Jules

So that last post? Yeah, little did I know it was my last day of being pregnant.

My water broke early Friday morning, but with everything else going on (too many gross details to explain), I didn't really realize what it was. At my Doctor's appointment that afternoon, she confirmed they did and that I was "gonna have a baby this weekend!"

"Oh crap!"


On our way!

After frantically packing and throwing the car seat base in the silly car, we headed to the hospital. They let me walk around and much as possible to see if things would just start on their own since I wanted to do things as "natural" as possible. No dice. So around 7pm, pitocin was started and I was somewhat tied down. I did well until around 5am when the back labor was killing me and I opted for the epidural. I was only at a 4 and everything else we had wanted to do was out the window, so why not?

It was somewhat relieving, but also caused things to progress slowly. I did get a little sleep, but not much. The back labor never really went away and I had to get a second dose of the epidural.

Hours, hours, and hours later (and being confined to one side because baby's heart rate would decrease when I'd roll over), I was finally ready to push. I'm pretty sure I yelled at the nurse because was no way a baby would come out in the position I was in. Don't you want gravity to work for you and not against you? At least that was my reasoning to the nurse. I'm pretty sure she thought I was crazy because, well, I was. I also yelled at her to call the Doctor NOW because he might get called into yet another C-Section and won't be able to help me. She assured me that "no, he'll be here when I call."

He was. And so was a team of nurses. Justin was great. Except the counting thing. I had to tell him to stop because it was annoying. I wanted to push as long as I wanted too. So, with a little "help" and 2 hours of pushing (GAHHHH!), we got this:



Jules Robert Foell
Saturday, June 13th 4:54pm
7lbs. 1 oz. 19 1/2 inches long

We're still trying to figure out who he looks like but either way, he's cute and we like him.

Still Here, Still Pregnant

But Justin seems to think today will be the day based on all the "early signs" I've been having. I've been home pretty much all week from work, but still working from home. Which is good and bad.

Good: I get a lot of shows and work done.

Bad: I can nap at any time - which I've been doing because oh man, I'm exhausted!

I have a Doctor's appointment today. We'll see what's new.

Labor & Delivery: Round 1

Sent home much to my happiness because I have not done the following:

- packed a hospital bag
- made a going home outfit for baby
- finished my work for work
- finished my thank you cards from my baby showers
- finalized a name for baby
- installed the car seat base in any car


But just in case I was going to be admitted I had done the following:
- ate breakfast
- packed my mintop, the camcorder and the digital camera
That's it. Sad huh.

I'm at home today working, I'm fine.

I think I'll get to that bag sooner than later.

38 Weeks

My little mintop has come in so handy. I can post from any place - you know, like a laptop but without the weight and heat because, really, that's the last thing I need.

Anyway...Welcome to my 38th week of pregnancy! Now in the middle of it, I'm bigger, getting more uncomfortable, sleep is apparently for the dead, and I chopped my hair off. Apparently, you aren't supposed to do that (well drastic cuts) but the 5-6 inches she cut off were bound to go bye-bye sooner than later.

Baby is also getting on my nerves, literally. My legs are wobbly and my back is all outta whack when I stand up. But once I get moving, baby probably gets the idea and leaves the nerves alone.



Thankfully, I can work from home on days like today (heavy, wobbly legs, back pain, and any other weird pregnancy related issue) and I'm taking advantage of it. My last baby shower is this weekend. Should be fun because it's a bbq and it's supposed to rain. Ya, sure, Minnesota. You've been threatening rain for the past 2 weeks and nothing has happened. Much like my false contractions.

The Wait is Over!!!!

Internet, It's been a long wait, but I'd like to introduce you to my new little baby*:









MINTOP!
Delivered: Yesterday, May 28th
Weight: Around 3lbs (so cute!)
Dimensions: 10" (so tiny!)








Aren't we cute??

And aren't these cute??



Chubby feet that got bigger in the span of 15 minutes while waiting for Justin to pick me up. He lovingly referred to them as "hobbit feet." Mmmmm, cankles. You can't even SEE my bunions! Amazing! But I don't recommend this look when you've already got some other area on your body completely swollen courtesy of a full-term BABY.


*Oh, did you think this was actually a delivery announcement? Circle one:

Yes No Sucker

Teh Pimp

Justin's new toy.

Until baby arrives.

Don't Call Me Crazy, Please

I don't have a car seat, but I've got diapers covered. (I know I can't leave the hospital without a car seat, don't worry, I plan on getting one very soon. Yes, talk about waiting til the last minute.)

We're going to try out the new cloth diapers. Apparently, these things aren't like what our 70's moms used.

First up, I had no idea even where to start. Online searching one night took 4 hours just to get to know the different kinds. Fitted, All-in-Ones, Pre-folds, Pockets - I think that's it? And that's a lot! How to care for them, how to wash them, what someones day might look like with cloth diapers. The information was everywhere.

I talked to Justin about trying a few out to see if we wanted to even go this route. He's the best. We're totally using this child as an experiment, but in a good way! He didn't mind trying them out as long as I showed him how to use them. So I placed my first order. I ordered 2 fitted - Kissaluvs with 2 covers and 2 All-in-Ones. Fitted diapers are just that, they fit without having to do any folding of any kind. They've got elastic around the legs and snaps around the waist. The only thing with this style is you have to have covers for them.

And speaking of covers, those pre-folds that our moms used? You can still use them with the new style covers. So even if I run out of all these other diapers, I've still got the pre-folds.

AIO's (All-in-Ones) are basically like disposables except you don't throw them away. No covers are needed either.

I recently placed another order for a pocket diaper - FuzziBunz. These are a lot like AIO's but have a pocket in the back to add more layers in case your kid is like Niagara.

The resale value of these things are not like the housing market in Las Vegas. You can get a lot of money out of them - even used. I purchased more on Craigslist last week. Actually, they were brand new, she just never used them. So I scored them a few dollars cheaper than I would have at an online retailer. (I bought more Kissaluvs and covers.)

The initial cost for cloth diapers is high. And it's not like we can't afford disposables, we can (I've already bought some because I'm pretty sure I'll only be able to handle one big baby challenge a day). I'm no hippie either, I'm pretty sure I'll be using a lot of water to wash these things so please don't tell me I'm doing no better with cloth.

Honestly, I think they'll be easier. Easier that I won't have to go out late at night or at all because I ran out of diapers. There's a less chance of diaper rash but only if I change baby right away. Who knows what's in disposables and if they cause any long-term effects (since they've really only been around for the past 20-25 years). Potty training has been proven easier using cloth diapers instead of pull-ups. And they are cute too!

Sure, they'll be a downside. Like washing. I get it, people are grossed out. But seriously, if you can pop a kid out, what else is gonna gross you out? A dirty diaper? Oh, please. (We just went to our birth preparation class - lots of "gross" talk.) Anyway, breastfeed diapers can be thrown in the washer, no dunking at all. Once you start solids, then you have to "take care of things" before washing. But no soaking is necessary.

I've yet to try this out, seeing as I haven't had my baby yet (please don't start calling asking if I've had the baby. Few weeks left, people). And there is a lot more info regarding cloth but I figure I should become an expert (or not) before I go into that stuff. But I'm prepared with my small diaper stash including disposables.

BTW

34 weeks and belly button hasn't popped yet (man that thing is DEEP). So my prediction of 35 weeks might not be far off.

Shall I up it to 36 or just go for 40?

And btw, my sister-in-law had 2 of her 6 kids before 34 weeks. She was just reminding me last night. They were really, really little.

And, and btw, this kid is pushing me around, using my hip bone as a spring board.

New Poll

Well, now that we've clearly determined that baby is a GIRL based on your votes, although the Chinese Pregnancy Calendar states my baby is a BOY, let's guess when she'll show up.

And if you'd like to get on a "it's a..." email list, send me your email. I can't assume you'll want to know, so send me your address. I won't spam you, I have nothing to spam. And I don't tweet so don't ask if I have an account.

Still Not Really Counting

Welcome to my 33rd week of pregnancy! Seriously, I forget what week I'm in. I have to look at the weekly email I get saying "Pregnancy: Week XX" just so I remember. I'm close most of the time. I'm excited but mostly stressed out that in possibly 7 weeks (or EARLIER!) this baby will be here.

Not too shabby for 33 weeks, eh?


My butt isn't really shaped like that. It probably didn't help that I used it as a shelf for my arms.


Remember this photo at 24 weeks?:



So ya, the baby moved into the "all fo sho" part. The belly is all baby now. Biology is weird!

We're slowly crossing things off the "must get done before baby" list. But even then, we won't get to everything. And I'm fine with that. Today is the last day the hardwood floor guys are around, applying the last few coats. And let me say, I've never gotten so excited over hardwood floors. EVER. They are beautiful! This is just one small step to liking my dumpy new house a wee bit more.

Justin asked why we didn't do it sooner. Cause we're dumb, that's why. Seriously, I can't wait to move back into our bedroom and get the baby's room set up with beautiful hardwood floors! I'd show pictures, but I want it to be a big reveal because they were beat-the-crap up. Even so, beat up hardwood floors looked better than the hideously green, piss-smelling carpet that was there. And no, I didn't let anything of ours touch that piss-smelling carpet. We pulled it up before we even moved in.

Completely unrelated, but Justin and I are dealing with it now, spring in Minnesota. Minnesota weather, you are seriously f'd up.

One Giant Step in the Wrong Direction

My bed is in the living room. Our clothes are downstairs. The crib is still untouched, in pieces and in the living room. BUT! I managed to unpack the last office box. That room, is officially unpacked.

We're getting our hardwood floors refinished in our bedrooms (ours and baby's).

(BTW, can we say that Justin and I are 100% doing our part to spend money EVERYWHERE we can, including buying a house in a VERY unstable job market. And yet, we owed Minnesota taxes? How the? What the? Dumb Minnesota and your state taxes! Nevada isn't looking too bad right about now. Everybody, move to Nevada - NO STATE TAXES! And I know of some great houses for sale.)

Anyway, that's why I'm camping out in the living room. Scully doesn't care. As long as her bed is by ours, she can sleep anywhere. We knew this day would come - moving out of our bedroom, into the living room. It's just annoying. But, better do it now while the baby's room is empty with no more stinky carpet (seriously, it STUNK) and while I'm able to help move things, we're going for it.

(We could have moved into our spare room but it was downstairs, smelly (think, too many glade plug-ins courtesy of the previous owners leaving them everywhere) and I didn't want to move our bed that far. Plus, there's really nothing in the living room, it was easier.)

Justin suggested I start showing some before & after pictures of the projects we've done. Most have been started, only a few are finished. PLUS! There's random furniture everywhere, which is impressive because we don't HAVE any furniture. So until rooms are completely done, I'll hold off on the photos.

None of this helps because I want to "nest." That's such a silly, dumb, stereo-typical term. I think I'm going to call it "get my house in order before baby arrives." Much better. But for short, I'll call it "unpacking."

So, until further notice, no one is allowed to come over to my home. I'll most likely be in bed, in the living room, or possibly unpacking.

Practicing

Look at the CUTE sling Todd and his sister got me! I love it! And look at my cute substitute baby.

It's REALLY a bad angle of me and I'm not making excuses. Justin was sitting down, talking on the phone. I was laughing because Scully was trying to jump out. I thought she'd enjoy a little carry action from me. She's always wanting me to hold her. I guess not. I can only hope the baby doesn't try to jump out the first chance it gets.

I hate to mention it... but holy CHINS! And I DON'T hate to mention it... but holy boobage!

We spent last night at a baby consignment sale that happens twice a year. Last night (the first night) was for first-time mothers. Justin went along because, well, I kinda made him. But he seemed to have enjoyed himself picking out toys for his baby, and for him. Actually, I think most were for him since he found me in the clothes section exclaiming, "You've GOT to see this phone I found!"

"Ok"

Waddle, waddle, waddle over to the toy table where they had electronic games like guitar hero and phones? (kind of a weird thing to be selling at a baby/kid sale.) This phone apparently lights up. You know, for the kids. I told him to think about it for a while if he REALLY wanted one.

So while we stood in line for 1 1/2 hours to check out, he finally decided to get it. He also decided we need to come back after the baby is born because he wants to look for baby shoes. I guess it doesn't matter what we're having, Justin wants to buy shoes for this baby. NO.MATTER.WHAT! We scored a few newborn outfits, some maternity clothes and a few infant toys. And a phone.

Water Ballet

There's something about posting an ultrasound photo online that kinda freaks me out. Yes, the profile of the kid is cute but it's more of a "I don't really want you to see the inside of me" problem. Some things are too personal.

So, instead, you get my kid doing water ballet - or at least that's what it looks like. Or surfing on some big waves. Or just trying to find the best position before bed.

I held the camera pretty steady. This babe likes to move! Notice within the first 3 seconds the body part (arm? elbow? bum?) sweeps across. Yeah, it's weird to feel too.



It was a really active night. But we eventually went to sleep.

Oh, and Yea! for me for posting my first ever blogger video. Plenty of other times I tried but just couldn't wait long enough. Being pregnant has made me patient.

Answers to questions I get almost daily now:

1) Yes I'm feeling fine, you asked me yesterday. And the day before. And every freaking day before that so leave me alone already!

2) Still due in June.

3) It's the clothes that make me look bigger.

4) Yes, all chairs are uncomfortable.

5) Yes, I'm on my way to the bathroom. (Why would someone ask me that? But they do when they see me coming down the hall. That should be in the same category as 'no ultrasounds online,' it's personal.)

6) No, I can wait. I'm in no hurry to be done. I'm smart enough to know this is the easy part.

After finally getting over my stupid cold, I went and got hit by allergies. Yea! I'm desperate to breath, has anyone tried a neti pot? Oh boy, doesn't that look weird? But my boss swears by it - and apparently so does Dr. Oz.

Let the Comments Begin

Wednesday, since it was so warm in the morning (only 35 degrees!) I went to work without a jacket. I had on a hoodie and that was just enough for me. I get hot easily now - something I NEVER thought would happen. As I got on the bus, the very friendly driver asked "I don't normally ask these questions, but are you pregnant?"

No. What would give you that impression? Was it the little waddle I did trying to chase you down? Or the white shirt I'm wearing that accentuates the belly to point where it's completely obvious? But I'm glad he asked instead of just assuming I'm fat.

I'm not fat!

So we started talking and he mentioned that another rider is pregnant too. So when she got on, he "hooked us up." That's what he called it. She's not as far along but had some questions. I was flattered, but since when did I become an expert? I guess anyone is happy to talk to someone who's already been through it (I know I asked my sister-in-law questions). Even though I disappointed her by saying, "I haven't had any morning sickness or any other issues."

Later, in the skyway, two dudes were walking in front of me. Really, they were just tooling around, generally being in my way. They moved to the side and happened to look back at me.

Guy 1: "Whoa, watch out!"
Me: "Um, thanks?"
Guy 2: "You look like you're about to pop!"
Me: "Nope, not yet."
Guy 2: "Soon I hope!"
Me: "Nope, got 2 months left."

My brother-in-law is an expert on when prego's are gonna pop. He's seen it 6 times. And he said I'm no where near popping. Obviously! I'm only 30 weeks! But I'm happy he basically said I wasn't as big as those tools made it sound like.



These dumb maternity shirts with their empire waste do nothing to flatter any part. At least that's what I think. Plus, the "empire" part makes me itch!



This is basically how I wake up. With my shirt over my belly. Yes, the ring is still in. The Doctor said I'd need to take it out soon*. But! My belly button hasn't even popped out yet, that's how deep it is. It's so obvious it's a ring under my shirt, people's eyes are attracted to it almost like it's a third nipple or something. And I know you just took a peak while talking to me so stop making it obvious that you looked!

I thought it'd pop out at 30 weeks, now I'm aiming for 35. Any takers on that?



Oh, Justin. Look at how cute you are with your little belly.

*I have a maternity ring - a flexible ring. I put it in a while back but it was too long and looked even sillier under shirts. I would NEVER get it re-pierced if it closed up but then, I don't want to be a 40 year old with one. So I assume at one point I should just let it close up. Oh, the life decisions to make.

WGI Recap

- Driving to Dayton from Cincinnati during rush hour will take a long time.
- Crappy bleachers are not friendly to a pregnant belly or back. Especially if they rock when people go up and down the aisle.
- Nice, cushy seats ARE friendly to a pregnant belly and back. Thank you UD Arena.
- Some guards just shouldn't go. It's a waste of my time, the judges time, and everyone's time (and money).
- Civil rights shows are over done. Let's be creative people.
- Short sleeve weather!!!
- I watched more guard than I slept.
- Loud music and screaming fans tend to wake up a certain baby in the womb. Then the baby found vengeance by kicking the crap out of me. Thanks Amachi!
- I'm not FAT! You're FAT!
- It's always sad to see a great show not make it to finals.
- It's equally sad to see a crappy show make it to finals.
- If there was a scoop, I heard it.
- Santa Clara Vanguard=Awesome
- Performers just get more talented and awesome each season.
- Inspired to start teaching again. But then I come to my senses.

Yoga

This time last year, I'd had enough with my job and found something I thought would be perfect for me. So I applied. And, guess what? I am perfect for this job. Still.

We just had a wellness course on yoga in the boardroom. My yoga instructor for WII fit says I've got great posture and balance. Even though I seem to be gaining weight, and they like people to lose weight. "What factors in your life could contribute to your weight gain?" Pregnancy wasn't an option.

So I asked the yoga instructor in the wellness course some questions that, really, my WII fit instructor can't answer.

It's nice to have a two-way conversation with someone sometimes.

Oh Boy

We celebrated Justin's Birthday on Friday even though it was on Sunday. He's happy being 32. And he's happy with the new Guitar Hero game I got him. You know, the one with the cymbals on the drum set. Now he can be the drummer he's always wanted to be.

And I can be the knocked up wife back home while he's on tour. Good thing the tour is only in our living room.

Oh.this.crazy.house! Every little project we start on leaves us scratching our heads as to why it was done like that in the first place. All the outlets in the house are super old and dingy looking. So we're going room to room to replace them with nice white ones. We started in the kitchen. Apparently, a few of the outlets weren't even grounded! Oooookay.

We replaced the light bulb over the sink with the right size and just used the bulb in the main kitchen light (until we replace that whole unit). It's like a faint purple color! What the heck?! So we've got 2 white lights and this one tinted one. Who buys a purple tinted bulb for their kitchen?

Last night we installed a new disposal unit (the sink didn't have one at all and I think it's a must). But we needed to access the power source for the dishwasher which is behind the dishwasher. First off, the dishwasher sticks out from under the counter like 1/2 an inch. Weird. Justin unscrewed it, pulled it out and there was so much GARBAGE underneath it I just about died. And when I swept it, it was stuck to the floor. I was amazed. It was like their kids had swept and just brushed it under the dishwasher.

So I cleaned that up, got the disposal installed and plugged in, and the dishwasher pushed further under the counter. Now it looks like it belongs there.

We just laugh each time we find something that doesn't make sense or that wasn't done correctly. But we are getting things done in the house. Good thing too because I'm hitting the 3rd trimester soon (like, tomorrow. THAT soon). No, I'm not as big as people expect. No, I haven't gained the typical amount of weight all the books say I should (talk to me at 40 weeks). No, my Doctor isn't concerned about this at all because the baby is measuring fine.

3rd trimester people. This is like Senior year of High School or College. I've been told now is the time to have fun because apparently real life isn't fun for a while and neither is the newborn stage. Justin and I have been having fun for 8 years. I see people with kids having fun. So what's the point of comments like that?

So I'll just keep plugging along with my house to-do list which DOES include get the baby's room done - hopefully BEFORE the baby shows up. I just needed that disposal first. And those shiny new outlets. And the new kitchen faucet that we're installing tonight.

Proof of My Work

I don't know why, but it seems I'm pretty good at passing tests while pregnant. Baby should be happy that I passed the 1 hour glucose test (mmmm yummy orange soda without the soda part). But they determined my iron levels were a tad low. Justin's excited because they recommended MORE.RED.MEAT! Blah! I think two, maybe three times a week is enough but apparently it isn't enough for him.

It probably didn't help that I had a complete chocolate overload all weekend. I couldn't get enough. So I'm sorta off the chocolate craze and back on the fruit treat and orange sherbet craze. We'll see how long I can last.

Justin participated in a 24 hour website challenge over the weekend. His team won - congrats stinky nerds! So while he was helping a local non-profit build a new website for free (in 24 hours), baby and I did some much needed shopping. Then we finished painting the kitchen. And finished emptying out some boxes and cleaned up the living room to look like a living room, without furniture. Baby and I were busy! Scully kept busy by shredding every piece of kleenex she could find. Just like old times. We can tell she's much happier now. The evidence is all over the place...usually left by the garbage where she finds the kleenex. Little jerk.

Work is work. Just cranking out shows. Have I told you guys about the work I do? Maybe? No? Either way, the site is now live and you can go there! Woo-Hoo!

mnvideovault.org

Front page only has featured shows/segments. But you can browse or search. All those shows and descriptions and information relating to the show, that's me. I'm pretty important. Take a look. But FYI: This is only content relating to Minnesota, since we are the local Minnesota PBS station. So, no, you won't find national shows like Nova, Frontline, or American Experience.

But you might be surprised by what you do find. Want something funny? Check out "How to Talk Minnesotan" or "Only in Minnesota with Louie Anderson." Looking for old footage of Minneapolis? Check out "Down on Skid Row." Want to know how the Mayo Clinic got started in the middle of a corn field? Watch "Inside Mayo Clinic."

There are some great shows (trust me, I've had to watch all of them). Let me know what you think. Or you can comment on the website too. We can only make it better with feedback. Annnnnnnd..... I thank you.

24 Weeks Baby!

I guess if I went into labor, the chances of survival are there. But let's hope I don't. That'd be bad.

Anyway, here's a 24 week photo of 1) some crazy, psycho eyes, 2) how big my belly gets after dinner and 3) located somewhere in the smaller part of the big belly is an actual baby.



So you might have noticed the wonderful light switch missing it's plate and the thermostat (that I've programmed) hanging on by a thread. We're still working on the house. It was a wreck. I can prove it.



Oh, boy. Looking from the kitchen into the living room. That's Joe, he's puttying. Everything.



What complimentary colors, don't you think? Especially with the stencils!



Justin's favorite place to paint. The 2 story entry way. It's now "ultra white" and staying that way. We've also replaced the chandelier - much more up to date.



Looking down the hall, into the bathroom (another work in progress).



Looking into the baby's room. No, that's not an indication of the sex of baby. I think they ran out of color choices and just picked "painter's tape" blue. Looks great with the green carpet, eh?

Everything is primed so no more blue walls. The kitchen and our bedroom are painted and done. Stay tuned for after pics. It might be a while.

Temporary Dumbness

Wow. I've been really dumb lately and I think yesterday's post reflects that. My writing sucked! I'm embarrassed. I'm sorry.

I blame it on everything that's going on. The move, appointments, broken cars, pregnancy, work, this thirst I can't quench. Needless to say, I'm dumb but I know it's only temporary.

Perhaps the only non-dumb thing I've done is fix our new/old dryer. The house came with all appliances and we were warned that the dryer "doesn't keep warm" - whatever that means. We found out after trying to dry a load of clothes. It not only "doesn't keep warm" but it doesn't have any heat! At all. How the heck did these people dry their clothes?

So I turned to the internet and did some research. I came up with 2 possibilities and after some poking around with my Father-in-law and Justin, we determined it was the fuse (a $12 part). Ha! And I was about to buy another dryer!

I'm wearing pre-pregnancy pants today. Luckily the sweater is long (gotta love maternity sweaters...and a bella band) because my zipper, it's down. All the way. Justin is amazed at how pants manage to stay up without the zipper. Hips, Justin. And I've got plenty to keep pants up. I guess this could be the one time I'm glad I've got them.