Birthday Surprise

Michael got the best birthday surprise last night...the arrival of Blauhai. My dad decided to drive over from Mississippi a week earlier than originally planned to surprise Michael on his birthday.

Since the car's arrival around 6 p.m. last night, Michael has spent every waking moment tinkering, driving, tinkering some more. I think he's in heaven. He was outside working on the car until 2 a.m. and then woke up this morning and went out again at 8 a.m. He didn't even stop to make coffee, his typical morning must-have.

I can't get him to post anything on my blog or write anything in the baby book, but he did take the time last night to start a new website for his project car: http://www.mviidesign.com/Site_2/blauhai.html

I think that pretty much sums it up.

No pain, no gain

Last night I really thought we may be headed to the hospital. After experiencing strong contractions throughout the entire night, they are still not happening close enough to justify a hospital run. 

I tried to get some sleep but that proved difficult when you wake up in pain at least once an hour. I was never really able to go into a deep sleep so today my eyes are heavy and feel like they may just pop out of my head. 

Michael was a good sport and tried to stay in the bed to comfort me, but gave up a little after 1 a.m. and went to the other room. I don't blame him, I would have done the same if I could. Today is his birthday and I don't want to spend it stuck in the house with contractions. Maybe a long walk will help make the pain pass or speed up the pre-labor process. 

Now that the day is here, Michael has changed his tune about sharing his birthday with the baby. At first he really didn't want to, but he got excited last night thinking the baby was on his way and would likely come today. I'm doing what I can to make that happen since he doesn't have any b-day gifts to open from me. 

Occupational Hazard

As many of you know I work in the communications field and frequently deal with members of the press. Usually this means facilitating interviews between our executive staff and reporters, or helping to prep our spokesperson on the relevant talking points -- all while staying behind the scenes as much as possible.

Well, yesterday I realized that pregnancy and my profession are not the best of friends. I received a call from a local TV reporter needing an on-camera interview. Unfortunately our Executive Director was on an airplane and unavailable to do the interview so I had to do it. Again, this isn't typically a big deal except that I'm already packing on the pounds before adding 10 that the camera contributes.

As the camera guy was setting up the shot I asked if he could find an angle that didn't make me look pregnant. While I was mostly joking, the laughing response he provided was just the ego boost any nine month pregnant woman would love.

I didn't get home in time to watch the 5 p.m. newscast which is just as well. Sometimes ignorance is bliss.

Calm Before the Storm

Hello All,

Roxy here. Just wanted to check in before my world gets turned upside down. In my last few days of glory, I've been enjoying some quality ball fetching time with dad, swimming with my mama, and enjoying the quietness of our house.

For some reason my parents are currently sleeping in separate beds. I think it has something to do with all the pillows my mom requires. There's barely any room left in the bed for me, much less my dad. It doesn't bother me because I spend time in each bed throughout the night. Mom tosses and turns quite a bit, but if she gets too restless I just go snuggle up with my dad.

Sometimes in the evenings my mom gets pains in her stomach and starts breathing funny. Dad helps her relax and I try to help too by snuggling up to comfort her. I think she appreciates it.

I know this blog will soon be filled with pictures of my new little brother, so I thought I'd post a few recent shots of me to be sure you don't forget what I look like. While we had the camera out, dad also took a few new pictures of mom too. She's the big lady below with what I think may be a basketball under her dress. Mom says to disregard her hair, as they had just returned from a long walk. Enjoy!

The Latest Check Up News

Well, I'm a little bummed I don't have more to report from this morning's check up. After experiencing contractions yesterday from about 2:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., I really thought I'd be more dilated today. Unfortunately this is not the case and after all that discomfort I'm still only around 1 cm. Arg.

On a positive note, she could feel that the baby is once again facing down and back in the right position so that's a relief. He's also started to drop which is a good sign, but is increasing my pelvic pain and need to constantly urinate.

I did ask the doctor how big she thinks the baby will be and right now she estimates he's around 7 lbs. 6-8 oz. She also provided a disclaimer that over the next week or two the baby can really pack on the weight, so I need to be eating nutritiously.

Since Michael and I were both over 8 lbs., I fully expected to have at least an 8 lb. baby but right now the doctor doesn't think he'll cross the 8 lb. mark.

That's the latest for now. I'm trying to keep a positive attitude these last few weeks, but it grows more difficult by the day. Two co-workers who are due after me will likely be having their babies before my induction date so that's not helping my mental state. That fact compounded with the "You're still here?" remarks I constantly receive in the office halls are further deteriorating my psychological condition.

So, say a little prayer that my attitude takes a turn for the better. If not for me, then for Mike since I know he's ready for this phase to pass as well.

Michael's Bundle of Joy

Today was a big day in our household. My dad and uncle traveled from Atlanta to South Carolina to pick up Michael's new four-wheel baby. We may not have a name for our human son yet, but this is one baby that came already named. The car is lovingly called Blauhai (German for "Blue Shark"). Mike tells me this E24 model is referred to as a "shark" by automotive enthusiasts, hence the origin of the name.

While it's not parked in our garage just yet, Michael is one step closer to realizing his dream of having a BMW "project" car. I think he may be more excited for the car to arrive than our son (except for the fact that the plan is for the car to be driven over when my dad travels to come see the baby, so perhaps all hope is not lost).

Many of you have asked if this one final hurrah before becoming a daddy. Maybe so, but in the grand scheme of things he could be asking for a lot more so I'll wait to pick my battles.

The Nursery

This past weekend Michael's parents helped us sort through the last of the nursery stuff, hang pictures, set up the crib bedding, etc. so I'm finally ready to post pictures of the room. Hope you enjoy!

View as you walk in the bedroom door (crib and built-in shelves on the left, changing table and closet on the right)

The fish screenprint above and the hand drawings below are pieces Michael did in college.

The built-in shelves. A co-worker gave us the adorable saying above it which reads "Boy, n: A noise with dirt on it"

The dresser and changing table

This picture hangs above the dresser and was in the grandkids' nursery at my Grandmother's house when I was a baby. It reads "I believe in Miracles"

Check out the cool mobile we found at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art. It's called "Falling Leaves" and I'm sure will make our son an artistic genius.

Miss Roxy just chillin' in the rocking chair showing off her summer haircut.