Dear Sean,
Well, I am officially shutting down my psychic hotline. In my heart of hearts, 'knew' that you would be early - I was even so confident as to pick two dates that we could expect you; either July 31st or August 3rd. This would have made you a week to 10 days old right now and I fully expected to be blogging about the joys of new motherhood, the routine that we had settled into as a family and the dramatic weight loss I had already experienced (yes, I can hear the snickers of previously pregnant friends at these expectations :). I also had expected that I would have indulged in a couple of glasses of wine by this point (small and well spaced out of course as per breastfeeding guidelines but wine would have touched my tongue nonetheless). My plan went horribly awry when you failed to appear on either one of those dates. I thought 'well, DEFINITELY by the weekend then!' and chuckled knowingly. Well guess what my dearest son? It is now Monday morning, August 10th at 10:45 am and you have yet to show your little red, wrinkled face to us. Not only that, but there is zero indication that this will change anytime soon. I have tried red raspberry tea, long walks, hot and spicy Mexican food, going up and down the stairs, squatting and mentally willing you to come out. All this produced was sore legs and gas. No baby. To add insult to injury, guess what the temperature was outside yesterday? 34 BLOODY DEGREES! Walking outside is how I imagine that walking into Hell would be - not that I'm going there of course.
Yes, your due date is still two days off but at this point you are large - likely over 8lbs (and I don't know of a word that conveys that someone is bigger than 'ginormous,' but if there is one then use that to describe me). You are laying on my bladder all day every day meaning that I am in the restroom constantly (at least I think I have decided on colours to repaint when we have time, I've also finished quite a bit of reading - I should have probably bought one of those Rosetta Stones and learned a new language ... how funny would that be? My next blog could have been called 'German during Gestation')and due to my girth, aches and frequent bathroom breaks I am unable to sleep at night. I get winded going up the stairs, cannot see my feet and if these stretch marks crawl any further up my stomach then they will be on my face by the time you decide to show up. Your room has needed to be dusted AND vacuumed since it was put together which is surprising since there has been zero traffic in there *hint hint.*
Yes, in my last post I was very earth-motherish extolling the virtues of being pregnant and talking about how I will miss our time together. I probably will still miss the time together but my message this post is simple - PLEASE VACATE THE PREMISES IMMEDIATELY! (I'm not naive enough to think that you would be able to leave in an hour so you are being given 24 hours in which to follow this order ... I think that this timeframe is very fair). Failure to follow this order will result in ... well, I'm not sure exactly but likely a weepy, begging post. You don't want your mom to be weepy - just ask your dad.
We just can't wait to meet you and start our lives together as a family.
Looking forward to seeing you SOON!
love,
MUM
Monday, August 10, 2009
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Ready When You Are!
Happy Sunday babe!
Just checking in at this 37.5th week of your gestation. You are officially 'full-term' meaning that everything that should be in place in your little body is in place, your central and nervous systems and lungs are developed (well, as much as they can be at this stage!). Your focus for the remainder of your time in utero is to gain weight and get nice and strong for the arduous journey in this world. You are so large now that your once 'cute' kicks have been replaced by you heaving yourself from side to side with enough force that I often lose my breath or am stopped in my tracks if I am in transit. Your movements are easily visible, even through clothing. Your father and I's new pasttime is to stare at my enormous unclothed belly, and watch as you shift and stretch your arms, legs and bum trying to get comfortable. I wish I could slip you a pillow in there but my organs (especially my bladder it seems) will have to suffice for now. My belly is more angular now than round and I am lopsided, favouring whichever side you have decided to shift your bum to for the short-term. Your dad will often lean in and talk to you, this seems to really excite you and gets you kicking up a storm making me realize that soon you two will be able to plot against me in person - I am grateful that I have the unending adoration of your fur-brother Tucker. Well, until you arrive at which time your dad and I will likely take the back seat. We are not sure who Skye's favourite person is, if she could count her foodbowl as a person (which she likely does) I guess that would be who.
I continue to feel great, exhausted and moody (ask your dad), but great. This still-increasing belly (How I ask you? How?!?) has made it difficult for me to get out of bed, roll over, get in the Jeep, get out of the Jeep, put on shoes, pick up anything that I have dropped, walk for more than 2 mins without becoming excessively winded, walk through small aisles, see my feet and other daily activities BUT I still feel like a million bucks. Your dad, uncles and your Pa have helped fill in the blanks. Just yesterday your Uncles Joe and Anthony came over for the sole purpose of vacuuming and scrubbing out the tub (if I got in there to scrub, I would not have made it out and though a story of your birth in a tub would have been interesting media-fodder it was not on my to-do list). Okay, maybe I don't feel like a MILLION bucks but definitely a hundred-thousand bucks - still better than the alternative. In pregnancy books and even on the pregnancy boards that I check out, there are a lot of women in my situation that are absolutely desperate to get their pregnancies over with, a feeling that I don't share. We are very eager to meet you but not at the expense of this precious time that you and I are sharing. Soon you will move from inside me to the outside world and I will no longer feel your kicks, movements, hiccups ... I won't need to daydream about who you will look like because we will watch the transformation first-hand. Absolutely amazing and compelling, but I will miss being pregnant nonetheless.
Well munchkin, in just a few short weeks your mum went from a nervous, panicked pregnant woman shrieking at her husband and crying because of all that she felt still needed to be done to now feeling completely serene and ready for your arrival. Needless to say, your dad is happy about this transformation but he was also the one doing most of the work to bring it about. Your room is now completely done (pics above!), your wee clothes are washed and put away, the bassinet and playpen are up, the stroller is ready, my/your hospital bag is set and just today your Uncle Marc and your dad put the car seat in my Jeep. All that is left is for your mum to finish her very-late thank you cards and get her garden weeded. I know that you won't know or care that the garden is in disarray but it is bugging me nonetheless. Your Aunt Liz is coming this weekend so if you haven't made your arrival my plan is to ply her with enough booze that she is easily convinced that weeding on her August long weekend holiday is a fabulous idea. It shouldn't be too hard :) When it is her time, I will do the same. Maybe. I'll definitely drink the booze though. Mmmmm ... booze. I am so looking forward to a nice glass of wine after your arrival. This weekend I was strong enough to be the designated driver to several wineries so that your Aunt Kelly and Uncle Marc could taste test from the small but fabulous wineries that are prevalent in this area. I did get some strange looks as I walked through the door but once people were satisfied that I was going to ask for nothing more than a glass of water and some breadsticks the staring subsided. I have been thinking hard about what wine I will enjoy as my first in 9 mos but haven't decided. Yes, 'thinking hard' is not a lie. No, I do not have a problem. I swear!
Good news, your future wife was born last week! Alexis Jane Smith the perfect and beautiful daughter of our friends Keri-Lyn and Brian came screaming into this world last Friday. Isn't it much easier knowing that your mate has been chosen for you? We think so. Given her genetics, Alexis will be tall, athletic, brilliant and absolutely gorgeous ... so don't screw it up. I am thinking about wearing light blue or pink to the wedding ... thank goodness I have at least 25 years to get this weight off.
Well babe, I am going to get something to eat (leftovers from an amazing meal prepared by your Uncle Marc last night), get my jammies on, wait for Big Brother to start (my guilty pleasure ... okay, one of many) and then rest up for the week. This is my last week at work so I need to finish getting organized so that my colleague can walk in and take over my great team seamlessly.
Looking forward to meeting you soon!
Love,
Mum
Thursday, July 9, 2009
35 weeks, 30lbs, 3 baby showers and a 36th Birthday later ...
Good Morning Sean!
As you can tell by the title it has been one busy month at the Thorup household! As you can imagine, I am EXHAUSTED and my focus most days is staying awake past 3 pm (don't tell my boss!). I am now 35 weeks along which means that if my fingers were remaining weeks until the end of the pregnancy, there is only ONE HAND LEFT! EEEEEEK!!! Yes, this is how I have been counting the passing time, via fingers ... I did tell you I was a bit quirky didn't I? Just a bit.
Where to begin?!? Well, as of yesterday I have gained 30lbs on the nose. The nurse actually said 'that is really good!' so I don't feel too horrible about my girth. At this stage the books indicate that weight gain slows or stops completely (some women even lose weight at the end!) so I shouldn't see a large jump before you make your appearance. There was a 'certain number' that I didn't want to surpass (don't even think about asking me what it is, cheeky!) and it looks like I will not surpass it - woo hoo! I celebrated this news with a McDonald's milkshake of course. Hey, you need calcium right now bud - I'm doing it all for you!
Although I am in the healthy range for weight gain during pregnancy - my stomach is large. Very large. Very very large. To the point where I am getting a lot of comments from customers and random strangers. To the point that I will pass a glass door or office, glance over and actually watch my own jaw drop as I realize that the ginormous pregnant woman I am gawking at is me. One lesson I will teach you very early on my dearest son is to never, ever make assumptive comments based on the size of a pregnant woman. Saying things like 'WOW! You must be ready to pop at any moment!' or 'Was that baby due yesterday?!?' or 'You're sure you are not having twins?!?' only make an otherwise happy and well-adjusted pregnant woman feel a bad about herself. I am able to laugh at myself (and have to do so often given my moronic tendencies) but 5 comments such as the above within an hours span, certainly tests my jovial nature.
I have acquired stretch marks on my tummy and am gutted about them. Since conception I have been lotioning and oiling up like I was heading into the Mrs. Universe competition but alas, the little buggers still made their streaky appearance. They are genetic and although your Gram was very fit and tiny she still reminded me regularly that she still had stretch marks from my own appearance into this world. I will do the same to you. Anytime you take your mum for granted I will remind you that the comfy, healthy environment I created for you ravaged my good looks. Talk about a guilt trip! The lesson is this - don't take your mum for granted!
Your dad turned 36 yesterday! We celebrated with steak with your uncles and basically when dinner was over I immediately had to lay down. I am a one-woman party. I am much much younger than your dad (well okay, only 4 years but younger nonetheless) and take great pride in reminding him of this. Your dad, however, still could pass for his twenties. He doesn't stress himself out about too much and this shows in his lack of wrinkles. I, however, stress about many things and would be lucky to pass for 38 at this stage.
Thanks to your uncles and Pa, your room is basically done and it looks FANTASTIC! I will post pics when we get the last of the pieces in place. Your uncles came over one night to help paint and then your Pa spent hours over here putting up wainscott, trim, your cute Jeep border, helping to paint AND putting up the crib that he purchased for you. You are one lucky little guy so have so many people devoted to creating a fun, comforting space for you to lay your tiny head. This is one less thing for your mom to stress about (and nag your dad about) ... now onto the bassinet and playpen ....
Your Granny threw a baby shower for me (you!) on a gorgeous summer Saturday and OHMYGOD did you get spoiled! I can't even recount every wonderful thing that you received; clothes, a high chair, rocking horse, knitted clothes and blankets, toys, books, an exersaucer, bouncer ... and that is just the tip of the iceberg. Your Granny's shower was for family and friends and the generosity (especially from some of the people I only met that day!) was so humbling. You have no idea little man, of how much love is surrounding you and what you will experience when you come out. I smile when I think that you are in your cushy, wet environment, flopping around and perhaps sucking your thumb oblivious to all of the anticipation of your arrival.
Well muchkin, I am signing off for now as I have to head into work but I will definitely be updating every few days from now on as your appearance is getting closer.
Love you lots,
Mum
As you can tell by the title it has been one busy month at the Thorup household! As you can imagine, I am EXHAUSTED and my focus most days is staying awake past 3 pm (don't tell my boss!). I am now 35 weeks along which means that if my fingers were remaining weeks until the end of the pregnancy, there is only ONE HAND LEFT! EEEEEEK!!! Yes, this is how I have been counting the passing time, via fingers ... I did tell you I was a bit quirky didn't I? Just a bit.
Where to begin?!? Well, as of yesterday I have gained 30lbs on the nose. The nurse actually said 'that is really good!' so I don't feel too horrible about my girth. At this stage the books indicate that weight gain slows or stops completely (some women even lose weight at the end!) so I shouldn't see a large jump before you make your appearance. There was a 'certain number' that I didn't want to surpass (don't even think about asking me what it is, cheeky!) and it looks like I will not surpass it - woo hoo! I celebrated this news with a McDonald's milkshake of course. Hey, you need calcium right now bud - I'm doing it all for you!
Although I am in the healthy range for weight gain during pregnancy - my stomach is large. Very large. Very very large. To the point where I am getting a lot of comments from customers and random strangers. To the point that I will pass a glass door or office, glance over and actually watch my own jaw drop as I realize that the ginormous pregnant woman I am gawking at is me. One lesson I will teach you very early on my dearest son is to never, ever make assumptive comments based on the size of a pregnant woman. Saying things like 'WOW! You must be ready to pop at any moment!' or 'Was that baby due yesterday?!?' or 'You're sure you are not having twins?!?' only make an otherwise happy and well-adjusted pregnant woman feel a bad about herself. I am able to laugh at myself (and have to do so often given my moronic tendencies) but 5 comments such as the above within an hours span, certainly tests my jovial nature.
I have acquired stretch marks on my tummy and am gutted about them. Since conception I have been lotioning and oiling up like I was heading into the Mrs. Universe competition but alas, the little buggers still made their streaky appearance. They are genetic and although your Gram was very fit and tiny she still reminded me regularly that she still had stretch marks from my own appearance into this world. I will do the same to you. Anytime you take your mum for granted I will remind you that the comfy, healthy environment I created for you ravaged my good looks. Talk about a guilt trip! The lesson is this - don't take your mum for granted!
Your dad turned 36 yesterday! We celebrated with steak with your uncles and basically when dinner was over I immediately had to lay down. I am a one-woman party. I am much much younger than your dad (well okay, only 4 years but younger nonetheless) and take great pride in reminding him of this. Your dad, however, still could pass for his twenties. He doesn't stress himself out about too much and this shows in his lack of wrinkles. I, however, stress about many things and would be lucky to pass for 38 at this stage.
Thanks to your uncles and Pa, your room is basically done and it looks FANTASTIC! I will post pics when we get the last of the pieces in place. Your uncles came over one night to help paint and then your Pa spent hours over here putting up wainscott, trim, your cute Jeep border, helping to paint AND putting up the crib that he purchased for you. You are one lucky little guy so have so many people devoted to creating a fun, comforting space for you to lay your tiny head. This is one less thing for your mom to stress about (and nag your dad about) ... now onto the bassinet and playpen ....
Your Granny threw a baby shower for me (you!) on a gorgeous summer Saturday and OHMYGOD did you get spoiled! I can't even recount every wonderful thing that you received; clothes, a high chair, rocking horse, knitted clothes and blankets, toys, books, an exersaucer, bouncer ... and that is just the tip of the iceberg. Your Granny's shower was for family and friends and the generosity (especially from some of the people I only met that day!) was so humbling. You have no idea little man, of how much love is surrounding you and what you will experience when you come out. I smile when I think that you are in your cushy, wet environment, flopping around and perhaps sucking your thumb oblivious to all of the anticipation of your arrival.
Well muchkin, I am signing off for now as I have to head into work but I will definitely be updating every few days from now on as your appearance is getting closer.
Love you lots,
Mum
Sunday, June 14, 2009
A belly, a boy, gifts and such.
Hey bud - it's dad here. I know, I know, I haven't stopped in to add to your little novela lately but that doesn't mean I haven't been thinking about you or love you any less. Quite the opposite, actually. Your parents' lives are consumed with love and your much anticipated pending arrival (longest. pregnancy. ever.). I'm pretty sure your faithful followers feel you should be about 9 years old by now. I'll try to catch up on a few things for you here.
Your beautiful mum and I will be married 7 years tomorrow (7 is the 'card' gift year) and the only 'itch' is my back that constantly yearns for a good scratching. We're on our 3rd home together, 4th place as a married couple, and I have now come to realize that this lovely home we now share is no longer ours - it is yours. Yep, you're still in your mum's belly but the house is beginning to fill up with your things. Many of your things have been gifted with love by the very many folks that can't wait for you to get into this crazy world. You'll quickly learn that friends, family and love make the world go 'round. Your mum has also picked up a few things for you and, yep, so has your dear old dad. I popped into the shop on the way home from work the other day to grab some sundry items and immediately felt compelled to get you a couple more things to add to what I've already picked up for you. You now have yet another toy Jeep (mum says I have to put up a shelf in your room now), this really cool motorboat for the tub (it'll stay in the package til you're old enough for the tub) and your very first Team Canada hockey jersey. I figure next year you can wear it while we watch the World Juniors together.
We've been pretty busy lately going here and there for showers, family reunions, trips to Granny's and stop-ins to the cottage (you won't be going next year - Granny's gonna watch you while we catch up on old times :-). Your mum has been great and by all accounts you've seemed to enjoy these excursions with us. You're very, very, very active in there. At our last ultrasound we were sooooooo looking forward to getting a good photo of your tiny, growing face to see if you looked like your mum or me. You were as per usual unco-operative and in the only shot we got of you, you didn't look like either of us. You looked like Wilford Brimley. Odd. Maybe it was a playoff 'stash. Oh yeah, Sidney Crosby won his first Cup on Friday night. Your mum wouldn't let you watch...
I took the hard top and doors off your Jeep this weekend and did some booting around. You were loving it. Well, that's what I thought anyways. Your mum said you were wind-swept and napping. Whatever. It's a nice feeling as a soon-to-be dad knowing that someday I get to hand these keys over to you. Unless, of course, you decide you're not a Jeep guy and would prefer a little Honda. I'll still love you but I would be disappointed. And so would your mum. Never, ever, ever disappoint your mum.
So all in all life is good, Sean. You should be outta there in about 8 or 9 weeks (hopefully I never say that to you thru a glass panel on a corded phone). I can't tell you how excited I am Sean. Keep on doing what you're doing in there, keep enjoying the daily ice cream, and start preparing yourself for a lifetime of love and fun with your parents. See you soon, bud.
Love already,
Dad
Your beautiful mum and I will be married 7 years tomorrow (7 is the 'card' gift year) and the only 'itch' is my back that constantly yearns for a good scratching. We're on our 3rd home together, 4th place as a married couple, and I have now come to realize that this lovely home we now share is no longer ours - it is yours. Yep, you're still in your mum's belly but the house is beginning to fill up with your things. Many of your things have been gifted with love by the very many folks that can't wait for you to get into this crazy world. You'll quickly learn that friends, family and love make the world go 'round. Your mum has also picked up a few things for you and, yep, so has your dear old dad. I popped into the shop on the way home from work the other day to grab some sundry items and immediately felt compelled to get you a couple more things to add to what I've already picked up for you. You now have yet another toy Jeep (mum says I have to put up a shelf in your room now), this really cool motorboat for the tub (it'll stay in the package til you're old enough for the tub) and your very first Team Canada hockey jersey. I figure next year you can wear it while we watch the World Juniors together.
We've been pretty busy lately going here and there for showers, family reunions, trips to Granny's and stop-ins to the cottage (you won't be going next year - Granny's gonna watch you while we catch up on old times :-). Your mum has been great and by all accounts you've seemed to enjoy these excursions with us. You're very, very, very active in there. At our last ultrasound we were sooooooo looking forward to getting a good photo of your tiny, growing face to see if you looked like your mum or me. You were as per usual unco-operative and in the only shot we got of you, you didn't look like either of us. You looked like Wilford Brimley. Odd. Maybe it was a playoff 'stash. Oh yeah, Sidney Crosby won his first Cup on Friday night. Your mum wouldn't let you watch...
I took the hard top and doors off your Jeep this weekend and did some booting around. You were loving it. Well, that's what I thought anyways. Your mum said you were wind-swept and napping. Whatever. It's a nice feeling as a soon-to-be dad knowing that someday I get to hand these keys over to you. Unless, of course, you decide you're not a Jeep guy and would prefer a little Honda. I'll still love you but I would be disappointed. And so would your mum. Never, ever, ever disappoint your mum.
So all in all life is good, Sean. You should be outta there in about 8 or 9 weeks (hopefully I never say that to you thru a glass panel on a corded phone). I can't tell you how excited I am Sean. Keep on doing what you're doing in there, keep enjoying the daily ice cream, and start preparing yourself for a lifetime of love and fun with your parents. See you soon, bud.
Love already,
Dad
Good morning Sean!
I trust that you slept well though I did feel you kicking at around 4 last night/this morning as I headed for my second bathroom break. Yesterday we had a lot of activity and I am sure that you were as exhausted as I.
My cousin Mark Whitely is working in Michigan for a few weeks off and on during the summer and we were fortunate enough to have him come for a visit yesterday. He left at approximately 9 am, anticipating a 3.5 hour drive. I assumed that we would not see him until 2 or 3 given that he had never driven this route before, did NOT purchase a map and the Red Bull air races were on in Windsor thus effectively blocking the border (so I assumed). Well, at 12:30 on the nose I received a call from Mark who was a mere three blocks away. In my hand was a broom and dustpan, at my feet was a large ball of black-lab hair but more embarrassingly on my body was my pyjamas. I was wearing a pink tee shirt and Care Bear jammie bottoms. When you are over seven months pregnant it is very important that people see you at your best - face fully made up and stomach coralled into fashionable maternity pants (almost an oxymoron). I hadn't seen Mark in a year and I wanted to look fabulous for his arrival. Instead I basically saw him shudder in horror at first glance of his wild-haired, cartoon-jammie wearing, ginormous cousin. His first words were NOT 'well Cuz, you are radiant with the brilliant glow known only by a woman bringing forth life into this world,' instead they were (and I may be paraphrasing here) 'MY GOD YOU ARE HUGE!!' followed by 'I DIDN'T EXPECT YOU TO BE THIS BIG!' I burst out laughing ... on the outside. Kidding munchkin, as you know I have been very forthright in declaring how large I am/am becoming so these comments and the fact that your dad lovingly calls me 'Chunks,' don't bother me in the least. I love my belly and show it to anyone who asks (or even those who don't - ask your Uncle Anthony how many unwanted belly shots he has received as of late). I actually get offended when people don't immediately rush at my belly for a rub when they see me. Cold fish. These warm feelings may someday revert to anguish as I huff and puff on a treadmill for hours at a time trying to get this weight off, but I will cross that bridge when I come to it.
Anyways ... I eventually got ready and made myself as presentable as possible and your dad, Mark and I went to Leamington for lunch by the Marina and for a tour of your dad's greenhouse. We stopped off at your Gram's grave and Mark placed some lovely flowers which I know she would have enjoyed. Last night we had a bbq with your uncles Ant and Joe and had a quick visit with your aunt Carol while she zoomed off to work in between baseball games. Mark and Steve made plans to go out for a drink (a drink = 10, you will learn this measurement some day) while I daydreamed about my bed. I was shattered. Apparently as my tiredness increased so did my grumpiness (as pointed out by Mark) who declared that he 'had left one crabbit (Scottish for grumpy) woman at home and didn't need another.' So I dropped everyone off at the bar and headed home to tidy and crash. Your dad crawled into bed sometime around 2 smelling like and brewery and had 4 things to say (on a loop - he said each of them approximately 10 times) 1) that Mark Whitely was a great pool player 2) that Mark Whitley was a great dad 3) That they had the BEST chocolate cake at the Legion (approx. 4 pieces each) and 4) That some guy named Larry was a huge jerk. I'll have to find out the Larry story once your dad wakes up but one theme is clear - your dad has a man-crush on my cousin. I was happy that they seemed to have a good time together though I think that there will be some hurting boys in this house today.
Tomorrow your dad and I celebrate 7 years of marriage! I can't believe how fast time has flown and I guess the old adage is true 'time flies when you are having fun!' I pray that someday you will find someone who loves you as much and treats you as well as your dad does me. We've had some blissfully happy times where there was smooth sailing and some tragic and sad times that tested us but we've come through it all stronger and more in love than ever. And now we wait to welcome you and to complete our little family. I really hope that you are like your dad - funny, sensitive, sweet, laid-back, creative - he really balances me out (tendency toward the dramatic, emotional, pragmatic and bossy:). You may not be born into the richest or smartest family but you will be born into a loving family that likes to laugh. I think it evens out in the end.
Well munchkin, I am off to get a shower and get ready for Mass. Yes, you heard correctly - your mum is heading to Church! I will pray that you are safe and healthy and for your dad's soul which is up in the air at this point. (joking!)
Love you lots Sean,
Mum
I trust that you slept well though I did feel you kicking at around 4 last night/this morning as I headed for my second bathroom break. Yesterday we had a lot of activity and I am sure that you were as exhausted as I.
My cousin Mark Whitely is working in Michigan for a few weeks off and on during the summer and we were fortunate enough to have him come for a visit yesterday. He left at approximately 9 am, anticipating a 3.5 hour drive. I assumed that we would not see him until 2 or 3 given that he had never driven this route before, did NOT purchase a map and the Red Bull air races were on in Windsor thus effectively blocking the border (so I assumed). Well, at 12:30 on the nose I received a call from Mark who was a mere three blocks away. In my hand was a broom and dustpan, at my feet was a large ball of black-lab hair but more embarrassingly on my body was my pyjamas. I was wearing a pink tee shirt and Care Bear jammie bottoms. When you are over seven months pregnant it is very important that people see you at your best - face fully made up and stomach coralled into fashionable maternity pants (almost an oxymoron). I hadn't seen Mark in a year and I wanted to look fabulous for his arrival. Instead I basically saw him shudder in horror at first glance of his wild-haired, cartoon-jammie wearing, ginormous cousin. His first words were NOT 'well Cuz, you are radiant with the brilliant glow known only by a woman bringing forth life into this world,' instead they were (and I may be paraphrasing here) 'MY GOD YOU ARE HUGE!!' followed by 'I DIDN'T EXPECT YOU TO BE THIS BIG!' I burst out laughing ... on the outside. Kidding munchkin, as you know I have been very forthright in declaring how large I am/am becoming so these comments and the fact that your dad lovingly calls me 'Chunks,' don't bother me in the least. I love my belly and show it to anyone who asks (or even those who don't - ask your Uncle Anthony how many unwanted belly shots he has received as of late). I actually get offended when people don't immediately rush at my belly for a rub when they see me. Cold fish. These warm feelings may someday revert to anguish as I huff and puff on a treadmill for hours at a time trying to get this weight off, but I will cross that bridge when I come to it.
Anyways ... I eventually got ready and made myself as presentable as possible and your dad, Mark and I went to Leamington for lunch by the Marina and for a tour of your dad's greenhouse. We stopped off at your Gram's grave and Mark placed some lovely flowers which I know she would have enjoyed. Last night we had a bbq with your uncles Ant and Joe and had a quick visit with your aunt Carol while she zoomed off to work in between baseball games. Mark and Steve made plans to go out for a drink (a drink = 10, you will learn this measurement some day) while I daydreamed about my bed. I was shattered. Apparently as my tiredness increased so did my grumpiness (as pointed out by Mark) who declared that he 'had left one crabbit (Scottish for grumpy) woman at home and didn't need another.' So I dropped everyone off at the bar and headed home to tidy and crash. Your dad crawled into bed sometime around 2 smelling like and brewery and had 4 things to say (on a loop - he said each of them approximately 10 times) 1) that Mark Whitely was a great pool player 2) that Mark Whitley was a great dad 3) That they had the BEST chocolate cake at the Legion (approx. 4 pieces each) and 4) That some guy named Larry was a huge jerk. I'll have to find out the Larry story once your dad wakes up but one theme is clear - your dad has a man-crush on my cousin. I was happy that they seemed to have a good time together though I think that there will be some hurting boys in this house today.
Tomorrow your dad and I celebrate 7 years of marriage! I can't believe how fast time has flown and I guess the old adage is true 'time flies when you are having fun!' I pray that someday you will find someone who loves you as much and treats you as well as your dad does me. We've had some blissfully happy times where there was smooth sailing and some tragic and sad times that tested us but we've come through it all stronger and more in love than ever. And now we wait to welcome you and to complete our little family. I really hope that you are like your dad - funny, sensitive, sweet, laid-back, creative - he really balances me out (tendency toward the dramatic, emotional, pragmatic and bossy:). You may not be born into the richest or smartest family but you will be born into a loving family that likes to laugh. I think it evens out in the end.
Well munchkin, I am off to get a shower and get ready for Mass. Yes, you heard correctly - your mum is heading to Church! I will pray that you are safe and healthy and for your dad's soul which is up in the air at this point. (joking!)
Love you lots Sean,
Mum
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Large and In Charge!
Hello munchkin!
This post has been a looooong time coming, so long in fact that your faithful followers will feel like they've read War and Peace by the end. They will emerge from their offices bleary-eyed smelling like coffee and sweat, cursing me for having taken so long to catch them up on your (our) happenings. I, myself, have never read War and Peace but rumour has it that it is long. Apparently it has many far-reaching themes such as "the place of the individual in history; youth vs age and death; and the pros and cons of acting in conventional ways." Snooze. What it doesn't cover (unlike our little blog here) is the many pros of gigantic underwear during pregnancy, appropriate locations to take a nap (kitchen at work - no, every car ride no matter how short - yes), heartburn (more on that later) and what it is like to lose sight of ones feet. You tell me which sounds more interesting! Oh, War and Peace you say?!? Well then *huff*.
We had the opportunity to see you two weeks ago during an ultrasound and you were looking fantastic! Apparently you are already head-down in anticipation of your future journey into this world. We got a couple of fuzzy pictures of your face because in the words of the tech 'you weren't cooperating' and thus we couldn't get that perfect profile picture that it seems everyone else has of their baby. Ah well, perhaps you didn't look your best and did not feel like having a picture taken. I can relate. Anyone who has ever taken a picture of me knows better than to take a 'candid.' I need time to fluff my hair and pucker my lips in order to look my best for the shot. From what I can see, though, I think that you will look like your dad (who actually looked Asian when he was born ... ) but we are so excited to find out for sure. I asked the technician how much you weighed and she estimated a whopping 3.3 lbs! AT 29 WEEKS! At this rate you are on your way to being a large baby. I had previously thought that since your dad and I aren't especially large people (me at 5ft1 and your dad at 5ft9) we would have a small dainty doll-like baby. I am now rethinking this and am assuming that you will be a roly poly brute. I had forgotten that your dad was 8lbs9 when he was born. As long as you are healthy and arrive safely I don't care how big you are (P crosses and uncrosses legs at the thought).
This past weekend, your Aunts Liz and Laura threw a baby shower for me (you!) and we had 25 wonderful women celebrating your impending arrival. Your Aunt Carol brought the yummy (albeit a tad creepy) cake and worked her backside off to ensure that the shower ran smoothly. To these three women I am forever indebted. There was so much love in the air it was palpable. The weather was absolutely roasting, the food made by the generous hostesses was AMAZING and there was a ton of laughter. Well munchkin, you got absolutely SPOILED!! You received clothing, bath stuff, receiving blankets, a homeade quilt and fleece blanket, clothing with your name on it (I cry everytime I look at it ... this is the truth), stuffies, books, a bassinet, a playpen, toys .... I can't even mention everything that was received. You are one loved little person. Your dad was especially excited at all of the Jeep branded clothing and gifts that you received (he is Jeep-crazy and so are you by default :) - everyone really went out of their way to celebrate YOU! I got really emotional in thanking everyone (and still am in thinking about it) because I am so grateful and feel so blessed to have so many wonderful women in my life. As you can imagine, I really missed your Gram that day but I could almost see her, perched on a chair with a large glass of never-ending wine, enjoying the wonderful day.
In terms of other happenings ... there is not a lot to tell. I have recently had my first bouts of heartburn. I actually had no idea what I was feeling and instead took it for hunger pangs until I spoke with another woman who had heartburn and thought the same thing. Two tums later, I'm as good as new! I feel kind of silly mistaking heartburn for hunger because heartburn is exactly as it sounds ... a burning sensation near your heart. But as your dad always says to me 'it's a good thing that you're cute.' Because basically I'm a moron. A functioning moron, but one nonetheless. I now have Tums in my purse at all times which is making me feel like a 80 year old woman but I digress. I've also developed a large vericose vein on my left knee and my stomach is getting larger and larger, as is my face. I am sure that this has nothing to do with the three tubs of ice cream in the freezer (of different flavours) - at all. This will not go down as the most attractive period in my life but at least, overall, I feel fantastic and I have purchased some really cute outfits to drape over my rotund frame. I haven't had to move into the mumuu stage. Yet.
I am 31 weeks today munchkin!! We are now in the single-digit countdown for your arrival. I get a bit panicked when I think of everything we have yet left to do, but I also know that it will get done and we have a lot of support to get there. Your Uncle Joe is going to paint the room and your Pa is going to put on the wainscott or something similar, as well as purchase the crib for you (thanks Pa!).
Well babe, I am going to sign off for now. The post did not turn out as long as I had anticipated but I am exhausted so I need to eat and lay down (and not necessarily in that order). I plan to check in more often now that the computer is up and running.
Take care of yourself and keep on kicking - it's comforting and I like that other people can now feel it too.
Love you Sean,
Mum
This post has been a looooong time coming, so long in fact that your faithful followers will feel like they've read War and Peace by the end. They will emerge from their offices bleary-eyed smelling like coffee and sweat, cursing me for having taken so long to catch them up on your (our) happenings. I, myself, have never read War and Peace but rumour has it that it is long. Apparently it has many far-reaching themes such as "the place of the individual in history; youth vs age and death; and the pros and cons of acting in conventional ways." Snooze. What it doesn't cover (unlike our little blog here) is the many pros of gigantic underwear during pregnancy, appropriate locations to take a nap (kitchen at work - no, every car ride no matter how short - yes), heartburn (more on that later) and what it is like to lose sight of ones feet. You tell me which sounds more interesting! Oh, War and Peace you say?!? Well then *huff*.
We had the opportunity to see you two weeks ago during an ultrasound and you were looking fantastic! Apparently you are already head-down in anticipation of your future journey into this world. We got a couple of fuzzy pictures of your face because in the words of the tech 'you weren't cooperating' and thus we couldn't get that perfect profile picture that it seems everyone else has of their baby. Ah well, perhaps you didn't look your best and did not feel like having a picture taken. I can relate. Anyone who has ever taken a picture of me knows better than to take a 'candid.' I need time to fluff my hair and pucker my lips in order to look my best for the shot. From what I can see, though, I think that you will look like your dad (who actually looked Asian when he was born ... ) but we are so excited to find out for sure. I asked the technician how much you weighed and she estimated a whopping 3.3 lbs! AT 29 WEEKS! At this rate you are on your way to being a large baby. I had previously thought that since your dad and I aren't especially large people (me at 5ft1 and your dad at 5ft9) we would have a small dainty doll-like baby. I am now rethinking this and am assuming that you will be a roly poly brute. I had forgotten that your dad was 8lbs9 when he was born. As long as you are healthy and arrive safely I don't care how big you are (P crosses and uncrosses legs at the thought).
This past weekend, your Aunts Liz and Laura threw a baby shower for me (you!) and we had 25 wonderful women celebrating your impending arrival. Your Aunt Carol brought the yummy (albeit a tad creepy) cake and worked her backside off to ensure that the shower ran smoothly. To these three women I am forever indebted. There was so much love in the air it was palpable. The weather was absolutely roasting, the food made by the generous hostesses was AMAZING and there was a ton of laughter. Well munchkin, you got absolutely SPOILED!! You received clothing, bath stuff, receiving blankets, a homeade quilt and fleece blanket, clothing with your name on it (I cry everytime I look at it ... this is the truth), stuffies, books, a bassinet, a playpen, toys .... I can't even mention everything that was received. You are one loved little person. Your dad was especially excited at all of the Jeep branded clothing and gifts that you received (he is Jeep-crazy and so are you by default :) - everyone really went out of their way to celebrate YOU! I got really emotional in thanking everyone (and still am in thinking about it) because I am so grateful and feel so blessed to have so many wonderful women in my life. As you can imagine, I really missed your Gram that day but I could almost see her, perched on a chair with a large glass of never-ending wine, enjoying the wonderful day.
In terms of other happenings ... there is not a lot to tell. I have recently had my first bouts of heartburn. I actually had no idea what I was feeling and instead took it for hunger pangs until I spoke with another woman who had heartburn and thought the same thing. Two tums later, I'm as good as new! I feel kind of silly mistaking heartburn for hunger because heartburn is exactly as it sounds ... a burning sensation near your heart. But as your dad always says to me 'it's a good thing that you're cute.' Because basically I'm a moron. A functioning moron, but one nonetheless. I now have Tums in my purse at all times which is making me feel like a 80 year old woman but I digress. I've also developed a large vericose vein on my left knee and my stomach is getting larger and larger, as is my face. I am sure that this has nothing to do with the three tubs of ice cream in the freezer (of different flavours) - at all. This will not go down as the most attractive period in my life but at least, overall, I feel fantastic and I have purchased some really cute outfits to drape over my rotund frame. I haven't had to move into the mumuu stage. Yet.
I am 31 weeks today munchkin!! We are now in the single-digit countdown for your arrival. I get a bit panicked when I think of everything we have yet left to do, but I also know that it will get done and we have a lot of support to get there. Your Uncle Joe is going to paint the room and your Pa is going to put on the wainscott or something similar, as well as purchase the crib for you (thanks Pa!).
Well babe, I am going to sign off for now. The post did not turn out as long as I had anticipated but I am exhausted so I need to eat and lay down (and not necessarily in that order). I plan to check in more often now that the computer is up and running.
Take care of yourself and keep on kicking - it's comforting and I like that other people can now feel it too.
Love you Sean,
Mum
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Cottager In Training
Hi There Munchkin!
I haven't been able to write lately as our computer is pooched (that's the technical term of course!) but I have been receiving pressure from your faithful followers to update them on your development so I have taken my lunch hour at work to check in. Things continue to go very well - the price of blueberries has officially come down! Woo hoo! You may notice that you are ingesting these frequently of late, so frequently that I worry that you will come out looking like a Smurf (you may have to google 'Smurf' once you are able to read this to figure out what the heck I am talking about). Perhaps all of the ice cream that I am also eating will dilute the blue so you will still look relatively human. There is a local Pick-Your-Own blueberry patch that will be opening soon and I am waiting in eager anticipation. That being said, I will probably have to send your dad (whom I can hear outwardly groaning now) given that my belly has basically exploded these past two weeks, throwing off my balance and making me out of breath regularly. I can't imagine that a 6.5 months pregnant lady lurching all over a blueberry patch, huffing and puffing would be a pretty sight - nor would it be good for business.
You are now almost a foot long and about 2 lbs! Last week, in one week alone - you grew 1/2 an inch - in ONE WEEK! Crazy! I haven't grown a half inch since grade three ... and I basically stopped there. Your tremendous growth explains why I am tired and have gained weight (seemingly daily!). As well, I am starving ALL. OF. THE. TIME. The other day your dad and I had to stop at a gas station to purchase some lunchables (two boxes for a two hour trip), despite the fact that they had probably been sitting in that semi-broken gas station refridgerator for ages. If I hadn't stopped for something to eat the situation may have escalated to violence. Your poor poor dad. Ah well. I am not too concerned about the weight gain though, I seem to be pretty consistent with other women at the same 27.5 week stage of this 'delicate condition' (I LOVE that term! Delicate my ass :) ) I absolutely love my belly and I am always touching it or rubbing it. I realize, as I type this, that this behaviour may appear creepy ... but I really don't care (thank you hormones!). My belly, my property. Back off belly haters.
We had a bit of a scare about a week and a half ago. I actually thought that you had tired of your cushy environment and were itching to get out. Yes, I thought my water had broken and you were on your way. Your uncle Anthony and I had just finished a quick lunch at Arby's and were heading to the Jeep when 'whoosh' I thought it was go time. Your poor uncle turned white as he saw my panic-stricken face. A phone call to Telehealth confirmed that I should go to the hospital so your uncles and I picked up your dad from work and he and I headed to Windsor. For once, I was completely silent in the car - my thoughts racing as I worried about the outcome. You have a good chance of making it on 'the outside' at this stage but you would have weighed in at a teeny tiny 1.5lbs and would have been in the hospital for a very long time. I prayed to my mum and everyone else I could think of for your safety. At the hospital I was taken within minutes and in a gown with a monitor strapped to my tummy before I knew it. As it turns out, you were not on your way and instead I had just experienced one of the crazy side affects of pregnancy. (Your dad has a much funnier version ending of this story that I will not disclose to protect the innocent ... ahem, Me). Stay in there will you?!? As excited as we are to meet you, I want to ensure that there is as little time as possible between having you and bringing you home. I'm impatient like that.
This weekend you took your first trip to 'The Cottage.' The Cottage belongs to Aunt Patty and Uncle Mike and is a place where your dad and I have spent many lazy/crazy long weekends with friends and family. (Your dad more than I as The Cottage opened for good times in 1997 and I did not have my first experience until your dad I started dating in 2000). We had not planned to go this weekend but we were in London on Sunday and decided to make the 2 and 1/4 hour drive up and surprise everyone. What a great laugh! Everyone had sussed out that we might make the trip so our 'surprise' really wasn't much of one BUT we were eagerly anticipated and have a Welcome sign to show for it :). *Picture pending* Sunday night entailed gabbing, drinking (non-alcoholic for me of course!), laughing and playing Cottage Trivia around the campfire. Aunt Patty keeps a daily record of cottage life and thus made over 100 questions from the 10 year history of the cottage (ie - In what year and at what long weekend did Steve fall asleep on the flagstone around the campfire?) Yes, Steve is your dad. Yes, he imbibed a bit too much and instead of making the long trek to his bed (note - sarcasm) he lay on the stone beside the dying campfire and slept. No, it wasn't on purpose in an attempt to 'get back to nature.' The questions had us howling and revisiting the phenomenal times at The Cottage. Your dad and I were on the winning team - because we are winners and so will you be! Now, my dearest sweetest boy - you will not be able to read these journals until you are much much older and even then, I may play a little 'revisionist history' with a black marker to protect the innocent (again, ahem ... Me AND your Aunt Liz AND your Aunt Laura ...). I laughed so much at one point that tears streamed down my face and my stomach actually hurt. Sorry about that. You may have been wondering what the heck was going on. I went to bed with raccoon eyes from mascara being displaced all over my face. What a great night.
I haven't been able to write lately as our computer is pooched (that's the technical term of course!) but I have been receiving pressure from your faithful followers to update them on your development so I have taken my lunch hour at work to check in. Things continue to go very well - the price of blueberries has officially come down! Woo hoo! You may notice that you are ingesting these frequently of late, so frequently that I worry that you will come out looking like a Smurf (you may have to google 'Smurf' once you are able to read this to figure out what the heck I am talking about). Perhaps all of the ice cream that I am also eating will dilute the blue so you will still look relatively human. There is a local Pick-Your-Own blueberry patch that will be opening soon and I am waiting in eager anticipation. That being said, I will probably have to send your dad (whom I can hear outwardly groaning now) given that my belly has basically exploded these past two weeks, throwing off my balance and making me out of breath regularly. I can't imagine that a 6.5 months pregnant lady lurching all over a blueberry patch, huffing and puffing would be a pretty sight - nor would it be good for business.
You are now almost a foot long and about 2 lbs! Last week, in one week alone - you grew 1/2 an inch - in ONE WEEK! Crazy! I haven't grown a half inch since grade three ... and I basically stopped there. Your tremendous growth explains why I am tired and have gained weight (seemingly daily!). As well, I am starving ALL. OF. THE. TIME. The other day your dad and I had to stop at a gas station to purchase some lunchables (two boxes for a two hour trip), despite the fact that they had probably been sitting in that semi-broken gas station refridgerator for ages. If I hadn't stopped for something to eat the situation may have escalated to violence. Your poor poor dad. Ah well. I am not too concerned about the weight gain though, I seem to be pretty consistent with other women at the same 27.5 week stage of this 'delicate condition' (I LOVE that term! Delicate my ass :) ) I absolutely love my belly and I am always touching it or rubbing it. I realize, as I type this, that this behaviour may appear creepy ... but I really don't care (thank you hormones!). My belly, my property. Back off belly haters.
We had a bit of a scare about a week and a half ago. I actually thought that you had tired of your cushy environment and were itching to get out. Yes, I thought my water had broken and you were on your way. Your uncle Anthony and I had just finished a quick lunch at Arby's and were heading to the Jeep when 'whoosh' I thought it was go time. Your poor uncle turned white as he saw my panic-stricken face. A phone call to Telehealth confirmed that I should go to the hospital so your uncles and I picked up your dad from work and he and I headed to Windsor. For once, I was completely silent in the car - my thoughts racing as I worried about the outcome. You have a good chance of making it on 'the outside' at this stage but you would have weighed in at a teeny tiny 1.5lbs and would have been in the hospital for a very long time. I prayed to my mum and everyone else I could think of for your safety. At the hospital I was taken within minutes and in a gown with a monitor strapped to my tummy before I knew it. As it turns out, you were not on your way and instead I had just experienced one of the crazy side affects of pregnancy. (Your dad has a much funnier version ending of this story that I will not disclose to protect the innocent ... ahem, Me). Stay in there will you?!? As excited as we are to meet you, I want to ensure that there is as little time as possible between having you and bringing you home. I'm impatient like that.
This weekend you took your first trip to 'The Cottage.' The Cottage belongs to Aunt Patty and Uncle Mike and is a place where your dad and I have spent many lazy/crazy long weekends with friends and family. (Your dad more than I as The Cottage opened for good times in 1997 and I did not have my first experience until your dad I started dating in 2000). We had not planned to go this weekend but we were in London on Sunday and decided to make the 2 and 1/4 hour drive up and surprise everyone. What a great laugh! Everyone had sussed out that we might make the trip so our 'surprise' really wasn't much of one BUT we were eagerly anticipated and have a Welcome sign to show for it :). *Picture pending* Sunday night entailed gabbing, drinking (non-alcoholic for me of course!), laughing and playing Cottage Trivia around the campfire. Aunt Patty keeps a daily record of cottage life and thus made over 100 questions from the 10 year history of the cottage (ie - In what year and at what long weekend did Steve fall asleep on the flagstone around the campfire?) Yes, Steve is your dad. Yes, he imbibed a bit too much and instead of making the long trek to his bed (note - sarcasm) he lay on the stone beside the dying campfire and slept. No, it wasn't on purpose in an attempt to 'get back to nature.' The questions had us howling and revisiting the phenomenal times at The Cottage. Your dad and I were on the winning team - because we are winners and so will you be! Now, my dearest sweetest boy - you will not be able to read these journals until you are much much older and even then, I may play a little 'revisionist history' with a black marker to protect the innocent (again, ahem ... Me AND your Aunt Liz AND your Aunt Laura ...). I laughed so much at one point that tears streamed down my face and my stomach actually hurt. Sorry about that. You may have been wondering what the heck was going on. I went to bed with raccoon eyes from mascara being displaced all over my face. What a great night.
The plan is to take you to The Cottage for a few days with your Aunt Liz at the end of August providing that you and I both feel good (I really believe we will though!) and I look forward to taking a ton of pictures of your first visit from the outside.
Well babe, my lunch hour is up and I have to head back to the grind. Keep growing and stretching. We get to see you in 9 days and we can't wait.
love you lots,
Mom
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)