Jock Jams and Crocs

All apologies for my lack of posts…Lily Reese keeps me pretty exhausted these days. Here’s some updates.

Did you ever own a Jock Jams CD? I know you did. Just admit it. Well, when I think about my size, I sing the cheer in my head from one of those CD’s, “My back is achin’, my belt’s too tight, my booty’s shakin’ from left to right.” It’s my theme song. I knew for sure I was just absolutely huge until a mother of three at my school said that I haven’t really gotten that big. In my opinion, it really doesn’t matter what I look like, but more of what I feel like. And I feel huge, especially when I have to get up out of a chair, couch, or bed. I don’t know…you can decide, but if you think I’m huge, please keep that to yourself. I’m already aware of my size.
Overall, my pregnancy hasn’t been bad. But, I’m super ready to get this show on the road. I’m tired of being tired. It’s so strange how I can be full of energy one second and the next, I’m suddenly stripped of all energy and I can hardly hold my eyes open. Of course, I only get that tired during the day when I can’t sleep or on the weekends when I can afford to go to bed late. When it comes to sleeping on school nights, I’ve given up on a good night’s sleep. It’s not possible. I’m either uncomfortable, going back and forth to the bathroom, or breathing fire and taking Tums…and any combination of the three is a guarantee of no sleep that night, which happens at least once a week. I know that won’t change once Lily is here, but at least when I get up in the middle of the night after she is born I will have a purpose. Laying in the bed wondering when I will go back to sleep is such a hopeless feeling. Many nights I have this awful pain in my left chest, thanks to an increase in hormones that slows down my digestion. It’s pain like I’ve never felt before. I’m not supposed to lay on my back, but that pain comes when I lay on my sides…so, many nights I just sit up in the bed and sigh really loud until Brent wakes up and feels sorry for me, haha 🙂 I’ve also had a rough time with back pain. Last week, it was so bad that I thought I was having signs of preterm labor. So, I slightly freaked out and called my doctor who said that it was most likely just growing pains from my growing uterus. She suggested getting a support band and if that doesn’t do the trick, then I will have to go to physical therapy (as if I have time for that!). I haven’t gotten the band yet…wearing another layer around my belly doesn’t sound appealing right now. I’ll get it eventually.

Our families have been up recently to help us with the nursery and other things around the house. The VK’s were up here in September. They helped us stain the changing table that Brent’s grandfather made for his brother Ryan. The drawers have always been white, but we stained the top part a darker color. Brent used chalk paint on either side so one day Lily can write on her furniture…yes, we are already teaching her bad habits. They also helped us change the ceiling fan in our den. It’s taking us nearly a year to change all the lighting in our house…we would never financially survive a house flip. Last Monday, my grandparents (Mom and Pop) came up to fix our air conditioner. Something about a pipe being clogged, I don’t really know. But it’s fixed, and that’s what matters! This past weekend, my parents and brother came up to help us paint the nursery and trim down some limbs in our front yard. Trimming the limbs didn’t take as long as we thought, so Dad and Brent made the executive decision to cut one whole tree down. You can see our house now from the street! And, hopefully we will have some grass grow! We are so blessed to have family that will come up here and help with things that we can’t do on our own! THANK YOU!!!
I’m in need of warmer clothes and new shoes. I guess we’ll be headed to Kohl’s this weekend. I can’t wear anything but flip flops because my feet swell since I stand all the day long. But, I’ve got to find some comfortable closed toe shoes that can go with dress pants. One of the teachers at school suggested getting Crocs. I swore I would NEVER own a pair of Crocs, just like I’ve never owned a pair of Birkenstocks, but it actually sounds like a wise idea. Now that they have other styles, I might be able to find some that go with work clothes.

According to babycenter.com, I have 98 days until January 10. I’m starting to freak out a little because that is not a long time. There is still so much left to do. I’m not worried about being a mother, I know that will come naturally. I’m more concerned about labor, the thought of it scares me to death. I’ve never had any major operations and the only time I’ve been sent to the hospital was when I had to get stitches above my lip when I was 6. I was put in a straight jacket just so the nurse could give me the anesthesia. I hate going to the dentist, the doctor, and I especially hate going to the hospital for any reason. It’s such a sterile environment and it makes me uncomfortable, not knowing what to expect.

I know this is a long post, but I have to brag on Brent before I’m done. He has been the most wonderful husband. I am so grateful for him, his patience, his selflessness, and his unconditional love for me. He does the laundry, cleans the house, fixes me water, brings me Tums, helps with dinner, cleans the kitchen, goes to the grocery store. He does it all and hasn’t complained once. I am so undeserving, but he does everything with a servant’s heart and tells me all the time, “I do it because I love you.”

I leave you with a big kiss from the proud big sister, even though she is completely unaware (I think).