Happy Memorial Day!

First of all, thank you to all who have served, do serve, and will serve. All of you are wonderful and we wouldn't be the country we are without you.

This weekend the wonderful Tabitha is in town! That's why there has been quite a bit of radio silence from me. Lots of relaxing, lots of chatting, lots of seeing friends, lots of laughs. I pretty much love it when she's in town.

My visions of pool grandeur were brought to an abrupt end when the forecast suddenly went from no chance of rain to pouring rain for practically the whole weekend. There is still hopes for this afternoon, but we'll have to see.

Baby Elayne is now 25 weeks and the time is going by so fast!!! I had to take the second glucose test this week to see if I have gestational diabetes. I didn't make it through the test. The lovely hawaiian punch highly concentrated juice I had to chug didn't stay down. So I'm waiting to hear back about rescheduling. That was the worst test ever - even out of all of my digestive tests and nasty liquids I've had to drink for them. I don't recommend it to anyone. Ever. Ew.

Elayne Long

Size: Rutabaga (1.5 pounds, 13 inches long!)

Important Developments: She now has hair! And she is growing a lot. Hiccups should be arriving any day now, and there should be an increase in frequency and strength in her kicks - which is great news for all of you wanting to see/feel her.

Noticeable Symptoms: I am starting to feel more like "myself" these days, although my protruding stomach is starting to get in the way of things. I have bouts of fatigue and back pain, but for the most part, I feel like a fully functioning member of society once again.

The Age of Viability

This past Saturday marked 24 weeks along for me. This means sweet baby Elayne can now survive if she were born this early (with significant medical help). That is definitely a relief for us. But at the same time, we want her to continue "cooking" and gain more weight. We want a healthy beautiful baby girl as close to September 7th as possible.

Today I went to the doctor, and everything is still perfect. Elayne is still kicking like crazy but won't consistently be felt by others until 28 weeks. I took my glucose test and won't hear results for a few days. Next appointment we will have the big 3D ultrasound! Plus, it starts 2 week appointments. I guess we really are getting closer and closer. Hard to believe I'm already 6 months along and entering the third trimester soon.

Also, I've only gained half a pound in a month! My doctor is super pleased with that!

Elayne Long

Size: Small Cantaloupe

Important Developments: She's gaining weight, which is perfect. She should start having hiccups too, probably has eyebrows, and her sense of touch is strengthening.

Noticeable Symptoms: Lots of movement! Back pain is getting more noticeable. I've also started to waddle a little and I'm moving slower.

The New and Improved Murph Dog

So far so good with our wonderful puppy dog. It was kind of a fiasco to get him home, but we made it. Long story that I don't really feel like explaining since it all worked out in the end.

He is much calmer. He listens to us more attentively. He walks great on a leash. He is already run trained (and we now have a run in the backyard). He knows where his "spot" is and goes to it to lay down and stay when we tell him to. For the most part, he doesn't jump in our faces anymore - still working on that one since he still thinks the rules could possibly revert to the way they were before.

It's been a challenge for us, and will continue to be. Phillip and I are having to listen to each other and take each other's advice. I remember certain things, and he remembers others. We are building a training team and it's kind of new for us - and an intro into parenting.

Our next big challenge will be introducing Murphy to people. A few have come over and "phase 1" has gone pretty well. Phase 2 includes actual face-to-face meetings without a cage between them. I'm nervous about that one. But I think we have the right tools to make this happen.

We are also going to try to take him on a walk soon. It seems easy enough, based on how well he now does on a leash. But we'll see.

I'll let you know how it all goes...

Happy Mothers Day!

While I don't know exactly what it means to be a mother yet, I am starting to get an idea. Like when I lift something a bit too heavy and sit down with no sound or movement until I feel Elayne kick to let me know she's okay. Or when I'm too lazy to get up and get my prenatal vitamins, but remember they are for her and not me. Like how suddenly picking a child care center is more important and harder than house hunting. Or how I have already noticed every outlet, smoke detector, fire hazard, and cabinet we need to childproof - and how we need to get carbon monoxide detectors like yesterday.

But what I do know is that I am learning so much from the wonderful moms in my life. I am so fortunate to have so many and each has already taught me - and will continue to teach me - how to be the best mom possible.

My Mom

She has taught me how to be the best hostess ever. How to work full time, cook dinner every night, manage laundry, clean house, and still have the ability to read the newspaper from cover-to-cover each night and make it to bed at a descent hour - that is skill. A woman who can handle any mess without even a complaint or gag - at least not one she shared. She shows how to care for your parents and still have fun. No project left unturned, no shopping trip cut short, and not a last-minute get-together turned down. Always ready for anything. The woman who has become so much more than my mother in the past few years, but has truly become one of my best friends.

My Mother-in-Law

A person who loves with all of her heart. She shows me how to spoil kids but still raise them to be well-mannered, humbled adults. How to achieve all of your dreams, do what you feel in your heart is right, and to never settle for less than you deserve. The world's biggest cheerleader, advocate, and friend. I am truly blessed to have married into such a wonderful family and to have gained another great mother.

My Meme

Most grandmothers don't let on who their favorite grandchildren are. But Meme does. She manages to make every one of her grandchildren believe they are her favorite - just ask any one of us. A woman who cherishes the past, has always been way ahead of her time, and has a legacy I'm sure her parents would be proud of. A hopeless romantic at heart with a life story to match. A teacher who embodies what all educators should aim for. A woman who sings all around the house, treats her dog as another child, and makes sure everyone is happy before sitting down to rest herself.

My Linda

An ear always ready to listen to even the most trivial of details of things going on in your life. A woman who outlawed all of the vegetables we hate in her house because she wanted us to enjoy every second of being there. The true definition of patience, humility, and strength. The original person in our family who truly believes that women should be independent and able to live without a man - a theme of independence I will definitely pass on to Elayne and any future daughters we have. A fellow lover of all things fiesta ware, special antique finds, and 

My Tabo (Phillip's Grandmother)

A woman cemented in tradition. Still incredibly quick-witted, intelligent, and knows more about what's going on in the world than I ever could. I admire how she still holds the family together and influences how close we all are to the extended family. An East Texas matriarch, a woman who never forgets anything, and loves thank-you notes more than anyone I know.

Heres to all you mothers on this fantastic day. I hope everyone celebrates all you do and recognizes you for your bravery, love, perseverance, and faith.

23 Weeks!

Confession.... I haven't taken a belly picture in weeks. Things have been too hectic. I am so sorry followers.

Therefore, I will now change my belly pictures to monthly. I am sorry to disappoint, but I didn't realize when I started this that it would be such a task and unfair of me to ask that of myself. Plus, future children will likely not receive this level of star treatment.

I am a failure.

But here is the 23 week update!

Elayne Long

Size: Large Mango (just over 1 pound and about 11 inches long!)

Important Developments: Her ears are now completely formed so she can hear everything from the outside world (though it is somewhat muffled). She is also putting the final touches on her hair pattern and color - but the color can change before/after birth.

Noticeable Symptoms: She is moving so much these days. It's really hard to pinpoint the big kicks so others can feel her, but it IS possible. 

** I think it is also important to note, that when I was looking for that adorable photo, I found out that you can rent mango costumes. Weird, or borderline genius? You decide.

Pros and Cons

Because who doesn't love pros/cons lists?

Since moving into our house, we are discovering things we love and things we would change, if given the chance. We have officially moved all of our belongings to the new house, and only carpet shampooing and a little grass seed stand between us and relinquishing our keys this weekend. Woohoo!!

Pros:

• The extra bedroom for guests is incredible. We will have more guests in the coming months/years since we will have baby Elayne to attract visitors. Now we have a space for all their own - and hopefully beds coming soon to fill the space!
• Phillip's man cave is ridiculous and huge, but perfect for him. Now he has a huge space (doubled from the last house) for all of his memorabilia, equipment, and electronics. It's actually shaping up to be quite attractive. I will post house pictures once the place is complete.
• The carpet is uber comfortable. It's very thick. This will be especially nice when we spend countless hours playing on the floor with Elayne.
• My bigger office holds all of my things! And with the guest bedroom, I don't have to share it with a futon anymore - although I actually could if I wanted to. It's so spacious and wonderful. I love it!
• A 3 car garage gives us more space too, and reduces the times we need to use the attic. This is especially important to Phillip.
• Speaking of insulation, we have upgraded insulation in the house! What a nice add-on the builders put in. We are having to adjust our energy habits as a result. The first few nights were freezing in here!
• A gas stove. Enough said.

Cons:

• Small backyard. That will be an adjustment to make. We'll have to maximize every square inch - especially since the wonderful run is 10x14.
• Downsized pantry, master bath, and master closet. We were spoiled by our old house and now we must make adjustments. Creative storage solutions will result this summer at some point, I'm sure.
• No place for Murphy's crate. Again, our old house fit this quite nicely. We had the perfect spot for it in the laundry room. Now, even though we have a beautiful laundry room, it does not have a designated spot. We are still debating on the final location.

But no worries, we are still very far from being unpacked. We are doing a little each day. So far, the kitchen and my office are finished. Elayne's room doesn't count, since she only has diapers and some outfits at this point - but it is done (with the exception of finalizing paint at the top of the pink wall). The guest room won't have much in it yet, but will also find its way once the rest of the house is finished.

Phillip's room, and the living room should be hopefully completed tonight. And at some point, hopefully we can get our bedroom finished. It would nice to be finished with the inside by Monday evening, but we'll see. Then it's garage/closet organization, setting up Murphy's run/outside, and ALL DONE! Doesn't sound like much, right? Hah.

Oh! And Murphy comes home tomorrow morning! So exciting!

Moving Baby

Last night, just before drifting off to sleep, Phillip got to feel little Elayne kick for the first time.

To say it was exciting, overwhelming, incredible, the highlight of my day, magical, etc. would be an understatement.

First of all, he is the first one to be able to feel her "from the outside." I've been feeling her for a couple of weeks now and everyone else around me has been trying like crazy to feel, with no success. But last night, there she was. One big, swift kick to his hand.

She knows who he is. And she really does react differently to him. She loves him like crazy. Everyone else has to press and move and get me to lay in funky positions to try to feel her. And she moves as a result of the attention. But with Phillip, all he has to do is barely place his hand on my belly and she kicks him over and over again (of course not felt by him until last last). But she doesn't stop kicking him. She knows who he is.

Pure love right there.

21/22 Weeks

Woah. Where did the time go? This one has to be a combined post, unfortunately, since I've been so bogged down and busy. But here goes!

Elayne Long
Size: Banana - This is a tricky week. Some say banana was last week with carrot this week. Others flip-flop.
Important Developments: If you press on my belly, you can feel feet and arms! It's pretty cool! She can practice breathing and swallowing now - with hiccups to follow.
Noticeable Symptoms:

Elayne Long
Size: Spaghetti Squash (11 inches long!)
Important Developments: She can now really distinguish sounds and voices - so start talking! She dances to certain songs on the radio and kicks everyone's hands repeatedly (though no one else can feel her yet). She will soon be able to distinguish light - if she hasn't already.
Noticeable Symptoms: Round ligament pain ALL THE TIME. My muscles in that area are so tense. Back pain is starting to get stronger and I can feel when she leans against my bladder.

I'm Back!

The busiest work week ever is finally over.

We finished up moving - minus the cleaning and repairing at the old place this week.

And now starts the unpacking. Which will take forever. Literally forever. We have too much stuff. Seriously.

Last week we started painting. All of it is finished except for baby Elayne's room since we ran out of the super cute pink paint. That'll get finished in the near future.

Furniture and boxes are everywhere and we are still trying to find things we swear we knew where they were - and I shout through the house at the top of my lungs that we must have lost it in the move... right before finding it right in front of my nose. But alas, things are getting done.

My goal is to at least have the floors cleared by this weekend. Then hopefully walls done by next week some time. This is a lofty goal but we'll see.

Murphy is doing great - from what we hear. He comes back Saturday and we are so ready for that! His run still needs to be built (this week) but once that's done we'll be ready to have a newly behaved dog that loves all people and can be trusted.

That's all for now. More screenings and unpacking in the coming days.