Update

Don't be furious with me.
I've been avoiding my blog because I had absolutely nothing to update.  I didn't want to talk about how cranky I've been that I am still pregnant.  I didn't want to recount to you the endless sulking I've done and the countless times I've gazed down at my stomach and whispered, "Get. Out."  I didn't even want to mention that I now answer the phone, "I'm still pregnant," and don't even bother to call anyone for fear of getting them all excited.

So tonight I head to the hospital for some medicine to "ripen my cervix."  I'm not sure exactly what that means, except that it could cause me to go into natural labor and have a Milo in no time!  There's also the possibility that it will do nothing, or that they will want to induce me tomorrow with Pitocin (eeeeeeek - devil juice!), or that I'll continue to carry this babyson of mine into the New Year (yeah, right!).  Oh, stubborn cervix, will you please open up and let this baby out?

Still... waiting

Yesterday was a busy day.
I was busy lying in my bed, crying, and sleeping all day long.
Had my doctor's appointment, and absolutely nothing had happened in a week.  I'm still dilated to only a 1 (a barely 1).  The doctor is talking about inducing me on Monday or Tuesday, which concerns me for the possibility of NOT having an epidural.  And I'm trying to feel Christmasy, but I'd rather just stay in bed.  Walking 3 or 4 miles a night is not helping Milo get here, so why not just be lazy and save myself the trouble of waddling around?

Do all pregnant women get so cranky at the very end?

After much anticipation... nothing

Yesterday?  Not a great day...  Not that I didn't have a blast eating lunch at the tea room with my friends, or Christmas shopping with Ann and Jen, or playing Bananagrams and watching Salt at the Danty-pants home.  It's just that yesterday Milo was due, and there's nothing quite like waking up on the due date still pregnant, and going to bed exactly the same.  As a person who appreciates promptness, I naturally assumed my babyson would love the same, but it seems my little bun is still cooking in this oven.

I vow to be more patient today, and to stop being so anxious.  I plan to enjoy the time I have with Nate and my family where I can still be the center of attention (because after this adorable child comes, I'll always be second fiddle).  I will go see another movie in the theater, just because I can.  Heck, I'll even spend another day appreciating the fact that absolutely nothing depends on my breasts.

On a side note, I just spent some time folding tons of tiny little socks, smaller than my palm, and I can't quite imagine having a person tiny enough to wear those socks in my arms.  He will definitely be worth the wait.

please oh please oh please

Well, don't get too excited that I haven't written on my blog in several days.  There's been no baby.  In fact, he seems to be more active than ever on the inside, just living it up and enjoying my cozy womb.  Poor Nate thought for sure he wouldn't have to go back to work this morning, and it was quite a struggle getting him there when it came right down to it.  Why were we both so positive that this weekend was it?

So I'm settling in for my first official day of Christmas break, and trying not to be so anxious.  I'm going to paint my toenails (well, Ann is...), clean the dining room and kitchen, finish some laundry... There will be a huge list by the end of the day.  I'm even going to cook dinner, and I should every night until Milo comes.  Maybe we'll even go to see another movie (watched two this weekend, just in case we don't get to for a long time) and take a 10-mile walk (last night we did 3 miles).

Milo, oh Milo, won't you please come today?  The 20th is the perfect time to come out and play.

UPDATE

Well people, I'm dilated to a 1.
Not a huge accomplishment, and I know I could march around dilated to a 1 for a week or two.  But at least something is going on down there, right?

Last night Ann and Nate threatened to lead Milo out with either a flashlight, or by using my crotch as a megaphone to yell, "Follow the sound of my voice!!!"  Maybe you had to bet here, but we all got quite a kick out of the hilarious (yet very disturbing) idea.

So do me a favor and say a little prayer that my little man makes his way out this weekend.  It would be a dream come true.

One week to go!

You might not believe it, because I almost can't, but my babyson is due in exactly one week from today.  And I feel great.  I'm definitely not complaining, because who wants to be miserable, but who'd have guessed that I would still be feeling so energetic?

Today I saw a former student that I keep up with, and she was shocked to see me.  She said, "Ms. Jackson, what are you doing here?  You're due in a week!"  Those poor kids.  They just can't get rid of me!

Anyway, per Nate's request, here is one of his favorite photos from our shoot the other day.

Ready?  Set...

GO!!!!

The beginning of the end

Well, this weekend Nate and I went to a lovely Catholic wedding.  I had never been to one before, and I will say, I thought the amount of standing up and sitting down might help Milo come a little early.  But, alas, he is firmly in place, and seems to be quite content exactly where he is.

However, he did have one bone to pick with the ceremony.  There was a soloist who was, ahem... struggling, shall we say, throughout the wedding.  And she loved to try to hit some high notes.  And every time she did, Milo would take his little foot and jam it up into my ribs as hard as possible, as if to say, "Mommy, get me OUT OF HERE!"  Imagine trying not to laugh, or wince, and then being prodded by your babyson on top of it.  I got quite a workout without leaving the church pew!  And it's good to know that Milo already has a bit of an ear for music.  I'm hoping he loves it even half as much as Nate and I do.

Anyway, this is my last week of work.  I'm ecstatic and a little nostalgic at the same time.  I would have been just plain ecstatic had I not found some Christmas cards from some of my former students in my mailbox this morning.  They all talked about how I was the sweetest, most wonderful teacher they've ever had (I guess they wouldn't have written me if they thought otherwise, right?), and I nearly broke into tears right then and there.  Teaching teenagers - it's a dual world, where one second they're driving you crazy, and the next you want to hug every kid you see. 

All in all, I like my job today - noun clause diagramming and all.
Happy Monday!

One more...

I forgot this picture of my favorite little spies.  Look at the expression on Chloe's face!

Sunday Photo Shoot

Well, today was just plain fun.  Nate and I took the Danty-pants out to do some Christmas photos, and I had to brag on them and post a few.  They're so easy to photograph because they're just such a pretty family.  I mean, honestly, look at them!  Plus it was super cold, but you can't even tell.  They were such troopers!

Seriously, could there be any cuter children?

A gorgeous family all the way around... This was the best one, even with Conner's closed eyes (he's so darn cute anyway!).

Look at this model child.  Nate gets full credit for this one because he worked his magic.

Nate also wanted to have a go at a few maternity pictures of me.  It's easy to look decent, whether you're the size of a house or not, when your photographer is so darn hot!  Downtown Lufkin has so many cute little nooks to take pictures, too, especially during the holidays.

HUGE as a house!  Milo is large and in-charge these days. 

This happened right after the photo with my leg up on the wall.  I was demonstrating the proper way for a pregnant woman to shave her legs.  Not sure if I'm quite ready to share that one.

Almost can't tell I'm pregnant...  ALMOST...

Don't I think I'm so special in my boots and my sassy pose.

WHAT?  I'm PREGNANT???

Milo's parents - cute little kids in love.

The end of our fabulous and fun day involved two tired Jacksons, some serious Taco Bell, our couch, and Extreme Home Makeover (which I would have boo-hooed all the way through if I hadn't been so busy shoving my face full).

Maternity Photos

Here are a few other shots from my maternity photo session.  Monica did such an amazing job!  Besides the fact that I still can't get used to seeing myself so large and in-charge, I absolutely love them.

Trivia Quiz Answers

Okay, as promised, here are the answers to the trivia quiz.  Hopefully you get as much of a kick out of reading them as I did thinking about them...

What was the last movie that Kate and Nate saw before they found out they were expecting?

• We saw the Jennifer Lopez movie "The Back-Up Plan," which was, ironically, about expecting a baby.  We, in fact, watched it right before I took a pregnancy test!

What was Kate's original due date? What is Kate’s due date now?

• December 28, and then it moved to December 21. 

What food did Kate crave at the beginning of her pregnancy?

• Hot Cheetos

What girl and boy names did they consider, other than Milo? (Hint: 2 girl names and 2 boy names)

• Max and Elliott for boys, Sophie and Lucy for girls

What is the theme of Milo's room?

• Planes, trains, and automobiles

What activity does Kate miss most from before she was pregnant?

• Running

What events/activities do Kate and Nate now enjoy since Kate's been pregnant?

• We have become crazy about sports.  I think we've gone to more professional sporting events since I've been pregnant than in our entire relationship.  And, in fact, we even spend time watching sports (Cowboys games especially) and own Cowboys tee shirts.  Weird! 

How did they decide on the name Milo?

• The first time I felt him move, I yelled, "Nate, Milo is moving!"  And that decided the name.

What is Kate's biggest fear while in labor?

• Being naked.  Ugh. 

What 2 promises did Nathan make to Kate about she is in labor?

• 1. That he would keep me covered and 2. That he would stay out of "my business" down there... 

What was the first sign to Nathan that Kate was pregnant?

• My big ol' boobs 

What does Milo mean? (Hint: there are 2 meanings)

• Soldier, and merciful, depending on the translation

How many months was Kate really sick?

• 6 long, agonizing months

Winter Baby Shower

What an amazing winter baby shower I had!  Sunday we had a diaper and gift card shower at Tree's house, and I got absolutely spoiled with gifts and love.  We played such fun games, like guessing how many baby items were in a bottle-shaped container (27, by the way - an amazing amount of things to fit in there, and Amanda guessed it exactly on the dot!), and the infamous clothespin game that Janet absolutely kicked butt in.  Plus we had the trivia game that I posted the other day, which was beyond hilarious (answers coming at the end of the week.

And then there was the gorgeous diaper cake that Emily made, which truly looks like a work of art.  I can't even begin to imagine pulling this apart to use for the diapers, even though everyone assures me that I will when I see the cost of diapers and the number that Milo goes through...

 And then there was the food, which is vitally important to a pregnant woman, and especially to a preggo who loves snacks.  There was fruit with fruit dip (blue, by the way, which made it even more delightful to eat), cheese and crackers (Lily and I ate so much I wasn't sure she'd ever poo again... Sorry, Sar!), tons of gorgeous cookies...  I wish I had thought to take a picture of the little "critter cookies" that Tree made, but by the time I thought of it, I had already eaten all the leftovers she sent home with me!  But I did take a picture of the gorgeous snowflake cookies that Nicole made.  I think she's the closest to Martha Stewart I'll ever meet...

And Monica came to take maternity pictures of me the morning of the shower, and here's a little preview... The girls had it printed out as part of the decorations.  I love the way it turned out, especially because I actually look just a little bit maternal.  Monica is awesome, so let me know if you need a good photographer!  Nate, of course, looks every bit of the extra-proud daddy that he is already.  Anyway, this is a picture of a picture, but you get the idea, right?

All in all, I have been so incredibly spoiled with 4 showers for this babyson of mine - Nate's work shower, my awesome work shower, our GIANT shower, and then this perfect cap to everything.  WOW, everyone.  Milo is so loved already, and you haven't even made sure he's cute yet!  I'm ready for him to be here...  After maybe one or two more loads of laundry...

Happy Hanukkah to Nate!

We did it.  We finally got a new tv, and it looks so big and beautiful in our living room.  Chad and Tree went with us to pick it out, and then home to set it up, and I'm not quite sure who was more excited - Nate or Chad!

The Shower Quiz

I had so much fun yesterday at a diaper and gift card shower at Tree's house (which I need to give you all the details on).  One of the funniest parts, though, was the trivia quiz that Tree came up with.  Jen won first place, and I'm not surprised, but even she was stumped on a question or two.  Want to see how much you know?

 

1. What was the last movie that Kate and Nate saw before they found out they were expecting?
2. What was Kate's original due date? What is Kate’s due date now?
3. What food did Kate crave at the beginning of her pregnancy?
4. What girl and boy names did they consider, other than Milo? (Hint: 2 girl names and 2 boy names)
5. What is the theme of Milo's room?
6. What activity does Kate miss most from before she was pregnant?
7. What events/activities do Kate and Nate now enjoy since Kate's been pregnant?
8. How did they decide on the name Milo?
9. What is Kate's biggest fear while in labor?
10. What 2 promises did Nathan make to Kate about she is in labor?
11. What was the first sign to Nathan that Kate was pregnant?
12. What does Milo mean? (Hint: there are 2 meanings)
13. How many months was Kate really sick?

 

I'll give you the answers in a few days, just so you have time to think things through.  Post your answers if you're brave!!!

Hanukkah Day 4

Well, I sadly neglected my blog last week, mostly because I didn't feel like I had much to write. But my heart is really full this week, so expect plenty of updates, number one being about my fabulous husband. I try not to brag about him TOO much... But he did something EXQUISITE for me yesterday as a Hanukkah present.
I have this counter of jewelry - literally. Rings, necklaces, earrings, headbands, bracelets... You name it. And I haven't had a place to put it, so it's all been thrown on the counter in a heap, half of which I have forgotten even existed because it was on the bottom of the stack. Nate knew how much this bugged me, and he came up with the perfect solution to fix it.

No, this isn't a jewelry store, or some cute little boutique.  It's my sink area, with racks for hanging all of my jewelry (tastefully arranged like artwork), a new jewelry box for my rings and earrings, and gorgeous sticky plant decals to complete the look.  And to think I was offended that Nate wanted me out of the house for a little while! 

I'm a spoiled little girl...  Coming soon, an update on my fabulous diaper/gift card shower yesterday at Tree's.    So completely wonderful...

Holy Hanukkah!

Today is the first day of December, as well as the first day of Hanukkah.  I recently learned the story behind Hanukkah, and I have to admit, I was pretty impressed.  How have I gone 29 years without any knowledge of why people celebrate?  And how could I not have known about an ancient Jewish guerrilla warfare-maker who was referred to as "The Hammer"?  Oh, I'm not kidding.  It's intense.  Thought I'd give you a brief overview with an article I found on http://www.education.com/.

It’s the season of celebrations, and, for many people, Hanukkah is at hand. This traditional Jewish holiday, also known as the Festival of Lights, is celebrated by millions around the world, and it’s a great way to teach your child about celebrations in other cultures. Here’s a guide to the light-filled festival of Hanukkah.
Like Christmas, Hanukkah celebrates and commemorates events which happened a long time ago in Jerusalem. Around 200 BCE, Jews in the land of Israel were under the rule of the Syrian king, but were still allowed to follow their own religious beliefs. However, a new king named Antiochus IV came to power. Antiochus forbade the Jews from practicing their religion, killed many of them, and desecrated the Temple in Jerusalem by placing an altar to the Greek god Zeus inside it.

Mattathias, a Jewish priest, objected to the cruel edicts of Antiochus, and along with his five sons Jochanan, Simeon, Eleazar, Jonathan, and Judah, he decided to fight back. Led by Judah (known as “The Hammer”), they led the Jewish people in a revolt, using clever strategy and guerrilla-style warfare to defeat Antiochus’ much larger army.
Flush with victory, the Jews returned to find their Temple dirty and desecrated, with pots of consecrated olive oil broken everywhere. Working together, they cleaned and rededicated the Temple (“Hanukkah” means “dedication” in Hebrew). They lit the holy fire in the Temple menorah (a many-branched candelabrum and symbol of Judaism). However, although the flame was supposed to burn continuously, they were dismayed to find that there was only enough oil to fuel the flame for one day! Miraculously, the oil lasted for eight full days, and gave the Jews time to properly prepare more oil. This is often referred to as the miracle of Hanukkah.

Since then, Jews the world over have celebrated this occasion by lighting the Hanukkah candles in a menorah over the course of eight days. Starting with one candle on the first night, and ending with eight on the eighth, the ceremony involves the saying or singing of a blessing while the candles are lit by the helper candle, or “shamash.” Traditionally, the illuminated menorah is placed in windows so that passerby may be reminded of the Hanukkah story.
Since the holiday is, in some way, a celebration of oil, the practice of eating food fried in oil, such as potato latkes and jelly donuts, is a major part of the holiday. Also included in the festivities is the traditional game of dreidel and the giving of “gelt,” or money, to children.

All in all, pretty interesting, isn't it?  Or is it just that I love history so much?  Anyway, I think Hanukkah sounds like a pretty awesome holiday, considering I love lights, Adam Sandler's Hanukkah song, and potato pancakes...  But in all seriousness, what a meaningful 8 days of light.  When I consider the tradition and beauty behind this celebration, I am incredibly humbled, especially given the sad state of consumerism into which Christmas has fallen.  So maybe I'll spin a dreidel this year, just for fun.