Typically people just really want to share there stories with me when they see me. They're all kinds of wonderful stories that people feel the need to share with me when they see this belly.   I really get a kick out of the story times in the middle of a store isle, at the checkout counter, pumping gas at the gas station. Really though, it's all about the funny questions:

*Have you figured out your route to the hospital or timed it? What about if there's traffic?

We know how to get to the hospital, I haven't mapped out the best route for the any specific times or anything like that. We're going to wing it just like everything else.  This makes it sound like I should by one of those old school Mapsco books and highlight different routes depending on the time of day. That's far too much for this lady!

*Do you have your bag and the car seat in the car already?

Nope. The bag is in our bedroom and every day there's something else that I think I might want or need so I put it inside. Tim has put a few things in there for himself too.  The car seat is in our living room. I don't know that we'll put either of them in the car before I go into labor. I don't feel like I'll be in a rush to get to the hospital lights & sirens style. I don't really want to have to be in the hospital longer than I need to be.  I know you never know how things are going to happen, but we're maintaining the calm, winging it style that we love.

*How will you share the news?  Do you have a phone tree set up?

We have no idea. I promise, people will find out as needed. With social media, cell phones, emails and smoke signals I don't feel like there's a shortage of getting the news out there.

*Have you had any crazy dreams?

Nothing crazy about labor & delivery or about the baby. Crazy dreams happen pretty regularly for me anyway, and they're usually just generalized about life.  I'm kind of bummed because my Mom had a dream when she was pregnant with me where I came out all lanky with nothing but arms and legs. Apparently she was going to give me a bath and I went down the drain because I was just that lanky. Another great story was when a friends husband had a dream that their first son was born with a full set of teeth, looked up at his Dad and said, "what's up Dad?"  No dreams for Tim and I as of yet, I'll let you know if a good one comes up though. 

*Can I touch your belly?

Uh. Sure? I have no idea how to respond to this when people ask. Then on top of it, their reaction when they do touch my belly is usually priceless. Tim says that I'm letting people assault our child, but I think people are really just curious.  Sure it creeps me out a bit, but I don't want to be a grumpy pregnant lady...that might just be bad karma!  

It's a Family Tradition

There are so many pieces of family that I love, but one of the best things is being a part of the connection of where you come from and where you are going. Who you are inside and your quirks are made up of your family fabric.  We're all cut from the same cloth as they say!

Family traditions run pretty high in our families and Little B will soon be taking part in those family traditions too! This perfect little bassinet has been in Tim's family for about 80 years. Little B will be the 4th generation to grow and bloom in this bassinet. I love the stories and love that pour out of the sweet white wicker and knowing that Little B is a part of this family tradition makes my heart smile.

(Tim wanted to know why Little B was going to be on my side, and I told him not to worry, we'll share sides I'm sure.)

In a few months we'll come to another family tradition.  My family has a sweet and simple baptismal gown that has been in our family for probably just as long as this bassinet. Pieces of the gown were actually made by my Great Grandmother's Mother.  I can't wait to see Little B being baptized in it.  It's already waiting for him/her at my Mother's house. I get sappy just thinking about it.

Speaking of sappy... this little munchkin is so close I can taste it.  People keep telling me that I'll say otherwise once a week or so has gone by and I'm exhausted, but I promise I'm ready. It's so time for the next chapter in our lives. So my bag is waiting by the bedroom door...nothing fancy and really not all that complete, but at least the reality is sinking in and I've been trying to put aside things that I'll want.  

By the way, I finally got Tim to hang the curtains, check it out!  They are fabulous!

On the Road Again...

They were giving me a hard time about hiding my belly...and I was telling them they needed a wide-angle lens!

 

One of Tim's oldest friends was in town this
weekend to have some fun with family and friends before he leaves for his 4th deployment. When it comes to Tim and this friend, it's one of those times where we stop whatever we're doing, cancel whatever might be planned and make sure we get the opportunity to spend some time with him. He's a beast and a really terrific guy. There really aren't words to express the gratitude and awe that I feel knowing the kinds of things he's witnessed and been through.

Men of honor and valor serve. period.

We were able to do dinner and some hanging out on Saturday night with Friend along with his parents (whom I adore) and some of his other friends. They had all made plans to go to the famous Salt Lick BBQ (yum!) and then head to The Backyard to see Willie Nelson in concert. Being the super-cool, pregnant chick that I am (3 weeks away mind you) we went for it! I mean what fun is it to sit at home. Now, granted, Tim and I have seen Willie a handful of times and although he's an icon, especially here in Texas, his shows have lost their luster. He has so many songs and he plays them so often that it's almost as though he's just running through the words themselves instead of singing them and then the songs just go one to the next. There's no pause or story, or personable feel between them. Still though, we were here to make a night of it and have some fun.

  

Until...

As the opening act was clearing the stage for Willie, Tim and I were standing behind a small group just people watching the crowd and WHAM! this woman in front of me swings her arm over her head and behind her and she basically whacks me right in the stomach. I was so surprised by it and shocked by the whole thing that I just stood there holding my stomach stunned. Tim on the other hand changed tune very fast and became extremely protective. (love him) She apologized profusely, and felt the need to tell me that she had a daughter, that she had fallen when she was pregnant with her, that she was telling a story about her when she swung her arm, and oh yea - that she was so sorry. She wanted to give me her phone number.  It wasn't like we were sitting in 5 o'clock traffic and I was right on her tail. This woman had stepped back and just flailed her arm right into my watermelon thump belly! I took a deep breath and told her I was fine, which I was...well physically. Emotionally though, it scared the crap out of me and boy did those hormones want to come storming in. The swingin' lady's husband told me I could probably get a year of free babysitting out of her if I wanted. Um, no sir, that's not it. You obviously don't get it.  I know it was an accident, and accidents happen, but when you're at a concert that has thousands of people you don't go swinging your arms around when telling a story.  I know she felt terrible and she'll probably always remember us from that night, but I accepted her apology and then asked Tim if we could walk away because I was about to cry. I couldn't hold it back and I didn't want to talk to the woman and her husband anymore. We walked to a different corner of the venue and I got myself together, but the night just wasn't the same. I couldn't help from holding my stomach like my hand was now body armor, or as if I was consoling a crying Little B in my stomach because he/she had just had their first spanking and it was from a stranger for doing nothing wrong at all!

So even though Tim is tempted to put me in lock-down until Little B gets here, we're all fine. Little B is one tough cookie. He/She isn't fazed by a little smack on the booty by some crazy lady. I think the pep talk that we gave our friend before his deployment and the pep talk he had with Little B about life taught us all a thing or two.   We're all "on the road again" really.  Friend is on the brave road to deployment and fighting for our freedoms, our country.  Little B is on the road to his/her arrival and one heck of a life, and then there's that crazy lady - well she can go find her own dang road.

Wisteria Lane

It's not often you find a neighborhood like Wisteria Lane. Tim and I have moved a lot since we've been married. We've enjoyed getting to know people in every place we've ever called home, but our Wisteria Lane has us falling in love with our homey, tree-lined, street that much more.

It seems as though, just like TV, everyone basically knows everyone's story...this time it's just without the crazy over-the-top TV drama. I gotta be honest, I was able to meet a lot of the kids first and only some of the adults from going on walks around the neighborhood with our dogs. Then I met the friendliest Girl Scout & her Mom! My decision to buy only two boxes, that then moved quickly to 4 boxes had me writing down my phone number so that Girl Scout Mom and I could get together and chat more soon.

There is a group of Mom's that walk their little one's to the elementary school and back daily. Girl Scout Mom is one in the group and we wave hello and do a bit of a morning chat (said in English accent) as I am leaving for work. (yes Tim, sometimes this causes me to be later than normal to work.) Anyway, a few weeks ago Girl Scout Mom decided she was going to throw me a "welcome to the 'hood" happy hour at her house.  She and another neighbor passed out these sweet invitations and invited the whole street to come meet me and to bring a book to share with Little B, the newest "little" on the block! It was a wonderful way to meet a lot of people that I hadn't met yet. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming. Wanting to know more about Tim & I, more about Little B and giving their two cents about our neighborhood, kids, families and more! I loved every minute of it. What I thought would be a sweet afternoon happy hour, turned into me and 5 women giggling outside until the street lights came on.

I can't wait for more of the Wisteria Lane goodness...especially when I can participate in the koozie-style happy hour!

Watermelon Thump

I went to the Doctor on Monday morning for what now begins a weekly trip. They do this because we're so close.  I'm technically considered "full term" at this point, even though there's still a few weeks to go. So now we wait. We wait, we pray, we let that watermelon ripen and we continue to gain excitement while we keep in mind that we need to get all the child-less stuff out of our system before Little B arrives.

So based on the measurements, I'm a bit ahead of schedule. Like we're talking she shows a baby that already weighs somewhere between 6 and 6 1/2 pounds! AYE CARAMBA!

Let's go Little B, ripen away...but be careful, this belly of mine doesn't have a whole lotta room left in it.  (plus we've got summer to think about!)

*I promise more pictures are coming. I just have to get Tim to finish hanging Little B's awesome curtains so that I can show off how READY everything is!  Oh and just wait until you see the Kirk family basinet, it's so sweet and special.*

Friendly Women

Tim and I have come up with a theory.
Women, people in general, are so much more friendly when you're pregnant! I mean I get it, why would you ever be mean to a pregnant person? That's not what I'm getting at though.

Over the weekend we went to a few different events for a wedding and I was surprised that so many people were so incredibly friendly! We all know that women tend to be catty and cold, sometimes very competitive, and to be honest, more than a bit sassy.  When your pregnant though, women stop you to say nice things, they smile and introduce themselves, conversations are started and even though those conversations are sometimes odd there is a very friendly air about them that isn't there other times.  I found it interesting how many people wanted to get to know my story, but that more often than not, they really wanted to tell me theirs.

When I first said something to Tim about this, he laughed and told me that when a woman is pregnant they aren't as threatening or intimidating.  I asked if it was because I was fat, with a huge belly. He said, "No, it's just that you're obviously taken, and in a motherly way. You have other things going on then strutting your stuff and/or giving them any competition."  (seriously? motherly way? that makes me sound like I'm giving birth on the prairie.)

Needless to say, I heard a lot of great stories, some funny advice and told a lot of people that I was fine and didn't need anything.   Everyone was so genuine and caring. I might just be able to get used to that.

I only wish that women could stay as friendly as they are when your pregnant all the time...well maybe just without touching my belly. That could be really awkward if there's no baby in there!

My Doctor Laughs

I love my Doctor!

Tim thinks her practice is a bit old school because it doesn't have all the bells and whistles, but I love it just the way it is. It's quaint and welcoming. Everyone knows me and they know my story without pulling up a computer screen or finding my chart.  Plus, I get to do my weigh-in's myself. BONUS! 

I'm officially seeing Dr. B every week these days because I've hit that month mile-marker. She laughs at me because I'm so go-with-the-flow with everything. I think every-time I'm there I ask the same questions. The one that really gets her laughing:  "How will I know it's a contraction?"

She tells me I'll know, but every movement feels funny or weird. Nothing going on in my stomach is a normal feeling and I kinda just talk to Little B and it passes. I guess the only way I'll know it's contractions is when there are multiple and it  hurts bad enough for me to say, ok I guess that's that. 

Dr. B helps all different kinds of patients in the Austin area and I think because of what she see's and deals with daily she keeps a pretty even personality for the most part when she's "on duty". Tim and I, are an entirely different case though (what's new). We make it our goal to get her to laugh at us or smile when we're there. We place bets on how long it will take her to crack. Tim can't wait for the delivery room when he gets her good and she laughs for days. He's already planning it out in his head. She has no idea what's about to come.

Hmm. I guess I don't either really. Love living life one surprise at a time!

Dog Days

It's official - my due date is literally one month away. EXACTLY one month.
Can I get a hell-ya!?


Spring is rolling into summer here in Austin and even though we're busy, we're taking every advantage of this nice weather before the dog days of a Texas summer hit us in the face. This weekend there were birthday celebrations, Easter blessings and some hormones disguised as a cocktail of psycho doused in tears. I was a hot mess. No one needed or want any of this nonsense at your Easter party, promise.  I'm pretty sure there was smoke coming out of my ears and I cried almost 5 times in one day. It was not pretty, nor was it ok. I can honestly say that I dislike hate not feeling in control of my emotions. It is the most awkward feeling.

See that belly? wow!

I finished my book and have moved on to Bloom. I'm in the third chapter and LOVING this memoir. I already read Kelle Hampton's blog, it's one of my favorites, and the book is no different!

If you need me, I'll be lounging in our back yard doing whatever I can to enjoy these dog days while I can, trying my best to not let the hormonal force overcome me.

Happy Dog Days!

Expiration Dates, Dancing & Touching my Toes!

1. I went grocery shopping this weekend and purchased some milk. I'm not sure if you can see the expiration date on the milk or not -- but it's May 10th! Boy did I freak out! I mean now I'm purchasing milk that expires just days before when I'm going to expire from pregnancy! Psh!


2.  My belly  button has gone missing. Literally. I'm ready to put out reward flyer's around the neighborhood for it. I miss it so. Is it sad that in my prayers at night I ask that it not pop out into an out-y?

3.  I'm pretty sure I have a bruised rib. It hurts.  Tim thinks I'm nuts and just complaining. What's new.

4.  Our dog Tucker can no longer make the long walks that Tim and I take with our other dog Leeya. Monday night we were literally dragging him behind us. When we stopped to wait for traffic to cross the street, Tucker laid down. Tim wonders if I'm going to be lagging behind in the coming weeks too. He says that Tucker and I will have to go on our own slow-paced walks while he and Leeya go all sporty-spice.

5.  Tim bet me that I couldn't touch my toes now. I won. Hooray for being able to touch my toes! Now, I may not be able to see them all that well, but at least I can touch them.

6.  A customer came in yesterday - 70ish and sporting a rat tail mind you - and after he called me "cupcake" and I finished helping him with his question, he gestured to my belly and asked, "when's this going to happen?"  I told him next month, and he responded with, "oh so you've still got some swelling to do". Really? I don't think he was talking about my muscles. Thanks! Go enjoy your Harley Ride Mr.


7.  This past weekend we had friends in town celebrating another friends birthday. Sunday we thought we were meeting them up for lunch, or some other tame way of visiting them.  Instead we ended up hanging with the birthday group downtown. At one point (in the afternoon I might add) I found myself dancing to "It's Raining Men" on a dance floor with a few of the new gay friends that I had met. They were all shocked and made sure to tell me that they had never danced with a pregnant girl before. I think I was two steps and a curtsy away from being named a mascot or something.

8.  The weather has been crazy in Texas this week. Storms, humidity, heat & tornadoes (thankfully none in Austin though). Saturday afternoon after a day of Benton Luck, Tim jumped in the pool. Apparently it's still a little bit too chilly on the bottom, but he wasn't going to wait any longer. Did I get in you may ask? No, that's when I went to the grocery store.  I wasn't ready for the swimsuit competition.

9.  I'm currently reading Home Front, by Kristin Hannah. She's a favorite in our family, especially Firefly Lane. I was told that I must be part of a new generation because I wasn't reading books and soaking in everything I could about pregnancy & parenting. To be honest, I don't know if I'm part of the new generation or not...I just know that it's all going to be overwhelming no matter what I dive into, so instead I think I'll read some good stories.

10.  I'm literally like 5 weeks away from my due date and I want to shop so badly (shh don't tell Tim) but I think it's silly to spend money on clothes that I'll only get to wear for the next 5 weeks. Seriously though, it's like 85 degrees around here these days and there's only so many places I can sport the gym shorts and t-shirts. So if you see me wearing a uniform of the same basic 7 outfit combinations for the next 5 weeks, you know why. Besides, apparently I still have some more swelling to do. bahahaha! Oh snap, I'll need to set aside some clothes for my hospital bag soon too, so that drops us down to only 6 outfits to rotate since at least one of those will have to sit clean in a bag just in case.

Happy Random 10 Thursday to you!

Dear Little B

The countdown is moving right along. 40 Days. Forty. four. zero.

If Noah could handle it on the ark with two types of every animal, I think I can hang with you in my belly little monkey.

We are beyond ready to meet you face to face. To welcome you and love on you. To count your fingers and kiss your toes. To hold you and tell you what a miracle you are.  To ooh and aah at how cute you are, even if you do sort of look a little squishy for a while. We are ecstatic for a a lifetime of firsts and we're so thrilled that we are going to be able to witness it, guide you and learn from you just as much as you are going to be learning from us.

They tell me that eventually I have to stop counting down like this because you will come when you're good and ready, not just when the calculations and due dates say so. I've been "fashionably late" pretty much my whole life, but your Daddy, he's typically early. I'm not sure who you'll resemble and take after more when it comes to looks or personality traits, but I'm all for calling it in the middle and being right on time.  Of course you won't hurt my feelings if you decide to be late too, but just know that as we get closer to that due date your Mama is going to be one anxious ball of jitters.

You're room is ready and we are crossing all sorts of things off the list of things to do before you get here. In the next couple of weeks I'll need to pack a hospital bag and drag your Daddy on one last shopping trip.

We talked about your first trip to the lake this weekend and laughed when we imagined how much you'll hate wearing your life jacket, but how much you're going to love the wind in your face and the feeling of the water. I can't wait to introduce you to the sandbar!  You will beg us to go there for years and years to come!

Little B, we're ready when you are. Grow healthy and strong, smart and funny, kind and loving.
We love you.

March Showers Bring...

May Babies and lots of goodies!

Spring is in full bloom these days and so is my belly!

I am so lucky and blessed to have such wonderful family and friends.  I have become a regular on the delivery drivers route through our neighborhood these days and Little B's room is filled with all the wonderful things that are supposed to prepare us for his or her arrival!

There has been gorgeous people that have filled my cup and a beautiful sunshine that seems to be following me.  Even though I secretly day dream of stepping in to my summer clothes, there's no where I'd rather be right now then here counting down the days until Little B surprises us!

Here are some recent belly pictures and a few others from the one of my cute showers.  Is it too obvious that Little B and this belly have been keeping me up at night? I feel like the bags under my eyes are warming up for whats to come...

 

Side note: I'm not the easiest person to deal with when it comes to parties thrown for me. I loved growing up on the stage and being the center of attention, but in my older years when it comes to too much attention I'm a mess. The two showers that were thrown for me were a perfect fit. Just my speed & style.

A big thanks to all of you that make me feel so special and loved. Tim, Little B & I are so lucky to have such amazing people in our lives.