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January 31, 2007

Colored

Oh my. I've made quite the mess. I've been dying that blanket I mentioned yesterday... from a pale, pitiful pink, to a lovely shade of wine. It's going to be perfect. Unfortunately, I now also have a wine-colored laundry room. And pants. And face.

Oopsie.

Posted by WonderGirl at 2:36 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

Oh, Mr. Postman

Bring me a letter.

When, oh when, will all our tax information get here so I can do our taxes!!! Argh!!

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:23 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

January 30, 2007

Gritting My Teeth

Oh, wah.

I just made a Wal-Mart run- with all three chatterboxes (Hold your applause, please). I'm not usually that brave or energetic, but I really needed to get some Ritz dye to redo a blanket. (Where did people buy stuff like that before Wal-Mart? Sad.) Anyway, when I decide I want to do some home projecty thing like that, I don't like to wait. I wanna do it now. So, even though it's a major ordeal to get everybody in and out of the store, I did it anyway. I needed groceries, too, so I thought, I'll just bite the bullet and get everything all at once-- though I rarely grocery shop with the kids. There's a reason for that. I fended off a thousand can-I-have-thats, I managed to avoid running down any old ladies, I caught the Duke one-handed as he nearly toppled out of the buggy, and I managed to get past the gumball machines without tantrums. I came, I saw, I conquered. Yay me.

I settle into a nice, self congratulatory mood, quite pleased with myself... until I get home, and realize, I forgot the dye. Very few things will cause me to swear like my dad with the Christmas lights... but that nearly did it.

Meffer-snicken-dangitall.

Urg.

Posted by WonderGirl at 4:59 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack

January 29, 2007

Really

When I'm pregnant, I have a thing for Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. I don't know why, but I can't stop myself from watching this show and crying like a baby every time. (Remember this?) Last night was no different. I get the sniffles just remembering it. Anyway, I guess they don't get the title "Extreme" without earning it occasionally. Last night, they did an extremely stupid thing to a 2 1/2 year old's room. They built a bed with a slide out SANDBOX. With real sand, people. For a child slap dab in the middle of what is known as the "terrible twos".

Are they INSANE?

What mother in her right mind would give her child access to SAND inside the house? Inside her DREAM house, no less?

As soon as the bus pulled out of the driveway and the cameras went off, you know that bed was curbside.

Anyway... that's not a real post. I was just so flabbergasted that they thought that was a good idea that I had to comment to the world in general.

Mo' later.

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:00 AM | Comments (7) | TrackBack

January 25, 2007

Introductions

Once upon a time, I had a boyfriend who was lactose intolerant.

Wait, stay with me for a second.

We began dating in the summertime, in the South, and everybody there knows between the months of May to September, the third date is the Ice Cream date. So when I suggested it, I was shocked to learn that my new boyfriend couldn't enjoy the delights of dairy. I felt really bad for the guy. I couldn't fathom a world without cheese, or milk, or ice cream. "You can have sherbert, though, right?" I asked.

He was perplexed. "Sherbert?"

Oh. my. gosh. "You've never even had sherbert?" I replied, horrified. Now, granted, he was from a different country (yes, it's true- girls are suckers for accents) but he wasn't from a different planet. I assumed he'd at least had a Push-Up or something in his life. But he hadn't.

So, off to the grocery store we go, where I picked out a box of tri-flavored sherbert. We drove up to one of the bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River, and cracked open the box. I watched him take one of the plastic spoons, and experience the flavor and texture of something he never thought to enjoy. It wasn't ice cream, but it was closer than he'd ever thought he'd get. It was a culinary milestone for the guy. We watched an amazing sunset display, and finished off the entire box. It was idyllic.

I love that memory.

Not because it was a great date, or he was a great guy (though both were true), but because in that moment, my favorite phrase was born. A sherbert-colored sunset. Now, when those same pinks and oranges blaze across the sky in shocking hues, I always think of sherbert. I think of youth and innocence. I think of growing up in the South, in the simple pleasure of cold slipping down your throat on a hot night. I think of the muddy Mississippi River, who for a magic hour, dons the fiery, juicy colors of the sky.

I realized that night, that words are like a butterfly net to me, catching the moments of my life that would flitter away. Just as his eyes widened at the new sensation of sherbert, I had my own epiphany as well - that I would always count my wealth by the words I've collected. A sherbert-colored sunset became the first of a lifetime of treasured words. I discovered a passion for finding just the right ones to express my world. It has been one of the driving joys in my life.

Anyway...

I just wanted to share that. It was a defining moment for me as a person, and as a writer. It's good to revisit those places in our life occasionally.

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:29 PM | Comments (4) | TrackBack

S.O.S.

Tomorrow is one month from my due date. I think I've been pretty patient with this whole thing, but I'm starting to wane a bit. I feel like I've got the gestational period of a whale. Please! Can I have this baby??? Pretty please? It's not that I'm physically miserable... it could be a lot worse. I carry light compared to most women, so I can't complain about the bulk. (Well, I can complain a little. Pregnancy perogative!) But it's not that. I'm just... ready. I miss my body! I miss a nice, natural homeostasis. I feel all out of whack right now.

I don't feel prepared though, in some ways. I'm anxious to have everything done so I can quit worrying about it. Like getting my bag packed, gathering the extra birthing supplies I'll need, getting the kids all situated... the details. Mentally though, I'm ready. I've studied and prepared my hypnobirthing techniques so much that I could convince myself to cluck like a chicken if I needed to. Hopefully, that won't be necessary. If it does become necessary, then something weird is going on and somebody should get me straight to the hospital, no more midwifing for WonderGirl.

I wish my mom could come for a visit. But I don't want her to spare the time before the baby gets here, because that's less time she has to spend after the baby is here. Something is going on with me though. I'm feeling less like taking care of everybody else, and more like I want somebody tending to me. What is that? I don't have time for it, for one thing. I've got stuff to do! I feel like I'm slowly entering some kind of prebirth hibernation, though. I just want to curl up in a mountain of pillows, and wait for something to happen. Don't bother me. I'm busy... uh... waiting. I've constructed a dark, cozy cave out of the couch cushions and throw pillows and I don't want to be bothered anymore.

I'm trying, really, really hard, not to get hung up on my due date. I was ten days late with Czarina, four days early with HeroBoy, and induced with the Duke. So who the heck knows. But I don't want to go crazy from here on out, hoping and wishing and counting every day until I could possibly expect to go into labor. That'll make me nuts. And you, too, because I'll be writing about it obsessively for a month.

Alrightie then... I'll just stop here. I thought writing about it would help a little, but maybe what I need is to distract myself. The problem is, that trick is running thin lately. It's hard to ignore the messages I'm getting from my body! I'm like... hush already! I know! And still it keeps sending these little notes: All systems go. Countdown commencing. Target locked and loaded. Waiting on your command. Blah blah blah.

Sheesh. Where's the mute button on this thing?

All for now. I'll write more later, after I rest in this pile of pillows for a bit. I think I even buried a few nuts nearby, too, which is always nice.

Posted by WonderGirl at 3:10 PM | Comments (5) | TrackBack

January 24, 2007

Afternoonables

There's a point in late pregnancy when the nesting instinct morphs into an unhealthy obsession. The bad thing is, by then, you're just too tired to follow through! So it's unhealthy, without the benefit of at least being productive. Every single time I walk into the laundry room, I see how unorganized it is, and I think, "Oh sweet, merciful heavens, I have got to clean this up or I'm going to start pulling my hair out strand by strand." But by then, I'm hungry and want a snack, so I abandon the thought. And while I'm in the kitchen getting said snack, I think, "Oh sweet merciful heavens, I have got to straighten my pots and pans or my eyes are going to start twitching." But, I have my snack to eat, so I make my way to the couch. As I settle in, I look around the living room and think, "Oh sweet merciful heavens, I have got to dust my picture frames or I'm going to start screaming in German." But I have this delicious snack to eat, so...

See what I'm talking about? I'm plagued with the need to clean, but not, obviously, with the motivation to actually do anything about it. Gah. What to do, I ask, as I munch on my snack? (See, I have no problem at all following through when it comes to eating. Just cleaning.)

I do seriously need to get a few things in order. The kids rooms for one thing. We've got to reconsider who's sharing with who. (whom? I never remember which of those is correct.) Anyway--- should I put the two boys together now, so Czarina can have her own space? Should I put them ALL together, so I can have a nursery separate from the master bedroom? There are so many factors, and each solution has it's own set of inconveniences. Bah. The truth is, just like we outgrew our little sedan of a car, we're outgrowing our living space here, too. Until we move though, we've got to figure out what works best, and I think that's gonna take a little creative rearranging. We'll be in this apartment until at least June, when our lease is up. Maybe then we'll move, but maybe not. We just have to see how the moolah is lining up. I don't have a problem with the kids sharing rooms at all, I just want to have it set up to maximize the sleepin', and minimize the fussin'.

Ya know, I think I've become a bit of a rambler lately. I just write whatever comes into my head-- but I'm not worrying about it too much. I think it's just where I am right now, being pregnant and occupied with small kids for most of the day. I look forward to more organized thoughts and posts, though. That'll happen again, right?

Right?

Hey, lie to me if you have to.

Okay, I'm off to start dinner. Tonight, it's hotdogs. I know, I know. You should have been here last night though. We had crab-stuffed tilapia, rice pilaf, corn on the cob, and lemon pepper asparagus. It was a very grown-up meal. It was delicious. The kids hated it. So tonight- hotdogs. Our grown-up concession is that at least we've got chili and cheese to go along with it. Sounds pretty good, actually... but what doesn't to me lately? Man, I've become an eating machine! Scary.

Alrightie, bye for now. Be good, everybody.

Posted by WonderGirl at 5:58 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack

Old Days

Hey, remember when Captain Crunch just had the pink berries in them? Those were so much better than the multicolored ones.

I'm just saying.

Posted by WonderGirl at 5:46 PM | TrackBack

Squash You Flat

Ergh. Ever wake up and feel like you've had an elephant sitting on your head all night long? That's me this morning. (Not the elephant. The victim.) I don't know why- I just had a restless night, and woke up with a headache. I feel bleh. I'm hoping being up and moving around will help.

Speaking of moving around and whatnot, today is storytime at the library at 10:30. We're going to attempt it, since we have the minivan to get around in. Some of the moms from church meet up there, and afterwards have a sack lunch at one of their houses. I feel bad about it, but we're skipping the lunch part, mostly because I have errands to run. We need groceries- I don't even really have anything to pull together for a sack lunch, unless the kids feel like eating canned olives and cheerios. Ew. So we'll make a WalMart run, come home and eat, then do school. Not an overly busy day, but full. It will be nice to have a break in the routine.

Well, I'm gonna go hunt some tylenol, or some elephant repellenent or something. Have a good morning everybody!

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:23 AM | Comments (3) | TrackBack

January 23, 2007

Consumption

Oh, you want to know what I just ate for lunch? Well, okay then. You weirdo.

Turkey sandwich on wheat with mustard and mayo.
Pringles.
String cheese.
And mixed berry yogurt.

What did you have?

Posted by WonderGirl at 1:01 PM | Comments (4) | TrackBack

January 21, 2007

Charcoal Skies

Rainy, dreary Sunday afternoon, what better time for aimless writing? I owe an update, anyway.

As I said (briefly) yesterday, we did indeed get our minivan, and it's spectacular. I kid you not. I don't use that word lightly, either. I told King Pen as we drove to church in it this morning for the first time, "I think I'm a little bit in love with this car." I just want to spend time with it. Gaze into it's headlights. Lovingly trace the stitching on the big, strong captain's chair arms. I get a little flushed just talking about it.

We have a bright future together, this van and I.

Okay, so let me give you the details. It's a red '01 Dodge Grand Caravan Sport, with gray interior. It's got black detailing on the outside- the grill and the luggage rack, etc. The inside is in really good condition- it's pristine. And it's spacious... oh my goodness. We didn't even know what to do with ourselves, we had so much room this morning. It's a very cute minivan- very zippy looking.

I luff it.

I will get up a picture of us, I mean, it when it's not raining outside.

In other news, we left church early today. HeroBoy has had a nasty cough the last few days, and I thought it was better this morning. Boy was I wrong. He got so choked up during the service, it was very disruptive to everyone around us. Not to mention the fact that I'm sure they didn't appreciate us spreading all our germs around. We slipped out quietly, and kind of guiltily. I should have just kept him home to begin with. But you know, with three kids, if you stay home every time a child has a cough or cold, you'd never get out again! I feel torn about it. I don't want to infect other people, but I don't want people to think, "Oh they're out again, huh?" To be fair though, this is a really bad cough. I'm watching it closely, because I have a sneaking suspicion it might turn into some kind of bronchial infection if we're not careful.

Oh, I know something else I've been wanting to report-- one- the Prilosec for my heartburn has been a MIRACLE cure. Seriously, it's expensive but SO worth it. I have been eating anything and everything for the last two weeks, which may not exactly be a good thing, come to think of it. But at least I'm not in pain anymore! Secondly, remember when I was worried about my knee? Well, for about a week, I treated it like a queen. I babied that joint like you wouldn't believe. And it got better! So, apparently, there was nothing majorly wrong with it, which is really, really good.

Let's see... what else can I waffle on about today? Oh, how about the picture HeroBoy drew of me? He proudly presented me with his artwork this afternoon. "This is you, Mom! And your happy face!"

Really? That's my happy face? Maybe I need to work on properly expressing my emotions to my children. I know I'm not Miss Sunshine all day long, but I was hoping my smile was a little less... scary.

I love HeroBoy.

Well, that's all I got. Time for Sunday afternoon laziness... plodding around in my slippers and old college sweatshirt, snacking and reading, and watching the kids destroy the house.

Ciao for now.

Posted by WonderGirl at 5:40 PM | Comments (5) | TrackBack

January 20, 2007

We Got It!

We have now joined the throngs of happy minivan owners everywhere! Space! It's all about the leg room, baby.

Details to follow. For now, exhaustion prevails.

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:46 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack

January 19, 2007

Before Dr. McDreamy

Oh Friday! You are the coolest day of the week. Really, I feel like Ronald Miller in Can't Buy Me Love. You make me cool by association, and all I had to do was pay you a thousand dollars to hang out with me.

I love you.

So what are we gonna do first today? Go hang out at the mall? Catch that party after the big game? You tell me. You're the boss.

Posted by WonderGirl at 12:41 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack

January 18, 2007

Exposed

I really wish I hadn't eaten three chocolate chip cookies for breakfast. But it's too late for regrets now. What's done is done. I haven't looked at my rear-end in about a month, what difference will a few cookies make at this point? Wonderful philosophy, isn't it? I am gonna totally kick my (big) butt after this baby is born and I have a hundred pounds to lose. Wah. Just thinking of all those miles to run makes me cringe!

So this morning started off a bit awkwardly. At about 9 this morning, a fella showed up to check out our hot water heater, which has been producing an anemic amount of hot water lately. If you know me and my bathing habits- (which, to be honest, you really shouldn't and would cause me to question the boundaries of our relationship), you'll know that I like a good soak in a steaming tub of boiling water. Anyway, he showed up and I was in my pajamas. And the house was in it's usual state of early morning messiness. Urgh. That's embarassing. I made an attempt to clothe myself decently while he tinkered around with the water heater, but I think the damage was done. Bleh.

Anyway, he made some adjustments to the heater, so hopefully that will help. If it doesn't, he said we'll need a new one, which is okay by me since I won't be the one paying for it! There are perks to living in an apartment, ya know.

Speaking of apartment living, it is looking more and more like there may be an end in sight for us in the rental world. We are taking our first step this week towards that goal by purchasing our first vehicle on credit. I've mentioned that we're in the market for a minivan- and we've gotten a loan approved! Yay! I know that may not sound like a big deal, but for us it is. Being in school these past five years has not been overly kind to our credit rating. We've always paid cash for our cars, and never spent very much on them- so this is an important step for us. It makes the idea of buying a house in the not-too-distant future much more feasible.

It's exciting! Bit by bit, inch by inch, I think we're slowly making progress financially. That's very encouraging!

As to the actual minivan itself- we're in new territory when it comes to that. I hope we don't have big neon signs flashing on our foreheads- "New Buyer: Please Sucker Me". We're doing the best we can to educate ourselves about what we're looking for and willing to pay, etc, but still. No matter how carefully and slowly we do it, it still feels like easing ourselves into a big shark tank. (No offense to all you auto salespeople out there- which, surprisingly, makes up a large portion of my readership. Kidding.) Anyway, when it's all said and done and we have our new ride, I'll proudly post a pic up here so you can celebrate with me. I think the first night we have it, I may actually sleep in it, I'll be so happy.

Well, I should get myself in gear around here before any more maintenence guys show up and pass judgements on me for the breakfast dishes sitting on the table. Hope you all have a nice day! Stay warm!

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:06 AM | Comments (7) | TrackBack

January 17, 2007

Zilch

I am so low on blog fodder right now it's not even funny! Argh!! I haven't seen, read, or done anything really interesting lately. I'm not complaining. I'm just saying, it doesn't make for a lot to relate to you guys.

Let's see. Let me think. There's gotta be SOMETHING!

Hm.

---

---

Nope.
Nothing.
Shoot.

Oh, I just thought of something! No, wait. I lost it.

Posted by WonderGirl at 12:11 PM | TrackBack

January 15, 2007

Fashion 911

You know something needs to change when you go out in public hoping to be targeted by the crew of "What Not To Wear".

-Sigh.

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:34 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

Buddha Belly

Here's a quick pic of me pregnant since a few of you have asked. The ladies in our church had a diaper shower last Tuesday for three of us knocked up gals, and someone snapped this picture of us. I am the only one left pregnant now! I still have a month or so to go. (If I was to get lucky, 3 weeks would put me delivering at 37 weeks!!!) Anyway, congrats to Sara and Laree, hopefully I won't be far behind ya!

Continue reading "Buddha Belly"

Posted by WonderGirl at 3:12 PM | Comments (4) | TrackBack

January 12, 2007

In Between The Moments

I love those times when it all comes together. HeroBoy and Czarina were building a pillow fortress in their room, as the Duke trailed around after me happily this morning as I cleaned. I put on The Fray, and eventually put my dust rag down, and just danced. The Duke danced along in his spiderman shirt, curly and blonde and not my baby anymore.

I am so happy.

Really.

I was at war with myself for so long it seems- struggling with the demands of motherhood and with the need to be my own self. For some reason, I couldn't see that who I am encompasses all of that. It's not "either or". I don't know what changed- I don't know how I finally "got" that. But I am so thankful for the peace I feel now. It doesn't mean I am not anxious sometimes, or frustrated. That still happens. But I am so grateful- so so so grateful. I know, "so" is a filler word. But how else can I express it? Even as a writer, I find it difficult to convey this supernatural gratitude. I've spent a lot of time reflecting on my life in the last few months, and I see it with a new filter. Is this what you do in your thirties? Introspection?

I see now, every moment, every experience, all the good times and the bad times, the smart choices, bad decisions-- they all make up who I am, and I like who I am. I don't feel like I've got to be something different or better, that I am really okay just the way I am. Not that there isn't room for improvement or anything, because there always will be. But what I am getting at is that I don't have to be something I'm not to gain anybody's approval. I'm thirty one years old, and I'm finally, totally, happy with my life. I don't think that if I could just do this or that then I would be happy. I just am happy.

That's big, people.

I still have goals, things I'd like to accomplish. Yes, I'd like a house. And a nice car. And I'd like to write professionally. But whether I have those things or not, I know it won't make me better or more content as a person. If those things happen for us, then I'll just absorb them into the happiness I already have. It won't change anything. "My cup runneth over" is something I am beginning to understand in a different way. I am blessed beyond what I can contain.

It's a cause for celebration. I feel like I should have a party for myself! I want to roll around in it, spread it around, share it, take a picture of it. I've never been lighter and surer and more grateful in my life.

When I finished my swaying pregnant belly dance with the Duke this morning, and picked up my dust cloth again, I did it with the knowledge that my life may never be as rich and full as it was in that moment. So I stored it away, adding it to the many treasures that I've been blessed with.

Life is good.
May your day be filled with unexpected happinesses like that one.

Posted by WonderGirl at 1:27 PM | Comments (4) | TrackBack

January 11, 2007

Blog Tool

I have about 60 blogs that I keep up with- no joke. If I had all of these blogs on my blogroll, it would take over my sidebar, not to mention my life! I don't know what I would do without Bloglines. Bloglines lets me know when a blog has updated, and I can just click on the link to get a preview of the post. If it's something I'm interested in, I can follow the link directly to the blog and read it for myself. It saves me from having to check sixty different pages to see if anybody has written lately. It totally streamlines my blog browsing. It's brilliant.

Anyway, all that to say, the blogroll you see on the side of my page isn't really relevant anymore. I use it for the few blogs that aren't compatible with Bloglines, and as a resource for other people to surf if they want. So if you read my blog, and you have a blog, but you aren't on my blogroll, no worries. You're on my Bloglines roster, and I DO keep up with ya. I'm thinking of getting rid of the blogroll altogether, unless somebody is using it. Anybody?

Well, I'm out for now. I'll be back on later to write something snazzy. (I do so love that word.) Y'all behave!

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:24 AM | TrackBack

January 10, 2007

Tuning In

Hey, who wants to go see an Alison Krauss show with me in Atlanta in May? Come on, let's do it. Seriously.

Posted by WonderGirl at 4:01 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack

A Little Bit of Nothing

Guess who didn't visit while I was sleeping last night? The Magic Ice Tray Fairy.

Wah. I hate lukewarm beverages.

It's my own fault, of course.
I shoulda. I coulda. But I didna.

So what's on the agenda today? How is everybody's Wednesday shaping up? I haven't done much with mine so far. But I will. Later. Really. Right after I get to those ice trays.

I don't have much to say this morning. Or rather, I do, but it's all a little scattered. Oh, what the heck, I'll just go with it all.

1. Looking forward to Jan. 21, when The Dresden Files premieres on the sci-fi channel. Consequently, this is also the day my status as nerd is officially undeniable.

2. Debating whether or not to make my own sheets for the baby's crib. If I don't, I have to pay out the nose for them because of their unusual measurements. I can't see paying $16 for two tiny fitted sheets, PLUS shipping, if I can do it myself. How hard could it be?

3. Thinking it's maybe not a good thing that the pizza delivery guy said "See you next week" when he left yesterday.

4. Appreciating the fact that I have "connections" now for real estate and auto purchases here in B'ham. (When the time comes. Which will be soon, hopefully!)

5. Still bawling over Smallville the other day when Clark's dad... *sniff* I don't wanna talk about it. Poor Clarky.

6. After a recommendation from a fellow pregnant friend, looking forward to trying out Prilosec OC for this dang heartburn.

7. Wishing for a flake or two of snow, but knowing that's overly optimistic.

8. Happy that a Christmas gift I sent Dec. 15th FINALLY reached it's destination. Thank you, US Post Office. Only three weeks late this time.

9. Enjoying the new slippers, the Eucalyptus Spearmint body wash, and Starbucks coffee I got for Christmas.

10. Revelling in the $170 in gift cards I have to spend on baby stuff and whatnot. I've been on a dozen shopping expeditions in my head so far.

11. Loving, and hating, Breathe Right Strips. I gotta have them for this pregnancy congestion when I sleep, but I hate the way they make your nostrils flare out. I look like I took a sucker punch to the nose. (Oh, the vanity.)

12. Okay, that's enough. I won't subject you to anymore sheer randomness. As a matter of fact, please accept my apology for wasting the last ten minutes of your day. Hurry- hop over to your favorite Real News Blog and pretend this never happened, mkay?

See ya tomorrow.
(I promise to write about something other than my shock at the magical reappearance of a lost pair of earrings after two years, and my latest craving for maraschino cherries.)

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:16 AM | Comments (3) | TrackBack

January 9, 2007

Hey Babe

So I'm getting there.

The appointment with the midwife went well yesterday. We went over some of the finer details and signed forms and all that. From this point on, I will see her every two weeks. Yikes! We're already to that stage? Hard to believe. My favorite part of the visit was when she drew the baby on my belly with a washable marker for the kids. It was so sweet! I think it helped them to visualize an actual baby in there. She also let Czarina use the fetalscope to listen to the baby's heartbeat. She looked like a little midwife-in-training. So cute. I do love midwives... it's such a different experience than going to a doctor.

Anyway, I'm healthy, baby's healthy, and we're in the final stretch. I'm working on my "labor plan" as far as what to do with the kids and all- I'm still boning up on my hypnobirthing techniques, and trying to organize "the nursery" which is really a corner of my bedroom. Still lots to do in all those arenas, but I'm making progress.

By the way- what do you guys think this one will be? Boy? Or girl?

Okay, lunch to make now. Must feed the brood. And it's awfully quiet in the back room... I think the Duke must be up to something.

All for now!

Posted by WonderGirl at 12:53 PM | Comments (5) | TrackBack

Chatterboxes

"Children should be seen and not heard."

Ya know, there are days when I could really get behind that philosophy.

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:33 AM | TrackBack

January 8, 2007

Woof

Finally! I get to post a picture of my Christmas sewing project! I made these little dogs for all the young kids in my family, and a few friends, too. It was so fun! I did one for my own kids, too- and surprised them with them on Christmas Eve. It was a very satisfying experience. I was actually sad to make the last one, and crazy me, I am already thinking of what I can make next. I just can't get enough BUSY in my life, I guess.

Oh, and by the way, I am not a seasoned seamstress- I learned as I went, for sure. The first poor doggie... well, let's just say he ended up anatomically correct. Please don't ask me how. I neutered him after we all had a good laugh about it, and he DIDN'T make the gift-giving list.

Group photo (minus a few that I forgot to stick in the pile!):

And a close up:

Posted by WonderGirl at 1:58 PM | Comments (5) | TrackBack

Commemerations

I don't think I've ever been so happy to see a Monday. Yesterday was a rough one for some reason. I had contractions all day long, and I was achy and irritable. I spent a lot of the afternoon laying on a heating pad, which seemed to help, and finally last night, I ended up taking some tylenol pm and hitting the sack. I figured, if I was okay, I'd sleep. If I wasn't, I'd wake up. When I went to bed, I had been having contractions 4-5 minutes apart for a few hours, but I didn't think it was actual labor or anything. It was just enough to get me grumpy. So, sleep was sweet. Today, I'm great! What's up with that? I guess you just have good days and bad days in late pregnancy.

I have been wanting to put some pictures up lately, but still haven't gotten around to putting photoshop back on the computer so I can play around with them. So this photo is unsized and untouched up, but I am putting it here anyway. This was taken about two weeks ago, when King Pen and I went out to dinner for our 10 year anniversary.

Ten years.

Wow.

I can't tell you how lucky I am to be the wife of this man. Our anniversary was December 28th, which was right in the middle of the bad stomach bug that hit our family over the holidays. Everybody but me was sick. Somebody was vomiting at least once an hour. It was NOT the way I had imagined spending such an important day... and yet, it some weird way, it was perfectly okay. As exhausting and gross as those few days were, as I stroked the soft curls of my children, wiped fevered brows, and poured myself into giving comfort and reassurance, how could I not feel the breadth and width of the blessings I've had this last ten years? And my husband, who felt as terrible as they did, still trying to help and be strong... what a partner. It was truly telling of our marriage, that even through the worst moments, we are together, a team, supporting and tending to each other. I love him, I love him, I love him. I don't say it often enough- whoever does? But I would not be the person I am right now if it wasn't for him. He makes me a better, fuller person. I always envisioned spending our ten year anniversary with our family and friends, having a big party. Well, that didn't happen. It passed quietly, noted really only by me. Money and circumstance dictated it so. But I grew that day. I felt a contentment and happiness that I know not everybody is lucky enough to experience. It went beyond counting my blessings... it was an enlightenment. I've always tried to see what was really important in life, and I know it's not in big parties and trips and celebrations and gifts. So not having those things on that day wasn't a shock. The lack of them didn't belittle the significance of ten years. And realizing I wasn't as disappointed as I expected to be was liberating. I think I really do get it. I feel like I've completed a journey of some sort... I've let go of the trappings and expectations of this material world in a way I haven't before. There was no lingering bitterness or feeling shortchanged. I was happy with exactly the way my life is. What a gift.

Anyway, all that to say, Happy Anniversary, baby. These have been the best ten years of my life. I can't believe we've spent a decade loving each other, with the promise of more to come. I'm looking forward to all the good times that wait, and the bad times to weather, because we are together. You are my best friend, and I can't imagine a world without you in it.

Okay, I won't embarass you anymore, dear. Enough pda.

Posted by WonderGirl at 12:12 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

January 7, 2007

Sunday Smalltalk

Well, the Duke and I are the pagans of the house today. I'm keeping him home from church because of an ongoing fever. He woke up today with a normal temperature, fortunately, so I think he's better now. But we have a fever-free for 24 hours rule at the church nursery, and I didn't want to expose any of the other kiddies to it. One day, it got up to 104! No other symptoms of anything, though. I hate mystery ailments! He seems perky today however, so whatever it was, I think it's played out. Now he's spoiled rotten, of course. It probably won't be pretty around here for a few days as he readjusts! Poor dear. He won't know what hit him.

Let's see, how's my week lining up? Tomorrow, we have an appointment with the midwife. King Pen will be along for this one, so he can meet her and wrangle the kids, too. I'll be 33 weeks. Starting to get exciting! Then Tuesday night, the church is having a small "necessities" baby shower for me and two other expectant mothers. Things like diapers and wipes will sure come in handy- and it is so thoughtful of them to do it. You just don't expect that kind of thing with your fourth baby, ya know? Anyway, I am looking forward to it.

The rest of the week should be fairly routine. I went to the library yesterday and picked up a few promising books, including Amy Tan's latest book- Saving Fish From Drowning. I love A.T. I also got an Alison Kraus cd to listen to. So I plan on having a nice, restful (but still productive) week.

Well, I'm out. I'm gonna get lunch started, and then, I'm ashamed to admit it, I'm gonna watch Smallville. I know what you're thinking. But it's not true! The Duke really has been sick. Seriously.

*poof

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:51 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack

January 4, 2007

Boot Straps

Reading back through some old entries, I found one that hit the mark. I wrote it shortly after the Duke was born, and it was about having a good attitude and doing some positive affirmation. Boy, I'm smart sometimes! (Hey, that's not cocky. That's positivity.) Anyway, it was just the perk I needed. Today will be better than yesterday and that's that.

Already I have two good things to say. The first one is, I think we have a boy's name picked out, FINALLY!! Masculine names are the hardest to choose, in my opinion. So we wanted to get that out of the way, then work on the girl's name. Well, we have one that I feel really good about. It just feels right. Now on to the girl! The second thing, Czarina has discovered a newfound love for folding clothes! Her enthusiasm is not exactly contagious, but it's a milestone. I'm totally cashing in on it. I'm like, "Look what I've got for you, sweetheart!" and hold out the basket of clothes to which she squeels in excitement. Literally. It's great. She's done two loads so far, and I see a bright shining future filled with child labor from here on out.

Ha.

What else... oh yeah. My nesting instinct has flared up. I've been rearranging closets and organizing shelves and stuff. Trying to get things in order. I have the baby bed set up and a few blankets out, but I need to go through the infant clothes to see what I've got. I also need to get a dresser to put these clothes in! That's about it. I think I've got everything else covered in one way or another. I had gotten rid of a lot of stuff because I thought we were done with the baby scene, but I've managed to gather up most of it once more. Now I just have to find a place for it all. I'm thinking of suspending some items from the ceiling. Not the baby of course. Well, not at first, anyway.

Okay, well, the coffee's cold now, so that means it's time to get out of my pjs and start the day. School's back in session today, so we're off and running. More blogging later- hopefully Christmas pictures will go up, too. Tune in.

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:12 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack

January 3, 2007

Not Crazy. Just Pregnant.

Oh PLEASEEEEEEEE, hormones, LET ME BE!!! If I wasn't pregnant, I would definitely think I needed some kind of medication. I hate unjustified crankiness (my own). And spontaneous freaking out (which I seem to be doing a lot of). I'm even tired of hearing myself complain in my head. I'm irritating the lights out of myself! HELP!!!!

A nice glass of wine might do the trick. If it wasn't for the heartburn. Dang it all.

I'm ready to have the baby for those reasons, but I think the truth is, I'm stressing out because I'm scared. I'll admit it. I'm scared that I'm gonna suck at being a mother of four. I already feel stretched to the max. Do I have the patience for four children? The time? The creativity? The energy? How in the world do other mothers do it? I feel like I hang on by my fingernails sometimes just with three. I'm scared that I just won't be able to juggle it all. What if the baby is crying to be fed, the Duke leaks through with a dirty diaper, and HeroBoy spills a cup, all while I'm supposed to be homeschooling Czarina? Oh, and let's add the phone ringing or the teapot boiling while I'm at it. Because that's gonna happen. It just will.

I'm overwhelmed and hormonal and I keep having these moments when I just want to cry and I'm sick of feeling that way! It's like constant PMS. Which totally BITES, by the way. It's not that I'm unhappy about this baby- don't misunderstand. I feel guilty for not feeling totally capable, but I wouldn't wish it away. I struggle with my own selfishness when it comes to tending to the needs of other people, and I'm just afraid of what having a newborn will do to compound that challenge.

Okay, enough irritating honesty. This might be one of those times when you should slap me in the face and say, "Get a hold of yourself!" I dunno. Your call. If I need it, please, do it. And uh, don't expect that invitation to come up very often. As a matter of fact, maybe you should just shake me and leave the slapping out of it altogether. You meanie.

Or you could just hand me that small glass of wine.
And a tums.

Yeah, that sounds good.

'Nuff for now. Night, folks!

Posted by WonderGirl at 6:51 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack

January 2, 2007

I Must Be Early.

Been quiet around here today! I keep checking blogs to see if anybody's updated, but I guess since I haven't updated either, I can't fuss. Come on guys. Let's get blogging! We can even make up a cheer if you want, like: Gimme a B, Gimme a L, Gimme an O and a G! What's that spell? Blog. Oh, you don't know what that is? It's like an online diary kind of thing where you, oh FORGET IT.

No cheer.

Bad idea.

But, we do need to get in there and write some decent stuff. I am determined to stop this updating nonsense I always seem to be doing. Don't get me wrong, it has it's place here. I want you guys to know what I've been up to and all the yada yada of my life... but I am ready for some substantial editorial, too. And I want to get back to some of my creative writing, something other than how my weekend was. I'm ready to wear my writer's hat.

Not to be confused with my drinking hat, of course.

Jealous much? You know you are.

Anyway-- I do hope to be picking up the blogging in 2007. Fresh start and all that. I am ready to have this baby and get my life together again. Back to writing, back to running, back to semi-normalcy! Or as closely approaching normal as possible with my million babies. I have a feeling I might start to resemble the Little Old Lady Who Lived in a Shoe. You know, the one who had so many kids, she didn't know what to do? That could be me in two months. Completely nutso, trying to figure out how to bring in natural light and feng shui a giant boot.

Okay, I gotta run. I'm being paged over the Cry-o-com. Have a good night, folks. See ya tomorrow.

Posted by WonderGirl at 6:19 PM | TrackBack

January 1, 2007

Hi, 2007. I'm WonderGirl.

Home, home, home!!

After nearly ten days away from the nest, we've returned to that beautiful place that has my very own bed, and my nice deep bathtub, and clothes I haven't worn again and again for a week and a half. Yay!!

I've unpacked the STUFF, but I haven't even gotten to the suitcases yet. I'm resting now- reorganizing after a trip like that is a major job! It makes me nappish. *yawn*

Anyway- we're home, and that's a good thing. I won't go into the full story yet, but let's just say, there was mucho vomito in our Christmas holiday. It wasn't pretty. But we survived.

Okay, I'm out for now. I'll put up pictures and do the whole catchup post in a while. Happy New Year, everybody!! Now go eat yer peas.

Posted by WonderGirl at 5:15 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack