home yummy home

This past weekend we went to San Antonio for a wedding reception for one of Bob's fraternity brothers. It was the first time we've taken little Mary Beth home--with the exceptions of course when she was just an interloper inside me. And to nobody's surprise she was the bell of the ball, and everyone found her incredibly cute. Couldn't agree more. Auntie Kim and Quasi-Grandma Terri showered her with LOTS o' gifts, and she will officially be the most styling little girl to grace this earth. Can't wait until she can wear most of the gifts!

And no trip to San Antonio would be complete without trips to Rudy's and Longhorn Cafe. I'm really lucky we didn't live in town when I was pregnant or those two places would have been the death of me and the reason for double weight gain. But Mary seems to like them, especially with her Aunt holding her! I think Rudy's should pay me for her ringing endorsement for their barbecue sauce...

mommy and me yoga

Although I lost all the baby weight before the 6 week appointment (woo hoo!), I still need to get back in shape. But with Bob working so many hours, I never get to leave the house to go work out without Mary Beth. And she's too young for the nursery at the gym to watch her, so no workout for Kristi.

The other day Bob was going to watch her while I went to yoga, but he had to stay late again. So the next day Mary Beth and I had our own workout and yoga session at home...

growing and growing and growing...

With all the excitement about the shots yesterday, I forgot to post the BIG news. That's BIG as in our little Mary Beth!!

At birth she was 5 pounds, 9 ounces. 20 inches tall. Head 13 inches round.

At 2 months, she's now 11 pounds, 2 ounces! 23 inches tall! Head 15 inches round!

She went from 7th percentile in weight (hence the quick c-section) to 81st!!! She may not have liked my food in utero, but she sure doesn't have a problem with it now!! Dr. Z said she just had to catch up with where she was supposed to be.

We liked the news so much we whipped out her pretty pink Bumbo that she can now sit in.

it hurt mommy more...

Or at least we think it did.

This morning was Mary Beth's two month appointment where they gave her the first round of immunizations. Although she pleaded with Auntie Kim to come kidnap her so she didn't have to get them, she was a trooper. Bob and I watched, and I held her hand, as she received two shots in one leg and one in the other. After the first shot she was still OK. Or looked like it at least. When the second was about to go in, her face went from white to a dark shade of red and she let out a scream that, well, I'm sure rivaled the scream my parents heard from me! Of all the things we wanted her to inherit...

But after the third shot, and the oral vaccine that was given before, we held her and she didn't cry for too long. Which is a good thing because she has these sad, sad crying eyes that would make me buy her the world if I could to make everything better. We came home, ate, and then she slept on me for 3 hours. Yes, I spoiled her. Yes, I would do it again. After eating, I'm trying to see if she can stay awake and see if she has any side effects. So far so good.

As you can see below, she has a new toy. When we were in Minnesota, Uncle Duane gave us a gift card and said we could buy her some clothes. Well, she needed this more than clothes right now. She LOVES the mirror and kicking the whale. And tummy time is fun, she says.

Here's to a good rest of the day...

priceless

I could write a ton right now... but Bob's out of town and that's left me alone with Sybil, I mean Mary Beth. Yesterday she was a terror. Today an angel. Tonight will be interesting -- with Sybil she slept from 11 to 430, fed, and then slept another 4 1/2 hours. So if she's an angel today, wonder what the sleep will be like. Anyway, not going to spend too much time here because I'd rather read a magazine that has been sitting on the table for, oh, 3 weeks. LOVE motherhood.

Instead, I'm just going to post the picture above that was from Papa's funeral. I mean come on... could she be any cuter? She doesn't do much right now other than sleep, poop, cry, eat, and repeat, but sooner or later she'll start mimicking, playing, etc. But in the meantime, I'll take the look on her face here. Priceless.

happy two months!

I'm two months old today. (And I like to fly on airplanes!)

Dear Mary Beth,

Today is your two month birthday! And what an interesting month it has been, especially the last week or so. You're really starting to show a personality, and your facial expressions are priceless. If anyone would have told me about your cute faces and stretches, we would have had you a long time ago! You now like the swing, especially the vibrating function. But you have to be in the right mood to be put in there. Which means we do need to go get more batteries... We thought you were starting to sleep a lot more at night, but the last few days you have stopped that. But we have been out of town, so that may be why. More on that later.

We have discovered something you REALLY like. Baths. The other night you were inconsolable - crying and getting fussy for no reason. As soon as we took you into the bathroom and you felt the heater and heard the water, you got quiet and smiled. You may soon be the cleanest 2 month child out there because we love to see your reaction to it all. And your Auntie Kim likes when you smell nice and clean, too.

Last Monday we found out that my Great Aunt Cecilia died at age 105. And then, your great grandfather, my precious Papa (Cecilia's brother) also passed away. He was 94 and has desperately wanted to join his loving wife Geimps and daughter, your namesake and my mother, in heaven. He missed them dearly and was in a lot of pain, so we take comfort in knowing they are together again. Your Aunt Kim, you and I flew up to Minneapolis for the funeral, and spent time with both the Vener and Engelman families. We were nervous on how you would handle the flights -- you slept the entire way, both flights. I can only hope you act that way on future flights! We met a lot of great people at Papa's funeral - including someone who helped take care of Mom when she was a baby and had whooping cough when she was a baby. That was 64 years ago! It's strange to say, but you were the hit of the funeral - everyone wanted to see you and remember that life is a complete circle. Papa may be gone, but you're his blood that will continue on. I'll post more photos and news from our trip, but right now we're resting from being up since 3:30 a.m. I guess that's nothing new for you, but staying awake since that time is new to me! The photo above is from your trip on the plane this morning. Yes, it's written on a barf bag, which thank goodness nobody had to use. Auntie Kim almost had to on the way up there, but she'll have to tell you why one day.

Next week we have a pediatrician appointment for your immunizations. It would be great if you would sleep through those, too, but that's not going to happen. I apologize in advance for what you're going to go through. It will hurt, but it's better in the long run for you. I have a feeling that won't be the last time I say that to you in your life.

We love you, Baby Love!!

Love, Mom and Dad

and we were swingin'... yes we were swingin'...

Up until now, Mary Beth has been inseparable from Lamb. Lamb, the baby papasan, was the best present we've ever received. And with her reflux, it was the perfect angle for her to sleep. She never slept a night out of it. In fact, when we went to Austin, we just packed up Lamb and headed down I-35.

Randomly 2 days ago, she began to not like Lamb. Very odd. Kept burping up in it and wouldn't get comfortable. It took FOREVER to get her to sleep in it!

And then... yesterday morning I decided to try and put her down in the pack and play bassinet, because I really wanted to take a shower and she was suffering from drunken baby syndrome after a feeding. I mean she was completely out. So I put her down, and low and behold! She stayed there for almost 2 hours!! And then later in the day went back for another hour. Of course then all hell broke loose and she didn't want to go in there, in Lamb, or anywhere else for that matter.


Then came the swing. That's right folks, the swing. The swing that Auntie Kim and I put together ourselves and then Mary Beth proudly proclaimed her immediate disdain for. Put her in last night... Another miracle. Loves it and falls asleep. She's in it right now!

There's gotta be a downside somewhere, right? Like now she won't like breastmilk or something? :-) Well, in any case, my daughter's now a swinger.

Little Mary Beth she's as pretty as the angels when they sing. I can't believe I'm out here on her front porch in this swing, just a swingin'...

for my marketing peeps!

It's not a Happy Hour until someone takes their shirt off!

(Please allow a little message here from Mary Beth to my former marketing department at Regent back in Florida. We miss them incredibly!!)

Hello Marketing peeps! It's me, Mary Beth. You may remember me from that bump that protruded out of Mom's belly. Yes, I said "protruded." I'm the daughter of a writer, remember?! A little birdy told me that you were having a Happy Hour today. I fondly remember going to those with Mom. She wasn't too happy about not getting to drink during them though... Anyway, I sent some goodies for you all to enjoy today, in lieu of really late thank you cards for the presents. I wanted to send wine, but apparently I'm not old enough to purchase it. Minor details. If I were there today I would tell you:

Kristen - thank you for arranging my baby shower. I have tons of presents from you all now, and lots of ribbon that Auntie Kim has sewn on my burp clothes. I'm stylin' now. Oh, and Mom wanted me to tell you to go eat either a tuna melt or the potato salad. Ummmm. Food...

Nadia - you need to come visit. I woke up screaming every hour last night, and Mom seems to think that you, and ONLY you would have been able to calm me down. (And I still get the hiccups every day!)

Andrew - three times? Really? You chose to go through this 3 different times? Mom thinks that's just silly! :-)

Nancy - there's a bunch of birds outside making noises. Mom said you would take wonderful pictures of them. But you'd have to come to Texas. She says we have a better chance of running into you in Minnesota this summer.

Kari - just wanted to let you know that Mom did a horrible job painting her toenails the night before I was born. She should have stopped for a mani/pedi like you. Now please give her some work to do -- she's driving me crazy!!!!

Jill - so this fluffy, soft thing that keeps making noises is what made my whole world vibrate before I was born? His name is Orbit? Interesting. He doesn't like me very much right now...

Tracy - you keep making Mom laugh with your facebook posts. Keep 'em coming, and come visit us next time you're in Texas.

Nicci - feta cheese. Finally got to have it (well, through breast milk). You were mean and had it at the office before I was born. It was worth the wait.

Colleen and Karen - once? Really? You chose to go through this just 1 time? Mom thinks that's a good idea right now. But I'll convince her to do it again eventually...

And last, but certainly not least, Mike - Mom said you told her people with only one baby at a time aren't allowed to complain. So I've been screaming twice as loud and twice as often in your honor.

I hope you all have a wonderful Happy Hour. Don't drink too much -- you know who I'm talking to...

Love,

Mary Beth

a full week...

(Mary Beth meets OUR Godfather!)

After an eventful weekend of Bob being in Vegas, we had to find a way to top it. First, Andy and Jeff came over for a few hours on Sunday, so Mary Beth finally got to meet Andy, her future godfather. Then, she and I packed up WAY too much stuff and took a roadtrip to Austin. Auntie Kim was going through niece withdrawal, and Uncle John and Aunt Corinne were in Austin visiting Mom's cousin Denny for the Food and Wine Festival. It was the perfect chance for Mary Beth to meet her great-godparents. (I'm pretty sure I just invented that moniker, but it fits!) And John's yet another redhead, so of course we had to have that bonding moment. Hopefully we'll all make it to see Papa in July, and we can take a 4-generation redhead photo!

I have to admit that taking a 3-4 hour roadtrip with Mary Beth was a little nerve-wracking. Who knew how she would react? She seems to like the car, but for that long? So on the way I stopped in Waco for a diaper change and quick feeding. I really shouldn't have. We could have waited. So I drove straight on the way back. She was fine -- just had a few loaded diapers over the next few hours after returning home. Seems she was saving them up since she was sleeping.

Anyway, it was great to see John, Corinne, Denny and Eva. We don't really get together very often, so it was fun to tell stories and relax. Corinne was even trying to remember stories about when Mom had us as munchkins like Mary Beth. It's unfortunate that without Dad around, we're missing some pieces of the puzzle. But with as many family members as we have, hopefully we'll get lots of stories for Mary Beth.

We came back on Tuesday night, which basically meant that other than a few hours on Sunday, Bob hadn't seen Mary for about 5 days. He commented that in that short amount of time, she's changed. Yup. Every day.

I had my 6 week post-partum appointment yesterday. Which Mary Beth slept through, even when she gave Dr. Jeff his MexiCoke. Anyway, seems I'm somehow back to my fighting weight without even lifting a finger. OK, I lifted breasts, because breastfeeding ROCKS for weight loss. I gained between 27 and 30 pounds (depending on the scale) with the pregnancy, and give or take 3 pounds, I'm back. Now, it's not the shape that I want to be in, but I basically was like this before the interloper moved in. If Mary Beth will actually take the bottle from Bob, I can start hitting the treadmill soon. Woo hoo!!!

Pics!

sybil strikes again

So, Bob escaped (barely) to Vegas for a gathering/Bachelor party. I call it a gathering since there are only 3 people involved. But technically it's a Bachelor party. It was just a few weeks ago when he asked if he could go. I'd just be alone with Mary Beth for 2 nights. Well hell, I'm alone with her all damn day, so how much harder could the nights be?

Famous last words.

Good God she went crazy yesterday. And it wasn't even just the night! She'd be napping and then scream at the top of her lungs. For no reason except to see how quickly I could get to her. I honestly thought Orbit may have mauled her one time or something. Truth be told, he's scared of her since she can cry louder than him! She'd want to be fed, but wouldn't eat. She'd want to lie down, but then wouldn't. She wanted to be rocked, but then would punch me when I sat down. Seriously I thought I was going to go insane. I was NOT looking forward to the night.

Then somehow she settled down with me to watch tv. I gave her a bath (yea me - all by myself!), and then I went to the couch and kept her with me instead of the Lamb or crib/playpen. Don't know what did it, but she actually fell asleep. And then continued the happiness later and actually slept in the playpen for 4 hours! I slept from 1:45 to 5:45! I haven't done that in, well, 5 weeks now. After eating, she went back to sleep in Lamb and then continued to have an OK day with me. Sure, she got fussy after waiting 2 hours for the car to be done today... but I was pretty ticked off too. At least she had a good excuse of being hungry -- I was just mad!

I think her name should have been Sybil. One day she's a holy terror ready to demolish anyone or anything that crosses her path, and then the next she's sweet, loving child-o-mine. Wonder how many other personalities are buried in there. I asked this on my facebook page and my lovely brother reminded me that I'll be asking this same question in another 15 years.

Crap. Hate when he's got a point.

Here's lovely child-o-mine asleep on my chest last night... hopefully she'll do the same for me in another hour. She is pretty damn cute though...

happy one month!

Dear Mary Beth,

Today is your one month birthday! It's hard to believe that it's been one month since you came screaming into this world. We haven't killed you, and you haven't killed us -- looks like a win/win situation for all so far! Looking at you and knowing that we created you is a bit overwhelming. You're impishly cute with the best facial expressions and stretches!

We keep getting told that the first month is the hardest. Hopefully this is true! Although you get cuter everyday (which we didn't think was possible), you unfortunately have acid reflux, which makes you extremely uncomfortable! And if you're in pain, we're in pain. It kills us to see you unhappy!!! But we've visited Dr. Z, your pediatrician, and she's promised to make you better! And we also discovered today that you react well to eating from the bottle -- somehow reduces the gas and its effects so far.

In this one month's time, you have been visited by Aunt Kim, Uncle Jeff (very briefly), Grandma Lillian, Carissa (high school soccer teammate), and Rhonda (high school friend). They all think you're adorable. You've been showered with presents from family and friends. You've gone to dinner at Carrabba's and Kinkaids (2 times now!) and have made a few shopping trips to Babies R Us and Target. And yesterday we went to see Dr. Jeff for his kids' birthday party. You like him -- you gave him daisies!

What do you like? Being rocked in the chair, bath time, taking my glasses off my face at night, being in the car for a ride and the Little Lamb baby papasan that you sleep in all the time. What do you dislike? Being flat on your back (which is why you sleep in Lamb!), bright lights, gas, and being wakened. Unless it's for food and then you're ok with it! Oh, and you don't really like the swing, which is disppointing considering how Kim and I got it for you. It's a secret -- we'll tell you one day.

We're so glad you're here, Baby Love!!

Love,
Mom and Dad

namesake's birthday

Today, April 10, would have been Mom's 64th birthday. So I felt it appropriate to have a little chat with Mary Beth to tell her about Mom and the special day.

I told her "Today would have been your Grandma Mary's 64th birthday, so we should celebrate!"

She then preceeded to burp up all over me. I took it as a sign.

"Oh yeah," I told her, "Mom always said she was a year younger because we forgot her birthday one year. So I guess she would have been 63 today."

I swear she smiled at me before she settled right back to sleep. Love how Mom uses my child to put me back in my place...

Rob and Kim joke that since Mary's birthday falls in Spring Break time, she's going to be a "Woooo" girl. Can't really argue with it. So here's a WOOOOO for you, Mom!

who needs sleep?

No surprise for mothers out there that I haven't posted in a while. Little Mary Beth has kept me quite busy and sleep deprived. If God were a woman, men would have the ability to breastfeed as well. Anyway, this past weekend Mary Beth decided that she was going to turn into a holy terror. I told you Mom and Dad would find a way to get even with me...

Actually, I have no idea how we were when we were infants, but Mary Beth had been acting strange for a while. Her grunts and groans that were cute 2 weeks ago were getting louder and more persistant. I knew they couldn't be "normal" like everyone told us. Then she started burping up everytime I fed her. And not like a normal baby burp up. Much more and more often. So disheartening to see! Then this weekend she just couldn't be consoled. Didn't want to be fed, held, left alone, etc. I spent 2 hours bouncing her around and singing to her to get her to fall asleep -- only to have her scream as soon as I put her down. I had had it!

So yesterday I called Dr. Z, the pediatrician. We had an appointment this morning (though like a true redhead and my daughter, yesterday was quite pleasant!) and it turns out she has severe acid reflux. It's good to know that I'm not "that" mom that runs to the doctor anytime something is weird or inconvenient! She prescribed some meds and said that hopefully this will alleviate the pain and fussiness caused by the gas and reflux. Poor little Mary... On a good note, she takes medicine out of a little dropper a heck of a lot better than Orbit the Wondercat.

Didn't want to post a photo of her burping up for you, so thought you'd all like one in her better days. She's been hanging out with Dr. Evil and is going to hold the world ransom for ONE MILLION DOLLARS.

to geimps

So this will mean more to the Vener side of the family than anyone else, but it just needed to be done. These photos are for Mary Joyce Vener, aka Geimps -- Mom's mom. Mary Beth's great grandma. Geimps, don't worry... Kim is carrying on the Woodstock tradition for you, and Mary Beth already has her own Woody that eventually she can drag around with her. Thank you, Geimps...

update and angels

So yes, it's been a while. Gee, what could I possibly have been doing lately that has stopped me from updating the blog? In no particular order:

• Mary Beth has had two pediatrician appointments, where we have seen her grow leaps and bounds. From the first week to second week, she grew a pound and is now 7 pounds!!!
  
• I've also had two post-partum appointments. The first was slightly disappointing when I noticed that I had only lost the exact weight that Mary Beth was born. But then last week my weight dropped another 12 pounds. MUCH better. Still working on getting the feeling back in my fingers, but so far so good according to Dr. Jeff.
  
• Oh yes, Mary Beth gave Dr. Jeff a present when we went for my first appointment. We figured this may be a first--having an OPhi deliver for a Gamma, so Baby Gamma Mary Beth passed on some daisies. See photo below.
  
• We had Baby's First St. Patrick's Day! She didn't cooperate for the best photos, but we still celebrated.
  
• Bob's mom spent about a week here fawning over her first grandbaby, which was wonderful for all. Then she overlapped one night with Aunt Kim, who has been here for almost a week as well. The first week home was painful for me, and I couldn't really run any errands. Now I'm starting to with Kim, and eventually will be able to on my own. Still can't drive yet, or pick up the carseat with Mary Beth in it, but baby steps, right?

OK, that's enough of a mini-update. Now onto the angels...

Mary Beth sometimes looks "past" me with her big eyes -- like she's looking at something or someone behind us that I can't see. I had someone tell me that this is when babies are looking at the angels that are watching over them. Well, she has a LOT of angels watching over her, so we've been having some fun with this. We keep telling her not to listen to the funny looking guy telling her to torment me. No no, don't pee right in the middle of a diaper change. Or burp up on the new, clean outfit. Or yell at the top of your lungs because he said to do it. Do whatever the really tan woman next to that man says to do. Come on -- you know Mom has a tan again by now, right?! And now by popular demand, some more photos:

girl power and drunken baby syndrome

The nurse called it Drunken Baby Syndrome. Any mom that breastfed knows what we're talking about. It's the immediate effect breastmilk has on a baby -- especially the first few times. Eyes roll back, body freezes into a relaxed state, and she basically looks, well, drunk. Or stoned, but we'll go with drunk. Well, Mary really likes breastmilk, much to our delight, since it's then followed with up to 2 hours of uninterrupted sleep. This morning that meant that Bob left me to sleep for another 2 1/2 hours. I slept through breakfast. It was WONDERFUL.

Girl Power showed up when we were in the hospital. Kim is a genius at this double blanket wrap (aka a tight "baby burrito") that would put her to sleep in an instant. She LOVES it. Trouble is, when Bob would fold up the blanket (I was still getting land legs back), Mary would immediately shoot her left arm out of the blanket and into the air. Almost like a Black Panther salute. But since she's as white as white could be, I declared it to be the new Girl Power salute. Somehow I know that Mary's namesake would be proud.

For those of you who may not know, Mary Elizabeth's name has quite a history. There are a LOT of Mary Engelman's, Mary Vener's, and Mary Francisco's, along with the middle name Elizabeth throughout Bob's and my families. And then there's my mom, Mary Elizabeth, who passed away when I was 17. I've talked about her before, and don't think my hormones will allow me to do it again right now. :-) Bob's mom's name is even Mary Lillian, though she goes by Lillian. Rest assured that all the personality, knowledge, strength and attitude from all of these women have shaped a hell of a Girl Power for our little Mary. Watch out world!

Below are some pics... the first two are from the hospital, with Aunt Kim and Proud Papa Bob. Then Horsey, our favorite little stuffed animal that was given to us at our RSSC shower, the onesie that says "I love Mommy, and Mommy loves me." :-) And Mary's Little Lamb. It's the gift from Sonia, Lisette and Oscar. It's Mary's new home away from my chest...

home sweet home

Greetings all from the new land of Motherhood. It has been quite an interesting last 3 days, and I'm just starting to catch up on all the e-mails, text messages, etc. from all. Bob, Mary and I thank you dearly!

So here's a quick summary, though Aunt Kim did a great job of standing in while I was slightly busy! Checked into the hospital on Thursday morning. And no, I was not a fan of the IV and spinal block. I'm choosing not to relive any of that for you all except to say that Summer, the Nurse, very much deserves a raise.

If you've been following this, you know that my doc went to college with me. So Dr. Jeff is cracking jokes with me as he's slicing and dicing, which is the best way to distract me! "First foot... second foot..." Baby came out legs first, so I had to make a soccer crack. After head comes out, he says "Well I hate to break it to you, but she's got red hair." Made me VERY happy. Everything was kinda a whirlwind after that. She was weighed, measured, cleaned, etc. I was cleaned up and stiched/stapled, and taken to recovery. I don't remember a good chunk of that part -- I believe someone gave me more happy drugs to assist! He very much deserves a raise as well.

We're home now, and trying to adjust to a house that is ruled by a girl under 6 pounds. Amazing how much power she has! And the other little man here, Orbit the Wondercat, is a bit confused and doesn't know what to do. He gave me some well-deserved love when I came into the bedroom. But boy did things change after Mary started crying. Boy things are going to get interesting...

she is here!

hi! its kim, haven't decided if i am aunt kimberly (aunt, like those up north say it) or aunti kim ( like ant). Anyway, 0915 this morning, via c/s. kristi hated the iv, the spinal and the recovery room, since then all is great. baby took to the breast right away. she is a redhead. she is sofa king cute. 5 lbs 9 ozers. 20 inches long. tall! a screamer! just like mama. she just got named too. was beginning to think she would go home without a name ( like mama, she went home baby girl engelman #2, while i was named by rob right away! ) but now, 7 hours after delivery she is Mary Elizabeth Francisco. those of you pulling for sam or filamena. sorry. i was pulling for kimberly dawn. sending some cute pics. haven't loaded up the pic of kristi, mary beth and bob all asleep, may come later. it was cute. entire fam plum tuckered out. hospital is great, lots of attention. for those who care, 8/9 apgars. best you can hope for. layman's terms...baby is really healthy! yeah! i was so nervous! i didn't want her to have to go to intensive care, nicu. it was great to see her and bob in the reg nursery! i was pacing. enjoy pics.

sure kristi will write soon!

love,

kim

kristi wants all to know she too had the strawberry mark/stork bite on forehead. mary beth has her lips too. not sure how she putts or drives, so will have to see what she got from bob later

superwoman's daughter to give birth tomorrow

She was able to carry twins until 5 days before her due date. Give birth NATURALLY -- that's right folks, not a drug in her -- to a 7 pounder and a 6 pound, 9 ouncer. And bounce right back like it was nothing. She then raised three holy terrors (well, the third one was an angel, of course!). Went back and continued her career. Finished her doctorate of her life's work. Taught her children how to take care of themselves. Put up with a smartass, but all-loving husband. Had amazing, close friends who would do anything for her. And fought up until the last day when cancer, her only Kryptonite, took her from this world.

I'm convinced that if she had kicked cancer's ass, she would have done even more heroic actions, like becoming the first female President of the United States. You know, something easy for us to live up to.

I promised my mother that I would live my life as she taught me -- without fear, with intellligence, love and compassion, and I would live it to the fullest.

I have, however, accepted the fact that I am NOT Superwoman as she was.

I will not be carrying Baby Girl until her due date. I will not be giving birth without a single drug. Somehow I do believe she will be a holy terror, though. Let's hope she doesn't roll over at 30 minutes in the hospital and scream so loud that she had to be separated from the rest of the nursery. Yeah, that was me! :-)

Baby Girl has an appointment to enter this world at 9 a.m. tomorrow morning. She does, however, have Engelman and Vener blood in her, so it would not shock me if she showed up before that JUST to make an entrance.

It sounds strange to say, but I am going to miss being pregnant. Well, SOME things. Like the limited wardrobe options that made getting ready in the morning a lot easier. Bumping bellies with Bob. Eating chocolate and saying "Hey, Baby Girl likes chocolate, what can I say?" Fingernails that never broke. Baby hiccups. Feeling her move around in my belly, especially before Bob or anyone else could feel it. It was like our little secret.

What I won't miss? This numb, painful feeling in my hands that I've had now for the last 2-3 weeks contantly, and swollen feet -- just appeared in the last few days. Not being able to join my work friends after work for Happy Hour because it was at the world's smokiest bar. Not being able to exercise. Having to stop taking my roseacea medicine and having my face break out.

I'm sure there's more for my pro/con list, but now I must try to get the house ready for our impending guest. OK, so I'm actually going to go snuggle with Orbit, my first child. I hope he still likes me after this and that Baby Girl isn't his Kryptonite.

grow baby, grow!!!

So, Baby Girl is a true redhead. Not only is she breech and not turning, but she's not growing as fast as we'd like. She's healthy with a strong heartbeat - heard it myself! But even though I'm eating and drinking more than when I was during two-a-days for soccer back in college, she's somehow not growing leaps and bounds like we want. My doc here went to college with me back at Trinity, and I trust him with both of our lives. He's doing a great job of keeping me somewhat calm, and we'll continue to watch her progress. So appointments have gone to two a week and we'll just keep watching and waiting.

So I said "somewhat calm," because if you know me at all, you know that my mind is racing right now. I admit that I had a mini-freakout this morning. Then I got two e-mails from Mom's side of the family. And it calmed me down COMPLETELY. (Thanks! you know who you are!) Baby Girl definitely has Francisco and Engelman blood in her -- I keep forgetting she had Mary Vener blood in her too. Reading those e-mails jumpstarted some of that blood I think.

Funny thing -- we always talk about the "stubborn ol' bitch gene." Seems I forgot that this gene is actually from Mom's family. Honest mistake if you know a lot of the Engelmans! Mom's doc gave her two days to two weeks to live, and she left this earth almost two months later. She wasn't ready. Geimps, her mom, had a pacemaker, emphysema and general heart problems (NOT due of course to her smoking like a chimney, according to her!). I swear she had those problems for more than 2 decades. And she was not going to die until she wanted to. And she didn't. The gene appears a lot -- not just when faced with illness or death. Just life in general and not giving in. I believe I have that gene top (stop laughing, everyone), and I'm pretty damn sure Baby Girl has it too. She'll grow or be delivered when she wants to, dammit.

One of my sorority sisters wrote me about her little girl, and how she thinks that before she was born, she met her late sister in heaven. Hung out, played, etc. She even recognizes her in photos and talks about her. I love that idea. So -- Mom, Dad, Marsha, Geimps, Earl, Grandma and Grandpa, and even Lexie... Baby Girl needs to put on some weight. Think in your partying and playing up there with her you could fatten her up a bit for me? She likes chocolate ice cream. No vodka, Dad, and no Jamison, Geimps. Thanks.