Los Porchs

I submitted the online pre-registration information for the hospital last night, you know, "just in case."  I know we still have 75 days to go, but I also know that we have no control over when Little Miss decides to join us.  I would rather err on the side of being ready!  I just have to print and fax the forms today to complete the process.  Oddly enough, I got a little nervous when I read "if your due date is within the next 90 days, submit your forms here" and realized... dang.  90 days is nothing!  And we're at 75!  I can't believe how quickly the time is going, though I suspect this third trimester will feel the longest.  By the end of each day, I feel like I have been on my feet for a week and my right hip kills.  I am pumped to meet her but I am also eager to keep her inside just a little bit longer.  For good measure. xoxo

But if there was a word, or a phrase, to accompany this visual, let's just agree it would be, "Holy. Shit." Source:  http://sweetleighmama.blogspot.com

There's something odd about the realization that next week we'll be at 30 weeks.  I find myself nesting at work more than I do at home.  I'm trying to tie up loose ends and make sure that things are ready for the summer while I'm out.   I've been in good spirits and still have the "I can still do this" mentality which for the most part has done me well.  I find myself exhausted at the end of the day and have to do tasks in baby steps with some couch breaks.   I noticed that I'm starting to think more and more about delivery and the concept of bringing home baby.  I haven't had any Braxton Hicks contractions that I'm aware of but I wonder!  My mom told me this weekend that both my brother & I (I'm the first born) were born about a week early and that the labor process was fairly quick (I believe I took about 4 hours -- RIGHT?!).  I'm hoping for a similar experience, though I am fully aware that everyone is different.  And an

I know you're supposed to put things out into the universe if you want them to happen, so I spent all of the past week talking about how beautiful the weather would be for the holiday weekend and acknowledged that while we may not get to use the new Oasis Island that Porch & I bought at Costco, we would be happy just to see sunshine.  Dang!  Wisconsin delivered!  We had sunshine and warm weather the whole weekend.  We didn't see any rain until we were on our way home! Source:  Amazon Saturday morning, the ladies worked on shower favors.  That task turned out to be... a little more time-consuming than anticipated.  Let's just say my mom and I have some "homework" to do before the shower!  We packed up the coolers and decided to unwind at the beach!  Porch inflated the Oasis Island and we actually got all six of us on it.  It needed more air, but it was a great time!  Went to dinner together and came home to have a campfire. We got to try out the new

Today marks 28 weeks and I get a little sad when I think about the fact that there are just 12 weeks remaining until we meet this peanut.  I'm pumped to meet her and have someone to hang out with for 6 weeks while we're home together, but I'm also so in love with her kicking and dancing in there that I already know I will miss it.  Seems silly, I'm sure, but she and I have been homies for 28 weeks, getting to know each other and it's hard to believe this time is almost over!   I feel big, but only in the belly, which makes me feel really awkward.  In CTA news, most people have offered me a seat on the train when I get on, although after the Cubs game last week, no dice.  The main point of my presentation here is that I think I'm starting to look "pregnant enough" for the pregnant lady courtesies that well-adjusted members of society might extend.  It's weird because I hate to be seen as weak, but let's face it, I'm growing a human and

I can hardly believe that today marks the start of the 3rd trimester.  Seems like just yesterday I was staring in disbelief at that pee stick, terrified of losing the baby, hesitant to share our news because I thought it would "jinx" us.  I still have those moments of panic, I don't think they ever really leave us, but I am better able to talk myself back down.  And just when I need it, she gives me a swift kick. And I find myself smiling at other expecting mothers when we cross paths. My heart is heavy for those who are still waiting for their time to parent but I finally think I've come to terms with it being my time!  How far along?  27 weeks Total weight gain:   normal Maternity clothes?   We're thisclose to maxi dress season, I can feel it. Stretch marks?   None yet Sleep:  It's been a while since I've made it through the night and I guess that's okay, it's good preparation for when she's here with us. Best moment this week:

Because the OB is downtown, we take the red line down and this is normally uneventful.  Today was the first time I felt "big."  Anyone who has taken the subway knows the amount of balance needed to ride while standing.  Normally, not an issue.  I'm fairly good at it actually.  Today.... today there were at least 3 instances in which I felt like I was going to fall over.  Thankfully, there's a Cubs game tonight and the train was fairly packed (hence me not having a seat) so fellow riders just kinda held me up in those moments.  I am getting to the point where I may need to sit.   On a somewhat related note, I had headphones in while riding to and from the appointment.  On the way back, I couldn't help but laugh out loud as I jammed to some old-school Kenny Chesney.  There's something delightfully heartwarming about listening to "She Thinks My Tractor's Sexy" while taking in the Chicago skyline.   How far along?  26 weeks Total weight ga

Getting things organized for maternity leave is hard work!  I keep thinking of all the things I need to get in order at the center before I leave (yes, I know I still have a few months, but it's in my nature to worry).  I want to be able to enjoy my time at home with Baby Porch and not be feeling like I totally dropped the ball on my staff.  So I'm trying to work ahead of myself in some aspects and coach others to do what can't be done ahead of time.  I just offered the administrative assistant position to someone I think will be amazing, based on her references and my personal experience with this candidate.  Turns out step 1 of preparing for a leave of absence should be making sure there's a full team when I leave. xo

I love the network of people we have built over the past few years and admire and respect those who are parents or like me, have a vast knowledge of child development and thus have a greater understand of developmentally appropriate practice and expectations for young children.  I know so many amazing parents and educators and I consider myself quite blessed, especially since I know they will be here to help me and answer my sleep-deprived questions after the baby arrives. But let's be clear:  I also know some really shitty parents.... and some people who have no friggin' clue what the hell they're talking about, they just like the sound of their own voices, you know what I'm sayin'?  I will not be taking advice from those folks.  I will perhaps nod my head and thank them, because really, it would be grossly inappropriate for me to do much else, but deep in my heart, I know whose examples I wish to follow and whom I would rather never hear a word from about "