37 weeks and counting

Posted in Oh Baby by

Well, yesterday I clocked in at 37 weeks. That means that I have three weeks or less until the little guy makes his world debut. I have to admit that I have my fingers crossed that this happens sooner rather than later. My body is pretty much at it’s limit, not to mention my sanity. Let’s get this show on the road little one!

I didn’t mention it earlier but I went to Labor & Delivery (LD) two weeks ago because I was having some contractions and a “pulling” feeling down there. I called the doctor’s office and they said just go to LD at the hospital just to be safe. When we got there, they checked my cervix and I was dilated to 1.5cm and 50% effaced. So, they decided to take out my cerclage a week early. Painful is an understatement. I will not get into the details, but let me say that this was not something I would wish on any woman. Ever. But, the good news is that it is out and I am “ready to go.” Meaning that if I continue to progress with labor they will not stop it.

The nursery is pretty much complete, we have the crib ready, shelving and storage are in place, the dresser/changing table arrived on Wednesday. I have a few decorative things on the walls, etc. but still working on that. I decided that I want to really take my time and find the perfect things for in there instead of rushing. Clothes and bedding are all washed and put away. All we need now is the occupant.





Best Dog Ever!

Posted in General Life by

Happy 5th Birthday to my sweet puppy, Walter. He is my shadow, constant companion, and best dog it the universe. I know that he will be the greatest “big brother” to the baby when he arrives. I don’t know what I’d do without him. I love you, buddy!

grief & joy

Posted in All About Me, Oh Baby by

Today was an unusually beautiful day here in Columbus. High in the low 60’s and partly cloudy skies. A spring day that was granted early. A day to be treasured.

I was out running errands, enjoying the weather by having the sun roof open and listening to the radio, when I decided that I wanted to go to the cemetery to visit the twins. This is something that Shawn and I usually do after church, I have not had the courage or strength to go there on my own yet. Something about the weather put it in my head and suddenly I was en route. The cemetery is not a beautiful place in the winter, soggy leaves, sad little monuments of love left over from Christmas, and black wet branches in a gray sky. But today’s weather distracted me and all I could think about was the warm, fresh air and the shy sun darting through the clouds.

It will be a year on Tuesday when I had that fateful appointment with Dr. Ruedrich and was admitted to the hospital for the attempted cerclage and bed rest. One year ago when our world started falling apart and we suffered the greatest loss possible. Here I am now, with another baby in my belly. A strong boy who likes to practice his ninja moves day and night. He’ll be here soon. I stood there thinking about how is it possible to feel so much joy and grief at the same time. Guilt and happiness, hope and loss, it’s all so intertwined. I’m glad that I went today, it was a big step that was made a little bit easier by a gently breeze and warm sun on my shoulders.

Maternity Leave

Posted in Oh Baby, She's Crafty by

Just wanted to let everyone know that I closed up my Etsy shop for my “maternity leave” at the end of last week. I can’t make any new product due to my carpal tunnel, plus with all the chaos of the kitchen remodel and getting ready for the baby I just thought it better to do this now rather than wait until he makes his appearance. I’m hoping to be able to open up again in the spring once we get into a new routine. I’ll keep you posted.

“Vacation”

Posted in Travel by

We have to be out of the house this week due to the floors being refinished. Toxic fumes are bad for baby – and ourselves – so we are spending the week at a local hotel. I know that sounds like an royal pain but I have to admit that I’ve been looking forward to it. One week without all the noise and distraction of workers in the house, not having to hide in my room all day, not having to worry about it all. Sweet relief. I am hoping to get some much needed rest and peace and quiet. Basically, a vacation. Aaahhh.

Getting down to the nitty gritty

Posted in Oh Baby by

Well, tomorrow I log in at 33 weeks. That means 7 weeks, or less, until the little guy makes his debut. I have to admit that I am READY to him to get here. Frankly, I am tired of being pregnant. I know that sounds horrible, but my body is done. My carpal tunnel is my constant companion with my always numb fingers and shooting pains up both arms. I am still having pain in my hip and pelvis and I am beyond uncomfortable. This baby is BIG, measuring in the 90th percentile for my due date. My shrimpy, short torso is running out of room at light speed. I also am having major problems sleeping and near constant heartburn. All in all, I am falling apart. I know, I sound whiny and wimpy , but I am at the end of my rope. And people, if I hear one more “it only gets worse” or “you’re just getting ready for when the baby gets here” I am going to stab someone. I swear I will never use those words on a pregnant lady ever. It is the LAST thing you want to hear, I promise. . . . . . okay enough of the pity party for now. Moving on.

The baby’s room is slowly coming together. We have the crib put together (no mattress yet, but my sisters should be ordering that this week for us as my shower gift) and Shawn put together the storage/shelving unit. The glider and changing table/dresser have been ordered and hopefully will arrive in a couple of weeks and I had some ELFA shelving installed in the closet to help better organize things. So that’s going well.

Did I mention that we are renovating my kitchen right now? I know that you all think “You have to be crazy to tear up your house while your in your third trimester and you go into labor at any time.Yes, I am insane. But, I felt that I wanted to get this done BEFORE the baby was born. Imagine how much harder it would be to do this with an infant around. Better for him to be in the womb, right? RIGHT?

So here’s the low down: For the past few weeks we have been reliving our dorm days with a triage kitchen set up in the office. Mini fridge, microwave and paper plates! It hasn’t been too bad so far, but the big pain has started this week: refinishing the floors. We are having the front hallway redone as well as the kitchen, since they are the same hardwood. They are sanding them this week and then will start with the staining/polyurethane on Monday. Due to the fumes, Shawn and I will be staying at a hotel for the week and Walter will be boarded. I am trying to look at this as a mini vacation instead of being exiled from my house. I’ll report back to let you know how this goes.

Stalled

Posted in She's Crafty by

Well, I have to say that I’ve come to a screeching halt in the crafting department to to my nemesis: Carpal Tunnel. It has gotten so bad that my fingers are permanently numb and I have shooting pains up my arms when I so much as try to use a pen to write. (It took me three days to do my thank you cards for my shower.) So I am having to put aside any thoughts of crafting for a while. I am praying that this clears up once the baby gets here, I do not want to have to get cortisone shots or surgery. Ugh. If things clear up any, I’ll be sure to post any updates. Until then, please enjoy some crafty time for me!









Happy 39th Anniversary!

Posted in General Life by

Today my parents are celebrating their 39th anniversary. I know that they’ve been through plenty of ups and downs over the years, but they always come out the other side together. I feel extremely lucky that I have been able to have come from such a wonderful home and I think they’ve set a pretty good example of how to live a married life. I hope that Shawn and I still have as much love, life, and laughter together after so many years. Congratulations, Mike and Sylvia, here’s to many more.

@mrsphicks Chukka Moc

Posted in Fashion by

I’ve been meaning to post about one of my awesome Christmas gifts from the hubby, but between baby stuff and getting the kitchen ready for renovation (more on that later) I’ve haven’t been able to find the time, until now.

@mrsphicks , a.k.a Kat, is half of the wonder-couple that are behind the phenomenal tie company Pierrepont Hicks. Shawn and I met Kat and Mac when we went to Minneapolis for NorthernGrade in 2010. Shawn has many of their ties and bows and they all look amazing on him. I highly recommend them for any handsome man in your life. Well, Kat decided that partnering with her hubby in a successful business and raising two beautiful young daughters were not enough -setting the bar high for me, Kat!- and decided to launch a shoe line for women.

“Working in menswear, I’ve always gravitated toward that style of fashion.  I love the Chukka, Wallabee and Desert Boot styles of footwear. In 2009 after spending over ten years in fashion and publishing in New York City, I launched a neckwear line called Pierrepont Hicks with my husband Mac.  I couldn’t shake the urge to design the ideal simple and rugged shoe for women.”

I instantly fell in love with the Chukka at first sight. I love the rugged quality they have, while still being stylish and who can resist that fun kelly green interior! Plus, I was so excited to find out that each pair are handmade to order in Maine. I feel like USA made products are so much harder to find for women and want to do all I can to help womenswear follow the recent menswear trend of being American Made. I told Shawn that I wanted to order a pair as soon as they became available. Luckily, I have the best husband in the world and he worked behind the scenes with Kat to get a pair for me in time for Christmas! They are even more gorgeous in person, the leather and suede are supple yet you can tell they will be durable over the years. There’s only one small problem, my pregnancy-swollen feet are a little too puffy to wear them right now. I’m currently keeping then in my closet in a place of honor where I can pet them lovingly until I can fit my poor feet into them better.