A Day in the Life...

No, we are NOT thinking of having another child right now, especially since this one seems perfectly content just swimming in my insides, swallowing and peeing out her own fluid. Disgusting. But anyway- I've been asked a lot about her name and decided to have a little fun with it. So here's our list of names for our other children, taken off the periodic table of elements list, since Copper is a dynamic part of it. 1. If a boy, we vote number thirty-three, which is Arsenic. The symbol for that is AS; when combined with the first letter of our last name, it spells ASH. 2. Also if a boy, we'd consider Silver, number forty-seven. His initials would then be AGH, if the element symbols were used. When pronounced out loud, it kind of sounds like a reference to something that would make one moan and groan. If you knew Tim as a child, it would seem fitting. Once he knocked over a bike rider by intentionally kicking a soccer ball at him. 3. For a boy or a girl, Zirconium ...

Today I was told by my doctor, a bit firmly, to relax and take it easy, to work from home if I can, keep my feet up, and reduce stress. Her exact words were, "I'm not putting you on bed rest but I will." Then she looked at me sternly, like a parent would when threatening something a kid just knows she really means. I find out Thursday if they'll induce me- as early as this weekend!! That sounds super nice, though it comes after finding out I have symptoms of preeclampsia- which didn't sound like too big a deal at the time but the more I research the more I realize how serious it can be. At least the baby is okay- she's tough. :) So... I've decided that maybe I do need to relax. I'm not really sure how though- I can sit for a few minutes with my feet up but then have this urge to get up and clean, cook, work, or just do something. Continuing to mow the lawn is out of the question, and really so is being on my feet all day. Which makes work b...

Dear body and other things, people, and events in my life : This letter is an attempt to apologize for the lack of preparation and forewarning in my pre-pregnancy life. Nothing was intentional- I just did not know! To my body : I am sorry for the congestion that has lasted since last October, for the freckles and moles appearing from nowhere, and for the vomitting, dry-heaving, or at least gagging each time teeth have been brushed. I am sorry for the discoloration of skin in certain areas, which apparently is common with gestational diabetes- I did not know you would turn brown and look dirty and unclean. I am sorry for the weird line that divides my stomach in half vertically, for the swelling of my toes and ankles and fingers and now neck. I am sorry for the hacking cough which won't go away; I do not know if this is pregnancy related but I never had a cough last this long before. I am sorry for the lack of energy; I did not know that walking from my car to my office would leave...

A special thanks to all my friends! Today was my first baby shower and it was such a great day! I have such amazing people in my life who are so generous and giving! Here are some pics from it. Thanks to Joyce and Ashley for putting it all together, and thanks to all who came!! Look at all this great baby stuff! I feel so spoiled, appreciative, and blessed at the same time! I got everything from clothes (from newborn baby to big baby!), toys, blankets, feeding stuff, bathing stuff, lotions, convenience, and the list goes on! I also included a pic of a gorgeous purple crocheted blanket and a baby book from friends who weren't at the shower- thanks Catherine and Maurie! This is also a gift from the shower- and for Tim! My friend Candis and her family put it together- it's a toolbelt full of useful items for when Tim is taking care of the baby: a baster to squirt her off without touching, ear plugs for long nights of crying, a nose clip for the stinky times, tongs to take out th...

I can't sleep so I decided to write what's on my mind. Keep in mind it's not even ten o'clock at night. When bedtime is nine because I can't keep my eyes open anymore, it paints a different picture. It's funny how my brain can be thinking of all of these thoughts and more-at the same time! 1. Only 5.5 weeks until baby is here. I've been really nervous about the delivery but when it comes right down to it- I don't care. Just give me back my body and all its changes. 2. Why I still have a deep cough. It may be because I haven't slowed down in a while and keep overdoing it; why can't I feel productive when I'm lying down taking care of myself? 3. How blessed I am to have the talents I do. I'm lucky that some things come very easy for me and that God has given me all he has to improve myself. 4. Why chewing soft ice is soothing to me; can you crave such a thing as ice? 5. How maybe I'm dehydrated right now. 6. How the lawn can...

Tim has informally been learning Spanish. He mentioned he wanted to learn a few phrases for work; when I offered to help, he asked how to say the following phrases: "Help me, I'm being molested!" "Oh no, I've eaten stinky cheese!" "Where are my shoes?" The list goes on to include several more random and fairly useless comments, but it's super funny. One afternoon he only spoke Spanish- for about five hours. Based on limited vocabulary, I heard a lot of "Ayudame!" and "No es bueno..." and "No me gusta." The words he's picked up on have nothing to do with his job or any of his responsibilities, but I definitely think it's brought a few smiles to his co-workers. When they ask for help, he responds with "No, don't molest me!"

Tim and I have this deal at home. I never take the trash out and he never cleans the bathroom. So far it's worked great; he never complains when I pile up the garbage (and I've learned how to pile it high) and I rarely complain when he shaves and it leaves a million little particles stuck to the tub. I also hate vacuuming. The only exchange Tim could come up with is that he would always vacuum if I always changed the baby's diaper. Does he think this is the same ? The thought of the exchange makes me smile and remember why I love Tim! Here's why else I love him: 1. He tickles my back in the morning. He thinks I'm still asleep but it's a fake-out because I'm afraid he'll stop if I stir. 2. He's at my beck-and-call... literally. Even if I'm whiny and taken on the helpless role, yelling from across the house, I hear him coming asking what I need. 3. He keeps it real. He's very calming and has a way of telling it like it is. 4. He never get...