One week to go!

It is ALMOST here (finally)! Just one week until we know if we'll be seeing pink or blue! I think it's definitely going to make things a little more "real." When you finally start seriously talking about names, registering, and doing all the other things in preparation for baby's arrival! I just keep having these thoughts that baby isn't going to cooperate and I'm not going to get to know, and then I'm really going to be freaking out!

On the house front we may be closer to getting someone in! We actually were expecting that our tennant would be moving in this week, but the Atlanta Housing Authority had other plans for us. We received our tennants voucher and filled it out on July 23rd. We sent that back to our real estate agent, who transcribed the info, and dropped it off at the AHA. 3 weeks later (2 weeks ago) on the 14th, our tennant called us to see if we knew what was going on because she had called the AHA and they had no records of her voucher being turned in. I called the AHA and Dave called our agent in a panic- the AHA had no record, and the agent had turned in our forms. We had to start all over again (it's a 3-4 week process, at least) with our prospective tennant having to pick up a new voucher. We are currently waiting on the forms to be overnighted to us- which means they should be arriving today. We fill everything out, sign it, and then either return it to our agent or to the AHA to wait again. The process consists of a credit and background check on Dave (to make sure we own the house and aren't in foreclosure) and who knows what else. Then the AHA comes to inspect the house, and when it gets the ok, our tennant finally has a place to live. I haven't seen our house in over 2 months :( I assume it's still standing...

Once someone is in our house, and we are receiving rent for it, we can move toward finding our own place to live. I wish I could say we'd been able to save money during the 3 months I've lived up here, but with my not having a job until about a month ago, it really hurt more than helped us. We've paid our bills, and eliminated some of the debt (Dave's car! All we have left is our student loans- we have no credit card debt)! We've saved some money not having to pay for cable, phone or the net, but our storage unit made up for that! We are hoping to receive something from the insurance company on our storage unit, and we have to put some money back into our "tax acct" (we used this money to take taxes out of my nannying paychecks since I didn't pay taxes). I think i've set a reasonable goal for us to be moved out of here by December (sooner would be better), but December allows us to save a lot of money b\c renting a house or apartment here will be more than our mortgage. We just need everything to go smoothly this time! In 4 weeks we will hopefully have someone in our house, and that's what matters!

I now need to get ready for work- today starts my 7 day work week- yes, let's pick on the pregnant girl.

week 19- baby mango/heirloom tomato

How your baby's growing:Your baby's sensory development is exploding! Her brain is designating specialized areas for smell, taste, hearing, vision, and touch. Some research suggests that she may be able to hear your voice now, so don't be shy about reading aloud, talking to her, or singing a happy tune if the mood strikes you.Your baby weighs about 8 1/2 ounces and measures 6 inches, head to bottom — about the size of a large heirloom tomato. Her arms and legs are in the right proportions to each other and the rest of her body now. Her kidneys continue to make urine and the hair on her scalp is sprouting. A waxy protective coating called the vernix caseosa is forming on her skin to prevent it from pickling in the amniotic fluid.

As always from BabyCenter

Almost halfway there! 1 week and 1 day until our next ultrasound!

stomach maladies!

boy, has baby McFadden gotten mommy's stomach all out of whack. first it was non-stop cramping (this was before I had taken a pregnancy test). the cramping still comes and goes, but it was pretty bad to begin with. then came the constipation, which I really didn't mind- I mean, not having to poop = awesome. then came the nausea and vomiting, which has lasted through my current week (week 18), but seems to be tapering off! with that I was finally unconstipated, but won't go into detail. if you are friends with me on facebook you may have seen that I flooded the basement of my in-laws house, not once, but twice (all in 1 week and 2 different toilets). now, part of this was the fact that their plumbing is really bad (this is according to the contractor who was remodeling their bathroom and saved me from the 2nd flooding by turning off the water in the entire house), and part of it was me (and probably his other pregnant sister who stays there a few nights a week). thanks to me though, there are 4 new toilets in the house, and they are fancy!

my latest problem is the inability to feel full sometimes. i really felt it last night. for dinner we had breakfast and I ate 3 pieces of bacon, a couple spoonfuls of eggs, a bowl of cheese grits, 1 blueberry pancake and 3 pecan pancakes (pancakes were small). Dave and I then went to Target to get our nephew a present for his 1st Birthday Party tomorrow, and on the way back home I wanted a hot fudge sundae from McDonald's (they have delicious sundae's). I ate all of that and then drank a glass of milk. needless to say I wasn't awake much longer after all that! I hope this calms down. I hate feeling gluttonous!

Update on my OCD Baby List.

There are now 34 women on my list. 8 have already given birth with 1 due any day now. 5 of the babies were girls, 4 boys.

7 people on the list are related to me (8 including myself). All are cousins, with the exception of my sister-in-law. 2 have been born (boy and girl). Of those on the way 2 are girls, 1 is a boy, 1 isn't finding out, and 2 aren't at 20 weeks yet.

The next 5 babies due are all boys. After that it's 7 girls, 3 boys and 1 mystery!

10 are at less than 20 weeks with me being the next to find out. 3 of those have announced their pregnancies THIS WEEK!

I made this list to keep up with names b\c I want to be safe on the baby name front- so far I am. This thing has turned more into a kind of math project!

Let's just say that baby fever is in the air. Every day at work I come into contact w\ at least 10 pregnant women + a few with newborns! Must be a good time to have a baby!! Does this mean the economy is turning around?!

Next Dr.'s appointment is on Monday!!

have i complained about work yet?

oh yes, it's time. so I was the proud recipient of a job at Target, because no one wants a pregnant nanny, or a pregnant anything for that matter I guess (although that is illegal, it happens). so i am delighted to "help you find something" at Target, and even more delighted to help myself to a 10% discount as long as I write a check or pay cash.

so as a cashier I have to check people out, but I work at SuperTarget, which is basically like working at a grocery store b\c most people buy groceries there. i don't understand people. if they are buying 5 12-packs of coke, they think they need to put all 5 on the belt, and then I have to lift all 5. they put their 24-pack waters on the belt, they put their 40-lb dog food on the belt. I feel it's pretty obvious that I'm pregnant, but people must be oblivious. I usually just scan the items and ask if they mind lifting "because I can't." I am not allowed to lift anything over 15 lbs according to Dr. Uma. Everyone probably just thinks I'm a wimp.

Now, Dr. Uma said I could stand, but I read that lots of standing can lead to premature labor, and lots of other things I'm already worried about. I took the liberty of telling my co-workers I needed to sit b\c I can't stand for long periods of time. Geez, I know friends who sit at a desk all day and are exhausted, I think they can give me a chair. So, I got a stool. It has no back support, and is hardly conducive to cashiering, but I do get to sit once every hour+ for about 30 seconds... It's not so bad if i work a short shift, but anything over 4 hours gives me raging back and foot pain. i'm definitely consulting with the dr. regarding this.

also. I put an open schedule b\c i wanted the job, and they like that better, of course. i didn't want to work Sunday's, but I told them I would in the interview. I also told them that I would prefer days b\c I have a baby on the way, and a husband, and I married him b\c I like spending time with him. I told them I would work at night, but not every night. Someone there obviously didn't get the memo. I now see my precious husband for only 2 hours a day. I know i'm very lucky to get that b\c I have a friend who is expecting and her husband is overseas, but I currently live w\ my husband and would like to see him more. I'm going to see how long they keep me on this schedule, and try not to complain too much. If I could've found a regular 9-5 upon arriving this probably wouldn't even be an issue!

I do have tomorrow off, so I will actually be here when my husband returns from work, and not the other way around! Looking forward to that! Just praying that my work schedule will change b\c I want to spend all the time I can with him these next 5 months!

Week 18- Baby Bell Pepper (you choose the color)

How your baby's growing:Head to rump, your baby is about 5 1/2 inches long (about the length of a bell pepper) and he weighs almost 7 ounces. He's busy flexing his arms and legs — movements that you'll start noticing more and more in the weeks ahead. His blood vessels are visible through his thin skin, and his ears are now in their final position, although they're still standing out from his head a bit. A protective covering of myelin is beginning to form around his nerves, a process that will continue for a year after he's born. If you're having a girl, her uterus and fallopian tubes are formed and in place. If you're having a boy, his genitals are noticeable now, but he may hide them from you during an ultrasound.

From BabyCenter

dreams of...

now i'm totally confused. I dreamed twice as previously mentioned, that I gave birth to a nameless boy who looked like the boy I used to nanny, and last night I dreamt that I had a girl, except I actually dreamed the labor process and everything. If labor is anything like it was in my dream, I could do it in my sleep, which is probably why this was a dream. Or I had a darn good epidural.

So boy or girl. It can't be both, it's been confirmed!

Ah, the confusion...

2 weeks to go!

no signs of relief

morning sickness is apparently never going to way. at least it seems that way to me. it's endless. at first I thought it would be gone by week 12- the end of the first trimester, nope. then a lot of people said they felt better by week 14- not me. then my Dr. said I should be feeling better by week 16- wrong. Although i haven't been physically ill in about a week, the nausea is awful still. I haven't felt well since waking up this morning, and my pill obviously hasn't had time to take affect. Here I have to be at work in about 90 minutes, and I feel like death. I had a similar problem at work on Saturday, where I worked only a short shift, but the last 2 hours were absolute torture.

morning sickness makes no sense. sometimes i have days, even a week where i've felt wonderful, but there are other times where every day seems to be a struggle. i am on my last refill of my 2nd prescription of zofran, 9 pills left, and I go back to the Dr. on Monday. Here i'm hoping that Dr. Uma will have some insight to why I still feel like death at nearly 5 months in!

In more delightful news we have only 2 weeks until we find out what flavor baby we are having. See poll to share your thoughts.

In even worse news we hit a roadblock with our house. Even though we filled out all necessary paperwork for the AHA on July 23, that our real estate agent says he dropped off, the city of Atlanta hasn't seen this paperwork and therefore we are not in the process of having our house approved. Here we thought that our tennant would be moving in during the next 2 weeks, and we now have to start all over. She has to go pick up her voucher all over again, which has to be filled out again, which has to be dropped off again, which has a waiting period of 35 days again, then a home inspection. It's a mess. So maybe by the end of September we will have someone living in our home. One can only hope.

Week 17- Baby Turnip

How your baby's growing: Your baby's skeleton is changing from soft cartilage to bone, and the umbilical cord — her lifeline to the placenta — is growing stronger and thicker. Your baby weighs 5 ounces now (about as much as a turnip), and she's around 5 inches long from head to bottom. She can move her joints, and her sweat glands are starting to develop.

From BabyCenter

Still experience a little nausea, and yes, even vomiting. I've finally found a way to sleep on my side comfortably though! We find out the flavor of baby in just 3 short weeks!

Still having lots of weird dreams which I've read is not unusual. Twice I dreamed that we had a boy- with no name- who looked exactly like the boy I used to nanny. This baby also didn't go anywhere with me.

Predicting Genders: The night before my sister-in-law, Shannon found out the sex of her baby, I dreamt she was having a girl- she is. Then, Sunday night, I dreamed that my friends Joel & Rebecca were having a boy. On Monday they found out they were having a girl- I was wrong! BUT, my friend Lindsay also found out the sex of her baby that day, and she is indeed having a boy. Who knows what any of this means.

Working a long week this week- 27.5 hours- too much standing for me. Trying to rest the best I can at night, but the standing doesn't really help- I prefered the walking around Chicago...

whirlwind weekend

My parents and brother were in Chicago over the last 6 days. Of course, i'm very sad that they're gone, but was glad to have them here and show them around. It was a good Chicago experience. I think we did the best of the best!

Thursday: Arrival- Picked up pizza from Lou Malnatti's (restaurant too crowded), checked them into hotel, ate pizza at hotel, left for the evening to give them some rest. At home I went through 1 of the 2 garbage bags full of maternity clothes that were sent to me! Bed.

Friday: I was so excited, I woke up at 6:30 am, they however didn't arrive until 11:30. Picked up my first (2!) checks from work, picked up Dave and went to lunch at Buffalo Wild Wings. Had the hottest, messiest wings ever. Dropped Dave back off at work. Went shopping at Woodfield, checked out the Motherhood Store and A Pea in a Pod, probably won't be buying anything at Pea although they have this gorgeous shirt that I want. Ate a delish mall pretzel and had a frozen cherry lemonade. Drove around the Streets of Woodfield. Headed back to the hotel to wait for Dave. Met David & Debbie & John & Sally at The Assemby for dinner. Went back to hotel to decide on plans for next day. Home and bed.

Saturday: Woke up early, drove to Wrigleyville, found free parking. Walked to Wrigley, took pictures around the entire perimeter. Tours were sold out. While walking around, we found out there was a free game going on at Wrigley. Got into stadium for free. Mom & I sat while the guys walked around. Watched the high school home run derby. Left Wrigley, had lunch at The Cubby Bear. Drove to Graceland Cemetery. Drove around Graceland Cemetery. Mom & I were dropped off at Union Station. Bought train tickets, took the train back to Bartlett. Boys went to US Cellular to watch the White Sox game. Mom & I took dogs out once back in Bartlett then headed to hotel. Cleaned up. Headed to Pasta Mia for a delicious dinner. Chocolate Italian Ice. Went to Target to pick up some things. Headed back to hotel to wait on boys. Listened to boys talk about trip to US Cellular. Decided on plans for Sunday. Home and bed.

Sunday: Woke up, waited on family. Decided to go to Arlington Park. Got to Arlington, and was very confused. Missed first horse race. Walked around indoors for a while. Found seats for 2nd race, and finally getting the hang of things! Placed bets on 3rd race. Sandwich for lunch. Almost won $400+ in the trifecta had I not switched "place" and "show." Didn't win anything in 4th race, but picked the correct winner. Didn't win 5th race either. Derek cashes out with $4.20. Headed back to Bartlett, dinner at Dogfather's. Chicago Hotdogs! Picked up desserts at Oberweiss. Drove to Temple on 59 and drove around amazed at it. Headed back to Dave's parents house with desserts. Spent time with Grace. Ate dessert. Decided we'd go putt-putt. Lost horribly to Dave & Derek, but I got the only hole in one! Decided on plans for Monday. Home and bed.

Monday: Woke up early. Drove to Bartlett train station. Caught train into city. Walked to Sears (Willis) tower. Made it through security. Cut line because our tickets were at Will Call! Watched movie on tower. Took elevator up to 103rd floor. Viewed the city from all angles. Actually talked myself into standing out on the new SkyDeck. Never looked down. Left tower, starving. Walked back to Union. Caught #124 bus to Navy Pier. Headed into shops for lunch. I decided on Taqueria. Got a chorizo burrito, probably not a good decision. Ate and then walked entire length of pier. Baby makes me so tired. Mom & I walked back the length of the pier indoors! Dave & Derek decided to walk to Buckingham Fountain. We took the water taxi to museums. Best decision ever! Walked to Field Museum- Free Target Second Monday's! Viewed the Ancient Americas exhibit. Dave & Derek finally showed up. Boys walked to Soldier Field, Mom & I chilled in Museum lobby. Caught water taxi again- first to Navy Pier. Transfered at Navy Pier to go to Union. Caught train back to Bartlett. Took dogs out at home. Drove to Japan 77. Thought we'd never eat- so crowded. Extra chef called into work. Finally dinner! Annoying drunk guys sitting at next table. Annoying drunk guys leave. One gets on motorcycle and drives off w\o a helmet. Stuffed full of Japan food. Back to home. Hug family goodbye. Family leaves. I cry. Bed.

Tuesday-Saturday. Work. Not excited at all.

week 16: baby avacado

How your baby's growing:Get ready for a growth spurt. In the next few weeks, your baby will double his weight and add inches to his length. Right now, he's about the size of an avacado: 4 1/2 inches long (head to rump) and 3 1/2 ounces. His legs are much more developed, his head is more erect than it has been, and his eyes have moved closer to the front of his head. His ears are close to their final position, too. The patterning of his scalp has begun, though his locks aren't recognizable yet. He's even started growing toenails. And there's a lot happening inside as well. For example, his heart is now pumping about 25 quarts of blood each day, and this amount will continue to increase as your baby continues to develop.

from Babycenter

heading into week 16

my parents and brother will be making their first visit to Chicago this week. i couldn't be more thrilled! finally, someone from home! plus, i haven't seen them in about 6 weeks, which feels like much longer! i'll expand more on that after they've left i'm sure. for the sake of good updates though, let's take a closer look at week 15:

from "Baby Center"

How your baby's growing:Your growing baby now measures about 4 inches long, crown to rump, and weighs in at about 2 1/2 ounces (about the size of an apple). She's busy moving amniotic fluid through her nose and upper respiratory tract, which helps the primitive air sacs in her lungs begin to develop. Her legs are growing longer than her arms now, and she can move all of her joints and limbs. Although her eyelids are still fused shut, she can sense light. If you shine a flashlight at your tummy, for instance, she's likely to move away from the beam. There's not much for your baby to taste at this point, but she is forming taste buds. Finally, if you have an ultrasound this week, you may be able to find out whether your baby's a boy or a girl! (Don't be too disappointed if it remains a mystery, though. Nailing down your baby's sex depends on the clarity of the picture and on your baby's position. He or she may be modestly curled up or turned in such a way as to "hide the goods.").