Winding Down....or up?

What to do when you can't sleep? Wonder around aimlessly in blogland of course :) As our due date approaches, schedules are becoming more hectic. Shouldn't it really be the other way around? Well, that was my intention really. My work (yeah, they treat me well) allows for up to 4 weeks off prior (paid, w/o a Dr's note) before the baby comes and our 12 week maternity leave starts. While I had no intention of taking all of this time, I did want to end a little early to give myself time to get into baby mode and wrap up any lose ends (not to mention calm the anxiety of my water breaking around work). Oh, and did I mention Otto and Baby Surprise still in progress?

Anyways, tomorrow is my last day at the office. I thought I would have access to email and my work items at home to at least check in from time to time and keep somewhat "in the know".....yesterday I found out....the answer is NO. Apparently those silly insurance companies like to screw up your pay and benefits if you access work in any way. Their point, "if you are even looking at email, how do they know that you are really disabled?" You are either working or disabled. They apparently don't float into the gray lines of people like me wanting some sanity when they go back to work and see their overloaded email box. Hmmm...let's see...I have to clear out about 250-300 emails after being gone a week....times at least 12......OUCH. And that is just emails, the smallest part of my universe. Se la vi, I suppose.

Well, back to lay down and see if I can clear my head of the list of things I want to get done tomorrow. er today. And this is EXACTLY why I am having a week off prior to the expected date....I need to clear out this clutter and stress (forcefully if I have to), so I can focus on the important things....giving birth to a healthy, adorable, little baby and addition to our family :)

Take care everyone, and sleep like a baby (what is with that expression anyways)
:)

Sneaky Sister, Wonderful Shower

Yesterday's Baby Shower was more than I could ask for. I have such wonderful family & friends, my mom & sister really outdid themselves putting it together. They had fun activities (decorating onesies, the purse game, the clothespin game) and lots of pretty sweet goodies to snack on. Not only did my sis throw one kickin' shower, but she did some sneaky baby knitting. How could she keep it from me? I was REALLY surprised as I thought she was working on other projects. I was wondering how she hadn't had time for spinning. Soooo sneaky...check out this Moderne Baby Blanket...in sophisticated colors, perfect for our soon to be. And I do believe that she is close to expert knitter status here with her finishing.

Let me get back to the sweet treats. One of the big hits were the Bon Bons that she made along with the help of her friend Candy. She got the idea from Girl Who Knits who had done these recently for a baby shower. As soon as she saw them on her blog, she knew that they needed to be at the shower. She quickly identified that they were made from 2 of my favorite things: Cream Cheese & Oreos. And wow, there were awesome! And adorable....did I mention that they did 3 batches and spent 8 hours making these? Now THAT is love :)

And I can't finish this post without showing you Julie's Masterpiece....her fabulous Diaper Cake. You really outdid yourself Julie....there are over 50 diapers here! I am going to take notes when we start deconstructing and using the diapers....I peaked inside and saw that part of it is being held up by knitting needles! Hehehehe!
Ah, baby bliss....I think that we are READY for her!

Mitts

My blog is becoming more baby and pregnancy lately. I guess that is because that is what is on my mind. This week was not the best, in fact...I would say that it has been my most uncomfortable week. Swollen feet? Yup? Itchy Skin? Yes. Wait a minute....itchy skin....how itchy? What are these little bumps? Why do my arms have a rash that reminds me of being in Jamaica and heat rash? YIKES! My obsessive and investigative nature quickly started to search around the internet for pregnancy rashes. I have sensitive skin, but was convinced that this was baby related. After suffering through several days knowing that my next check up was near, I was convinced that I have PUPPP.

What is PUPPP? Something that less than 1% of pregnant women enjoy during their last few weeks of pregnancy. It miraculously clears itself up about 1-2 weeks after delivery. Does not hurt the baby, I think it only happens to drive the mother nuts and make me think: Baby Baby Baby...Birth Birth Birth...Itch Itch Itch...Can't Scratch the Skin.

This week, it hasn't been the urge to run to the bathroom that has woken me up restless, it has been the urge to itch! Hubbs was threatening to make me sleep with oven mitts on....hehe

This is really a pretty weird condition. It only really happens with first time pregnancies and not subsequent. What is even more interesting is that my mom had something similar when my sis was born, but no rash with me. I wonder if it is somewhat hereditary? Wikipedia mentions that this condition was only formally documented and described in 1979, which is strangely the year I was born. Way too coincidental if you ask me.

While there aren't a lot of studies out there on this, what is funny is that most occurrences delivery boys (around 70% which is not what our ultrasounds have showed) or have had significant weight gain (nope, right on track) or are having twins (again, ultrasound is calling for singlet).

Of course, my doctor provided much sympathy to me yesterday and quickly prescribed a cortiscosteriod cream for me to use very sparingly on the affected areas. In some extreme cases, they have had to induce women into labor because of the severity of the itch. YIKES! I don't think I am THAT itchy. Let's hope it doesn't worsen.

Good news is, today is going to be a great day.....today is my BABY SHOWER!

Signs of Spring

Yes! I know what Knittripps is drooling over :) How about these?

Buddy buddy

This morning I got to take a little time away from the hustle of work, schoolwork, and general busyness to spend some time with my knitting friends. We used to have a regular schedule for getting together every other week, but the last time we were able to get together was back in December. Too many scheduling conflicts. So, this morning was a nice start to the weekend. Unfortunately, no good knitting was done. I will dub it unproductive knitting time. I only did 2 rows on Baby Surprise before realizing I made a mistake and worked back one row...still need to work back the other row. Oh well.... It was great to be out with my group.

Lately, our buddy has been quite the little snuggler. He has always been a "buddy" wanting to be near, but I am convinced that he knows that there is quite a bit going on with me. He seems to want to protect me, be close, and make sure that I am alright. I know you saw some Ein & belly pics last week, but I simply couldn't resist!

Is there Spring in the air where you are?

Who are you....hoo hoo, hoo hoo

A little relaxation, a little Otto time. Not a bad start to the weekend. As you can see, I have a little Belly Buddy. Ein likes to be close, I think he knows there is something going on, but hasn't felt a kick yet. We keep trying to tell the pets that a baby is on the way! Side one of Otto has been finished. I am alternating between Otto and Baby Surprise to keep things sane with preggie knits. So far, so good. Hubbs grandma just got back from a trip to CA (89 and still on the move---may we all be so lucky). They did make it out to see a vineyard and she brought back a little something for our little sweetie. How cute is this?