Hot blooded! Check it and see.. I got a fever of 103

Note: Parts of this post are slightly personal.  For my few male readers, I suggest you skip this post.  For your own sake.  Thanks!

This past weekend was spent on the couch with a painful breast infection.  I believe it started on Thursday..  all of a sudden I had the chills, body aches, and I looked like I had a whacked out boob job- thanks to being engorged.  With a lot of rest, fluids, and plenty of prayers I was good to go by Sunday.  {whew}  Thank you Jesus!  Of all weekends I don't know why I had to choose that one to be sick!  It was our last Saturday before our big church fundraiser and everyone else was out of town save my sister-in-law.  Poor Mandalou!  I'll make it up to her.. maybe I'll buy her a coffee this week during the photo shoot!

Yesterday my little princess officially turned 3 months old.  There will be a photo shoot this week- with her pink Chuck Taylor's of course!  Though plenty some think we're crazy, Paul and I decided today that it is time to break Zoe of her pacifier.  I know, I know.. she's only 3 months old!  But she isn't totally hooked on it anyway.  We hold it in her mouth most of the time.  So.. no more!  Let's see how it goes.

Now that I'm back in business I need to make sure my house is picture perfect since the photographer will be staying at our house, and he arrives sometime Thursday.  {EEK!}  Psh.. no big deal.. I got it all under control..  {gulp}

30 Days of Truth will be coming up next!

Never have I been so excited about a Monday!

My family has been on the road for almost an hour now- heading this way!  Thank you Jesus!  It looks like Zoe just might wait for Gramma Shu!  I am so relieved!  I'm not sure when they'll be coming in, whether they get in around 10:00 or 11:00 tonight or spend the night somewhere and and come in tomorrow morning.  We'll see how they do..

Not only is it exciting for my family to be here for Zoe Isabella, but it's also exciting because they're coming to visit me at my house.  There's just something about that that gives me a heart thrill.

I am very excited about today!  I have some last minute things I want done.  I'll do some myself, but don't worry, I'll have plenty of help with most.  I also plan on taking a few naps if need be so that whenever I finally do go into labor I will have some rest.

Never again do I want to be put on bed rest.  I'd rather endure Chinese torture.  I'm almost serious.

It's Sunday!

I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel!  My parents leave Washington tomorrow morning and will head this way.  Whether they are able to make it all the way or I see them on Tuesday they will be here before I know it and I am so thankful!

I'm about at my wit's end being on bed rest and I am so ready to get up and do something!  Nearing the end I can't help but feel stress and emotions from being so.. I don't know.. bored!  Ha!  I can literally say I have had moments where I have been bored to tears.  No one should spend 3 weeks inside on such a beautiful summer!

The things we do for love..♥

Onto other news.. that isn't so depressing!

Paul's birthday party was great!  He enjoyed his gifts, everyone gave him great things, and then we played games.  Have you ever heard of the game of Things?  Well, that's what we played, and what Paul didn't know was that we rigged it..  When it was Paul's turn, the card said, "Things that are hidden.."  Most everyone wrote different answers such as "Blueridge.. something.. something" "A six-stringed guitar" "Blueridge BR-40"  After reading the first couple he said, "Alright.. where is it?"  At that time I left the room and brought him his brand new Blueridge BR-40 guitar- with a hand made bow. :)  He was very, very excited!  He played that thing till close to midnight and made sure to pick it up as soon as he woke up and played again till close to 1:00 this afternoon.  I think we all did a great job picking out his ultimate birthday present!

I sure do love that man.  He is absolutely wonderful to me and being able to get him his dream guitar is so worth it!

If you like my body and you think I'm sexy..

Here I am.. swallowing my pride.. riding in a wheelchair.. wearing my ugly comfy flip flops.. and buying my husband, and father-in-law, birthday presents!  My mother-in-law was generous enough to take me, and push me!  I found the perfect gifts as well as a pretty princess baby book.  It felt so good to get out of the house!

Woohoo!

We have made it to #88 on topmommyblogs since last night!  I feel so loved. :)  Thank you all!  Keep up the amazing work and vote everyday!  We're that much closer to making #1!

Still no Zoe..  I lost a lot more mucous this morning but no contractions, spotting, water breaking, etc.  My daughter just might wait until my mom gets here!  I think that would be wonderful!  I'm still doing my best to keep an open mind, though, in case Zoe does come and I don't have my mother, also known as my homey G-dog funk, I will still mentally be able to go on.

I think I may have to brave Walmart today though..  My husband's birthday is coming up this Saturday and I have big plans for him!  Being so anxious about his party definitely helps my days go by faster.  So, I just might have to swallow my pride and drive an electric wheelchair.  Shoot!  I'll be using one before my 93 year old great-grandmother!

Paul and his dad will be painting the outside of our house today!  I'm tempted to set up camp across the street so I can watch all the action and take pictures of the whole process.  Yeah!  I'm liking the sound of this.  Then I will be outside and maybe I will get a little sun..  This is sounding better and better!

So much to do and, thankfully, so little time!  I can see the light at the end of the tunnel my friends!

No baby yet

*WARNING*

This post contains personal information that some, especially men, will not find interesting.  Read at your own risk..

As of right now I am still very much pregnant.  I didn't know what to expect after yesterday's doctor's appointment since I know that after being checked it can induce your labor.. sometimes..  I did lose more mucous, but no contractions.

Though there was a possibility of me going into labor, my mother-on-law and I went to the store and bought a car seat/stroller combo.  Paul will most likely put it together tonight, put it in the car, and then we will be prepared!

Throughout the day I have lost a lot more mucous than ever before.  Who knows what that is?  Whenever I would get up to use the bathroom I would feel a lot of pressure on my pelvic bone as well as my hips and would have some contractions.  They stopped almost as soon as I sat down again, though.  Just tonight I noticed my discharge is a little more watery than.. mucousy..

Gross, I know.

BUT! the contractions have stopped since this evening, even when I get up to use the bathroom.  If it's not one thing it's another!

My mother-in-law came over to the house today since I was given strict instructions by my husband to not move- for anything.  She was such an amazing help!  She helped with my laundry, helped me pack my hospital bag, washed my dishes..  Our house is almost ready for the family!  We just need to finish up the spare bedroom and make sure it's ready for Grandma Bunny.

Another day down, 5 more to go- if I make it that long..

I have no idea what to expect.  I don't know if Zoe will be born tomorrow or if she'll actually wait until Gramma Shu makes it Monday/Tuesday.  I'm not thinking about it, I'm not stressing about it.  Either way I will have my daughter in my arms very soon and I will love her forever!♥

Uh.. what?

My doctor's appointment this afternoon was a total shocker for Paul and I.  The doctor checked me and said I am dilated to 4, I'm 80% effaced, and she could literally feel Zoe's head in the birth canal riggling and wiggling.  I looked over at my husband and his eyes looked like they were going to pop! out of his head!

I did tell my doctor that I noticed that when Zoe had the hiccups they were a lot.. ahem.. lower than ever before.  Now I know why!

I called my mother as soon as we were finished.  We had a good talk.  She said I better prepare myself in case she won't be able to make it.  It's all in the Lord's hands.. whether she's born tonight or she waits till Gramma Shu gets here.

The waiting game just got a little more exciting..

Just so you know..

I am currently voted #129 on topmommyblogs.com!  To keep me going make sure to vote everyday!

All you have to do is click the button there on the right (--->), click the -Click To Vote- button, and voila! you voted for me and I am just a tad closer to being #1!  Wouldn't that be exciting?

I'm sure it wouldn't hurt you to do this one little favor for "bed rest Betty".. :)

One more week- can I do it?

I woke up this morning and felt such excitement when I realized I only had 7 more days of this wretched bed rest before I could start walking and work this little one out of my body.  My family will be here next Tuesday and there is so much to do before they get here!

Finish the house, celebrate Paul's 25th birthday, make sure the rest of Zoe's clothes are washed and put away, pack my hospital bag..

But then one look in the mirror at how huge I am followed by contractions just from getting up to use the restroom, I can't help but wonder if I'm going to make it another week.

Ugh- waiting games!

I have a doctor's appointment this afternoon.  We'll see what she has to say..

I CAN'T TAKE IT ANYMORE!

Only 8 more days of this bed rest..

Paul got up early for his usual workout- he is looking so good!!  Anyways, I stayed in bed and felt my daughter move like crazy.  I love that feeling.. but what I really look forward to is holding her snuggly body close to my chest, or to see her hot bod father hold her close.. how amazing that will be!

I realize that parenting is not always going to be peaches-n-cream.  There will be times that I will be too tired and frustrated to enjoy the responsibility of dirty diapers.  Zoe is going to be upset and there is nothing that mommy or daddy will be able to do to help her, but I still look forward to it.  Because, cranky or not, she is still a life that Paul and I created.  I love that thought..

As I was thinking about these things, I got really, really antsy!  8 more days?!  That seems so close, but at the same time it seems so far away!  Oh my word..  Bed rest is not for the weak!  I know I will take those words back as soon as I have this child, but as of right now, I just wanna walk!  I am not one to sit around and watch other people clean!  I'm getting so antsy..

I can only pluck so many of my eyebrows..

I can only give myself so many facials..

If I could reach my feet, I would give myself plenty of pedicures as well!

Only 8 more days of this insanity!

10 more days

Today started out as one of those days..  I'm not in the mood to be a bum, invalid, bed rest Betty, whatever you want to call me.  I have 10 days until my family gets here and all I want to do is CLEAN!!  It drives me crazy seeing my house a mess and not being able to do it myself.  Instead, I have to ask for help..  Oh brother.

I am thankful I have only 10 days left though.  It doesn't seem that long anymore!  Thank you Jesus!

Also, I do not feel well today.  I have a horrible headache, my shoulders ache (probably from stress), and I just don't feel well.  I should just sleep..

Oh!  Lighter note!  I kinda shaped my eyebrows. :)  That made me feel more put together.

Tossing and turning

Last night was absolutely miserable.  No, not because of my latest nightmare, though that would ruin any one's night!  Instead I tried to get comfortable while enduring dull, yet annoying, contractions.  So I was awake most of the night, contracting, feeling too hot, and letting my mind run wild with mental to-do lists.

~Make sure the house is completely clean

~Take out the boxes in the spare room and move in the bed for Grandma Bunny

~ALL of the laundry needs to be washed, folded, and put in its proper place

~I need my hair trimmed, my nails reshaped, my eyebrows waxed, a total makeover on my feet..  Yeah, it's vain, but I want to look my best! ;)

Do you think any of this is going to get done?  If anything I hope the house, spare room, and laundry get done.  I have 11 days to have people help me.  I can do this!

Back to my original story..

Because I couldn't sleep I thought I would read a book- on my phone. :)  I picked up where I left off and read for hours it seemed.  I read chapter after chapter after chapter and could not get to that sleepy stage!  I could tell that the light was bothering my husband so I eventually put it down and just laid there..

God must be training me for what it's going to be like after Zoe is born.  I am starting to accept the bags under my eyes.

A lighter note..

Only 11 more days and then I am going to Walmart!  Do you realize that I haven't been to Walmart in 12 days?!  Maybe God is also trying to break me of my addiction.  I have a lot of lessons to learn in order to "grow up" and be a mother, don't I?

Bed Rest Betty

Paul caught "the bug" yesterday and he came straight home after work to start on Zoe's new floor.

Here is my husband, his cousin, and his cousin's girlfriend washing down the crib- making sure it's "sterile" before she arrives!

Here is her bedding all washed and ready..

Now we'll see when she actually uses it!

Paul is getting more and more anxious.  If it was up to him, his daughter would have been born yesterday.  He constantly rubs my belly and talks to her.. secretly coaxing her out with bribes.  We'll see who she listens to- Mom.. or Dad..

I have been known as Bed Rest Betty for the past week and 2 days since being on this bed rest.  It's kind of catchy, not gonna lie!  One way of finding humor in this situation really.

I am now 36 weeks along.  My doctor said the other day that she's guessing Zoe is about 5 lbs right now, but I know I can't count on that.  She's getting big enough to where there isn't as much room for her to be active.  She still finds a way, sometimes, but not as much as she used to.

I guess we'll see how this day goes..

Another day full of "resting" or "labor day."  Only time will tell I guess!

A day out on the town

That's what it felt like since I've been cooped up for a week and a day!  I took a shower, shaved my legs, used my yummy smelling apricot scrub, fixed my hair, plucked my eyebrows, put some jeans on, and looked smokin- just to go to the doctor.  But it felt so good to look presentable again!  I should take a picture of myself.

As for my doctor's visit, I am still dilated to 2 but the doctor said I could be stretched to a 3 easily.  My cervix is starting to thin as well.  It's still a waiting game as to when Zoe will make her appearance- whether that means waiting till my mom gets here or she comes tomorrow night.

Here's to another week of bed rest! Woo. :)

Also, make sure to keep the votes coming in for me on topmommyblogs.com!  Everything has been refreshed so it looks as if I have no votes at all. :(  Vote daily!

Let freedom ring- with fireworks! Lots and lots of fireworks!

This year's fourth of July was different from what I was used to..

First off, it was Sunday and I wore sweat pants.  Yes, sweat pants.  I wanted to go to church, but I knew there were a lot of stairs and I didn't feel comfortable attempting any of them.  Once my mom gets here, I'll run up and down them as much as I want.. but not yet.

I read my devotions, said my prayers, and felt a closeness to God alone in my room.  It was special actually.

So, I wore my sweat pants and read magazines and watched pointless television while everyone else went to church.  I must have done well occupying myself because it didn't seem like they were gone long.

After church we enjoyed a yummy dinner of ribs, bratwurst, coleslaw, potato salad, and beans.  It was super delicious!  I ate as much as I could and I still had so much food left on my plate.  I was bummed I couldn't eat it all.

After dinner (and some before) the boys went out to play with their annoying firecrackers.  I hate those things.  Pointless noise and no pretty colors!  Anyways..

By 10:30 we enjoyed the city's fireworks.  They were so pretty!  I love fireworks.  After the beautiful finale we enjoyed fireworks of our own.

My sister-in-law brought blankets and pillows out to the front yard and I got to enjoy the fireworks with the rest of the family.  I really enjoyed being out of the house and getting some fresh air.  And get this- no contractions!

I have a new outlook on this bed rest thing..

I only have 15 days left to make sure my house is ready for my family- including my great-grandmother, and the guest of honor- Zoe Isabella.  Thinking that way, I feel like I have no time to get anything done! I have a feeling this will make my days fly a little better.  It's worth a shot. :)

My great-grandmother sends family e-mails almost every night.  She is very excited to meet our little bundle of joy.  She's made sure to ask if we have a rocking chair because she would love to rock her great-granddaughter to sleep while she's here.  I can't wait to witness those memories!

Today I am going to watch Gone With the Wind for the first time!  Great time killer!

How do you spell relief?

D-R-O-I-D 

I-N-C-R-E-D-I-B-L-E

My wonderful husband taught me where the "app" button is and since then I have downloaded all kinds of features on my phone!  I can read books, I have the Bible on there, facebook- of course!  Famous quotes, useless facts, a cheap version of bejeweled, pandora.com, free ringtones, TMZ.. just to name a few.

Man, my life must be really boring if all I can talk about is my phone!

I got a basket full of Zoe's clothes together to get them washed and it just hit me..  Oh my word.  My daughter is on the verge of being here!  I picked up a pink little onesie and tried to imagine my daughter fitting in something so tiny.  A stronger feeling of love washed over me as I realized that, duh, this is real.

Paul kissed me goodbye before leaving for work and then went to kiss my belly.  I watched him as he kissed my belly and lovingly rubbed my belly and told his daughter he loved her..  I think we both realized how real, and how close, this is!

I hope Zoe loves her parents, because we already love her to pieces!♥

Thank you Jesus!

First off, here are Paul's and my *new* cell phones!  They came at the perfect time.  This day seemed to fly by thanks to trying to figure out how these things work without my husband's help.  I think I have the basics down.. like how to get on facebook. :)  It took me forever to figure out how to call people, but I think I figured it out..  It'll take me a few days to know the ins and outs of this new phone.  I'm so thankful!

The cameras on these puppies are super good too!  Now I can whip my phone out and take pictures without shame because these won't be fuzzy and dark- since these little guys have a flash.  Woo!

And get this- just today my other phone was freezing up and I couldn't text anyone.  Isn't God good? :)  His timing is perfect!

Speaking of timing..

Last night was Paul's first youth night and he did a wonderful job!  His devotional was exactly what I needed.. exactly what I needed!

"Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof."  Matthew 6:34


Ever since I have been put on bed rest I have worried night and day that this baby will be born without my mom here.  The thought kills me!  Paul's devotional and the scriptures he used were exactly what I needed to comfort my thoughts.


I had no idea I would be needing that devotional in the next hour.


By 8:00 I couldn't even think straight because of contractions.  I had had some earlier in the day, but they were nothing like what I was feeling then.  I didn't say anything at first.  I tried to not think about them and then maybe they'd go away.


Not the case.


By 10:00 Paul and his parents took me to the hospital because they were getting stronger and more consistent.  When they hooked me up to the monitor it showed that I was having good contractions every minute and they would last 30-50 seconds.


My mother-in-law kept tabs with my mom and we all thought for sure baby Zoe was coming whether I was ready or not!  I tried not to think about anything.. just keep my mind clear and whatever would happen was in the Lord's will.


The nurse checked me a couple times, I stayed dilated to 2, my cervix hadn't softened, and by 2:00 a.m. the contractions were farther apart and not nearly as strong.  More like uterine irritabilities.


*whew*


So, as of right now, we're still planning on my mom being here for the birth of her first grandbaby. :)  As long as Zoe follows the rules!!

The power of cream cheese!

I woke up and almost immediately felt grumpy.

Another day of not being able to do anything on my own and being strapped to a bed or couch..

Despite my poor mood my husband was super sweet and full of hugs and kisses for me.  The kisses helped, but I still didn't look forward to people taking care of me.  Paul dropped me off at his parent's before going to work and I just went to "my spot" and sat down.

I was given a couple pieces of toast with cream cheese and..

Ahh....

I don't know what it is about cream cheese, but it lifted my spirits and I feel better!

Sure I'm still stuck on the couch and can't do anything for myself.. but I'm ok right now. :)

I have received a lot of comforting text messages and comments on facebook.  I am constantly reminded that God is in control and how powerful prayer is.  Everything will work out.  I need to stop worrying so much and just get through this.

In my "spare time" I am putting together a baby registry online.  It makes the time go by and makes me more excited about how close we are to having our little girl with us.

I look forward to seeing my family as well as Grandma Bunny on the 20th!  I'm ready for them to get here, get off this couch, and have this baby!