Teatopia

Pictures, pictures!

First, belly pics as promised, though they're a bit late. I don't think I'm as big as I look. Some of it's bloating, but I do think some of it's baby as well.

Last night, we took Olivia to Aflac (where James works as an engineer) for a "lighting of the tree" celebration. The Aflac daycare kids performed (precious!) and a choir sang, and they served cookies and drinks. The best part was Santa being there. James didn't even tell me about the festivities until yesterday afternoon, so I hurried to wash Olivia's new Christmas outfit and change out of my sweats. I told her we were going to see Santa, who she hasn't stopped talking about since seeing him weeks ago.

Before we left, I snapped some quick pictures. She used to smile as soon as she saw the camera, but lately, when I say "smile Olivia!" this is what I get:

All the way there in the car, she talked about Santa.

"Santa hat. Santa beard. Santa buckle on belt. Kiss and hug Santa."

Then she sang Christmas carols, which I have yet to catch successfully on video.

"Frosty O-man. Happy. Frosty nose. Dooo-dooo-dooooooo! Eeeeee-bells! Eeeee-bells!" It's the funniest thing. She sings bits and pieces of songs she remembers.

The event at Aflac wasn't as thrilling as I hoped. It turned out to be not just an Aflac employees event, but a community thing, probably because of the free food. It was too crowded and there were some rednecks there who didn't have enough sense or consideration to be quiet while the kids perfomed and the choir sang. And please don't think I'm mean for calling someone a redneck. I love our Southern town, but some people really are rednecks. They might be nice people (I have some rednecks in my family), but they sure as hell can't keep quiet when it's appropriate.

We did get to greet Santa up close in spite of all the people, but Olivia chickened out again. She talks about Santa all the time, but the two times she's seen him, she's been scared. I'm not sure if we'll be getting pictures taken with Santa this year or not. Last year, I didn't even give anyone a picture of her with Santa because I had to hold her in the picture, and I looked so awful and fat that I hid them in a drawer.

Today, I have to pick up our poodle from the groomers, do major grocery shopping (it's pay day!) and run a few errands. Then tonight, the baby in my tummy is telling me it wants pizza, so I'll probably feed the baby what it wants. :-)

The Sweetest Sound

I heard the heart beat. It was the most precious sound ever. Although I was confident that things were ok, it felt better to know for sure. The doctor confirmed that I burst a blood vessel, and while I don't have any restrictions, he said it could happen again. Really, it could happen to anyone because the cervix is such a vascular area during pregnancy.

I was so relieved that I called to schdule the 16 week gender determination ultrasound with the 4D place where I had Olivia's done. So, on Dec 22, a Saturday (which is great because my family can come), we'll know what the little peanut is. We've picked a girl's name (not telling!), so if it's a boy, the arguing will continue. Otherwise, we've got it covered.

I took a couple belly pics, but my camera is at home and I'm at my mom's. I'll get those posted tomorrow. :-)

Update

Thank you for all your prayers and concern. It means so much to me.

Although I've been completely wiped out and still a bit nauseous, I haven't had any more bleeding. At this point, I'm confident that the little peanut is alive and well, but I won't feel 100% better until I've heard the heart beat. I have an appt Tuesday, but I'm going to try to get in tomorrow. I'm not sure if they'll take me since I don't have any of the symptoms they told me to look for, but I want some relief, so maybe they'll take me a day early? I'll let you know.

Again, thank you for checking on me. We managed to put up our Christmas tree yesterday. I'm sad I don't have any pictures of Thanksgiving or us putting up the tree (my camera battery was dead), but I'll make up for it in the coming weeks. Olivia is thrilled we have a Christmas tree in our house, and she's been taking off the ornaments, kissing them, and putting them back up in random places.

Oh, oddly enough, in the midst of me being sick, Olivia decided she wanted to nurse. I think it was a comfort thing because she was upset I was "coughing" (she said I was coughing whenever I threw up). We managed to distract her because I really don't have much milk. I just thought it was interesting that after all these weeks, she still remembers. It's something I'll always treasure.

Now, I'm just praying I'll still have the chance to nurse this precious baby. I really believe I will.

Our very unhappy Thanksgiving

Well, this Thanksgiving turned out to be the worst EVER. Some of this might be TMI, so I thought I'd hide the entry just in case...

James ended up staying home because he felt nauseous, but I went anyway with Olivia. When I got to the dinner, one look at the food told me I was getting something, too. It didn't feel like pregnancy-related nausea either. My mom drove me and Olivia home, and at one point, I yelled for her to pull over and I puked my guts out. When I got home, James was laying in bed with a bucket next to him. My mom decided to stay and keep Olivia, and thank goodness because I continued to heave over and over again.

At one point, as I was laying down to rest, I felt my pants get wet and saw blood soaking through my PJ pants. It felt like a nightmare. I kept thinking, I'm going to wake up any second now. I ran to the bathroom where I bled a lot more in the toilet and I passed a clot. At this point, I was sure I was miscarrying and I was hysterical. I know I freaked Olivia out, who started crying with me. James called the doctor on call for my OBGYN, and he had a different theory. He asked me many questions: had I been heaving hard? (yes) Had we recently seen the baby alive on ultrasound? (yes) etc. He said he thought that since I wasn't cramping, maybe I had burst a blood vessel in my cervix from straining and heaving. James, who was sick as a dog and throwing up constantly, ran out to the drugstore to get me some Phenergan (an anti-nausea suppositiry) to stop the vomiting, but it didn't help. I continued to throw up, and everytime I bled more. Then, the vomiting stopped and the bleeding did too. I've never had menstrual cramping, and no bleeding today. I think the doctor was right, but I have been instructed to rest and go to the hospital if symptoms continue. My sister, thank goodness, is a L&D nurse with much gyno experience, and she said she agrees with his theory, but that I should avoid strenuous activity and lifting. I see the doctor next Thursday, but I'm going to call Monday to see my own OBGYN and check things out. Although I'm confident it's not a miscarriage, I want to hear that heartbeat for peace of mind.

I'm still shaken up. I think that was the scariest moment of my life yet seeing that blood soaking through. All I could think was, I wish I hadn't already seen it waving its little arms on the ultrasound. I think things will be ok, but I'm taking it easy. Please keep me in your prayers. I'll update you as necessary.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Just wanted to wish all of you a very happy Thanksgiving. Enjoy some good food with your family and friends! I baked a cheesey squash casserole and a pumpkin cream cheese roll, and we are headed to my grandmother's house. Sadly, James and Olivia aren't feeling too good, but hopefully some good food will pick them up a bit!

I love Thanksgiving because it reminds me how blessed I am. I am so thankful for my family and friends, especially my daughter and the little one in my belly. I'm also thankful for all of you who I'm so fortunate to know.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

If I wasn't pregnant...

this probably wouldn't bother me so much. Well, maybe it would, but I wouldn't feel the need to sound off on my blog.

Ok, here goes.

I am SOOOOO sick and tired of people bringing sick kids to things. Obviously, you can't stay confined to your house, but have some consideration. Daycares don't allow sick kids, so why do people think it's ok to bring their hacking child to Sunday School? Or a kid covered in a rash to a playgroup? For the past several weeks at church, there have been sick kids every week. A few weeks back, a girl came to the nursery with pink eye. PINK EYE! As in a nasty, gooey and runny eye. I spotted it immediately and so we couldn't leave Olivia in the nursery because the girl had already touched a gazillion toys. Then yesterday, I truly believe a little girl had bronchitis. She hacked and hacked these nasty, mucus-filled coughs from her chest all over my child's face. A few weeks back, a mom in my moms' group brought her son to an event and he was covered with a rash. We thought it was poison ivy or something, but when another mom questioned her, she "relieved" us by telling us that no, he didn't have poison ivy, it was just strep throat. Like that's better?

I didn't mention this because it's totally gross, but a few weeks ago, we found that both Olivia and I had lice. Yes, lice. Courtesy of yet another person who shouldn't have been somewhere they were, although I guess it's possible they didn't know they had it. We immediately went into confinement, washed everything in the house, cleaned furniture, dry-cleaned comforters, vacummed our cars, and did not one, but TWO lice treatments on both of us. Worst of all were the agonizing hours spent leaning over while James practically pulled my hair out combing it with the nit come. They were gone within a day or two, but we stuck close to home for several days just to be sure. I was considerate (and totally grossed out and embarrased). Although I must point out, it has nothing to do with hygiene. We all bathe every day, but it makes no difference.

I'm not one of those moms who freaks out about germs (well, maybe a little) but I do want her to build immunites. However, I'm not going to purposely subject her to a child who has something terribly uncomfortable like pink eye. A common cold is one thing, but I don't want a kid with a gross chest cough hacking on my child's face. That's just nuts. It's especially bad when they're now saying kids under 2 can't have cold medicine. I'd rather she wasn't miserable thank you very much.

It just bothers me how inconsiderate people are. In my new moms' group, we have a much-needed policy about bringing sick kids, but in church, no one says anything. I know they think I'm neurotic because if there is a kid with an obvious illness (we're not talking a crusty nose), I won't leave her. I don't care. I'd rather not throw her to the wolves.

Ok, stepping off my soapbox now. Thanks for listening.

Helloooo

I'm here. Very tired, but here. Pregnancy decided to kick my a$$ over the weekend. I was feeling pretty good, and then all of a sudden, I was zapped. I'm feeling better now, not quite as lazy. :-)

Olivia has her first allergist appointment today to see if she has an egg allergy after her bad reaction to the flu shot last year. She tested mildly positive, and the doctor thinks the allergy is related to the excema she has as an infant. She outgrew the excema, and since she only tested a little positive for eggs, she's probably outgrowing that too. She got stuck 6 times and screamed off and on for the two hours we were there. I must've been extra sensitive because I found myself wanting to burst into tears whenever she cried. I think the only thing that kept her semi-sane was the lollipops they kept giving her. We were both a sticky mess when it was done. I'm just thankful it was only 6. Another girl got stuck 40 times and screamed at the top of her lungs. I think I'd scream, too!

I told Karen I wanted out of her group. I had the perfect excuse to leave when the organizer of the new Christian group I'm in asked me to be an assistant organizer. Karen congratulated me and even asked me to be a part of an oline group for mothers' group leaders. I'm assuming there are no hard feelings. Either way, I'm not responsible if there are. I was very polite and explained that I there are kids from church in this other group and I thought it was a good fit for us. I'm not exactly sure what my role will be as an organizer. Perhaps I should ask Chas since she's an assistant organizer too. I'm excited though, and I hope I do a good job.

I am starting to show a bit. I'll have to take a picture. It's amazing how different things are thing time around. I haven't taken any belly shots, although last time I started out with a flat tummy, and this time, I started with a lot of extra skin. Yuck. I need to cut back on my junk food eating. I used to be a healthy food freak and it seems lately, I've been going through one too many drive-thrus. Today wasn't toooo bad. Know what I ate for 2 meals today? A grilled cheese on whole wheat bread and roast beef and a runny fried egg inside. Then I dipped the whole thing in ketchup. Sounds like a very pregnant meal to me. I wouldn't normally eat a runny fried egg, or pair it with beef, but it was soooooo yummy.

After Olivia's appt today, we headed to meet my mom at Barnes and Noble to let Olivia play on the stage. She was not happy and I knew seeing my mom and getting a cookie would cheer her up. There was the cutest little Chinese boy there playing with Olivia. He was about 3 I'm guessing and he tried to speak to her in Chinese. His mom told us that he was telling Olivia she was pretty. How sweet. :-)

I also bought Olivia this awesome book called "What is Christmas?" It shows Santa and a Christmas tree and all the usual traditions, and then at the end, it says that although these things are a fun part of the holiday, the real reason we have Christmas is because of baby Jesus. So far she's so excited about Santa and seeing Christmas trees, but I want her to recognize Jesus too.

Have to share this: After Barnes & Noble, we went by Carter's to get Olivia some undershirts. When we walked in the store, it smelled funny.

My mom: (whisperting) It smells like poop in here.
Olivia: (loudly for all to hear): Smells like poop here!
My mom: Shhhhh. Olivia, look at this! (trying to distract her).
Olivia: Smells like poop, Grammie. Grammie pooped! Grammie go poo-poo!

My mom and I laughed so hard. Everyone looked at us!

Well, I'm going to go give Olivia a bath. The back of her pants are wet. Ugh....

Marital Dischord: who says a toddler can't have a gazillion Christmas gifts?

Apprently, James and I have different ideas about how many presents a toddler needs for Christmas. Case in point: the other day I came home from Toys 'R Us with about $50 worth of toys for Olivia and James quite seriously asked me if I was done shopping for her. Now, the toys were worth nearly $100 because I got some great sales and used coupons, but even so, I was far from done at that point. If I'm not mistaken, his wish list definitely totals more than $50, and we should spend more on Olivia than each other.

He doesn't think a toddler needs many gifts because he says she won't understand. I beg to differ. Yesterday, when Olivia woke up, she ran right into the living room and asked excitedly, "Santa do toys?" and I told her "no, not yet." (We've been reading "The Night Before Christmas" with my own explanations of Santa) Then last night, she met Santa in person at the grocery store, and she hasn't stopped talking about him. She keeps telling me, "Santa has hat and belt. Santa has eyes and beard. Santa has fanny." That's my favorite. She's told me a few times that Santa has a fanny. "Yes, he does." I told her, because he indeed does, but I can't figure out why she chose that feature. Although we are talking about the same child who's been putting balls in her shirt and telling me "boofs!" which is what she calls my boobs.

Anyway, I think I've been quite clever picking out toys for Olivia. She's obsessed with facial features and pointing out parts of the body, so I got he a Mr. Potato Head. I know she'll LOVE it. I also got her a baby doll and a bathtub and stroller for it. I also bought her a carrier to wear the baby on her chest. I figure she'll want to be like me when I have the little peanut in a sling. I also got her some puzzles and books. And just to show James just how not done I am, I am going tomorrow to buy Olivia a Rose Cottage. Have you seen this thing? I saw it in a catalogue, and then I was watching "John & Kate Plus 8" and the kids had one. It's awesome. It's like a real house. I don't know where we'll put the thing, but I'll think of something. This is what it looks like if you haven't seen it.

Obviously, no one NEEDS a ton of gifts. We're obviously not rich, but I've been writing these stupid paid posts to get extra Christmas money, and by golly* I'm gonna spend it! :-)

*I can't believe I actually used the words "by golly." I sound like my grandmother.

Leaving the moms' group...

I'm not very good when it comes to confrontation. I consider myself opinionated because I have opinions on everything-- some stronger than others-- but I'm not an "in your face" kind of person who is quick to say what they think. I'm definitely hesitant to say something if I think it'll make someone uncomfortable or cause some sort of controversey. I can't help it. I wish I didn't care what people think so much, but I do. That's who I am.

So... you can imagine how uncomfortable I'm feeling about leaving my mom's group and trying to think of how to explain it to the leader, who I once considered a friend (we'll call her Karen). It's not that we had a falling out, or that I no longer consider her one, it's just that I realized that I'm not drawn to her and I don't want to be in her group. She's one of those "in your face" and "I say what I think" type of people, and I know it won't be as simple as me just leaving. She'll call, e-mail, and hound me unless we discuss it and I give her an explanation, particulary since I've been so active and was on the support committee and also an event host.

I want to leave the group because I found another I like more, but it's not that simple. A few of the moms who were in Karen's group left and started their own, along with a few moms who weren't in the other group. This new group is a Christian based group, which is great, but besides that, I see there being less drama and I just like these moms better. The ones who left Karen's group really didn't worry about leaving because they weren't friends with her, but she's been really nasty about them leaving, talking about them and saying nasty things. Very immature. The thing is, even though they didn't have to, they were really kind and respectful about leaving Karen's group. They told her that they wanted something Christian, etc and gave her NO room to get pissy, but she was anyway. It's ridiculous. You'd think she had a copyright on mom's groups or something.

The main reasons why I want to leave are:

-- Karen's moms group is obsessed with sex parties. Apparently, besides selling make-up and tupperware, you can sell sex toys, and suddenly half the moms are representatives. You can imagne all the parties they are having selling stuff. I have nothing against sex toys. I have a problem with this: Strangely enough, it was offensive to many for several of us moms to meet for a bible study, but sex toy parties are all the rage. I'm also sick of reading about people's sex lives on the message board. There are around 200 members, and I think it's immature to write about your sex life for that many people to read.

-- There are WAY too many people. Having 200 people in one group makes it hard to get to know anyone, and the Christian group already has people in it that I know well and really like.

-- Some of the moms are trashy in Karen's group. That may not sound nice, but it's true. There is a lot of drama because people don't have the social skills or tact to keep their mouths shut. I've heard moms cuss in front of their kids (and other people's kids) plenty of times. You just don't do that. A lot of them are big drinkers too. They all want to go out to bars together. I say grow up. You can have a much nicer evening (in my opinion) having a nice dinner together and just venting and relaxing.

-- I think the major kicker here is Karen's reaction to the new group being started. No one stepped on her toes. The moms who started the new group were so respectful and even made a point of telling the moms who joined their group that they were welcome to stay in Karen's group too (and some have). They were tactful and mature about it, Karen wasn't.

-- Karen and her "assistant organizer" seem to get some power trip by having this group. I initiated starting an adult's only book club (I now am hosting one for the new group) and somehow, Karen stole the reigns from me, brought her daughter who completely trashed Olivia's nursery, and now has dominated it. I haven't had anything to do with it since the first meeting, and I started it. My friend started a Bunco group because the current one in the group was full, and somehow all of Karen's friends managed to be in the new Bunco group AS WELL AS the old one. Karen completely took it over. I don't want an organizer like that.

So, now all I have to do is get up my nerve and tell Karen I want out. I just don't want to give her a reason to talk trash about me. I am entitled to be in whatever group I want, and I know I shouldn't care what she thinks. I just don't want to burn any bridges with a few friends still in Karen's group because I know she'll probably be pissed when I leave.

There's also a part of me that will miss being in such a major group in town. No more discounts at local shops, and no more being in the newspaper (Olivia and I have been in a few local publications). But I think it will be worth it. I can give up the perks to be in a better group of women. I just wish I had some balls so I could tell her what I really think of her group. :-) How honest should I be?

In desperate need of skincare advice!

You know what's even more nasty than having your face covered with pimples? Having them all over your back! Yep, pregnancy has brought back something I haven't had since high school. I've always suffered some with my complexion, but I've never had a problem with my back. I suppose this is another joy of pregnancy-- one that I don't remember having with Olivia.

I haven't changed my skin care regiment, but probably should. I just don't know what to try. I was using this Proactiv type stuff, but my skin has gotten so dry that I can't use it anymore. I need something to moisturize and still conquer these lovely zits.

I'm curious, what type of skin do you have and what products do you like? I think I need to try some new products, at least until the little peanut is out.

Oh, an does anyone else share my disgusting obsession with popping things on their face? I hate black heads and white heads. I squeeze everything and end up looking worse. I just can't stop myself. Someone please come and restrain me.

Little Peanut

Wow! I am really having another baby! I feel so blessed and excited and shocked and relieved that everything looks good. I have a million emotions right now.

I had a vaginal ultrasound, and as soon as she stuck the camera up in my nether regions, I saw the baby come on the screen. Immediately, I searched the screen for a fluttering heartbeat, and there it was! It wiggled its little arms and legs and it made its Mommy get all teary. Olivia was very distressed as to why I was on the table spread eagle and it bothered her that the lights were off, but she was pretty good. The strawberry milkshake I brought her certainly helped.

The baby is measuring right on schedule and everything looked great. Like I said, now it feels so very real. I just want to go out and buy baby stuff, but I guess I need to wait until I know what it is. :-) If it's a girl, we won't need too much. Whatever it is, its already very loved!

The pictures don't show much. At some angles, the image looked more clear on the screen, but unfortunately, the pictures aren't too good.

I am about to go meet my mom for dinner. My old school is having a celebration because they just became an official IB school, and even though I'm not teaching anymore, I helped start the IB programme, so I'm going as my mom's date (she teaches there now). But all I can think about it seeing the baby. I am on cloud 9. I have one awesome, beautiful, brilliant baby (who accurately told me that she saw 3 busses today right after we saw 3 in a row) and another blessing on the way. Life couldn't be sweeter!

Pretty soon, I've got to get something up where you can vote for the sex. What are we thinking, pink or blue??

I get to see the baby tomorrow!!!!

I had my first OBGYN appt yesterday. I felt like I had to wait forever. With Olivia, they saw me at 4 weeks, and 8, etc, but maybe because this is my second, they made me wait 9 weeks? Anyway, it felt good to actually confirm the pregnancy. That might sound silly, but I liked having assurance that the little bean is in there! I really wasn't worried, but the other day, my dad curiously asked, "so you haven't confirmed it with the doctor yet?" Without going into too much detail, I tried to explain that I was sure, but then I started thinking that some embryos stop developing and you don't know for a while, blah blah blah. Anyway, it was good to have my blood tested and a physical exam confirmed that my uterus is definitely already bigger!

They asked if I was still nursing, and it was sad to tell them no. Olivia hasn't asked since that one post last week, so I think we are indeed done. Now that I've had my first appt, I feel more excited about this baby.

And here's the most awesome news! My OBGYN has changed some policies (not all good-- I'll get to that later) and they now do ultrasounds around 10 weeks. They scheduled me for tomorrow, so I'll get to see the baby!!! I am so excited. We'll get to see the heart beating They didn't try to find it with the doppler yesterday because they said usually the earliest is 10 weeks. I think we'll get to see it moving around. I'm not sure what a 9.5 week old fetus is doing exactly...

This time around, my OBGYN only will see me at every other visit and his PA will see me the other times. I'm thrilled because I really like her. She's a bit more forthcoming whereas my OBGYN is quieter and I usually had to ask him questions. There are some other new policies that I don't like. Although this doesn't apply to me, he won't allow patients to attempt a VBAC (vaginal birth after c-section). As long as they monitor the baby and mom, it's totally possible. Also, he doesn't allow written birth plans. I also had to sign something essentially saying that he had the right to use a vacuum and/or do an episiodomy. Sadly, I think there are few doctors who allow mothers to take a more natural approach to birth. Those options should be available. A midwife can't even get licensed here in Georgia.

I've gotta throw something about Olivia in here. When we went for Vietnamese again on Saturday night, she stuck a spoon in James's Pho and held it up to his mouth, saying "taste?" James opened his mouth and she said, "What ya say? Say peeeeese. O-tay?" So he said please and she gave him a taste. Hillarious!!!

Well, I'm off to get dressed. It's cooooold today. I'm meeting MF for lunch at Atlanta Bread Company (mmmmmm.... hot soup and a panini) and then we're going to the Christian bookstore to get new materials for our moms' bible study tomorrow morning. Fun!

Sexy Daddy, Olivia the fairy, Pho Vy, and other stuff

James is outside chasing Olivia around the front yard. I can hear her squealing and he's making all these funny noises. I think he's trying to distract her from messing with the yucky carved pumpkin on the porch from Halloween. Olivia loves being outside and James is so good with her. A friend once told me that she thinks there's nothing sexier than a man with a baby, and I couldn't agree more. I'm also thankful for a few minutes to myself. I've been typing away writing sponsored entries for Pay Per Post, trying to get some extra money for Christmas gifts.

I took Olivia Christmas shopping with my mom today. We enjoyed a great lunch at Olivia Garden (yummmmm... eggplant parmesan) and then hit some stores to buy gifts. I've started buying early this year so I can spread out the costs between now and Christmas. James has always gotten a big bonus this time of year, which has helped with gift buying and also with our car insurance that's due a few days after Christmas (how convenient). Now that he has a new job, we don't know what to expect, hence all the sponsored posts below this one. I can delete them after 30 days, but until then I have to keep them up, so I'm sorry. :-(

BTW, I posted an update about weaning, but it's buried under sponsored posts. If you want to read it, it's here.

Our Halloween was fun, but people seemed to come at odd hours this year. Usually, people start Trick-or-treating around 6:30, but I had people at my door just after 5:00. I wasn't ready at all, and I had to leave them on the porch while I looked for the candy I'd bought. We had some late comers this year, too. I hate that. We decided to take Olivia to just a few houses near ours, but that turned into many houses. We didn't even knock on all the doors we passed. She mostly enjoyed walking around in her fairy costume, carrying her pumpkin, and looking at all the people dressed up. Surprisingly, Olivia wasn't scared of anyone. Stupid me forgot to teach her to say "trick-or-treat." I didn't even think about it until we were leaving the house, so she didn't understand, but she did say "Halloween" and "thank you" when people gave her goodies. My parents and grandma came over to see Olivia. I watched my grandma tear up as Olivia pranced around in her costume, and I cried too watching my big girl walk excitedly up to people's houses in her cute fairy costume. Precious! I couldn't get her to smile for me. She was so busy watching people walk by and I had to chase her around the yard to get pictures.

As for this pregnancy, I can't stop peeing. I am waking up 6,7, even 8 times a night to pee. And it doesn't help that I'm super thirsty all the time, just like I was with Olivia. I also feel really fat. I can't tell if I'm starting to show, or I'm just super bloated/fat from gas and eating too much food. Did anyone notice an expanding waist around 9 weeks with #2? BTW, I am dying to find out what I've having. We found at at 16 weeks with Olivia because we paid for a 4D ulltrasound. If we do that again, we'll probably be able to find out the week before Christmas. I keep assuming it'll be a boy because I already have a girl, but really, that has nothing to do with it. James isn't one of those guys who wants a boy. I think secretly, he wants another girl.

Tonight, we're going to eat at Pho Vy, a Vietnamese restaurant where we ate last night! We've never gone back to the same place 2 nights in a row, but after we'd finished our meal last night, they brought out steaming bowls of Pho (soup) to the table next to us, and James said "wanna come back tomorrow night?" I think part of it is that we're just super excited to have more ethnic places to eat. This town was so country when we moved here and now, we have some many choices. James and I big foodies and we both eat pretty daringly and we've both traveled a lot, so we have that in common. Last night, we talked about our dear friends Stef and Mike. Pho Vy is the type of place we would've liked to eat with them, although they have everything at the fingertips since they now live in Seattle. :-)

After dinner, we'll probably do more Christmas shopping!

Gingerbread Gown

I have GOT to order this Gingerbread nightgown for Olivia to wear on Christmas Eve (and before that of course!)

Jack and Lily Shoes

This site always has the cutest shoes!!

Olivia used to have the ones with the lambs on them, but she outgrew them. Although she mainly wear "walking" shoes, these are so comfy around the house, or somewhere like the mall where it's safe to walk in thinly soled shoes.

Did I speak too soon?

Last night, as I was putting Olivia to bed, she asked for "boof". She's mentioned it a few times in the last week, but either forgot or got distracted before I could nurse her. Last night though, she was insistent and started to cry, so I nursed her. She didn't nurse long, but then this morning, she wanted it again.

So...

now I'm confused. I don't want to refuse her and MAKE her stop. Part of me was so relieved. I couldn't help but cry as I watched her nurse. I kept thinking, "hooray! She hasn't weaned yet" but then also, there was a sense of dread because I'd sort of accepted that we were done, and now, I'll have to go through the sad feelings all over again.

The fact that she went several days without nursing tells me that weaning is just around the corner. I guess I'll let her nurse when she wants since it isn't often, and I assume that soon, she'll either completely stop, or there won't be enough milk to keep her interested.

Please pray that I am able to discern whether or not it's time to wean. Part me thinks I shouldn't nurse her when she asks since I was coming to terms with weaning, but another stronger part of me says that she'll wean soon anyway, and I should enjoy the few precious times we have left.

I already told James that the next time she asks (assuming there's a next time), I want him to take pictures. I could tell he thought it was odd, but I don't care. I want a visual memory of our nursing relationship.