Monday, April 26, 2010

Week 32: Large Jicama (weight)

That’s right everyone … 8 weeks left!! Mr. Futz will be gracing us with his presence at some point in time in this period (maybe but hopefully not too much later) and Mike and I simply can’t wait.

We’re busy trying to get the home in “working order” and ready for another clean sweep by Anna and her crew in early June. And also trying to get in some last minute “musts” before he arrives. Like heading off to Monterey to see the aquarium last weekend and the Oakland Zoo this past weekend. We’ll be heading up to Tahoe soon as well and may even try another day trip or something up North. We’ll see.

Other than that … trying to relax and enjoy our last moments where it’s just us until our kid(s) are out of the house like us. :)

How your baby's growing:
By now, your baby weighs 3.75 pounds (pick up a large jicama) and is about 16.7 inches long, taking up a lot of space in your uterus. You're gaining about a pound a week and roughly half of that goes right to your baby. In fact, he'll gain a third to half of his birth weight during the next 7 weeks as he fattens up for survival outside the womb. He now has toenails, fingernails, and real hair (or at least respectable peach fuzz). His skin is becoming soft and smooth as he plumps up in preparation for birth.

How your life's changing:
To accommodate you and your baby's growing needs, your blood volume has increased 40 to 50 percent since you got pregnant. With your uterus pushing up near your diaphragm and crowding your stomach, the consequences may be shortness of breath and heartburn. To help relieve your discomfort, try sleeping propped up with pillows and eating smaller meals more often.

You may have lower-back pain as your pregnancy advances. If you do, let your caregiver know right away, particularly if you haven't had back pain before, since it can be a sign of preterm labor.

Assuming it's not preterm labor that's ailing you, you can probably blame your growing uterus and hormonal changes for your aching back. Your expanding uterus shifts your center of gravity and stretches out and weakens your abdominal muscles, changing your posture and putting a strain on your back. Hormonal changes in pregnancy loosen your joints and the ligaments that attach your pelvic bones to your spine. This can make you feel less stable and cause pain when you walk, stand, sit for long periods, roll over in bed, get out of a low chair or the tub, bend, or lift things.

Decision Guide: Who should be in the labor room with you?



  • Childbirth is an intensely personal experience, as is your decision whether to have additional family members, friends, or labor coaches in the birthing room with you. Here are some things to keep in mind as you prepare your guest list:
    There's no one right decision. In a recent BabyCenter poll, 44 percent of expectant moms said they preferred to have no one but their partner and medical staff in the room when they gave birth, while 37 percent said they brought an additional relative along and 16 percent requested to have a friend present. Only 3 percent of respondents asked for a doula or labor coach in the birthing room.

  • Some husbands or partners may be confused about their role in the birth or reluctant to participate if others are present. If you bring outside relatives or coaches in, make sure your partner is on board with the plan.

  • You may be under pressure from mothers or mothers-in-law who are eager to be present for the birth of their grandchild — regardless of your wishes to keep the experience private. If you want to be alone with your partner, don't be afraid to enlist hospital staff for support in carrying out your wishes and keeping relatives out of the delivery room.

  • Labor and delivery nurses come and go according to their shifts, so if you'd like to be attended continuously by one person, a private labor coach or doula is a good option. In fact, some research shows that women attended by labor assistants have shorter labors, fewer labor complications, and healthier newborns. You should also give serious thought to having a doula present if you're set on having a drug-free birth.

This Week's Activity:Start lining up helpers. Your friends and family will want to pitch in after your baby's born, but many new moms are too overwhelmed to direct household help. How to prepare now:



  • If anyone offers to help during the newborn weeks, write down their name and number.

  • Select one friend to set up a schedule so that all the friends who wish to help are given a date on which they can bring you a meal.

  • Create a master grocery list so you can hand it off to a friend.

  • Create a childcare or ride schedule for older children.

  • Line up a friend or neighbor to take out your garbage, walk your dog or feed your pets.

As for me …



  • Shortness of breath still only comes when leaning/bending over to tie my shoes or pick up something. That’s literally because he squishes my lungs and I can’t take a breath. But I can still jog up the stairs. So that’s a feat in and of itself. Lol!

  • Lower back pain … nope … just the same side that gets annoyed after a long day or too much sitting OR standing. This is a spot that I’ve always had issues with and not new and I keep an eye on it so as not to confuse it with possible pre-term labor.

  • But I would LOVE to get a prenatal massage … I think I’m going to have to look more seriously into it soon. Mike is EXCELLENT at back rubs … but I think I’m beginning to abuse it. LOL!

  • Guests in the labor room … this is certainly a topic that has been coming up a lot in conversation, even with my accounts! Especially any of my accounts that have had a child within the last few years or they themselves are expecting soon. I do have a few of those! Ultimately, in the progression of the labor while in the birthing suite, I have ZERO problems with people coming to visit me. In fact, I welcome it because I know that I will go crazy if it’s just me and the doctors. I need some social interaction to help divert some anxiety. But with that said … I want to be very clear with everyone … NO MATTER HOW MUCH MIKE AND I LOVE YOU … once I begin the fateful “pushing” … it will only be Mike and I in the room. We both agree that I reserve the right to change my mind and call people in if I feel I need more “support”. But until then, only Mike will be present for the birth of Mr. Futz.

  • Helpers … not sure on this one yet. Guess we’ll see how it all goes. But I do have an account of mine that’s a chef that has offered to bring over meals for us!! I’m stoked for that. Random factoid … I’m sure several of you have heard Mike and I talk about our “town crier” or self-proclaimed “town mayor” that lives in our complex and of course is our NEIGHBOR. She and her husband have been trying to get Mike and I to meet up with them for dinner. For a while now. We’ve been so busy with work that we haven’t been able to get together with them. But were finally getting closer to settling a date here soon. Besides, Mike and I figured we should warn them that we’re expecting since we share common walls. Well, yesterday morning as we were getting ready to leave to head to the zoo and Mike was setting up the new patio furniture we bought (Yea!), our neighbor came out and said HI. Guess who’s expecting twin boys this summer?! Seriously?! She’s due July 17th with the boys but because twins usually don’t go full term she may end up delivering her boys around the same time as Mr. Futz shows up! Crazy!!!

Another week another dollar. Renewals are moving along well and are slowing down a bit. We still have 2 weeks until our deadline for renewals and our bonus comes up and we’re chugging. Can’t wait for the Lottery on May 18th to tell us where we’ll pick in the draft. But more importantly I can’t wait until May 16th!!! Here’s to hoping that it’s a gorgeous day outside that day and that everyone shows up that can. Til then we have our first class coming up this weekend (First Aid/CPR) and Mother’s Day next weekend.


Have a great week everyone!!!


PS ... for those wondering about my foot ... I will be seeing the doc on Wednesday to have it looked at again. It's not progressing the way I feel it should be and is still painful at times. Both the part I hit and the scar as well. I’ll keep you posted on it … I’m keeping my end of the bargain to Mike and my boss of getting through the end of the season and bulk or renewals and then getting it taken care of. Whatever follow ups I need to do … I will. I want my normal foot back!!!!!!!



-- danielle & mike

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Video - Week 31

Gary playing with his Flip camera ... man I am getting UGE. Mr. Futz ... what are you doing to my body!!!!???

http://sharing.theflip.com/session/9fd79e7f48cd83f4517f9110988ee93d/video/12940903

Week 31: 4 Naval Oranges (weight)

Ummm … did anyone else notice that this puts me in single digit weeks!!!????

How your baby's growing:This week, your baby measures over 16 inches long. He weighs about 3.3 pounds (try carrying four navel oranges) and is heading into a growth spurt. He can turn his head from side to side, and his arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath his skin. He's probably moving a lot, too, so you may have trouble sleeping because your baby's kicks and somersaults keep you up. Take comfort: All this moving is a sign that your baby is active and healthy.


How your life's changing:Have you noticed the muscles in your uterus tightening now and then? Many women feel these random contractions — called Braxton Hicks contractions — in the second half of pregnancy. Often lasting about 30 seconds, they're irregular, and at this point, they should be infrequent and painless. Frequent contractions, on the other hand — even those that don't hurt — may be a sign of preterm labor. Call your practitioner immediately if you have more than four contractions in an hour or any other signs of preterm labor: an increase in vaginal discharge or a change in the type of discharge (if it becomes watery, mucus-like, or bloody — even if it's pink or just tinged with blood); abdominal pain or menstrual-like cramping; an increase in pressure in the pelvic area; or low back pain, especially if you didn't have it before.


You may have noticed some leaking of colostrum, or "premilk," from your breasts lately. If so, try tucking some nursing pads into your bra to protect your clothes. (And if not, it's certainly nothing to worry about; your breasts are making colostrum all the same, even if you don't see any.) If your current bra is too snug, you might also want to pick up a nursing bra. Choose a nursing bra at least one cup size bigger than you need now. When your milk comes in you'll be grateful for that extra room!


If you're having a boy, you and your partner will want to take some time to think about whether or not to have your baby circumcised. Find out the pros and cons from your doctor, and what the procedure involves.

Decision Guide:

Do you want pain medication during labor?
There's no one right way to have a baby. Every woman's experience with pain is different and every labor is different. Some women know in advance that they want pain medication. Some are committed to a natural, unmedicated approach to pain management. And some want to try for a drug-free birth with the option of pain medication if the going gets too rough. Learn all you can about the pros and cons of the various options so that you can make an informed choice. Here are some things to consider as you make your decision:

  • If you haven't done so already, sign up for a childbirth education class with your partner. Instructors generally cover all labor pain relief options, including epidurals, spinals, and systemic medication as well as drug-free approaches like breathing and relaxation techniques.
  • Most women opt for some kind of pain medication during childbirth. The most popular form of labor pain relief, an epidural, delivers continuous pain relief to the lower part of your body while allowing you to remain fully conscious.
  • Some women choose a natural, drug-free approach to controlling labor pain. If you want to remain in control of your body to the greatest extent possible, be an active participant throughout labor, and have minimal routine interventions in the birth process, then natural approaches will suit you best. If you choose to go this route, you accept the potential for pain and discomfort as part of giving birth, but with the right preparation and support, you may find it works well for you.
  • Whether you've decided to use pain medication during labor or are committed to natural childbirth, remember that you have the right to change your mind once you're in labor.

This Week's Activity:You don't need to pack your bag yet, but start making a list of items to bring to the hospital. Besides a change of clothes and a toothbrush, some items to include:

  • A photograph or object to focus on during labor
  • Snacks to keep your energy up and gum or mints for bad breath
  • Cozy socks and slippers
  • Your favorite pillow
  • Some light reading material
  • A nursing nightie and nursing bra
  • A going-home outfit for your baby

A camera or camcorder, fresh batteries, and film, if necessary

As for me …

  • Mr. Futz sure is getting big and doc had confirmed that I’m all external. Which is good. Means he has a bit more space to move and grow. He’s moving a ton … and is most active at night from 10pm-12am. Mike got a great show last night for sure! I find him pushing and stretching and grooving out more often. At the Sharks vs. Avs game on Friday night he would push with his feet each time the bass was blasting in the arena. I’ve noticed he does the same when I’m in the car listening to my music. His actions are also different depending on the type of music. So weird!!
  • Braxton Hicks … I believe that I’ve been feeling these. Although it’s not painful it is uncomfortable. Kind of stops you in tracks for a second. Happens a few times … then goes away. But then again … it’s my uterus contracting … and I’ve never felt that before so I’m guessing here.
  • Medication during labor … Mike and I are still debating this one. We’ll likely have a more clear idea of which way we’re steering once we get through our child birth prep classes. Then we’ll have a better idea of everything. But at the moment … leaning towards natural but not afraid to ask for the meds either if it’s too painful. I’m just really worried about my back and more importantly my hips holding up to the challenge. So we’ll see. -
  • I’ve already started a mini-mental list for the hospital. But I guess I really should write it all out. Just to be ready (afterall … there is a girl who gave birth to her son at 31 weeks on Saturday!!!).
  • Now that the season is over and work will calm down, I’ll be able to get more rest and take care of my foot, etc.
  • Mike and I are focusing on getting things ready and making sure we have all the necessities on the registry. And taking time to just be together. That’s why this past weekend we went to the hockey game and on Saturday went to Monterey. Sunday we were supposed to go to the Oakland zoo but we got a late start on the day and my back/legs weren’t quite ready yet from all the walking the day before. So we’ll go this weekend instead.

Hope everyone is doing well … we are!!!

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Week 30: Cabbage (weight)

Gosh … only 10 weeks left … wow …

How your baby's growing:
Your baby's about 15.7 inches long now, and he weighs almost 3 pounds (like a head of cabbage). A pint and a half of amniotic fluid surrounds him, but that volume will decrease as he gets bigger and takes up more room in your uterus. His eyesight continues to develop, though it's not very keen; even after he's born, he'll keep her eyes closed for a good part of the day. When he does open them, he'll respond to changes in light but will have 20/400 vision — which means he can only make out objects a few inches from his face. (Normal adult vision is 20/20.)

How your life's changing:
You may be feeling a little tired these days, especially if you're having trouble sleeping. You might also feel clumsier than normal, which is perfectly understandable. Not only are you heavier, but the concentration of weight in your pregnant belly causes a shift in your center of gravity. Plus, thanks to hormonal changes, your ligaments are more lax, so your joints are looser, which may also contribute to your balance being a bit off. Also, this relaxation of your ligaments can actually cause your feet to spread permanently, so you may have to invest in some new shoes in a bigger size.


Remember those mood swings you had earlier in pregnancy? The combination of uncomfortable symptoms and hormonal changes can result in a return of those emotional ups and downs. It's normal to worry about what your labor will be like or whether you'll be a good parent. But if you can't shake the blues or feel increasingly irritable or agitated, talk to your doctor or midwife. You may be among the 1 in 10 expectant women who battle depression during pregnancy. Also let your caregiver know if you're frequently nervous or anxious.


Surprising Facts: Common labor fears
Are you nervous about giving birth? You're not alone! Here are some common fears and how to cope with them.


• I won't be able to handle the pain.One in five expectant moms says this is her top third-trimester fear, according to a BabyCenter poll. Some women know ahead of time that they will want pain-relieving medication during labor and, in fact, most women do end up opting to have an epidural. Others are committed to giving birth without drugs. They accept potential for pain and discomfort and learn techniques to help them manage it. With the right preparation and support, some women find natural childbirth deeply satisfying and empowering.


• I'll need an episiotomy or I'll tear.An episiotomy is a surgical cut in the muscular area between your vagina and anus (the perineum) which is performed right before delivery to enlarge your vaginal opening. Some women tear spontaneously in this area during delivery — even with an episiotomy — and the tears can range from almost undetectable to severe, requiring a significant number of stitches to repair. Once nearly standard, episiotomies are on the decline and experts now agree that the procedure shouldn't be done routinely. Talk to your practitioner about how often and under what conditions she performs episiotomies and how she might help you avoid one, or tearing. There's some evidence that you'll be less likely to need stitches if you start massaging your perineum about five weeks before your due date.


• I'll be steamrolled into unnecessary medical interventions.The best way to deal with this fear is to have a frank conversation with your practitioner. If you trust and respect your doctor or midwife, you can rest assured that she'll be doing her best for you and your baby on the day of delivery. If she's aware of your wishes and preferences (consider writing a birth plan), she can do her best to adhere to them. Another way to ease this fear is to hire a doula — a professional labor assistant — to attend your birth. She can be your advocate at the hospital.


• I'll have to have a c-section.Since one in five women giving birth for the first time ends up having a c-section to deliver her baby, this fear is understandable. If you have your heart set on a vaginal birth, ending up with a c-section can be disappointing. Some moms say they feel cheated out of a vaginal birth, especially if they took childbirth classes and fantasized about the "ideal birth," or if they feel that their c-section wasn't really necessary. Others say they feel as if they're somehow less of a woman because they needed a c-section. If you have these feelings, it may take some time to reconcile the reality of your birth experience with what you'd imagined during your pregnancy. It might help to know that many women find their babies' births, whether vaginal or c-section, very different from what they expected.


• I won't make it to the hospital on time.Emergency home deliveries are extremely unusual, especially with first babies. But if you can't shake this fear, check out our emergency home birth instructions so you'll have an idea of what it involves.


This Week's Activity:
Assemble any baby gear This is the perfect job for your partner or a friend who wants to help. Cribs, bassinets, and strollers are notoriously tricky to put together, especially when you're sleep deprived, so get started now. Swings, mobiles, and monitors can all require batteries, so make sure you have enough on hand. Tip: Consider getting rechargeable batteries and a battery charger.

As for me ...



  • Every time I figure out how to sleep ... my body changes. Then I have to figure it out again. It's so frustrating. Mr. Futz has now also learned how to push up against my ribs on my right side. Of course he does this as I attempt to get cozy at night.

  • Clumsy ... hello I'm a former dancer/gymnast ... I'm clumsy but I'm graceful.

  • Mood swings ... I'm certainly not perfect. Mostly I just get a bit bratty. And not weepy ... THANK GOODNESS. I feel like it's easier to recover from bratty. I can apologize and admit my fault. Then move forward. But weepy takes a lot out of me. So I'm happy that it's not there.

  • Fears ... of course. What women doesn't have them. I'm anxious about the pain but only because of my hips and back. Not because of the time to push. I hadn't been fearful of tearing until reading this. Guess I need to do my research. Unnecessary medical interventions, from what I hear, Kaiser is excellent. So I haven't been worried about it. C-section, if it's necessary, it's necessary and I'll deal with it. Making it to the hospital on time ... it's certianly not the church ... but I'm sure we'll make it. Especially with this being the first one. Although I know Mike is a bit anxious about making it on time if he's at work in San Jose. But even still ... he'll make it.

  • Assemble gear ... furniture is up and ready to go. And there isn't anything else at home to put together. But we did get laundry detergent, etc. to wash the baby's clothes. Does that count?

Work craziness is officially over ... hence it taking sooooo very long to get my update out this week. I've officially worked almost every day for the last 4 weeks. We've only had 2 days off!!! But at least it's well worth it between the OT I've made and the potential for my bonus.


We love you all ... here's to Mr. Futz!!

Monday, April 5, 2010

Week 29: Butternut Squash (weight)

Introducing … Mr. Futz.


We finally have a nickname for the little man that will grace us sometime in late June. Michael is Mr. Fidget … because he can’t sit still for more than 30 seconds. And when the baby is moving about in my tummy I always refer to it as him “futzing around”. So now I have a Mr. Fidget and Mr. Futz in my life.


I can’t believe that we only have 11 weeks to go … or less. EEK!!!! All of the furniture is now in and looks great!!! I will send photos as soon as I get them uploaded. We’ve getting further and further along on the registry … even looking at adding a second registry on Amazon.com. A few things are cheaper by buying them online. And we’re deal shoppers. We got all of our classes scheduled too!! That was all thanks to Mike …


I’ve been SUPER/CRAZY busy with work so Mike has stepped up to help out as he always does. What a great man!! On to the update ………………………………

How your baby's growing:Your baby now weighs about 2 1/2 pounds (like a butternut squash) and is a tad over 15 inches long from head to heel. His muscles and lungs are continuing to mature, and his head is growing bigger to make room for his developing brain. To meet his increasing nutritional demands, you'll need plenty of protein, vitamins C, folic acid, and iron. And because his bones are soaking up lots of calcium, be sure to drink your milk (or find another good source of calcium, such as cheese, yogurt, or enriched orange juice). This trimester, about 250 milligrams of calcium are deposited in your baby's hardening skeleton each day.

How your life's changing:Your baby's very active now. Your practitioner may ask you to spend some time each day counting kicks and will give you specific instructions on how to do this. Let her know if you ever notice a decrease in activity. You may need a nonstress test or biophysical profile to check on your baby's condition.


Some old friends — heartburn and constipation — may take center stage now. The pregnancy hormone progesterone relaxes smooth muscle tissue throughout your body, including your gastrointestinal tract. This relaxation, coupled with the crowding in your abdomen, slows digestion, which in turn can cause gas and heartburn — especially after a big meal — and contribute to constipation as well.


Your growing uterus may also be contributing to hemorrhoids. These swollen blood vessels in your rectal area are common during pregnancy and usually clear up in the weeks after giving birth. If they're itchy or painful, try soaking in a sitz bath or applying cold compresses medicated with witch hazel to the affected area. Also avoid sitting or standing for long stretches. Talk with your practitioner before using any over-the counter remedies during pregnancy, and let her know if you have any rectal bleeding. To prevent constipation, eat a high-fiber diet, drink plenty of water, and get some regular exercise.


Some women get something called "supine hypotensive syndrome" during pregnancy, where laying flat on your back causes a change in heart rate and blood pressure that makes you feel dizzy until you change position. You might note that you feel lightheaded if you stand up too quickly, too. To avoid "the spins" lie on your side rather than your back, and move slowly as you go from lying down to sitting and then standing.Enjoy your freedom.


3 Questions About Maternity leave


Q1.Does my employer have to let me take maternity leave?


Not necessarily. Many employers are required by the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) to allow their full-time employees (both men and women) 12 weeks of unpaid family leave after the birth or adoption of a child. But there are exceptions: Some part-time workers, newer employees, and employees of companies with fewer than 50 workers aren't covered by the FMLA. But even if you're not eligible for leave under the FMLA, you may be eligible under your state's provisions. To find out, check with your state's department of labor.


Actual paid "maternity leave" is unusual in the United States. Some companies offer new parents paid time off, up to six weeks in some cases. But most likely, you'll use a combination of short-term disability (STD), sick leave, vacation, personal days, and unpaid family leave to cobble together your maternity leave.


Q2.How do I decide when to start my leave?


There's no "right time" to stop working. Some women start their leave in the seventh or eighth month while others work right up until delivery. You'll need to monitor your pregnancy to determine the right time to start maternity leave. If your practitioner puts you on bed rest, or complications develop that require you to be out of work before you give birth, you'll most likely be put on short-term disability if your state or company offers it.


Once your maternity leave is up, don't be surprised if it's hard to leave your baby and go back to work. Seventy-eight percent of new moms in a BabyCenter poll said they struggled with the decision to return to work, while only 22 percent said they were ready to go back.


Q3.What's the best way to discuss these issues with my boss?


First, do your homework. Review your employee handbook, or contact a human resources representative who can inform you of your employer's formal policies regarding pregnancy and maternity leave. You may also want to question your co-workers who have already traveled this path.


Then, make a plan. Figure out how much time you think you'll want to take. If you're considering unpaid leave, think about how much time without a paycheck you can reasonably afford. Consider whether you'll want to take maternity leave in one block of time or whether you'd rather split it up over the year. Under the FMLA, you can use your 12 weeks anyway you want — all at once, a week at a time, some now, some later, etc. When making these decisions, consider your partner's schedule and benefits too. Some companies offer paid paternity leave, and your partner may qualify for leave under the FMLA as well.


To increase your chances of getting what you want, plan to offer your boss solutions rather than problems by having some ideas for how your work can be handled while you're away.
If you're not sure where to start, read about how seven new moms negotiated their maternity leaves and transitioned back to work. Seeing how other women made it work can be inspiring.


This Week's Activity:Run some vital errands now. Here are some things you'll need in the first few weeks when it's almost impossible to go shopping:

• Diapers and wipes.

• Baby care items such as nail clippers, a thermometer, a bulb syringe, and a pacifier.

• Baby-friendly laundry detergent.

• Thank-you cards and stamps.

• Paper towels and paper plates for easy cleanup after meals.

As for me …


  • I guess I’ll be loading up on the calcium now … although I have been good about having my yogurt, cheese and more milk.

  • Started kick-counting but he moves so much it’s easy. Unfortunately he’s learned how to push with his feet on the right side of my pelvic bone … not so much fun. But I think I’d prefer that over hanging on to the ribs or sitting on my intestines.

  • The rest of the unpleasants … let’s just say I’ve been pretty blessed and leave out the embarrassing details I’ll only tell Mike and my mom.

  • Lying on my back … I do pretty well … although my hips don’t. That’s my only issue and Mr. Futz never seems to like it either. Too much gravity taking away his space maybe. Although it is a good way to get him to fight back and have others feel him move. Lol!

  • Maternity Leave … something that unfortunately my HR is special so I will be sorting through on my own. But fortunately Debbie/Gary have a friend who deals with FMLA/Short Term Disability so they’ve provided excellent info and links to assist me … now if I can just find the time to wade through them all.

  • Also … although my HR is special … by boss is great. And I think that so long as in the end I come back … he’ll let me go to the moon and back.

  • The biggest thing for me is working out my return to work for my family and my job.

This Week’s activities … we’ve already started planning a few of these to stock up now so we won’t have to worry about it later. Besides, we’ll have to wash all bedding and clothing before Mr. Futz is here anyways.



  • Baby moon … ohhh what a nice thought. We’re trying to see if we can get out of here in the next few weeks. Maybe go to Tahoe or Monterey. Somewhere close but far enough to get away. We’ve both been so busy that relaxing for a full weekend WITHOUT home chores only seems like a far off memory.

  • But we have been good about spending time together cuddling and enjoying the presence of just our voices while we can.

  • Only thing I want … a prenatal massage!!!!!!!!!! Mike is great but I think he’s tired of me bugging him. Lol!