Nice Surprise

On Sunday, my mom and my best friend held a surprise shower/pampering party for me. It was so wonderful, I can't even put it into words. It was exactly what I needed to get me through these last 6 weeks. I had absolutely no hint or inkling about anything at all... Jerry was in on the whole thing too.

My best friend lives in Columbus, and I hadn't seen her since July. She came up and brought her mom with her, which was a really nice surprise. It made me cry.

The party was small, just a few close friends and family, but totally perfect. It was at my house, and they had all kinds of yummy foods and desserts. All the ladies painted onesies for baby Emma, and we played some games. They brought gifts, but mostly "pampering" type stuff for me. I got a gift certificate for a spa pedicure, a pregnancy message, my hair salon, The Body Shop, some new pajamas and bath and body stuff. My mom bought me an outfit to wear home from the hospital. I got a new robe and some candles. Flowers. A couple of things for the baby - my dad painted a toy box for Emma like the one he had done for Maddy, and I got a lot of diapers. The whole thing was just so nice. Big heap of thanks to all involved.

Officially Miserable

I have entered the final phase of the pregnancy. We are a day shy of 33 weeks now, and I must tell you that I am officially miserable. My back is killing me all the time. I have constant heartburn. Hemmoroids. Can't sleep. Peeing every 30 seconds. Absolutely exhausted. Swollen ankles. Blah.

Don't mistake this for complaining - I'm not. I'm thrilled to be having this baby, and baby Emma is going to be an amazing addition to our family. I am just telling you that I am experiencing some really uncomfortable effects of pregnancy now.

It is a struggle to put on my socks everyday. I attempted to shave my legs last night, and I think I might've pulled something somewhere in the effort. I no longer wear shoes that require me to tie them or buckle them or anything that cannot simply be "slipped" on. I haven't been able to wear my wedding rings since just after Christmas.

Yes people, the reality is, I have once again turned into the weeble wabble short VERY pregnant lady. I am extremely grateful to the parking garage gods here at the hospital that now allow me to park in the visitor garage, and to the people that invented those heat-in-the-microwave rice thingys that are oh so wonderful for back pain.

OK. That's enough. I need to suck it up and get back to work. TGIF. I don't think my hips could stand another day this week of sitting in this chair!

I'm taking the day off on Monday because Maddy's bedroom furniture is FINALLY being delivered!!!! Yeah!!! I can actually get something done in the nursery and get all the girls' clothes situated and organized. Looking forward to a day of "nesting."

Have a good weekend!

Was it really Valentine's Day?

Yesterday was Valentine's Day, right? I don't think the holiday made the radar in our house... Jerry, Maddy and I were all home all day because of the unbelievable snow we had gotten. We couldn't see the street or the pond behind the house or anything. There were drifts taller than me on our deck. Crazy. So, anyhow, it was a snow day. We spent most of the day lounging around at home in our sweatpants and watching Maddy's favorite movies. I attempted to have Maddy stamp some Valentine's Day cards with me, but she wasn't all that interested. We did make one for daddy from his girls, which was cute, but that was the only acknowledgement of the holiday we made all day. We left home around 3:30 to go over to my mom's to do our taxes... fun. Seriously, that is how we spent the heart-filled, romantic holiday... watching High School Musical three times and doing taxes. Life sure does change when you've been married for five years and have a toddler and another baby on the way... somehow hearts and chocolates just aren't that relevant, because I don't think I would've really wanted to spend the day any other way.

Maybe tonight will be more like Valentine's Day for us... my mom is keeping Maddy tonight... Although what I would really like to do is get all my stuff prepared for the three stamping functions I have next week!!

New Office Neighbor

I have a new office neighbor. This girl that I totally can't stand. She sucks at her job, but they won't fire her because of who her father is... She has this totally annoying snorty laugh that absolutely drives me crazy. And the work she is responsible for is so totally ridiculous and I cannot believe it is a full-time job. Whatever. Ugh. She moved in yesterday...

Official Name Change

The new baby's name is now going to be Emma Alexandra, instead of Tess. Jerry really wanted it to be Emma, and I was on the fence, but Maddy insisted on Tess until a few days ago. Now, she runs around talking about Emma and shows me Emma's room and gives my belly (Emma) kisses. So, she made the decision for us.

Emma is my great-grandmother's name, which makes me really glad to do this in her honor.

Madeline and Emma, my girls. I really like the names together. Both old-fashioned names.

So, baby Emma is scheduled to arrive on April 4th. Only a few weeks left!! But, oh my goodness, so much to do to get everything ready!