It's gonna get muddy.

First and foremost. 

MAGGIE IS WALKING.

Full fledged, walk across the room, take 15-20 steps, needs to wear shoes outside now because she is WALKING PEOPLE.

And she did this on my birthday.  Best birthday ever!

Anyways...

I'm going on a Jeep Jamboree this coming weekend -- an offroading trip. 

We go to this particular trip every year, and have been for years -- John since 2002, me since 2005.

PJ went in 2009.

Last year we didn't go because a certain someone was due to make her debut into this world a mere week later. And she did, six days early, on the last day of the trip.

So good thing we didn't go.

We have three jeeps -- a Cherokee, a Grand Cherokee and a Patriot.

However, the Cherokee is off-road only.  Here's a pic of our off road beast.

It's lifted.  Three inches.  And has bigger tires.  And I'm short ya'll.  So I have to hoist myself in there.

The Cherokee has been through a lot.  Some of the new things we'll have to deal with this year include:

The driver's side rear door does not open.  So we have to get PJ in and out of the car seat/Jeep through the front seat. He, I am sure, will enjoy this IMMENSELY.  My back?  Not so much.

Maggie is walking.  Which means she's going to want to get down and walk in the mud, forest, trees, dangerous places that one year olds shouldn't walk.

PJ is running.  And jumping.  And thinks being chased is hysterical.  And we're going to be on a ranch with acres and acres of land.

It's okay though.  It's gonna be a blast and I know the kids will love it.  And don't be sad because I have three fantastic ladies guest blogging over here while I am gone so you aren't bored.

When I return, my baby girl will be ONE.  Because she is a 10-10-10 baby (seriously, how cool is that?) and I'm sure I'll have many stories to tell.

Melt.

I've got some serious pain going on that I can't really get into, but I wanted to make sure I told all of you lovely ladies about this.

This morning, I was holding Maggie's hand to help her walk.

PJ looked over and noticed.

And ran over and grabbed her other hand. 

And we helped her walk together.

This is what makes being a mom so fucking awesome.

Walking is fun

Full fledged walking.  Good times!! Of course, some crawling is mixed in, but we are a walker.  I love it.  I love that PJ can get where he needs to go without always having to be carried!! He was also very needy and wanting of mama this weekend, which is a little tiring, but also makes you feel like a million bucks.

My 20 week appointment went okay -- I have protein in my urine (again) which means i have to do a 24 hour urine test.  What is that you ask?  Let me tell you.  I have to pee in a hat that goes into the toilet, then pour the pee into a jug that goes into the fridge.  FOR 24 HOURS.  Yup.  Good times.  Then I bring my jug o pee to the lab where they will take my blood and test it.  Apparently, it's just so there's a baseline in case I end up having kidney issues later (and boy do I hope that doesn't happen since I've already BEEN there) but the doctor isn't concerned.  Blood pressure is great and baby's hb sounds great.  So that's all good stuff.

And....we find out if Twig has a twig on June 21.  Very excited for that.  Got our double stroller yesterday, which is a little surreal.  In 4.5 months we'll have enough babies to fill that stroller.

Dude. It's fucking hot.

I am not complaining.   With hot weather, I get to take PJ outside, play in the sandbox, watch him have a blast in his water table, etc.  But I've never been PREGNANT in the hot.  See I got pregnant with PJ in July, so I wasn't even showing till late fall, so no issues there.  But dude.  IT IS HOT.  I am hot normally, but now, I am super hot.  And it's May.  And I know we are gonna have a hot summer, so...I guess I'll be playing with our frog sprinkler too.  And what better excuse to than to say I have to make sure PJ is safe?
PJ has been taking more steps by himself so I think he just needs  a little more confidence and he'll be well on his way to running around.  It will be nice to let him wander around without worrying about him hurting his poor little knees crawling on concrete.  I also want to get a couple outside toys that aren't so big like the sandbox and water table. 

This morning he woke up so adorable (as usual).  I heard him making noises so I went in there to find him rolling around and stretching.  When he saw me, instant smiling.  If that doesn't make you feel good, you have a fucking heart of stone.  I tell you.  He also looks too cute in his little sleeveless shirts and shorts.

We have a four day weekend this weekend because we took off Tuesday (one less paid day of maternity leave for me, but it's worth it) and we are super duper cleaning our house because it desperately needs it.   I am actually looking forward to it.  Of course, we will also be spending lots of time outside and going to Gram's for Memorial Day.  The season of going to Gram's a lot is upon us! 

I'm a little distracted today...

why?  because we're going to see CONAN tonight!! YES CONAN!!! I almost wish PJ could come with -- he loves Conan.  For real.  He would sit on my lap and just watch with us when we watched it.   I am sure it has something to do with him hearing Conan's voice the entire time he was in my belly.  And besides, Conan is AWESOME. 

Anyway, my happiness is amazing as always.  Taking a few steps here and there, walking like a champ when you hold his hand -- but drops immediately to the ground if you let go!! Those top teethers are visible, but have no desire to fully come in.  We went to the zoo on Sunday and he had a blast -- but I really think the best part was riding the carousel.  He was loving it!! He had so much fun as the kangaroo he was riding on moved up and down.    He also really liked the Bears (is he my son or what?) and was pointing at them and talking.  He zonked out after on the car ride home.  CUTEST.  Ever.

He's reached that clingy stage a bit -- where he wants to be held or be by me a lot - which I guess is normal for this age, but I don't mind.  I love hugs and kisses from my little guy!  This morning was especially adorable since I had to wake him up and he wasn't quite ready, so I lifted him out of the crib and he immediately put his head on my shoulder to sleep some more.

There is nothing like this feeling.   The feeling of your child so comfortable, so safe, so perfect in your arms, with his or her head on your shoulder.

Anyway, tonight is Coco and I cannot wait.  And PJ -- Mommy loves you more than anything.

As Brad Paisley says, "I thought I loved you then."

I still think it's a boy.

16 week checkup went well.    Heartbeat is 155 bpm (and depending on what OWT you believe, that could be a boy OR a girl).   I've gained 10 total pounds so far, which I am pretty sure is less than I had gained with PJ at this point, but of course, now I'm chasing around a toddler.   Everything looks good.  Go back at 20 weeks but not for the ultrasound -- gotta wait till 24 weeks for that.  So we still have a good 7 weeks before we confirm my mommy intuition is right.

PJ is still scared to walk on his own, I've tried letting go of his hand and he just plops down.  But he does a great job when he's holding on!! So I am sure it will come soon.  Those teeth are finally peeking out a bit, and we're back to STTN so that is good. Although not sleeping as late, but that's all right.

As for inside baby, I feel a little movement - nothing big, no major kicks or anything, but stuff I notice now is the baby that with PJ I had no clue.  One of the perks of having been through this whole pregnancy thing before.  I am having trouble bending over already, which apparently, according to what I've read, is because since my uterus was already stretched out, the baby is already lower than before, so there you go.   Of course, PJ is luckily in the "it's fun to throw stuff and then I cry if Mommy doesn't pick it up stage" so that rocks the sure shot.

Bye Bye!

PJ says bye bye now.  Not always when he should, not all the time.   But his toys say bye bye and yesterday he said bye bye back.  It is seriously adorable.   He also is getting even better with walking, and went up the stairs at least 5 times yesterday.  He loves climbing and stairs are one thing he actually can.

The top front teeth are taking their time (I can SEE the little fuckers, they just won't pop through) which isn't causing sleep issues (thankfully) but is causing eating issues.  Oh well.  He'll have two more teeth to add to the adorableness that is my happiness.

We also had a poopy explosion today -- while he was in the jumperoo.  So he was able to jump all around in the poop that got all over the floor.  Good times.

MESH PANTIES

What the hell are mesh panties, you might be saying?  Mesh panties are the greatest gift to a woman who has just had a vaginal birth.   Trust me, after you've been laboring and pushing for however long, that last thing you want it to put on some cute little Victoria's Secret bikinis.

The mesh panties are fantastic because they offer the space to put in the ice pack, tucks pads, and huge pillow pad (more on all of these in a later post).  And trust me, that ice pack is the best thing ever.   So when you are in the hospital, be sure to get lots and lots of mesh panties. Make sure you bring lots home.  Because there is nothing better than mesh panties.

Spaghetti is a good morning snack.

At least it is when you are pregnant.  Because who's gonna tell you NOT to eat spaghetti at 10 a.m.?

PJ walked all the way from his room to the front door this morning (holding mama's hand, of course).   He's so close, he just needs to have a little more confidence in himself, I think.   He also loves strawberries (not sure how those two things are related, they probably are not).

I hate that lately I am consumed with HATING that I can't be home with him.  It's really bothering me lately, and I am not sure why it is bothering me SO MUCH so OFTEN.  It's always bothered me, but it's all I can think about while I am at work these few weeks.  Is it because it's nicer out?  Or because he's having so much fun playing now?  I don't know, but I do know that I hate it with a passion.  Damn women's lib.   I would be perfectly happy cleaning, cooking, and taking care of the kids while John made the money.   Guess we're gonna have to win that $252 million powerball.

I think, because it's all I can really do, is that after maternity leave is over, I am going to start looking for a job in the burbs.  In the Oak Brook/Downers Grove/Burr Ridge area.  I don't want a raise.  I want to be able to leave the house at 745 for a job that starts at 8:30, and be home by 5 for a job I get out of at 4:30.  I want to be able to leave at 3 p.m. and not wait for 30 minutes for a train, instead being home in 30 minutes.  I'd even be willing to take a small paycut if it meant no more commuting by train and waiting for bullshit.   I'd have to pay K&E back some tuition reimbursement most likely, but not too much.  We'd figure it out.  I might actually not apply for any more after this quarter so the amount I have to pay back would be minimal -- only like $1000.  Which sucks, but would be worth it to be gone from 745 to 5 instead of 7 to 530.

Today's edition of what happens after the baby comes out.

The first time you pee.
Okay, so my only experience with this is after having an epidural.    You won't really be able to stand/walk on your own.   So hopefully your husband will help you to the bathroom, which is hopefully not that far away.  The nurse will most likely have handed him a peri bottle  (a small bottle that you fill with warm water with a squirty top -- remember this, it will become your new love) filled with hot water, a huge pad, and some -- wait for it -- mesh panties (more on that stuff later, this is strictly about peeing).

When you go to sit down to pee, you will be instructed to take the bottle and squirt it all over your vagina, the lips, etc -- don't TOUCH it, just squirt.  It will feel WONDERFUL.  Maybe even a little orgasmic. Don't wipe.  The water is enough.  You don't want to wipe.   What you need to be ready for though, is what you will see (and what your husband will see) when you stand up.

There's going to be A LOT of blood in that toilet.  A LOT.  Like  I-just-killed-a-small-animal-over-the-toilet amount of blood.  This is TOTALLY normal.  Don't freak out.  Your after peeing toilet bowl is going to look like this for AWHILE.  Some will probably drip down your leg.  Have your husband  wipe this up for you.  He just saw you give birth, he can handle this.

We sort of took a step.

PJ's been getting a little more secure in standing on his own - he stood several times yesterday for a decent amount of time, and he even tried to take a couple steps towards me!  YAY!! I think he'll be full out walking in a few weeks or so.  I can't wait.  We were at Wildfire yesterday and he wanted to walk so I took his hand and we walked around the lobby while he yelled things and smiled at people.

He was also enamored with the little babies at the G2G on Saturday.   He just looks at them -- like HEY!  You're SMALLER than me! 

My little happiness also slept till 8 both days this weekend -- of course Saturday, I woke up at 7 and didn't go back to sleep because I figured he'd wake up any second and I'd have to get up so what was the point.  But it was cute laying there and cuddling with him in our bed since John went to golf.  Last night he woke up a few times though, not like the normal STTN he's been doing.  Not sure what the problem was.  But then I had to go wake him up this morning which I hate doing, even though he is all smiley and cuddling and so happy to see his mama.

I am 14 weeks pregnant.  Feeling some flutters on occasion, which when I was pregnant with PJ I chalked up to gas, but that's how you learn.  I am excited to feel real kicks.  My naked belly also looks "pregnancy shaped" although to people it probably is still questionable.  I've had some people give me the "look" about the wondering if I'm pregnant. Sometimes it's funny to just let them wonder.

And today's installment of what happens after the baby comes out.

Stitches

So although you dialate to 10 cm (which, let's face it, is this much): ___________________________________________

you still might need a little help to push your little happiness out.  So you might tear.  Now DON'T FREAK OUT because you will NOT feel this.   You'll have know idea when, or if this happens, till after your baby is here and out and they say we have to stitch you up.  Some of you might have heard of an episiotomy, which is where you actually get cut, with scissors.  This is very uncommon nowadays.  Most doctors don't do it because it isn't necessary.

Okay, so if you tear, you'll need to be sewn up like the Thanksgiving turkey after you stuff it (nice visual).  Again, you won't feel this, because they numb the area.   However, if you don't want to SEE the stitching, I suggest you do not look forward.  Look to the right, left, close your eyes, whatever.  There's something a little unnerving about seeing a long piece of string coming up from your vajayjay.

Anyway, not painful, not a big deal, and the stitches disslove. And if you are lucky, you'll have a joker husband like mine that tells you, "I asked the doc to put a couple extra in there.  You know.  To make it tighter."

Nice work, honey.

Well hello there, 2nd Trimester

So I am officially in the second trimester today.  Or yesterday.  Or whatever.  I'm over 13 weeks, so there you go.

This is the slow, boring part of the pregnancy.  I feel better, but I'm still tired, and I still get nauseous and that OMG IF I DON'T EAT IN THE NEXT FOUR SECONDS I AM GOING TO DIE feeling.  But this is pretty uneventful.  I feel some flutters, but no real movement.   Nothing exciting at the next appt -- hear the heartbeat again, which is super cool, but we'll hear it at every appointment here on out.   So we are in the boring part of pregnancy.

PJ has started to walk just holding on to one hand now.  He usually starts cracking up and ends up falling down, but we're getting there.  I think he'll be walking on his own in the next month or so.   He crawled pretty late, and since he's so good at that now he probably is just taking a bit longer.  I'm okay with that.

My good friend Rita, who has a 7 month old, is pregnant again.  She's due November 20, so she's about 5 weeks behind me.  She's a little freaked out (her little ones will be 14 months apart) but I know she'll be able to handle it.   Her older brothers are 15 months apart and she and her middle bro are 18 months apart.   So I guess she's following in mama's footsteps. :)

I've decided in each blog post, I'm gonna post something that's going to go in my "What happens after labor is over" book.  Today's topic:  Afterbirth.

Afterbirth is pretty much all the shit (literally and figuratively) that is still inside after your beautiful bundle of happiness is out.   Before they stitch you up (we'll talk about that later), a nurse will pretty much straddle you and push down on your "I had a baby in there about two minutes ago and it's stretched out to proportions I didn't know possible" uterus to get it all out.   It's painful -- not excruciating, not terrible, but your abdomen feels like someone is dropping a car on it.    It's important that this all comes out though. 

This might be a good time for your husband to go see the baby in the nursery.  John was a trooper during the entire birth, and was not grossed out.  But even he, upon hearing what was coming, kissed my forehead, and said "I'm gonna go see PJ, babe."

1st prenatal appointment

I had my first prenatal appointment yesterday.  After going through pages and pages of paperwork (no, I don't smoke, yes I drink occasionally, no not right now), I stripped down to my birthday suit and donned the ever so stylish pink paper gown and hopped up on the table.

I gained two pounds (I think, based on the last time I weighed myself -- which was a couple months ago), had my boobies checked out, had my uterus checked out, gave some blood.  You know the usual 1st prenatal checkup.  Everything looks good.   Get to go back on April 3and we will hear the heartbeat, which is always good times.

PJ is so close to walking on his own.   Of course he lets go to stand and gets scared and falls forward, but we are working on it! 

PJ's taking steps!

Holding on to the table, or whatever it might be, but those little legs are moving!! Once he stops being scared of letting go, I think he'll be able to walk on his own!  He also got his first haircut Saturday, and he was a very good boy.  He looks so cute with his new haircut.   He's also been quite funny and active the past few days.   I can't believe he's turning 1 in just two weeks.

Still feeling super nauseous.  I am really hoping it goes away once the second trimester hits, but that is still 5 weeks away.   It's all worth it, but man.

On the bright side, I discovered laughing cow cheese.  UM YUM.