The End?

Gotcha! Kinda of a creepy title for a blog post, I know, but it's time to celebrate the end of the painting extravaganza that has consumed 75% of my summer. Let's have a look around, shall we?

The view from the doorway. Obviously, we need to get some curtains in here, but it's not looking to shabby. The rocking chair will go right by the closet, next to the bushes, mushroom, and Goomba. The goomba could be a little bigger, but he looks so freaking cute and evil. Let's take a closer look...

Doesn't he look sinister? It looks like he's angry at whatever we choose to put next time him, which will eventually be the rocking chair.

Now this little Red Koopa was hard to see in the wide shot, but he's marching along at the beginning of wall #2. It looks like he'll be frequently "blinded by the light!"

Wouldn't you know it? I spent all that time working on "the forest" only to cover it up with Kiddo's crib! Please excuse the mess in the crib. It's full of either items to figure out how to use (Boppy and breast pump what?) and things I don't know where to put yet (Mario blanket and placemat). I don't know why, but I feel compelled to name that blue teddy bear Bruce. It just seems to fit. I'm rambling, aren't I? Shut up Valerie, just shut up! Ahh! This is taken from the corner where the rocker will sit. You can see our spitting Piranha plant (no spit, don't know if I'll add it for sure), our winged Koopa, and Mario himself! Also pictured, Aunt Julie's box of awesome! It is currently loaded with all the best reading material.

See? Awesome reading material! Daddy picked out the Hawkeye 101 book this weekend while we spent part of a baby shower gift card to Barnes & Noble from Auntie Jodi-Bird. It is much needed since Mom and Dad don't have very many "boy" books. Notice that Mo Willems is very important to us in this house. We now have 90% of his collection, most of which is in the Mario box. I think I'll eventually move it next to the rocker when it comes in.

This is on the left side of the crib, just below our joyous red Koopa. I filled two Yaffa Blocks with books for Kiddo. Some are almost as old as I am since Grandma Shelly tracked down my old picture books. I also decorated with a few of the toys that were on the tables at my first baby shower. The rest of our Mo Willems collection is here.



Here's our 'lil Spitting Piranha Plant! I may eventually add some spit, but not yet. I think I've reached a pretty high "burned-out on painting" level. He looks pretty spiffy though... Might need some fangs...



This shot is looking from the Red Koopa corner by the windows out. Mario is there, as is the Winged Goomba above the door, and Chomping Piranha Plant!



I felt it necessary to show off what's currently on the dresser. We have a hawkeye sippy cup (it'll be a while before it's in use, but it's cute nonetheless). Pat Pint gave me some reading material for when we bring Kiddo home. Stephanie and Kevin gave us the Anne Geddes book when we found out we were "in the family way." Next are Auntie Steph's "you're knocked up" gifts, the little journal laying down and the Safe Baby Pregnancy Tips book which cracks me up every single time I look at it. (I found out there's another one like it, only for after the baby comes home that I may have to purchase.) Dawn and Aunt Mary Jean bought the "On the Night You Were Born" baby journal for us; I need to start writing in it. There is another journal of sorts laying down on the corner from Aunt Sara that has BEAUTIFUL artwork in it; if I ever get around to making a scrapbook, I may cut this one apart for the art inside.



Here's our Winged Green Koopa. He's headed toward Mario, though on a lower block. Determination...

 

"It's-a me, Mario!" We went pretty old-school for Mario himself. Aunt Julie really knocked herself out on him. He's all shaded and stuff, not like the rest of the stuff in the room. It's hard to see, but his foot bears her initials.

Another sinister Goomba, this time with wings. Sara really worked hard on these little guys and I love how evil they look. This one sits above the door, like he's going to pounce on you, so you'd better watch it!

 

Look at my baby! I'm so proud of these pipes that I had a hard time putting anything in them! This guy maybe could have been longer, but I still think he looks great! Just try to get those coins below him; just try! I sounded very Wicked Witch of the West there...



One last photo. These items are not currently in Kiddo's room (they live in the bathroom), but are no less awesome or important. Auntie Kimball gave us the Puj Tub that is all folded up. Logan (devil kitten that he is) has already marked the tub as "MINE!" by chewing on the foam while I was learning how to put it together. It literally snaps together with magnets, which I find highly awesome! Stephanie and Marissa gave us the basket of bathing goodies. We've filled it with more toys than anything, but eventually we'll add some towels and shampoo and washcloths!

 Ok, so there are still a few things that need to be accomplished in order to complete Kiddos' room, but I am so proud, happy, and thrilled to show-off what has been accomplished. I'd like to take a moment to thank everyone who helped contribute to the painting, through listening to me gripe or boast, supporting the near meltdowns, and actually rolling up their sleeves to pitch in through full-on painting or adding the Kiddo's stock of awesome things to place in his room. These people include but are not limited to: Daddy (Aaron), Sara Smith, Julie Dudley, Joan Johnson, Shelly Johnson (Kira and Trey by proxy), Whitney Cavanah, Meagen Wahl, Michelle Griswold, Alison Arnold, Erin Stoen, Stephanie Mock, Lindsay Kimball, Lindsey Ruhland, Anni Bowers, Gab Atwood, Kathryn Armstrong, Emily Robinson, Stephanie and Kevin Jensen, Marissa Emery, the rest of my amazing, awesome, talented, caring, compassionate, and crazy family and friends. Thus endeth Painting Extravaganza 2011. The next kid is SOL! LOL!

In other news, Aaron and I found a day care and are visiting tomorrow to sign the paperwork to make it official. I'm excited that we finally found one after the atrocity that lived at the Tender Years center in Johnston. We also, in case you didn't see it mentioned enough above, ordered the rocking chair. The lady a Babies R Us asked if either of us was an engineer, which makes it sound like construction may be a chore, but we'll make it through. I practiced installing the car seat this weekend; it was shockingly simple, so I think the real test is getting Kiddo in and out of it. Also, we attended birthing class 3 of 5 last night and learned all about pain meds and funky breathing just in case pain meds aren't an option (two breaths in, two breaths out during transition). I can't say that I'm looking forward to those last three centimeters of dilation without drugs since a) the pain is intense and b) the contractions last 90 seconds and you get a 30 second break before the next one hits (joy, rapture), but we'll see. I plan to go for as long as possible without the drugs so I'm not a total wimp but not a complete martyr either. Also, I'd like to point out that I became "that girl" in class last night when I fell off the birthing ball, right after Aaron told me not to fall. He totally jinxed me, so I'll blame him for it if his baby comes out with a hematoma. At least it was good for a laugh, like the time he chewed gum into the top of my head or was told to give me a hand massage that proved how ticklish my palms are.

Well, off to do some laundry and stuff. There's never an end to the work! Love you all!

Deep sighs of relief!

Here's the Kiddo update: "This week, your baby measures over 16 inches long. He weighs about 3.3 pounds (try carrying four navel oranges) and is heading into a growth spurt. He can turn his head from side to side, and his arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath his skin. He's probably moving a lot, too, so you may have trouble sleeping because your baby's kicks and somersaults keep you up. Take comfort: All this moving is a sign that your baby is active and healthy."

So, why the deep sighs? I have finally finished the background of Kiddo's room and tomorrow, my aunt and cousin are coming over to help us finish up the characters, for which I have all the paint purchased. I seriously cannot wait for the painting to be over with because I really want to arrange Kiddo's room already. Aaron and I went to Babies R Us on Thursday and ordered our rocking chair and ottoman. The furniture specialist there asked if either of us had an engineering degree, but I'm not disuaded! We have constructed a crib, bouncy seat, swing, and stroller so far, so I think we can manage a rocker.

In other news, Aaron and I have selected a day care and we are going to sign the initial paperwork on Tuesday. Aaron still has yet to see the place, but my glowing recommendation sold him on it. The people were so friendly, the facility was so clean, AND they are willing to work with cloth diapers. The first day care I looked at was ok and was closer to home, but it felt a little "used" I guess is the word I'm thinking of and they were also not willing to give us as good of a deal for when I'm off school in the summer. The second day care I looked at was a freaking nightmare! They asked me to schedule a visit, which I did, but then no one was prepared for me to come! There was also a sign in the director's office that said, "Your lack of planning is not my emergency." Now, I've thought that VERY often, and would honestly LOVE to post that sign in my classroom, but I know how inappropriate it is; I guess these people don't. They also were the furthest from home, seemed nervous about cloth diapers, and were the most expensive place. There was a kid just wandering around too, no supervision on him! Yikes! The lady who came to get me at the door screeched like a banshee to find out if anyone knew I was coming too. I should have just walked out. This third and final daycare is not as close to home as I'd like, but it really does seem great. I wish it had a little more security, but overall, I'm happy! Having a day care selected is like having this huge weight lifted off my shoulders. I think Kiddo will do well there and if, for some reason, things don't work out well, we'll look for a new one.

So, how about some pictures? Think of this as the "reverse tour" through Kiddo's room.

Must still paint closet doors and add a piranha plant.

Picture Mario, a Goomba, and a Koopa in this general area, plus another piranha plant in the pipe.

Same wall, a bit higher so you can see the coins.

A piranha plant and Koopa will join this wall on its completion.

Only a Goomba to add, under the mushroom block.

Look at the fancy bouncer and swing from Grandma and Grandpa Johnson/Lehs and Grandma and Grandpa Johnson respectively.

Ah the travel system! Purchased with the help of a few returned items and gift cards from Great Grandma Griffin and Great Aunt Ellyn.

Now let's take a moment to appreciate the awesomeness of super-talent friends by browsing the onesies and other creations from last weekend's suprise shower:

Aunties Rislow, Anni, and Steph created these (from l to r).

Auntie Anni, Auntie Kathryn, and Momma created these (clockwise from top left).

I think the top left one was Auntie Rislow, but the prego amnesia thing is at work so I apologize if I'm wrong, then I made the geek one with a rudimentary Pac Man, and Auntie Kathryn painted the sun.

Aunties Anni, Rislow, and Gab created these masterpieces (clockwise from top left).

Momma made the shroom and Auntie Gab made the other two. I heart the "I'm a boy" one.

Auntie Steph made the blue blanket and Halloween onesie, Auntie Rislow made the blue and brown blankie, and Auntie Kathryn got Kiddo the cute "Don't blame me" onesie.

I bought some onesie extenders from Amazon last week so hopefully, these onesies will last a LONG time, no matter how big Kiddo gets. I need to stop buying clothes for him. At BRU last weekend, I saw these really vute forest onesies with Rislow and when we bought the rocker, I bought a ton of things from that set, like a cute little jacket and a couple of sleepers. I am officially calling off all clothing purchases by me until he arrives now because we have so much and there are other things to buy that are far more important.

I'm coming to the swift realization that school will be here before I know it. That's kind of depressing. I look forward to it, but I think I'm so caught up in the baby mania of my mind, that it's hard to think of much else. About a month in to the school year, I'll go on maternity leave, come back for a week or so before Thanksgiving and then spend three weeks working before Christmas. Second semester will be a LONG HAUL though. Not much is blossoming on the job-front. Of course, I have my awesome FP job, which I am in no hurry to leave, but it's not administration and it seems like no one is really willing to take a chance with me there. I applied for one job that I was sure I didn't have much of a chance at getting, but it sucks to see that it is still posted because they pushed the date back and THEN said "open until filled." Hello! I'm right here! Eh, the person with whom I'd work hates the air that I breathe, so it wouldn't work out well, but it still stings a bit. It also stings that I don't hear any feedback on the other positions for which I apply. I really do want to get my hands dirty as a school improvement leader, but I think my only having five years experience in education is working against me a little, no matter how awesome I think the experience has been.

Anywho, I think I need to go clean something. I think the bathroom smells of dill for some reason, so maybe I'll scrub the floor. When Aaron gets home from work, we are taking Kiddo to his first (and hopefully not last) in-utero movie: Harry Potter 7.2! I'll get to indulge my milk dud craving! Woot woot! Much love gente!

A Great Weekend with Greater People

Wow! What a weekend! Here is the 30-week update: “Your baby's about 15.7 inches long now, and she weighs almost 3 pounds (like a head of cabbage). A pint and a half of amniotic fluid surrounds her, but that volume will decrease as she gets bigger and takes up more room in your uterus. Her eyesight continues to develop, though it's not very keen; even after she's born, she'll keep her eyes closed for a good part of the day. When she does open them, she'll respond to changes in light but will have 20/400 vision — which means she can only make out objects a few inches from her face. (Normal adult vision is 20/20.)”

So Kiddo is growing and moving and grooving in my ever-growing belly. He and I decided that we would road-trip to the Cities this weekend in order to celebrate my friend Steph’s bachelorette party. The drive to Minneapolis was LONG and ROUGH on us both. It started out fine, but right at the border of Minnesota, the sky got pretty dark and we were suddenly slammed by rain. Now, I’m no stranger to driving in the rain, but being pregnant and alone in THIS rain was not a great time. I actually turned my flashers on so that other people could see me because it was such an intense storm. I ended up calling Rislow to see if there was something worse that I was driving through and whether or not I should pull over. It turns out, it was just an intense Severe Thunderstorm Warning, but man, Kiddo and I had the stress meter pegged! After the storm blew over, we got caught up in construction traffic, which meant 45 minutes of creeping along at about 2 MPH. We only drove about 10 miles, but it took FOREVER, and of course, people were stupid. There were two trucks that must have been traveling together because they were in the right lane and one kept pulling up beside the other on the shoulder and they’d sit and talk, which pissed off the semi-driver behind them. I also kept creeping past and being passed by a Doritos truck. If we hadn’t picked up speed, I may have rolled down my window to see if I could get some from him for a couple of quarters.

Finally, I arrived at Rizzy’s house. We sat down with her hubs to eat yummy supper (pasta and garlic bread with double fudge brownies…om nom nom!) and then she and I decided to take advantage of our collective energy by popping my IKEA cherry. That place is AWESOME! I loved walking through the showrooms and imagining them being in my house. I wish someone would build one down here in DSM! After we stopped at IKEA, we ran to Babies R Us too! It was SO great to spend time with someone else who is pregnant and just share the prego chatter with one another. None of my other close friends are pregnant, so it’s nice to converse with someone else who is going through it.

I was trying to get it all out of my system so that Saturday onward could be about Steph and her impending nuptials and I seriously thought that would be the end of our “I’m having a baby” conversations, but little did I know that the “Bachelorette Brunch” the next morning was really a “Valerie’s going to shat a kid” food, game, and gift expo! My AMAZING, STUNNING, PHENOMENAL friends threw me a baby shower at Kathryn’s place! At first, when I walked in and they yelled “surprise!” I didn’t get it. I was trying to process what the surprise was because I saw Steph standing there and I was under the impression that she knew we were having a brunch for her. It took me about 90 seconds before it started to dawn on me that I was the one who was being surprised. Kathryn actually came over and said, “It’s a baby shower” before it really clicked! I felt bad because I’m not sure that my level of appreciation registered since I seriously was 145% surprised. I was kind of overwhelmed! Apparently, my husband even knew about it and hadn’t let the cat out of the bag!

Oh man the food was good! Real bacon, two different kinds of quiche (I ate both and YES they contained veggies!), crackers and bread, fruit salad, and Anni made this yummy cake/pie thing with blueberries. Oh, and “frost-your-own-cookie” time with baby buggies, bottles, and onesies! I officially gorged myself and was able to sate my craving for breakfast food (quell really, not sate because you can never have enough breakfast…) Then, we played games. We played a matching game where we had to pair up the celebrity name with the name of their child. There are some MESSED-UP names out there, seriously. Then we played guess what is in the diaper? Rizzy burned herself melting one of the chocolate bars for it too! Leave it to my friends to find a way to make a baby shower dirty also. Our final game was “pin the sperm on the egg,” a game FAR TOO OUT THERE for my family shower, but amazing when played with my girlies. We did gifts next and Kiddo got some amazing goodies! I won’t do it all justice, but here is what I am recalling imperfectly at this time:

·         Auntie Kimball got Kiddo his first bathtub, a Puj tub!

·         Auntie Steph got Kiddo some cloth diapers, detergent to wash them in, a Dr. Seuss book, and knitted him a little blanket.

·         Auntie Rislow made Kiddo a beautiful blue and brown fleece blanket with little taggies on one side to play with during tummy time later. I have some seriously talented friends!

·         Auntie Kathryn got Kiddo a cute onesie and MOMMY gets her hair done for Steph’s wedding (woot!)

·         Auntie Gab got Kiddo a really cool squishy book that has black and white patterns in it (develop those eyes) but it really meant to hold pictures of the family (I’m already planning which ones to put in and show Kiddo in the hospital) and Bear in Underwear book which is hilarious!

·         Auntie Anni got Kiddo/Mommy the Lego Knight Bus we registered for! Awesomeness! I had to refrain from constructing it on-sight.

I got so much I may have missed something! I’ll have to post pictures of all the good times when I get around to it. It was so great to just hang out with everyone! After gifts, we decorated onesies for Kiddo to wear later on. Gab made him an “I’m a Boy” onesie with pink writing. Anni made a “heart breaker” onesie. Steph made him a Halloween onesie. Kathryn made him an “I still live with my parents” onesie and Rislow made him a cute one that has a tree on it after we saw some adorable forest onesies at Babie R U the night before. I made him a “my dad’s a geek” onesie based off the one I liked from Target.com and put Pac-Man on it! I seriously can’t wait to dress my kid, and bathe him and change his poopy pants, and play with him and build Lego forts, and read with him, and, and, and…

Later, after nap time, it was time to party with Stephster! We started by going to this place called Charming Charlie’s. It is essentially “Claire’s on crack!” Everything was organized by color and even though it was Type-A heaven, it was overwhelming. We all found cute to either wear out that night or to wear to Mockster’s wedding. I got a fun bracelet and a headband. Then we went to Barrio and ate AMAZING Mexican food! It was served tapas style too, which made it fun, yet awkward when most of us had eaten and Gab was still waiting. I got a yummy blood orange soda-esc beverage to drink. We went back to the hotel to open gifts with Steph. She got some awesomely funny bachelorette schwag! I loved the hat they made for her to wear: a black top hat with red veil! We started the night at a sportsbar in the Timberwolves’ arena where Kathryn, master that she is, negotiated free drinks for us. Then we tried to get into Sneaky Pete’s but whether it was a line or a random blob, there were too many people outside to deal with, so we headed for Bootleggers. Again, Kathryn negotiated for us and a $5.00 cover became $0! It was so warm inside though. Rislow and I looked at each other and at our prego-bellies and just kind of shook our heads. I wanted so badly to stick it out, but I started sweating the moment I walked into the bar and upstairs seemed even warmer than it did outside. After a lot of debate and downing a glass of water, she and I both decided that we needed to leave before we got too overwhelmed and light-headed. I felt like such a loser, but I know that if I had stayed, I would have been a sweaty Debbie-Downer and I wanted the night to be about Steph, not about the prego-chick who may pass out soon. The maid-of-honor ended up leaving with Rizzy and me, too.

Back at the hotel, Rizzy took off to sleep in her own bed, freeing up a place for someone else to crash in the GIANT bed with me. I helped Patti set up the room as best we could for the other girls for the night and then she took a shower while I started to crash. I debated trying to stay up and wait for them, but I had to get on the road fairly early in the morning, so I thought sleeping a bit would be best. I heard them come back and I think I may have been wickedly disoriented and glared at them (sorry ladies, I was so out of it). I was wide-awake at 5:30AM too (damn insomnia and internal clock/schedule stuff). I tried to make myself go back to sleep until at least 8:30, but it didn’t work. Finally, at 7:30, I couldn’t just hang around anymore and I had to leave at about 8:30 anyway so I could get home and rest before our prenatal class, so I packed as quietly as I could, left a note, and hit the road (after having to wake up Gab so I could actually exit the room; sorry Gab). I didn't even stick around long enough to eat breakfast with Emily, which kinda sucked because there was a plan for some yummy cheesy-hashbrowns, but I figured that 7:30 was probably too early to call her and Eddie. Whoops!

Sometimes, I feel like such a loser. I reacted poorly to the shower, then I crapped out of clubbing, got my glare on when the girls came back, and left before anyone woke up. That’s Loserville right there. Still, I wouldn’t have traded the time I did have with everyone for anything in the world. I love my friends so much. I really wish we lived closer so I could see them more often. I’m coming to the realization that once I have Kiddo, it’s going to be a lot harder (at least at first) to go hang out for a weekend in the Cities with the coolest women I know. Life is about to get a major shove into serious and I worry how it will affect not only Aaron and I, but the friends and relationships I hold so dearly. Hopefully, once Kiddo is a bit older though, I can leave him with Daddy while Mommy goes and gets crazy with her besties! By that time, Rizzy will have had her Kidlet and will likely need to let her hair down too!

It did feel good to come home though. Aaron made us a yummy quiche for dinner and we headed off to class where he first made fun of me for packing too much, then cracked his fingers on my back while he rubbed it and chewed his gum right into the top of my head while we practiced “slow dancing” through contractions. The back rub was worth it though. The instructor gave up another funny one-liner by explaining that the bathtubs in the birthing suites are like “being in Sprite, only warn” because of all the bubbles. We had to try out different positions in which we could labor and practiced breathing like we were having contractions (essentially, just deep breathing but staying focused for the length of time we can envision a contraction lasting). At one point, I was standing up, leaning forward over a birthing ball while Aaron stood beside me, then behind me rubbing my back and all I could think about was how inappropriate it would be to let go of the fart I was holding in. Aaron and I both had the giggles in class last night. It’s funny how there were only about six couples there last night and we all hid in the back, as if moving front and center would cause us to contract a communicable disease or another kid. Next week, we’re going to “see an epidural” and I’m not sure how I feel about that. I’ve already made up my mind to go for as long as I can without the meds and then get the freaking needle of gargantuan size shoved into my back, but I don’t know. I guess I feel like showing me the needle is one way of trying to convince me not to do it, and I already am wrestling with it enough because I know that it introduces other issues, like requiring me to lay in the bed instead of being able to move around and may cause me to SUCK at pushing. Anywho, week four is when we’re supposed to witness the whole shebang, which again I’m not sure how I feel about. I didn’t take the classes to get the poo scared out of me, but to be informed about what to expect; I don’t know that I need/want to be that informed. We’ll just have to see; maybe it won’t freak me out as much as I anticipate it will.

I’d better go get some work done on Kiddo’s room. I have coins to paint, thank you notes to finish, yoga to do, a walk to go for, and daycare centers to call. Uff-dah! TTFN readers!

Showers, and Books, and Classes; Oh My!

So, although it seems slow lately, there's been a lot going on! Here's the 29-weel update for you: "Your baby now weighs about 2 1/2 pounds (like a butternut squash) and is a tad over 15 inches long from head to heel. His muscles and lungs are continuing to mature, and his head is growing bigger to make room for his developing brain. To meet his increasing nutritional demands, you'll need plenty of protein, vitamins C, folic acid, and iron. And because his bones are soaking up lots of calcium, be sure to drink your milk (or find another good source of calcium, such as cheese, yogurt, or enriched orange juice). This trimester, about 250 milligrams of calcium are deposited in your baby's hardening skeleton each day."

I had a shower last weekend to celebrate Kiddo's impending arrival. It was fun and great to see the family who made it. I drove up to Okoboji Grill in Indee with my friend Stephanie. Kira and Trey came with Shelly, so I got to see them, which is always great. Mom was there, obviously, along with my Great Aunt Mona, cousin Denise, Sara, Aunt Julie, Grandma Claudia, Aunt Ellyn, Aunt Susan and the girls, Aunt Diana and cousin Allie, and Pat. It was small, but I think that helped make it more enjoyable because I could talk with everyone, instead of trying to get around to people and not having enough time. I really wish I could have had more friends there, but it is a significant distance to travel AND I get to see most of them this weekend at Stephy Mock's bachelorette party! We also got some great things for Kiddo! The gift cards were VITAL, as on Sunday, we purchased our travel system. I'll take pics of it as we get it constructed. We also got a swing and bouncer that we really wanted, our first set of cloth diapers, some cute clothes, a goody basket for bathing Kiddo, a picture frame, baby monitor, and Mom bought me McElroy's jerky! LOL!

Aunt Julie managed to paint a storage box for us with Mario images and even painted a few onesies with a goomba and a piranha plant! Shelly found a BOX FULL of books that I had when I was little (may have been the best gift ever) and got from my Grandma Johnson. They all have my name and the year she gave them to me inside. Some of them I remember reading to her and Grandpa Johnson when I was little while we ate oranges in the morning or just before bedtime. We got other books too, which I've started reading to Kiddo in the afternoon since I appear to have become slightly apathetic about working on painting the nursery. In fairness, I think I'm just realizing that a) the project is winding down and b) Aunt Julie and Sara will help me finish up a few things next week. I took tape down yesterday and have a lot of touching up to do since the tape took paint with it occasionally. I have painted the question marks too, and I'm going to TRY to finish the peach stripe at the bottom of the world after buying a bit more paint today.

After the shower, we took an inventory of what we had and decided to do some running. We got our travel system at Target and bought two towels. We ran to Walmart for paint tape and came out with the Mario blanket, Mario placemat, and Mario notebook (for me to keep track of feedings, diaper changes, and naps during the first few months). We went to Babies R Us to get a boppy and cover (and way too many clothes, but they were SO CUTE and part of that little skull-riddled Amy Coe line). I have started to make a list of "must-haves" before Kiddo arrives too. It is a bit overwhelming:

• Yoga DVD for me (I think I just feel like stretching a LOT)
• rocking chair/ottoman from Babies R Us
• a second base for the car seat for Aaron's car
• diaper pails (one for home and one for daycare)
• blankets (we have none really, other than decorative ones)
• bathtub
• diaper bag
• towels (at least two more)
• washcloths (just a couple more)
• burp cloths
• thermometer/clippers/hair brush
• first aid kit (the baby kind I keep seeing makes me feel unprepared)
• high chair seat
• bumbo with tray
• more cloth diapers (picking up a few today)
• some disposable diapers
• another crib sheet
• nightlight
• Dr. Seuss books (we only have two, I know it's bad!)
• the breast pump accessories (since I'm purchasing a used one from a friend, thanks Abby)
• nail clippers
• Mommy needs comfy pants for after the delivery. I threw out so many when I gained weight and most of my nostalgic college ones won't be comfy enough until I've lost some baby weight. I think I'll have to invest in scrubs!
• and, and, and...

See, it kind of makes me sick. I know we'll get it, but wow...

In other news, Aaron and I attended our first prenatal class! We actually had the time wrong, we we showed up three hours early, then came home, went to dinner at Royal Mile and went BACK to the hospital. This was the start of the five-week class. I thought it would cover many topics, but it's five weeks just about labor! It was good, enlightening, and ended with Aaron giving me a backrub. Poor guy. I got to sit on a chair while he had to try to balance behind me on a labor ball that was way too small and not filled with enough air, so he had a very awkward squat going on. After the class, he asked how the backrub was any different than a typical Tuesday night in the Robinson household. LOL! I guess I do ask him to "finger-tippy" my back frequently. He also asked what I would do if a student showed up to class. I replied that I would most likely applaud the student for showing enough interest in their pregnancy and child as to receive instruction about what to expect.

The instructor had a couple of funny one-liners during class too, such as "No one knows for sure what causes labor to begin, but I think the baby has something to do with it" and "Enough about the little brown element in the room" (in reference to the unpleasant but never commented on potential for pooing during labor, which supposedly is NOT as common as people try to make it seem and results in a pat on the back from the nurse because you are pushing so hard and so well). Week one of this class done, four to go, plus two other classes (one on baby basics and one on breastfeeding).

I looked at my first daycare center yesterday too. I think I overwhelmed myself there. It's hard for me to think about someone else taking care of him when he's not even here yet. The center seemed nice and I had a good experience, but I still have this icky feeling in my gut. I am trying to learn if it's a mother's intuition telling me "not this place" or if it's just me saying "it's not home, it's not Mommy and Daddy." It wasn't too far from home, which is nice, they have openings (unlike the one center I called that cut me off while I was talking to say that unless I was delivering in November, I wouldn't get a place), and the price wasn't terrible either. It's a Christian center, which doesn't matter much when Kiddo is little, but I'm not sure how I feel about someone else teaching my child about God and how to worship him; I feel like that's my job. I want to see a few more, just to make sure that I was seeing standard things, not things that are sub-par or that need to be updated. I'll try to contact a few more places this week I think and maybe visit them next week.

Ok, I need to wrap this up and get some work done! Here are some pics of the goodies we got at the shower and of the Zutano clothing I bought for Kidlet (I have an addiction, ok? Lay off! It's not my fault there is a store in town that sells it!) TTFN!

Cloth diaper extravaganza! I think Aunt Ellyn said, "Is she serious?" when I held them up. Yup! I am! But that's the same reaction I had when my cousin said she was going to cloth diaper; I thought she was nuts!

A little blanket and hat made by Steph and Rissa's grandma, I think. It's so cute!

A sleeper from Aunt Diana and Allie!

An University of Iowa taggie blanket. I think this was a Mom gift, but my mind is blurring. It made Daddy very happy!

Granny (my mom) always finds funny clothes!

One of the gifts from Dawn and Aunt Mary Jean. They couldn't make it to the shower, but sent us a Zutano onesie (so cute), On The Night You Were Born, and a matching baby book. Thanks ladies!

Mommy's Zutano addiction rears its ugly head!

Show you more Zutano you say? Ok! The little zippy jacket was a splurge item (not that it all isn't) because it is cute and reversable. The other side is just the light blue color. Looking at the clothes, and some of the others I bought this weekend, I think I may have an addiction to the color orange too. Hmm...

Aunt Julie's hand-painted Mario onesies!

Thor, Steph's dog, bought the baby a little puppy blanket. Granny bought the Hawkeye sippy-cup, and Mommy couldn't resist the cute little Yoda hat that says Jedi-Master on the back.

A swing from Grandpa and Grandma Johnson (my dad and Shelly). I can't wait to set this thing up!

Matching bouncy seat from Mom and Tim.

Just one side of the awesome book-box that Aunt Julie painted!

Oh, and this... At least it's healing nicely. That is a bruise from painting in Kiddo's room! It's on the back of my left leg and happened while I was painting the blocks in his room. I had to stick my leg under the crib to get close enough to the wall and I forgot that it was there (the crib, not my leg) when I tried to stand up to get my phone! Whoops! Casualty of the painting-war I am fighting in there!

New Mommy Enemies? (Sharing a blog post...)

Ok, I'm in love with this other blog! I almost want to purchase their desk reference, just to see if it is as full of great advice, wit, and humor as the blog itself. Check out one of its latest posts: http://www.rantsfrommommyland.com/2011/06/domestic-enemies-of-new-mom.html

Room Background Near Completion

Here is how I, and my husband, spent our July 4th weekend. Please observe the work, in X-Large images because I'm that proud, below:



Not much change here, but trying to portray that the majority of room objects are complete. Recent additions include the bolts on the blocks and the outlines, including the tiny little black dots in the corners of the quesiton blocks, which still need question marks.




Close-up on cloud #1. Ain't he cute?



 

Not sure why I can't get this picture to turn. Anywho: blocks, bricks, bolts all complete! What remains? The question marks, coins, and bottom of the world work.

 

A little higher up now, you can see clouds 2, 3, and part of 4 (the big, three-faced cloud). Everything pictured here, save the question block, is complete.




A little bit lower now on wall #2. Warp pipe one is outlined, as are the bricks, and you can see the starts of wall #3.




Ah, my lovely warp pipe! And cloud #4.



Wall #3 is complete, minus the question mark on its block, the bottom of the world, and the characters that we plan to add. Reinstalled the sconce and lightswitch cover, too.




Wall #4 - complete minus the piranha plant, coins, bottom of the world, and painting the closet doors with black chalkboard paint. I even put the vent back up!

 Can I get an "uf-dah?" Seriously! I am proud of what's done and looking forward to the work on the ground, doors, and characters. Now, off to create a question mark and mushroom! Happy July 4th/Independence Day to all my readers! Hope to see a few of you this weekend at the shower!

28 Weeks, Glucose Testing, and Room Work Abounds

So, Kiddo and are are officially 28 weeks along! Wow! This means that starting next week, I am in my third trimester (though technically, many say it has already begun) and I have to start seeing the doctor every two weeks! Holy smokes! It's JULY??? How did that happen? I can hardly believe that in just a few weeks Kiddo will be here, in my arms! Really, when you think about it, it's not that far off. Let's get the email update: "By this week, your baby weighs two and a quarter pounds (like a Chinese cabbage) and measures 14.8 inches from the top of her head to her heels. She can blink her eyes, which now sport lashes. With her eyesight developing, she may be able to see the light that filters in through your womb. She's also developing billions of neurons in her brain and adding more body fat in preparation for life in the outside world." My little Kiddo has eyelashes! Hopefully, he gets them from Daddy, who has more lashes than should be allowed on a male. Mommy's are thin and always fall out!

Yesterday, I had my glucose test. Let me tell you, I've been stressing about this thing for WAY TOO LONG! I made sure to eat the night before (though I watched my carb intake for a solid two days prior to the test and every sugary thing I saw or thought of induced crazy-level cravings) and I even had frosted mini-wheats for breakfast, then I fasted for two hours prior to drinking the "glucola" and having the test. Despite what folks say, the glucose solution doesn't taste that bad. It reminded me of when I was a Safety Town instructor in Yankton, SD "back in the day" and I was dared to drink the undiluted orange Hi-C syrup. It really does pretty much taste like uncarbonated orange soda. I don't think I'd recommend drinking it warm. Aparently, there are several flavors of this charming beverage, including a brown one that is supposed to taste like Coke. I'm just going to recommend that if you are given the choice, choke down the orange one.

I drove to the doctor, stressing out the WHOLE WAY over this silly thing. I think I was more afraid of the results than the actual needle, but let's get this straight...needles and I don't get along. I thought there would be a big blood draw, but thankfully it was just a finger prick. The nurse was really sweet and comforting, said she understood the anxiety. It wasn't as bad as I had anticipated; perhaps I should have partaken in the blood typing labs in my science classes, because I didn't even tear up (yes, I can be that much of a wimp). Even though it was just a finger prick, she took like four little slides of blood, which makes me wonder what they do with them all. The nurse said that my blood sugar was actually lower than anticipated after drinking pure sugar, so I passed with flying colors! Woot! No three hour test for me! No more sugary drinks (save the two Mt. Dews I've had since the test)! I even got some free schwag again: sample of Enfamil and Similac with coupons for the mixes and pictures and fun little bags.

I had my weight taken again (only up 2 pounds this month) and then sat in my little room. Doctor Probasco came in then. She measured my belly (29 inches, but I'm not 100% sure what that means) and we heard Kiddo's heart a-pounding at a perfect 140 bpm! She said that he was certainly a happy little peanut in there. Then she actually felt my tummy and told me that (as of yesterday) was was lying up and down, though because of his size, she couldn't distinguish between his noggin and his booty. LOL! Now, I am required to start counting his kicks daily to make sure he's staying active and there's no distress.

Here we are at 28 weeks! That's also after two slices of amazing stuffed crust pizza to celebrate passing my glucose test! Haha!

I've been working on the room some more too and I'm proud to announce that, short of an outline in black, I have finished the warp pipes (minus the piranha plants)! Let's take a look around, shall we?

The big blocks are ready for bolts and shadows, now having all their coats of paint. Next to the pitfall, you can see that I'm getting ready to start painting the peach on top of the bricks.

More bricks getting ready for their first coat of peach.

Damn! That is a sexy warp pipe. It just needs a black outline!

All the blocks on wall #3 are ready for their shadows. I've already outlined them in black. Clouds are still waiting for some attention as well and there will need to be touch-ups on the wall itself once things are painted to eliminate paint drips and pencil lines.

The shurbs are now complete!

All they needed were the little green plus-signs. They could, of course, be touched up, but I am content to leave them alone for the time being.

Another schmexy warp pipe!

Final warp pipe and shrub.

Obviously, there is still work to do, but there is a long weekend ahead with the holiday, so we'll see what gets accomplished when both Aaron and I are working together. I hope we can get the "end of the world" border and the block shadows up, the bolts complete, and master the bricks and clouds, but that's quite a bit of work, so we'll take it a step at a time. It would be great to have the whole background done prior to the shower next weekend, but I'm not going to force it. Hasta la pasta gente!