House Guests

My family came to visit the weekend of November 21st to see our new house and to attend my baby shower. My parents, siblings, sister-in-law, and cousin stayed in our little house, which doesn't seem so small until there are nine people sleeping on beds, air mattress, couches, etc. It was so much fun to have everyone there, even if it was a tad chaotic and I was a little pregnancy cranky at times.

Daddy saved the day by catching a lizard caught in our window. Notice the hero gallantly walking the lizard far away from my house.

Family picture time!

'Staches

Wait!?! How did that get in there?
Well, meet our nephew Joe.

Tired, Cranky, Stressed, Discouraged...

I am now 37 1/2 weeks pregnant and had a doctor's appointment today. The little turkey cooking inside of me (which is done, if you go by my popped-out "done!" outtie belly button) will not stop moving and is now facing my right hip rather than head down like he was a few weeks ago. So, since he's not pushing on the targeted spot, I am not dilated or effaced one iota and probably won't be if he stays where he is. I'm having an ultra sound this week to determine his size and position. The doctor can't induce me if he's not lined up correctly, which means waiting (and waiting, and waiting until we can't wait any longer) or getting a c-section. And although my and the baby's health are the most important things, if I'm not in the hospital by December 31st, this kid is doing to cost us 5,000 more dollars (on top of the almost 5,0000 already spent). So please pray that our baby will be easy-going like his father and not stubborn like his mother and twist and turn so he's like a bullet lined up for a speedy exit. (But let's hope he doesn't come on Christmas!)

Text Messaging

Here are two recent conversations I have had over text messaging with two of my young women. I admit that I was a little snotty in the first conversation. But, in my weak defense, I was tired and my swollen feet hurt, had just driven back from work in rainy rush hour traffic, was running behind, and was doing last minute grocery shopping for Young Women in Excellence, which I knew no young woman would thank me for anyway. And in my strong defense, this girl turned from a sweet Beehive to a snotty, disrespectful Mia Maid. (By the way, it's been almost two weeks and she's still mad at me.)

D: So, there is definitely no one here at the church and I'm waiting here by myself.
Me: And? What's your point?
D: Someone is supposed to be here. Should I just leave?
Me: The leaders said we would be there by at 6:45. Do what you want.
D: Fine.

Another one (verbatim), in regards to using the rest of the Young Women budget before the end of the year:

S: I have a great idea for a money-spending YW activity :-)

(Break: The idea was for the girls to think of things we could supply the closet with that we could use next year, such as items to make jewelry or tie-dye shirts for camp.)

Me: What's that?
S: OK, my sis works at a nail salon and we could all go and get mani-pedi's and eyebrow waxes and facials on newyear's eve and then go back to heidi's and get ready, then go to the dance together :-) the ppl that coudn't buy the mani-pedi's would b the area of money spending XD what do u think???
Me: Sounds fun but I will be in the hospital or home with a new baby and I'm sure the other leaders have plans for the evening. If we had more time left in the year maybe we could do something like that but the Bishop is planning a fun activity. Do you have any ideas of things we can put in the closet for future use?
S: Um...No. :-(

If it's true that I won't be released until I love my calling, then I have a sinking feeling that I will be text messaging the likes of these girls for the rest of my life.

Baby Shower for Baby O

My sister came into town to go on a cruise and, more importantly, to throw me and Baby O a baby shower on November 21st. The theme was circles (for the "O", you see) and the colors were red and orange. It was so, so stinkin' cute and the food was wonderful. Rather than post all of her artsy pictures of all of her artsy decorations, I'll let you click here and see it on her blog. Please be sure to look! You'll be happy you did! My mom and sister-in-law came down from Georgia, my cousin (also here for the cruise) stayed in town a little longer, and my baby sister Catherine surprised me by flying in from Utah -- all for my shower! It made me feel so loved, especially since very few people came from the ward. (*sniff* I never claimed to be popular.) My friend Casey also helped with the shower and brought a darling themed cake.

some of my young women who came to the shower

Early Steps Baby Shower

My fellow employees at Early Steps were sweet enough to throw me a baby shower. Many people contributed money towards gift so I got a lot of nice items. I was so thankful for and touched by their generosity.

The shower throwers: Jennifer, Amanda, and Kimberly

"It's a Pregnancy Thing"

Steve and I were at the mall last night getting a few Christmas presents and baby items. While we were in line at JC Penny, I heard two women whisper in Steve's ear something being pregnant. I touched the back of my jeans thinking maybe "something" had happened but couldn't feel anything. They walked away and said, "It's a pregnancy thing. I had four." I asked Steve what they were talking about and he showed me a square of toilet paper that was stuck to the back of my pants that I had been displaying all around the mall. (And that Steve never noticed.) How is that a pregnancy thing? I'm pretty sure I did stuff like that before I was pregnant. Ask any family member or prior roommate. But I guess if I can blame my stupidity on pregnancy I should do it as long as I can.