Monday, October 27, 2008

The ups and downs of week 29

I am typing this post with one finger as I lay in bed curled in the position baby is in- my reason, the flu. Baby and I headed to Boston for Saturday and Sunday to meet the Riadha Board (those that support my running) and to cheer on the rest of the team at Mayors Cup. The ongoing joke was that I was going to suit up for the race. I did my best as cheerleader instead as the pregnant lady waddled/tried to surge around the course yelling words of encouragement-good thing I had warmed up with the team. Fortunately, it was a spectator friendly course. Baby and I met the whole board and were finally able to say thank you to an amazing group of people, generous as can be too. Our time in Boston was great, the leaves amazing. Baby was really wild on the flights, lots of big kicks to the ribs. I could hear him/her saying "WEEEE!!!" Maybe this baby will have the tough stomach that both mom and dad do not. This past week I had a dream baby was a boy with hair and daddy was very possessive of his little guy- time will tell. Meanwhile Daddy Burla (Adam) returned from his road trip to Arizona and Vegas. Hooray our heater is back. Our house was at 56 degrees at one point. Adam and I decided on the phone today to go green (no or very low heat) until baby is born. He had a great time in Vegas- he'll have to take me sometime just for a weekend we decided, to see shows. He was in awe of the replicas of the Statue of Liberty, the pyramids, Eiffel Tower, etc. He said the Pirate show, fountain shows, and magic shows we amazing. He also saw the Hoover Dam on the drive and took pictures of that, none from Vegas-silly. Adam was antsy for us to return Sunday. He went about as far as he could go before security to greet us. I think he was most happy to see the belly again. He laughed at the maternity jeans. We did lots of snuggling before and after I started throwing up. He made sure to kiss baby before leaving for work and was sweet about checking in despite his busy day. He did not like hearing that I got sick again mid morning. Another new development is that we might change our boy name. Adam realized it sounded too much like a potential presidential candidate. We'll see who wins the election before we decide-haha. Well, for now wish us well. Hopefully we'll feel better soon. Future Grandma Ramsey is coming for a long visit this week-yeah. She is bringing the dogs though since my dad will be at the state meet. Adam can take care of them right? Last time he just tried to teach them to jump in bed. He likes Ozzie because Ozzie snuggles with him while he plays video games. Adam and I will also have trick or treaters for the first time. Adam will love this; he is already a sucker for all the neighborhood kids fund raising- girls scout cookie time might be dangerous. Happy Halloween Everyone!

Monday, October 20, 2008

The weekend and 28 Week Doctor Visit

After today's appointment I treated myself to maternity jeans. This purchase came about because yesterday the second I moved in bed in the morning Adam said, "Lets go to the pumpkin patch." I agreed knowing it was wise to beat the Sunday rush; however, being that it was early, it was cooler and I would need pants. I searched through my drawer for jeans that used to be too big. Adam- the all knowing, commented, "Those are not going to fit." I was determined, but even as Adam helped try to button them way below the normal waist line, I knew he was right. Making me feel so much better, Adam cheerily exclaimed, "At least you have sweat pants." (Note: For the past few months I have been living in stretch Capri workout pants). Adam won the style points for the day and I put on the sweats. We went to the pumpkin patch and found our perfect pumpkins, both larger than my belly. They're kissing on our porch at the moment. Then Adam and I went out for breakfast at a place Adam read about in the paper. It was good, but filling. We had a bit of a wait but it was nice to snuggle on the bench outside with Adam. He is my personal space heater. We spent the rest of the day napping. Later in the evening we had dinner with some friends who have a 41/2 month old. Adam is getting practice dealing with drool, spit up, and holding infants. He admitted that he loves babies and baby stuff. He also won big points after re-living his football days. When asked why he didn't continue with football and the prospect of making it in the NFL, he replied something to the effect, "Well, I wouldn't have met you." The women in the room (Ann and I) were in awe-yeah I have an awesome husband.

Today was my 28 week appointment. Now I get to start seeing the doctor every two weeks instead of four. The number on the scale rose quite a bit since the last visit, the baby is to the top of my ribs, Baby Burla's heart rate is 140, and everything else appears on track. I had some kind of glucose screening and some other routine blood test done too, but I guess I get the results next time. As I was on the phone with Adam outside the hospital, a new mommy, daddy and baby came out. It was exciting to think that will be us in a few months.

Saturday, October 18, 2008

First Post

Because I am obsessed with another pregnant Mom's blog I figured I should create one of my own. Better late than never right. I am currently 28 weeks (the first week of the third trimester). I go to the doctor on Monday and cannot wait. It is always nice to go in and hear the baby's heartbeat just to know he/she is doing alright in there. I am guessing my weight has increased by at least 5 pounds since last visit too, so the scale portion will be a shock. I'll report back.

I should really back up and tell the story of Baby Burla up until this point. Baby Burla was quite a surprise for both Mommy and Daddy. The night we found out was quite like a sitcom really. We had watched the movie Juno (ironic) the night before and picked up the pregnancy test the next day sort of as a funny haha (so I was late, but my excuse was that I had been hurt and had taken some time off running). Adam's friend Stewart was in town passing through and so the boys went out to the bar to catch up. This left me home to pee. Minutes later I was on the phone with my sister asking, "How dark does a second pink line have to be?" Second test confirmed. I called Adam and told him, "Come home right now! We are pregnant!" His response was, "We just ordered our food. I'll come home when we're done." He thought I was joking until he saw the tests lined up in the bathroom upon returning later that night.
Few knew how to respond to the news. My own mother replied, "I'm sorry I just don't know what to say. I'll call you back." By this point I had qualified for the Olympic Trials, Adam and I were preparing to move back to St. Louis (in with his parents until we found a place), we were trying to figure out what I was going to do in terms of work and school, etc. My coach was probably one of the most helpful people at this time. Upon hearing the news he replied with my typical outlook on life, "Everything happens for a reason. This news is a joy. A baby is a wonderful gift. You will be just fine." Fortunately my and everyone elses anxiety was soon replaced with excitement. Adam and I have had baby on the brain for months now and couldn't imagine it any other way. We just might be the happiest expecting couple in the world (those of you that answered the few phone calls during my crazy moments in the second trimester-erase them from memory). The baby even throws in a kick when Adam calls on the phone. Adam has been incredibly supportive and patient. Oh I am jumping ahead again.

So this summer the three of us moved back to St. Louis. During this time we lived with future Grandpa and Grandma Burla. I went out to Eugene, Oregon for eleven days and at 12 weeks, Baby Burla and I ran in the 10,000 meters at the 2008 U.S. Olympic Trials. Not many kids will be able to compete with that. I was fortunate to have my dad be there with me. He was a proud dad and I was so happy he was there to share this with us. We also ran together some and explored Eugene and the "track town." We found a few really delicious restaurants, remember that cake dad? So many stories to tell in time.

In August we moved into our new house. We are the youngest ones in our neighborhood and all the neighbors are excited to have a little one gracing them with its presence this winter. I love our house except for the fussy toilet and our patio door. Baby stuff was put ahead of these things on our budget list. We had the interior painted before we moved in and it is so bright and fresh. I hope baby loves its pale yellow room.

In September future Grandma and Grandpa Ramsey came down and brought the crib frame. Adam was so excited. We like to visit your bare room every now and again.

I kept a few notes that I will copy and paste here. They are primarily really cute Adam and baby stories. They kind of sum up the bliss of the second trimester.

Daddy woke me up to tell me he had a dream about making an obstacle course for you. He told me he loved obstacle courses and was going to make them for you.

Daddy was in awe when he saw you on the ultrasound screen. He liked commentating on all your body parts until the tech told him to stop looking at the screen because she didn’t want daddy to see anything.

Daddy sang Itsy Bitsy Spider to baby. A song he learned in preschool (listening and following along with the hand movements while in the corner).

Daddy said he would love this baby best because it is first like he was.

September 13, Daddy felt you move for the first time. He had been jealous that I could feel you and he couldn’t. He got very excited and kept telling you he loved you over and over again. You really liked the 10 o’clock hour for moving.

Daddy likes to wake mommy up in the morning so he can run you, say hi, or give you a sweet kiss.

Daddy had another dream, this time he dreamt he was rubbing your back and the soft spot on your head.

October 3- Daddy practiced. He told mommy he was going to practice pushing the stroller around the house. A minute later he strolled by mommy pushing your car seat and stroller with Raggedy Ann in your place. It was quite a site to see.

We also had lots of fun registering for you. We especially loved looking at the tiny baby socks.
Dad really wants to bring you home in a "costume." Right now he has two picked out. He remembers an outfit his grandma knitted that had a cute pointed little matching hat- these costumes remind him of that.

Daddy also has special plans for you and mommy come Halloween. Stay tuned. Well, I should really get moving. Adam had to work this morning and will be surprised if I am in the same spot and pj's that I was in when he left.