My life at 39 Weeks!

I have so many things I wanted to title this post because I have a lot to report!

First of all, yes, I'm still pregnant. Emilia seems quite content with waiting this out. Everyone keeps saying she's going to show up late because her Dad is ALWAYS late. But, J and I have decided that she'll probably make her grand entrance on exactly April 6th (her due date) because I like to be early and J is always late. So, we think it will even out and she'll come exactly when she's due, not before and not after. Is it too early in her life to start bribing her to do what I want?? (O:

This past weekend made me realize that I'm starting to lose my patience and I am becoming increasingly crabby at the drop of a hat. Take yesterday, for instance. Jason and I went to an afternoon showing of "I Love You, Man" at the movie theater. Because I have the bad habit of leaving my purse at the movie theater, I've made it a habit to only take in my debit card. So, J drops me off at the front door to purchase tickets while he parks the car. I walk in, purchase our tickets and decide I should get a snack. I order a Sprite and some Junior Mints. I hand my card to the girl and she asks for my ID. Now, normally, I'm the type to already have my ID ready because I know if my card isn't signed they are supposed to ask and can refuse service if I cannot produce said ID. Well, just my luck, today I left my ID in my wallet, in my purse, in the van. So, I'm staring at this girl, telling her my ID is in the van and ask 'So, you can't give me my snacks because I don't have my ID?" She says "No". I immediately get completely ticked off (even though I KNOW she's only doing her job and under un-pregnant, normal circumstances, I would have thanked her for not accepting payment without verifying my identity). In my head, I'm yelling at her saying "So, you all will let me purchase the TICKETS without an ID, but no SNACKS??" But, I decided against arguing with this poor teenager. I did not, however, refrain from slamming my Junior Mints down on the counter and storming off. About this time, Jason was at the ticket counter waiting for me to give him his ticket. He could tell right away that something was wrong. He asked, I explained and huffed off to our theater. We get to our seats and I'm still mad about it. He asks if I want him to go get snacks for me with his card and ID and I just say "No". I'm too mad now anyway. Can you believe that???! I must have some serious pregnancy hormones kicking in, or I'm just getting tired of being pregnant! I never, Ever act like that about something so trivial. After the movie, once I had calmed down, I was so embarrassed about how I had acted. Poor girl, just trying to work a part-time job for gas money and she has some crazy, fat, pregnant lady slamming down Junior Mints (that she doesn't even need) all because she's doing her job! Ugh, what's wrong with me!

I always want to say that Jason has been really great this entire pregnancy! His latest wonderful act makes me feel somewhat sorry for him, actually. You may or may not know that I have a lot of trouble breathing through my nose, and therefore really only ever breathe through my mouth. Ordinarily, this is fine. The only annoyance is that I'm a heavy breather when I'm sleeping because of it. I know it took some getting used to for Jason when we first got married. Well, it's gotten much worse! My breathing has become much more labored (mostly due to Emilia taking up all my extra space and pressing on my lungs). This has, in turn, made my heavy nighttime breathing more of a snore. It's gotten SO BAD that my poor, dear husband has moved to the couch!! A few nights ago, he woke up and said I can't take it anymore, I'm going to sleep on the couch! I apologized (half asleep). The next day we talked about it and he said he feels so bad for me because it's my breathing all the time that's gotten worse. He knows I can't help it and he's just sleeping on the couch because the snoring is keeping him up all night. Anyone who knows Jason knows that we are jokesters and like to give each other a hard time about pretty much everything. I can honestly tell you, this is one thing he hasn't given me a hard time about at all! I'm so impressed and relieved. How awful to be kicked out of your own bed by a snoring, pregnant wife! I just keep telling him that hopefully it will go away when Emilia gets here!

And, to make Jason look even better- I've been craving hot dogs and macaroni and cheese again (I posted a blog a long time ago about making that for dinner and how Jason was less than pleased)... Well, he came home from work the other day with a pack of hot dogs for me! He's still not uber-excited about having to eat this meal with me, but, he isn't complaining about it! So, tonight is hot dogs and mac 'n' cheese night! Mmm-MMM!! (O:

So, there's my update. I'm still pregnant, getting crabby, snoring like a monster and making my husband eat kid food. (O:

Things, they are(n't) a changin'...

At least not yet! Since I'm only 38 weeks 3 days preggo today, I guess I shouldn't be too disappointed that Emilia wasn't ready to just shoot out at the doctor today. She's still cookin'. I have no changes from last week- still 2cm dilated and 50% effaced. We'll see what next week holds!

Oh, and the doctor has mentioned early induction to me twice now...I think it's weird to be bringing that up when I'm not even at or past my due date yet and there aren't any problems or concerns with my pregnancy. I guess maybe there are some people who would opt to be induced at 39 weeks, but I'm not one of them. I want to just go into labor naturally and at Emilia's pace...as long as her pace includes arriving by April 6th. I told the doctor I'd like to wait until at least my due date to discuss being induced because, let's face it, if I go past April 6th, I WILL be ready to have her here!

The only other thing the doctor mentioned was that my blood pressure was a little high this week. I told her my legs/ankles/feet and hands are getting more swollen also. But, apparently as long as there is no protein in my urine, I'm OK. (Currently, there is no protein in my urine, so that's good news). But, I'm really starting to dread waking up every day because all the joints of my hands and fingers ache so badly. It's hard to grib anything, even my pillow or cell phone, and I have to just shake them around until they start to loosen up. I'm hoping this is a pregnancy thing that goes away swiftly upon delivery of my sweet baby girl.

Speaking of sweet Emilia, I'm checking out for dresses for fall on Ebay...better get back to it! (O:

Hello Spring!

I'm so excited that the weather is warming up and things are starting to bloom! Spring is my favorite season and I'm glad it seems to be on its way in! I can't wait for all the trees to be green and for all the flowers people have planted to start blooming away! There is just something about the sun shining and warm weather to get anyone in a good mood!

I can tell that Spring is in the air because it has taken up residence in my sinuses...my allergies are starting to kick in. It's not the greatest feeling, but I'd take a little allergies with Springtime weather any day! Not to mention, Spring weather and allergies are all signs that April 6th is getting closer!!! I would take on anything for little Emilia!!

So hit me with your best shot, Springtime! I'm ready! (O:

Three Years Ago Today

Three years ago today, Grams passed away. I want to take a couple minutes and remember all the wonderful things that made her so special.

Hilda (Emilia) Bolet Dunn was born and raised in Havana, Cuba. She moved to the U.S. when she was 17. Even though she spent most of her life here, her accent never faded. She had such a beautiful accent and a warm, loving voice. She explained to me once why she sometimes would speak more slowly was because she had to translate her thoughts from Spanish into English before speaking. I always thought that was amazing.

She was so proud of where she came from and wanted me to be proud of my Cuban heritage also. Every summer, when Clare and I would visit her, she would sit us down at least once to tell us more about Havana and the rest of the country. At the time, I wasn't completely interested and looking back I wish I would have soaked up every minute of that special time together. When I was in Jr. High I had to do a book report on a foreign country, so I chose Cuba. She was delighted and even sent me a whole book on Cuba! Then, in High School, I took Spanish all four years and she was so proud. Once I had to do an interview completely in Spanish, so I called her in Florida and you could tell in her voice how thrilled she was that I chose her to interview.

I'm named Hilda Ann because up until I was born they thought I was a boy. So, when I popped out a girl, they didn't have any names picked out. So, I'm named after both my Grandmas. Hilda is my dad's mom's first name and Ann is my mom's mom's middle name. It was no secret that I was Grandma Hilda's favorite grandchild because we shared her name- she never actually said anything like that, she's too kind for that. But, even at her funeral, all us grandkids got to talking about it. And because I was her namesake (as she often called me in her letters), she always called me Hilda Annie. The rest of the world was calling me Annie, but to Grams I was always Hilda Annie. For most of my life, I hid the fact that my first name was Hilda, except when it came to Grams. I loved that she called me Hilda Annie.

This is a story I wasn't actually present for, but it was told to me by my Aunt Emilia at Grams' funeral. Once Grams got so sick and she was in the hospital and we knew her time was near, all her children flew out to be with her. By this time, she could no longer speak, but she was still fully congniscent and aware of everything around her. This was in March of 2006 and Jason and I were already working on our plans for our mission trip to Africa that September. Grams was so excited for this great opportunity for us. At some point, the family was sitting around discussing out upcoming trip, but no one could remember where we were going. They kept saying Kenya and finally Grams took a piece of paper and wrote out 'Rwanda', which is where we were going. I can't figure out why, but this story touched me so deeply. Even in her last days, she was thinking about me (and everyone else in her family) and it breaks my heart.

My heart is still broken at the fact that she never got to meet Jason, even though she knew all about him. We had several long discussions about him and what it took to make a relationship work. She always told me the key to any good relationship is communication. She couldn't have been more right about that. It also breaks my heart everytime I think about my little Emilia. Grams would have been absolutely elated to find out we were using her middle name for our baby girl. It almost brings me to tears to know Emilia will never know completely how special her namesake truly is. One thing I wish for is a picture of the Hilda's and Emilia's in our family and it's so sad that Grams can't be a part of that.

I know she's looking down on me from Heaven and smiling all the time. She's probably grabbing Jesus' forearm (as she often did when she was talking to someone) as she tells him, see that, that's My Hilda Annie.

I love you Grams.

This is one of the pictures taken on my last visit to Grams' house before she passed away.

I spoke too soon...

Yesterday I attended Leland's 2nd birthday party. It was comprised mostly of adults and about half of the women were pregnant! (Not shocking since Elise and Jillian were both there and then one of Aunt Julie's friends is also pregnant).

Anyway, our conversation eventually led to all things preggo. Part of our discussion was about stretch marks- who had them and where. I proudly stated that I didn't have any on the stomach yet, but that I did have them on my hips, boobs, butt and thighs (that part not so proudly).

I have gone so long without having any stretch marks on my stomach that I had started thinking of it as an accomplishment- like something I have done has kept them at bay... Well, they called my bluff! I just got out of the shower and was making my daily inspection of my belly in the mirror...and there they were! A tiny little cluster of of very pale stretch marks! I had to break out a hand held mirror to get close enough to actually discern what I was seeing, but it's true. As of right now it's one small cluster on the right under-side of my belly and I *think* another small cluster on the left under belly. But, I'm sure these were the scouts sent in to see how much room there was and if there was any resistance before calling in the rest of the troops. There's also a long mark that is either a self-inflicted scratch (which happens often), or it's the mother of all stretch marks making a grand entrance...the coming days should tell all.

I like a piece of flair I saw once concerning stretch marks. It says "Real Women Have Stretch Marks" (if I remember correctly). I'm not trying to say that women who don't have pregnancy-related stretch marks aren't real women...but, something about telling myself that this makes me a real woman helps me. Don't ask why. Also, it's weird to think, but absolutely true, that I already love my little Emilia Grace so much that I'm not even concerned about the physical state of my body. All of this is for her. I'm proud to be her momma and I'm so excited to meet her! (O:

A wonderful surprise!

Yesterday when I got to work, this is what was waiting for me!

The ladies in my office threw me a surprise shower! This is my beautifully decorated desk...

Here's a close up of the adorable basket they gave me. (There was also a card signed by everyone and a generous amount of cash to be used for whatever baby needs we still have!)

I loved the cupcake tower and even though you can't see the napkins and plates, they were so cute! The had little animals on them (I remember a lion and giraffe...the other 2 I'm drawing a blank...)

My co-worker, Kim, made all these adorable cupcakes topped with the letter "E" for my Emilia!

Another co-worker, Ellen (cake designer extraordinaire!) made this awesome cake! It looks like a quilt. (O:

I don't think I can say it enough how much I enjoy where I work and who I work with. Of course with this many women, there is plenty of drama, but I still am SO thankful that God moved into this great office. The women (for the most part) are all so giving and loving. I know they sincerely care about me and are truly excited about our little girl. I've never worked somewhere that I felt so loved and appreciated. It was a great day. (O:

'At least they aren't on my calves'

This is what I was saying to myself while examining the growing number of stretch marks I have acquired on my bum and the backs of my legs. I was doing this while in the (single user) bathroom on the other end of our office building.

Then, I sigh, pull my pants up and wash my hands. I have this thing about using a paper towel to open bathroom doors because I have no idea if everyone else washes their hands before exiting and I'm sure plenty of people Don't! Anyway, I take my paper towel to turn the door knob only to find out....I NEVER SHUT THE DOOR ALL THE WAY!!!! It was barely cracked, but still! I'm SO glad everyone on that end of the building leaves at 3:00 because it would have been mortifying for someone to walk in on me! Especially while I was booty-up, looking at my lovely stretch marks.

It's healthy to laugh at yourself... (O:

I've been jinxed! (But what's in a name...)

This may appear as a somewhat synical blog post, but read until the end...I get to a happier place. (O:

I would like to take a moment and thank my dear, darling, wonderful friend, Jaime. Up until a few days ago I was blissfully unaware that anyone else had ever even heard of the name Emilia. I knew Amelia was gaining popularity, which was a little alarming. But, I held onto the fact that there were no other Emilia's to speak of.

Then, last Friday, my lovely friend sends me a link to babyname.com which had Amelia/Emilia listed as #11 for 2008! WHAT??? I almost lost it that day. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. I literally almost cried because I was so upset over it. Here, we thought we had chosen a name that would be unique for our little girl and it has so much love and meaning behind it. Needless to say, it took some serious calming down on Friday because I was pretty upset about it. But, Jason just reassured me that it was fine, even if she had to be Emilia W. for the rest of her life.

But, that is not where this story ends...oh no! That would be just too simple!

I attended Christin's baby shower on Saturday morning. It was a wonderful brunch style shower, complete with cinnamon rolls, muffins and OJ. She had a great turn out and it was lots of fun. That is, until I heard some more disturbing news! LeeAnn told me their older sister, Laura is having another little girl...and GUESS, just GUESS what they are naming her...EMILIA!! Spelled the same and everything. And to add to that, LeeAnn also works with a girl that just had a daughter and named her Emilia! This is just too much! I had never heard of anyone with that name except my Grams and Aunt and now they are sprouting up everywhere!

I did learn that both Laura and the girl LeeAnn works with are naming them Emilia, but intending to call them by the nickname, Emmy. This provided me with a little comfort because that seems to be the trend. Anyone using the name Amelia/Emilia has a nickname already planned out to use where Jason and I will be calling our baby girl Emilia until she's old enough to tell us she wants to go by some nickname. We've talked about using Mia as a nick name at home, but at school, church or wherever, she will be called Emilia until she tells us otherwise.

So, that's my silver lining. At least all these other people aren't using the full name. I can't see why not, it's such a beautiful name (no bias whatsoever, haha). But, I'm also not going to question anyone! They can call her Fred for all I care! (That would be weird though).

Oh, and to add to my complete obsession over this- I've spent some time researching some baby name websites. This is something I did when we first found out we were having a girl. I wanted to find out where Emilia ranked in the baby name world. This was several months ago and back then Emilia was ranked in the mid-400's while Amelia was in the mid-100's. Neither was super common or popular, so I wasn't worried. When I re-checked both names after this new, and somewhat tragic, information was made known to me and both names have started creeping up. Amelia is now at 76 and Emilia is now at 372. It might not seem like much, but for only a few months to have passed, those are a little drastic of changes. Which means the names really are on the rise! The last survey available on the Social Security Administration website is from 2007, so it listing Emilia in the 400's doesn't matter to me.

All in all, I think the babyname.com website's information isn't the most reliable, considering no other websites have either spelling listed anywhere near as high. But, that doesn't change the fact that people are sprouting up all over using Emilia.

It will all be OK, even if she is Emilia W. her entire life. She's our Emilia W. (O:

I need to borrow a bubble to live in...

It seems like everyone around me is coming down with one illness or another. My coworker, Kim, is out today because her daughter has strep and she thinks she might have it now too. Another lady is out sick with, I think, a stomach bug or something. Another girl's daughters are both sick, I don't know with what.

I told my office manager I'm going to start spraying down anyone who wants to enter my office. I just worry about getting sick so close to the end of my pregnancy. I'm already tired 95% of the time; I don't need some illness knocking me down and out with only 5 weeks left to get all the last minute details under control!

I guess I don't actually have that much, or anything really, left to get done before Emilia's grand entrance. But, I would still prefer to stay healthy for the next month.

Jaime was also worried this morning about a rash on Jax's little cheeks. I really appreciate her concern for me, but luckily it was just an eczema flare up. I say luckily because she was worried about it being fifths disease or something contagious. Since I was loving on Jax all last night, I'm glad it wasn't anything I have to worry about. But, I hope it gets cleared up with the meds, poor little guy!

So, that's it. That is why I want to live with the Boy in the Bubble for the next 5 weeks.