Am I feeling better, or NOT?

This morning, I am holding down my food and fluids and the bathroom situation is under control. And, I am drinking more fluids than I ever thought humanly possible. So, one would think I am feeling loads better, however, I am really nauseous still and have had a severe headache since the night of the 27th. I don't know if it is from dehydration, fatigue, or both, but it is keeping me awake. It's like I have intense pressure in the top of my head, and I have been unable to sleep longer than an hour at a time since being in the hospital Saturday. Who knows, all I know is I want to rest and can't, I want the headache to go away and it doesn't, and I want to eat and not get nauseous, and that isn't happening either. I'm also am still have regular contractions, about 10-12 minutes apart but they tend to be irregular. I'll have them for a couple hours, then be fine for a few hours. The best I understood from my three cervical checks at the hospital, I was effaced to 50 %, but not dilating. I go to the doctor Friday and every week until the baby comes now. Officially to week 35 now. In 2 weeks I'll be to week 37, and in my opinion baby boy can come out, I hope that's his plan as well! I'm ready for him, and I'm thinking he's getting me ready for him as well. And, it's looking like he'll be arriving in 2009!

Rehydrating and Resting...

I somehow somewhere came into contact with the stomach virus probably Christmas Day. I became very sick on the 26th in the evening, leading to severe dia. and vomiting. It didn't take me long to consult the labor and delivery department at the hospital since it all caused severe cramping which I had trouble distinguishing between intestinal and contractions. My doctor is out of town so I had to use another dr., but he is the doctor that delivered me, so he knows what he's doing. They had us (luckily, Lance was here with me) come in immediately. They took me into the maternity triage to monitor the baby, my contractions, and check my cervix. I was having contractions at that point ,but they thought it was due to all the sickness because my cervix was still high and tight. So, off to a maternity isolation room we went for my stay at the hospital with IV fluids and meds to stop the virus symptoms, which in my opinion didn't help because I was sick a full 19 hours before getting any relief. Which isn't fun for a normal person with a bad virus coming out both ends, but it's really not fun for a 35 week pregnant woman with a baby involved. Needless to say, all the commotion caused me to start contracting. I have been contracting about every 10 minutes for the last two days, but they checked my cervix three times while at the hospital and they don't seem to be affecting my cervix yet. So, late morning the doctor came around and checked me again, and released me to come home and bed rest until fully recovered from the virus. I got NO sleep at the hospital. So, we are home now for the time being, hoping little Kaden can stay in my belly a few more weeks. Hopefully, the contractions will let up, and he'll get to grow a little more. We shall see! I'm just thankful I didn't go into labor with vomiting and diar. Things could always be worse I'm sure. And, I'm praying Lance doesn't come down with this stuff as well because he has been helping me every step of the way! He's a wonderful husband. And, I am so thankful he was so sweet and helpful while I was so sick. I am feeling better, but planning to sleep, sleep, sleep for a day or so.

For My Mom!

Upon discovering that my wonderful husband has already shared the baby's name with most of his family tonight at their Christmas party, I have decided we may as well share the name with the rest of you. I haven't told any of my family, because we were going to wait until the baby was born, at least I thought! But, that's okay, Daddy Mabe is SO excited he couldn't keep it a secret! Since there are so many in the KNOW it is only right to announce our name for the Mabe Babe. So, for my family and friends, here you go:

Kaden Angus Mabe


That's our little boy's name!!!
You can start talking to him now NANA!!!
Merry Christmas!!!

34 week belly...Uuuggghhh!!!

Can anyone imagine why I am miserable? Less than 6 weeks till the prize!!!

Baby boy Mabe and my belly are growing by the minute!!!

Week 34 at Christmas...

Week 34 at Christmas!

Puppy Dogs and Christmas Toys!

Piper & Sadie watching their mommy open up Christmas presents...they know it is for them!

This dinosaur has been Piper's baby since day 1, she still loves it, and it is the ONLY toy she will not destroy! We don't know what we'll do when it gets a hole, it has lasted 8 years, that's insane!

Piper playing with her new toy and Sadie girl!

Many thanks to our Granny for these new Christmas toys!

Christmas for the Puppy Dogs!

Piper, for those of you who don't know, has been my cowdog that doesn't know she is a cow dog because she lived in apartments with me through college. She will be 9 in '09, hard to believe! Sadie, has been my little princess dog since Feb. 2004, and she will be 6 years old in '09.

They have been our children up to this point, and still are but they would like to know just how this baby brother situation is going to work out. They are worried that they may get put on the back burner while baby brother takes center stage. We are hoping for a smooth adjustment and transition as we all welcome a real live baby into the household. We are sure you will be hearing from the dogs as they adjust to living with a new baby.

Blue Christmas...

Well, I have a couple things to vent about this week of Christmas. First, my husband is stuck in the mid-west (IA) currently with a froze up truck, and has been waiting for help for over 10 hours and they still haven't shown up to help him get running again. To top it all off his first loads were suppose to be delivered this morning, meaning nothing is getting delivered today. And, IF they get his truck going again he will have to start tomorrow like today trying to get his loads off. His loads are travelling further into the blizzard in Minnesota. Yip-he! And, they called this morning and told him that they have a BACK haul for him ready. And, he may have to load it on the 24th. EITHER WAY, he's not going to be home for Christmas. And, that's why I am sad, blue, and mad!!! Our first Christmas,a nd we don't even get to be together.
Second, last night was the beginning of the family holiday parties for me. My Dad's Christmas was last night, and I went alone. My Mom's Christmas is tonight, and I'm going alone. Lance's Mom's Christmas is tomorrow night for the grand kids, and I'm going alone. Christmas Eve I have ABSOLUTELY no were to go or anyone to share the day with. The same for Christmas Day, with the exception that my Granny's Christmas will be that night for us grand kids and I will again go alone. I just wanted Lance here to be able to see how Christmas is in my family, to be there with me. It's sucks!
Third, I've come to the conclusion that pregnant women past their third tri-mester should have servants to dress them. I can no longer lift my legs higher than 1 foot to put on underwear, socks, or shoes. It's pretty challenging to get dressed without falling. And, I'm sure it actually looks pretty humorous if anyone were here to watch. Dressing is a challenge.
We've made it to week 34, how exciting!!! This is the happy news in our lives, sweet baby boy will be here in less than 6 weeks!!! If he keeps growing at the rate he's been growing, making him 5 pounds 4 ounces right now according to my dr. and sonogram (so, a guess) but, at that rate he can afford to come a couple weeks early. I say anytime after week 37, I'll be happy!
Current Status of Mom and Baby:
Mom- blood pressure good
swelling- mild
weight- (OMG!!!! 180 pounds) That's right, you didn't mis-read that! (That's 45 pounds I've gained!)
Baby- 5.4 pounds (approximately)
heartbeat-strong and healthy
movements-great!
So, here we are in week 34 and moving right along! Merry Christmas Everyone! I hope your holidays are with your loved ones.

The Ups and Downs!

Our doctor's visit went very well today. Our little guy is GROWING and has a long and strong heart beat. We go back on January 2nd, then every week following that visit. Luckily, Lance has been able to go to all my appointments with me, except the very first appointment, and one other. But, he gets really excited and wants to be there with me to see and check on our baby. So, that's the good news. I have mild swelling as well. Everything else seems fine for this week!
Lance, however just returned home last night, and has to leave early in the morning. I started crying when he got his call today to go back to work. Because I had hoped to spend this week of Christmas together, instead he will not be home until LATE Christmas Eve night, if that. He is off to MN!!! I am praying for safe driving weather for his sake. And mine, so he'll be home for Christmas. So, I will be doing the little baby stuff I can and finishing out my lesson plans for the next 8 weeks when school returns. I need HELP getting things put away and organized in the house to make room for all the new baby equipment if anyone has time or energy to volunteer. (LOL!) Lance's one day home each week isn't allowing us enough time to get anything done while he is here. So, I am trying really hard to be patient, and was hopeful that he'd get a few days home to help get it all done. I feel so bad because the one day he is home each week, he runs himself to death trying to do as much as he can for me at the house. He's such a sweetie, but he just can't do it all. I need help!
Other things I should have included on my list that I am looking forward to:
1. Taking Advil again for back pain! Tylenol just does nothing for me.
2. Not having nasal congestion. Since the first trimester of pregnancy my nose has been congested and bleeding, which I have never experienced in my life. It's to the point right now that I have to breath through my mouth at night and my lips stay chapped.
3. Sleeping comfortably without this big belly in the way. (Not that I would trade the big belly for the world right now)
Oh Yes, I swear EVERY person Lance & I came into contact with today, one after another, asked "When are you due?" It's to the point I think I may start wearing a sign around my neck that reads, 'February 4th' !!!
We have made a lot of progress on the nursery in the last couple weeks, and I will try really hard to post some pictures soon of the little guys space! It's pretty cute!
We installed the car seat tonight in my car, so we have his ride all ready and waiting in my car. Lance drove me to school this morning to get my lesson planning things, the kids that were there early where so excited to see me. They really made my day and made me feel special, they had made me cards and I got Christmas gifts as well. Today was their party day, so I hate that I missed it today! Today is one of those days you LOVE to be a teacher, you get to cut loose and have fun with the kids a little. I hope all of you on break from work enjoy your holiday, and to every one else Merry Christmas to you and your families. God bless you all.

Things I miss...

I can't wait to do certain things in just a few short weeks! Some of these things include:
1. Brushing my teeth like crazy again, I used to brush, brush, brush all the day long, since being pregnant I still brush, but it is minimal and makes me gag. Looking forward to this being gone.
2. Wearing my retainer, again makes me gag terribly, and I don't want these 2 years worth of braces on my teeth to go back how they were.
3. Being able to lift myself out of bed with stomach muscles to sit up, instead of rolling out of bed.
4. Not getting up every two hours all night long to pee.
5. Eating what I want and not worrying that it isn't healthy for my baby.
6. Have a glass or so of wine!!!
7. The back ache going away, I hope!
8. The possibility of being back in MY clothes sooner than later after the baby arrives. I miss my jeans! Actually looking forward to exercising, believe it or not!
9. Not being SO emotional and moody all the time!
10. Having energy, even if it's all being used on caring for the baby.
11. Not having people ask, "When are you due?" "What are you having?" "What name have you picked?"
12. Holding, kissing, and spoiling our new baby boy!
This picture was taken last night by my step-Dad, I was on the phone with my hubby! Week 33 Belly!!! We go to the doctor in the morning for a check-up. More to come soon!

A Letter to my Son

Dear Precious Son,
Someday when you are older you will hear people use the phrase, "love at first sight." As is all too unfortunate in our cynical world, what you will most likely hear them say is that no such thing exists. Please consider this the first time that I will, as your mother, tell you not to listen to these people, to instead stay positive and open to possibility that anything can happen, and usually does.
The day I met your daddy was such a day. Within minutes I felt warm in his presence. At the end of of our time together I knew that something, something important, was happening to me. In the days that followed I chided myself for falling so suddenly, so completely and totally for someone I'd just met. After all, how could I love someone so much, someone I hardly even knew?
As we move every closer to the day when you will arrive, I know now that there was a reason for the way your daddy and I came to be, a reason that God or fate or destiny directed me to fall in love with someone I hardly knew... it was so that later on, I would know how to fall in love someone I'd never even met. You. However, I feel I already know you and will love the many millions of little things I am to learn about you.
Every day I go into your little nursery, turn on the lights, and straighten it up just as I will when you arrive. The room is empty, but when I walk by it ever so often and see the warm glow that comes from within, I can feel that your spirit is already there. I go through your drawers and fold and re-fold your tiny sleepers, lovingly smoothing each one as I go. I am so anxious to meet you, to hold your tiny hand, to kiss your little face, and hold you close to me. I have never in my life desired to do anything more than I do now, just to be your Mommy, and to love you and all the things about you unconditionally.
I feel you move inside me and instead of the tiny flutters you made only months ago, you know command the space of my entire belly, my strong, strong, little boy. And it moves me. In those moments my heart hurts, I can barely breathe, I love you so much.
We have never met you, and yet your daddy and I would do anything, give everything, if it meant that you would be happy and healthy.
Someday you may stumble upon this blog and read all the complaining I've done. You'll read about how even my maternity clothes are too small, how I'm holding more water than a desert camel, how my right (and now my left!) ribs have dislocated to make more room for you in my small framework. But I want you to know that it has been worth all of it. I would do it over a thousand times, a thousand times worse, just to bring you home with us.
We love you, my son. Can't wait to meet you!
Your Mommy

Passing right through Week 32...

I have now moved past the 8th month of pregnancy, and it's obviously starting to show that I am in my home stretch. Yesterday, while in the maternity store looking for nursing bras (Oh Boy!) a lady approaches me and asks when I'm due. I tell her February 4th, and she looks at me, her eyes go big like "WHATEVER", and she says, "Good luck with that!" So, I guess she thinks I look done! WHATEVER!!!! I'm sure she'd like to see me in about 6 weeks!!! This was taken yesterday after our day of completing our baby shopping. 32 weeks, 5 days along!

Lance & I were able to get the rest of our big baby items today. Our stroller/car seat combo; the pack 'n play with changing table and bassinet built in it; swing; high chair; and the few other little things we still needed. We are VERY thankful and feel blessed we were able to go purchase all these wonderful new things for our baby boy. I guess it's safe to say now that all we need is the baby boy! On to Week 33! We're getting Close!

The Countdown is on!

This is our sweet baby boy at just over 31 weeks, weighing in at 4 pounds, 4 ounces. We have 8 weeks to go until Feb.4, and he should gain approximately 1/2 a pound per week between now and then. So, if he comes at his due date he'll be over 8 pounds! Which, I was 8 pounds, 3 ounces when I was born, so we will see! This is a sonogram picture of his little face. He was moving a lot and the Dr had a hard time getting his whole face in the picture, he was opening and closing his mouth, and moving a lot. He looked SO cute in there! It's still hard for me to believe that he is really in there! I can't wait to meet him!!! 59 more days until Feb.4th! YEAH!!! The doctor said everything looks great with the baby, and good with me as well. However, I have officially taken and been approved by my doctor to take off work until baby boy arrives. My maternity leave started on December 2, after a 12 hour work day on the 1st that almost killed me and I'm still recovering from. Other than working on Monday the 1st, I didn't go out last week except Thursday afternoon when my mom drove me back to school for a baby shower, which again left me completely exhausted, and I started have Braxton Hicks contractions on the 4th at 2:30 p.m., they lasted until 7 p.m. I was FREAKING out a little, but it never got more than 2 per hour, and after a warm bath and lots of water and 2 extra strength Tylenol and laying down at about 6 p.m., it all went away. Thank Goodness! I told Mom, I'm ready for this, but I'm not ready for this yet! :) She says it will catch me off guard when ever it happens no matter how prepared I think I am. Then, on Friday Lance & I went to the doctor and to pre register at the hospital. Those are my three outings this week, and I am exhausted! So, I am home bed resting, chair and ottoman resting, and doing little baby preparations like baby laundry when I feel like it. So much laundry!!! I have Washed ALL his clothes, blankets, bedding, etc. I'm guessing I've probably done about 10-12 loads in the last couple weeks since beginning to wash all his things. We are ready for him! He will be dressed well, LOTS of clothes for gifts!

Showered at School!

This is a T-shirt my husband bought for me when I outgrew all the PURPLE spirits shirts we are suppose to wear on Friday's with jeans for spirit days. I then became Queen of the Classroom each Friday! I loved this shirt, and unfortunately it will be too big to wear except during pregnancy! But, I sure enjoyed this shirt. And, the kids thought this was FUN! Fellow teachers & I having some cake!

This is Heather & I at the cake table, she is my partner in crime, one of my fellow 5th grade teachers, and a great friend!

These are some of the ladies I work with each day! They are great!

On Thursday, December 4, my Mom drove me back to campus for a baby shower after school. I worked on Monday, and that was my last day until baby boy arrives. So, they had already planned a shower for Thursday after school. Thankfully, my mom went with me and the shower was really sweet and nice of all the people I work with! These teachers are the best, they all have babies or small children, so they all know what to get. They gave me a diaper and wipes shower, and I am SO SO SO thankful for each and every gift I received at this shower. We received over 10 bags of diapers and almost as many wipes plus other baby gifts as well! We hadn't received any diapers yet, just a few newborn diapers, and all the teachers bought 1's and 2's. So, we have a good start on diapers. Thank you teachers, you ROCK!!! (And, thank you Heather, for putting it all together) It really means a lot to me that everyone I work with is so thoughtful and caring. I was very touched by this shower, and am so appreciative to my fellow staff. I can't wait for these ladies to experience the REAL me, not the pregnant CRAZY me! I keep telling them, I'm not like this, I don't normally act CRAZY like this....LOL! I know now by this WONDERFUL shower they had for me that they KNOW it's just the pregnancy, not me! I'm so thankful for my job, my fellow staff, and my students this year. The gift table...

The CUTE Cake!!!

Mom-to-be at the cake table!

What a GREAT shower!!!!!!

Off Work Officially at Week 31!

These two pictures are from Week 30.... I'm bigger this week! LOL!

Yesterday, December 1, was my last day to work until this baby boy arrives. The stress of work and just the amount of wear on my body can not be tolerated anymore. I started cramping and hurting a lot, so we've decided for me to stay at home and sleep and lounge and sit as much as possible. Now I do not have to do anything but take care of me and finish growing this baby. I am very thankful that I can go ahead and take off work now. We go to the dr Friday, then to the hospital to pre-register. Only nine weeks to week 40....I can't believe it! He'll be here soon!

My Mom & Granny came over tonight and helped me arrange things in the nursery. We made he crib,a nd put things away. It was so exciting to have them here to help me with these things, they are so excited about this baby. I can't wait for him to meet his grandmothers, Nana (My Mom) and Granny (My Granny), and Grandmother (Lance's Mom). They are going to LOVE him and spoil him to pieces. I am looking forward to it all! I told mom & Granny tonight that I couldn't wait to get him here, so people will come over to our house! It's nice to have company, I'm always here alone.

I got my hair cut! And, I've been straightening it a lot now because it is easy. There are pictures posted on my entry below this one from Thanksgiving. I am enjoying the change, and how much easier it is to care for. I am going SHORTER next time, maybe right before the baby comes!