lost their lives is truly touching. I hope to visit again soon to see the real site after it is open. After having the best pizza ever for dinner, we walked down to Rockefeller center and went to the Top of The Rock. The view from there was spectacular. Cried for the third time that day (don't blame the hormones!). I got some amazing photos. We went through Times Square on the way back to see it at night. Also an amazing sight.
Tuesday we went up to central park. We did the met and walked around to see the monuments in the park. We got to eat at the famous Boathouse in the cafe. Then we went over to Trump Plaza (including the Apple store) and FAO Scwartz. My father-in-law and Francis played chopsticks on the famous foot piano. Dinner was at one of the most amazing Greek places. Wednesday after Francis and Chris headed back to Texas, the rest of us went back to Central Park to the zoo and Trump Plaza to get and Ipad 2 for my Father-in-law. The heat was rather unbearable, setting a near record high. NYC schools actually closed early both Wednesday and Thursday due to the heat.
Thursday we tried to go shopping on canal street, but the heat even in the morning was overwhelming both for us and sweet baby Abby. So we aborted the mission and went up to the Museum of Natural History. The air conditioning was more than welcome! My mother-in-law got to see all of the things from Night at the Museum including her favorite "Gum Gum for Dum Dum". We got a picture. Our dinner that night was the most spectacular Italian food. We just kept finding better and better food! William made sure I was always hungry and the food was never disappointing. After dinner was probably the best part of my trip: a Broadway Show! My mother-in-law and I went to see Mary Poppins! I had seen it before in Dallas, but it was even better on Broadway. After the show, I got to have dessert with my cousin Audrey and catch up. I've missed her!
Overall it was a great trip. William now has 5 new outfits and a toy thanks to our many visits to Toys R Us in Times Square and FAO Schwartz. He dropped a bunch this week either due to biology or all my walking. The whole top half of my stomach is now soft and I can feel him really low in my pelvis. I am starting to feel all sorts of pressure very low. My next appointment is Tuesday, so we will see what the doctor says.
I learned that being pregnant is the golden ticket in New York, but not in the way I expected. I always got a seat on the subway, but all but once it was a woman who gave up her seat. I love southern gentlemen! I also could have cut to the the front of the TKTS (half-price tickets) line. The worker who was running the line (which was very long!) motioned me to come to the front. If I had been wanting to buy tickets, I would have been set! This and many little attentions were different from past experiences in NYC. But when I looked around I noticed there are almost no pregnant women on Manhattan. I guess I am a novelty!
"Start spreading the news
I'm leaving today
I want to be a part of it
New York New York!"
Sunday we hung out with the family at breakfast and at a mall before Franics, his parents, Cyndy, Chris, Abby and I headed into the city. What did we do as soon as we arrived? Headed straight to Time Square, of course!
Monday we visited the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. I always cry when I read the inscription on Miss Liberty. On the way back to our hotel, we walked down wall street and saw the preview of the 911 memorial which will be unveiled on September 11th of this year. I cried again. Their plan of honoring those who lost their lives is truly touching. I hope to visit again soon to see the real site after it is open. After having the best pizza ever for dinner, we walked down to Rockefeller center and went to the Top of The Rock. The view from there was spectacular. Cried for the third time that day (don't blame the hormones!). I got some amazing photos. We went through Times Square on the way back to see it at night. Also an amazing sight.
Tuesday we went up to central park. We did the met and walked around to see the monuments in the park. We got to eat at the famous Boathouse in the cafe. Then we went over to Trump Plaza (including the Apple store) and FAO Scwartz. My father-in-law and Francis played chopsticks on the famous foot piano. Dinner was at one of the most amazing Greek places. Wednesday after Francis and Chris headed back to Texas, the rest of us went back to Central Park to the zoo and Trump Plaza to get and Ipad 2 for my Father-in-law. The heat was rather unbearable, setting a near record high. NYC schools actually closed early both Wednesday and Thursday due to the heat.
Thursday we tried to go shopping on canal street, but the heat even in the morning was overwhelming both for us and sweet baby Abby. So we aborted the mission and went up to the Museum of Natural History. The air conditioning was more than welcome! My mother-in-law got to see all of the things from Night at the Museum including her favorite "Gum Gum for Dum Dum". We got a picture. Our dinner that night was the most spectacular Italian food. We just kept finding better and better food! William made sure I was always hungry and the food was never disappointing. After dinner was probably the best part of my trip: a Broadway Show! My mother-in-law and I went to see Mary Poppins! I had seen it before in Dallas, but it was even better on Broadway. After the show, I got to have dessert with my cousin Audrey and catch up. I've missed her!
Overall it was a great trip. William now has 5 new outfits and a toy thanks to our many visits to Toys R Us in Times Square and FAO Schwartz. He dropped a bunch this week either due to biology or all my walking. The whole top half of my stomach is now soft and I can feel him really low in my pelvis. I am starting to feel all sorts of pressure very low. My next appointment is Tuesday, so we will see what the doctor says.
I learned that being pregnant is the golden ticket in New York, but not in the way I expected. I always got a seat on the subway, but all but once it was a woman who gave up her seat. I love southern gentlemen! I also could have cut to the the front of the TKTS (half-price tickets) line. The worker who was running the line (which was very long!) motioned me to come to the front. If I had been wanting to buy tickets, I would have been set! This and many little attentions were different from past experiences in NYC. But when I looked around I noticed there are almost no pregnant women on Manhattan. I guess I am a novelty!
"Start spreading the news
I'm leaving today
I want to be a part of it
New York New York!"
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