Times are Tough.

When the baby measured approximately 8 lbs (give or take a pound) at 36 weeks, I really got my hopes up for an early induction.

Which really leaves me in a tough situation now that I'm 38 weeks, miserable, and looking at 2+ more weeks of pregnancy.  It is such a physical thing, and SUCH a mental thing.

Macrosomia = Big Baby.  I don't really want to rip to shreds and have a terribly long recovery in a city that demands my movement, and I don't want the complications for the baby of being terribly large (shoulder dystocia...) We are looking at a 9-11 lb baby if I deliver at 40 weeks.

My body just isn't progressing yet, so they don't want to induce (increased risk of c section) if I'm not ready.  And neither do I.  It just stinks.  I'm trying home remedies I never thought I'd try, and just trying to pass each day.  I need a new attitude.

Scott walked into the room today and asked what I was doing, and the only answer I could come up with was "Um, waiting for the baby to come out."  I need a life. I have spent some time tonight making plans for this coming week that will hopefully keep me busy and keep my mind off my problems.

I get comments about every 50 feet in my neighborhood when walking around:
"Any second now, eh?"
"HEY, Baby!"
"Good Luck"
"Awh, Mama!!"

Someone even told me "Once the baby does come out, you will recover nicely because of the slant of your hips."  He was a Chinese acupuncturist.  I asked him if he had any more comments, to make me feel good.

People in line at the store tell me "Your baby is low, I know when I see a low baby, and you are going to deliver very soon."  I just tell them how I hope they are right.

Why are the last weeks of pregnancy so desperate?!  I've made it this far, surely I can go 2 more weeks?  But, my body hurts and I don't sleep, so that does change things.  I'm SO exhausted during the day that I desperately need a nap, but then is that why I'm not sleeping at night?

And also, Tatum ate an extreme amount of fresh pineapple last Tuesday, and has literally been throwing up and having diarrhea ever since.  She initially had an allergic reaction, but that led to dehydration and then the need to "reset" her digestive system. I can't tell you how much laundry there has been.  And how stinky the bathroom has been between trips to the laundry room.  And the long nights.  T has been in a bad attitude, understandably, but still, and Scott is an all star helping both of us.  We are all just totally worn out. 

Times. Are. Tough.

Tatum's Valentines Photo Shoot

Let's cut to the chase with the winning shot:

 A few others that you likely won't care about, but I want to keep around on the old blog...

 She thought she was suuuper special for getting to wear my necklace.  And that skirt-  BabyGap size 3-6 months!  She is wearing 3T bottoms now! I'm convinced the tag must be a misprint.

 Wishing the composition were a bit different on this image above, but still loving her crossed ankles :)

Happy Valentines Day 2015!

Tatum Age 2.5

Hathaway Baby Bash!

Brenda and Cara are such good friends!  They seriously went ALLL out making this a baby shower to remember!  It must have taken hours and hours to plan and execute all the details that made this party such a hit!  First off, the "BABYBILL" --

They contacted both our moms, got a note from Scott, interviewed Tatum, collected messages from party guests beforehand and compiled this cute book (in full color!) as a memento of the day!  It is so so special!  I wish you could read every message, the book is just too sweet!  Cara did all the graphics and research- it must have taken -I don't even know how many- hours!  She has some serious Photoshop skills, the book is just so impressive!  There is a page...

She used this image from when T was born, and then added toddler T from an insta pic of when she was frosting sugar cookies, well done!

 She included advertisements and graphics from all over, including this gender reveal movie poster I made back in October:

 Cara made this invite for the shower- notice the statue is me, pregnant!  So creative!

 And headshots for all of us, just like a real Playbill!

The cast, and party attendees from the shower.  So thoughtful and cute!

I am just blown away by this book- and that was only half the pages!  

And then there is the photo booth:

We got most of the party-ers in this group photo.  Such sports to embrace all the fun and crazy! I am in awe of Brenda's costume box and all the props that made this so fun!

 Jessie and I are both due with our second, just 3 days apart!  We do preschool together every week, and our girls are good friends.

 The food table!  They got Baked By Melissa Cupcakes and Black and White cookies from Junior's to go with the New York theme, so great!  And the punch was delicious and so cute!  See all those goblets?  Those are the party favors and each was hand-glittered by Brenda for the event!  Each unique and really fun!

 Little Miss thought she'd died and gone to heaven!  I mean.... She was sneaking treats all afternoon and skipped her nap entirely!  Dress ups galore and attention from all her faves.

Time for the DEPENDS FASHION SHOW!  This shower was an incredible mix of Baby and New York City!  Here is everybody creating away!  Brenda brought so much decorating supplies it was unbelievable!  Gems, stickers, tulle, pom poms, ribbon... you name it, we had it!  We decorated for maybe 20 minutes before modeling the gear!

 I was the judge, otherwise I would post a photo of me modeling to give you the idea, but I chose Joanna because she is long enough and good enough a friend that she likely won't kill me for posting.  Everyone did a GREAT job embracing the red carpet and struttin' their stuff to the music.  Too funny!  There were prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place :)

 We also played a game where each person gets a baby item and then lists 10-20 creative uses for that item.  So a teething ring, for example, could be a halo, a bracelet, a bottle cooler when frozen... etc.  I was surprised with everyones creativity, there were some really funny ones!

Scott was such a champ helping set up, clean up, take photos and just help with the party in general.  I really married a good one!  As much as I want him to have a boy one day, he's awfully good with us girls!!

 And Brenda, the visionary:

 Like I said, the girl was just thrilled to be a part of things!  She and Brenda really agree on gems.  Gem anything and everything!

Thanks for a killer shower!  I felt so spoiled and really had a great time! This is a party I will never forget- going down in history for sure!