I can’t be sure I’ve really accomplished much, seeing as how my lists just keep growing and growing. I would just throw half the list away if it weren’t for the I MUST DO THIS OR THE WHOLE WORLD WILL COLLAPSE ON ME AND EAT MY EYEBALLS type of feeling I get. Suddenly, very trivial and slightly non-related tasks such as making a few cloth napkins are indeed important enough to decide whether or not my life can go on. I mean, if I don’t make them, what in the bloody hell will everyone wipe their hands on? Dish towels? Paper towels? PSHAW! THOSE don’t match my dining room. So OBVIOUSLY, those won’t work. What’s wrong with you people?

Ahem.

I met with my wonderful doula (and friend) earlier this week for a scrumptious lunch as she went over the birth and the 40 bajillion questions that I’d scribbled on a notepad in my purse. You know, stuff like – “Can I call you when I get gas pains at 2 am?” and “Do you know tae kwon do?” and the such. You know, normal questions. I had prepared a birth plan and had it all typed out and such but now, I basically need to start all over because apparently one really can take the phrase, “Be as detailed as possible” a bit too literally. I think I’m going to save this plan for me, and then make a separate plan for the hospital. Hmm…maybe I should also make a list of phrases Steven is allowed (and not allowed) to use in my general direction (like, “Oh come on Ashley! It’s not THAT bad!”) – that way, when I punch him in the gut, he’ll totally have been warned.

Right now, my birth plan is basically a long list of DO IT AND DIE sort of things beginning at the start of labor (which I’m hoping will be at home) and ending after Aurora is born. But my doula (I call her this because I’m not sure I’m allowed to use her real name here, yet. I know being associated with me – because I’m such a big deal and all – may result in unwanted paparazzi harassment and such…) seems to think I should actually make the list a little shorter as to not confuse (and bore) the nursing staff. Which is a really good point. I guess they really don’t need to know everything on the current plan (like, who is to be called when and the pre-hospital part) – and I should probably add pictures. Just in case. I’ve heard that sometimes the staff likes to trump your wants and requests with things like …oh, routines. Maybe I’ll even make it all 3D and give them special 3-D glasses to wear! I should probably make it bigger than the average hospital trash can, too…you know, so it doesn’t get “lost.” Which, it won’t because I plan to print like 80 copies and tack them to every door as I crawl through the OB ward in labor.

So, basically, I’ll have two plans – one for those who will be attending the actual WHOLE thing (mom, Steven, and ….the mystery lady/doula/friend) and then one for the nurses. The first one probably will look much like it does, and the second one will possibly have cool graphics and 3-D glasses on posterboard…

It mostly all boils down to ….

My vagina is mine and please ask me before you do anything that could adversely affect it, or the child-thing which will soon appear. Mmkay?

………

And then, I’m also working on the LABOR and TAKE TO THE HOSPITAL list. Which, will be two different things – one is just for the labor, and the other is the random overnight sort of stuff.

LABOR BAG

• lavender, peppermint, chamomile, and a citrus essential oil. Because OBVIOUSLY the room will need to smell good and they’re supposed to make me feel all magical and stuff. Like liquid fairy dust or something.
• birth ball. In case I get bored and feel like exercising, or need something else to throw – or, of course…I could always sit on it to help with labor pains. Whatever.
• socks. I don’t think I’ll need these, but I’m not sure. I think maybe I did wear them last time, and I just can’t remember. I plan on buying some really crazy fantastic ones. I mean, if all else fails I can always focus on my socks during labor.
• chapstick. Screaming your lungs out has this drying effect on your lips (for Steven). So does breathing (for me).
• lotion.
• Ponytail holder. For impromptu rubber band type fights…or of course for my hair.
• the ice pack for my neck. It’s actually this little snake-y looking thing that you can make warm or cold and it goes around your neck. I bought it in the middle of the mall at some point for hiking and haven’t used it but what…once? And it wasn’t while hiking.
• the water pack for my back. It wraps around and is supposed to be good for back cramps. Who knows, it could be handy.
• Whole grain banana nut bread, bottled water, and strawberries. I guess once I hit 35 weeks, I’ll be making 2 batches of the sugar free, high protein, whole grain, fruit bread every week JUST IN CASE. I also plan to take this to the hospital because I have authority issues and don’t like people telling me when I can or can not eat or drink. ALTHOUGH I really doubt I’ll want to eat much by the time I get to the hospital, but water? – I’ll definitely want that. I BEGGED for it last time.
• Camera and batteries and extra card. Do I really need to explain this one?
• pillow. Mostly for the car. Just in case.
• pen and paper. I might feel like doodling in between contractions? No, really…because sometimes I need to write at the weirdest times. And, I may need to make my hit list…you never know. Anyways, I’m sure it’ll come in handy.
• Mints. For everyone but me, because I don’t have to smell my own breath.
• My cell phone. What if I feel like making prank calls while mooing?
• For the car only : a small bucket, a couple of towels, walmart bags, hand sanitizer, and a pair of gloves. I like to be prepared.  The hospital is 50 minutes away.

THE OVERNIGHT BAG

• Pillow? I usually deal pretty well with flat pillows as long as I can stack a couple, but mine will be in the vehicle just in case.
• boppy. I’m just following the crowd here, they say I’ll need it.
• Nursing bra.
• Nursing pads. In case there is leakage. You never know.
• laptop and charger. Because I’m an addict and who knows, I may want to check the weather or something.
• charger for cell phone
• card reader for camera card
• car seat. I’m pretty sure it’s kind of illegal to strap the baby to the luggage rack.
• baby hats. Because they’re oh so cute
• the baby’s entire wardrobe in both Preemie and NB sizes (b/c she may be tiny like L was) and because we’ll be playing dress up (which also helps to convince people that we’re still alive when I do nothing but sleep the following week and can manage to post photos of A in a different outfit each day)
• baby shampoo and body wash. and lotion. Because I like mine better (it has less chemicals)
• a couple of lightweight scrumptious baby blankets
• a couple of non scrunchy going home outfits for me – and flip flops. My feet were so swollen after L was born, I couldn’t even wear the sneakers I’d brought.
• toiletries, hairbrush, and makeup. I probably won’t wear the makeup, but who knows. Word may get out and hit the mainstream media that I’m having a baby and, you know…
• 2 pair of underwear. Only because I feel weird not packing it, though because we all know I won’t be wearing it.

Any other ideas for things I should bring? Go ahead, hit me. Or, even with things I shouldn’t bring (even if it’s not on my list). It doesn’t have to be practical, I mostly just want to read the things you guys will come up with!

I'd love it if you stalked me (subscribe to my RSS feed). Thanks for visiting!

We just couldn’t resist this little face…

(Lorelei has a new thing with mimicking others – and puppies are not exempt.  She barks, she pants, she crawls on all fours, and she even does tricks.  She begs for treats and will even eat grapes or crackers out of a bowl with no hands if you let her.  And – she doesn’t even shed or pee on the carpet. )

1. Do you like blue cheese dressing?
ONLY with buffalo chicken.
2. Have you ever smoked cigarettes?
I smoked a couple of puffs to prove a point and then put it out (I mean, smashed it out).  I really hate cigarettes.  And, the smoke makes me sick.

3. Do you own a gun?
Technically they’re Steven’s, but yes.

4. What’s your favorite drink at Starbucks or other specialty coffee shops?
Something iced with caramel and chocolate and whipped cream with little chocolate chips and caramel drizzles on top.  and a cherry.  Not that I ever really go, though.  The caffeine and sugar are enough to make me feel like crap (and a waste of calories).  But they ARE yummy.

5. What do you think of hot dogs?
eh.  They’re okay really rarely.  I don’t like to eat them often.

6. Favorite Christmas song?
Do you hear what I hear and…Away in a Manger…and…

7. What do you prefer to drink in the morning?
water.  Same for afternoon and night, too!  (Although a healthy fruit smoothie would be yummy too!)

8. Can you do push ups?
Yes.  COULD.

9. What’s your favorite piece of jewelry?
Probably this necklace with a circle. Real descriptive, I know.  I don’t wear much jewelry because I don’t really go much of anywhere.

10. Favorite hobbies?
geocaching, crafting with ppl, parties (not the get smashed kind), events, etc.  I just like DOING stuff and being around people I like.  Pretty easy.

11. Do you have ADD?
Nope.  I have a toddler and a husband who thinks what he has to say is more important than what I’m doing, though.  Which is why I can rarely read when he’s home, because instead I get read anything he says, whether I protest or not.  My earplugs are in the mail.

12. What’s one trait that you hate about yourself?
I hate that I CARE so much about what others think/say/do (or dont do)…and I often base my “self worth” off of that.  So, there are days I feel really shitty.  Like now.

13. Middle name?
Nicole

14. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment?
It’s supposed to be pretty out today and I haven’t even walked outside yet.
I want to do something fun today, but at the same time I want to hide in the closet and cry.
I feel like a total loser for feeling like a total loser just because of a nonexistent stupid party – which also makes me feel like they don’t love me and want to celebrate.

15. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink
Water

16. Current worry right now?
Stressed about getting stuff done before baby.  And money.

17. Current hate(s) right now?
These frickin’ ridiculous tears.

18. Favorite place to be?
Jamaica was pretty darn awesome.  But, traveling to new places with my family.

20. Like to travel?
Love it!

21. Name 3 people that will complete this.
Surprise me!

22. Do you own slippers?
No.  I received 2 pair actually.  One for a just because gift, which were really nice…but they were for the same foot.  One set for Christmas but they were too small.  But, it’s okay.  I don’t really wear house shoes/slippers.

23. What color shirt are you wearing?
pink

24. Could you ever make it 39 days on the show Survivor?
Could.  But have no wish to…so therefore, I’d just quit.

25. What song do you sing in the shower?
I don’t sing in the shower.  I think in the shower.  Or, I talk to Lorelei when she’s in the shower with me.

26. Favorite girls names?
Lorelei and Aurora to name two.  I have a whole list but the mister hates them.  We don’t agree on girl names very well.

26. Favorite boys’ names?
Izaiah Christian and Aidan Joseph and we had another one which I can’t remember.

28. What’s in your pocket right now?
no pockets

29. Last thing that made you laugh?
Lorelei being silly

30. Worst injury you’ve ever had?
When I was raped.

31. Do you love where you live?
Yes and no.  In the summer, yes.  Winter? No.

32. How many TV’s do you have in your house?
2.  Neither have cable.  They’re just for looks (or moobies)

33. Who’s your loudest friend?
Michele

34. Does someone have a crush on you?
I’m sure some people would like to crush me…with their car.

35. What’s your favorite candy?
I’m more of a cookie/cake kind of girl.  Candy is sweet but …nothing really to it.

36. Favorite sports team?
don’t have one

37. What were you doing at 12 AM last night?
sleeping

38. What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up today?
Ow.  I have to pee! And, MAN I’m dehydrated just from sleeping?  WTH?

39. What’s your favorite holiday?
All of them pretty much…and my birthday.  I just like being with those I love and celebrating.

40. What are your plans for tomorrow?
Church, if I feel up to it.  That’s about it since it’s supposed to be icky and rainy.

Lots of little things, in list form.  Because I love lists.

1.  This morning, I thought it might be a great time to just add to my hectic schedule try again with the potty training.  I’ve been watching Lorelei for months and she seems MOSTLY ready, it’s just doing it.  I went back and forth with which METHOD we’d use and decided quickly that it wouldn’t be the whole run nekkid around the house method because a few days ago, she peed on the bath mat and then told me to clean it up.  “Mama!  TOWEL!  Mama!”
2.  I figured maybe we could start with practicing sitting on the potty with her diaper off every hour or so AND use the pullups. 
3.  Potty training FAIL: Toddler refuses to sit on potty but pats the seat and tells ME to sit and go pee pee.
4.   I am now taking Dr. Brazzelton’s advice (from his book, he’s currently not accepting my phone calls) and will just practice having her sit on the little potty when mommy sits on the big potty.  While she’s dressed.  And, she can play or eat or whatever.  Just sit for longer than 2 seconds.  (We’ve already gotten to where she’ll sit on it and then stay for a few seconds WITH clothes, only.  So, now we’ll just buy time).  I’m also supposed to begin implementing peer pressure now by saying “Mommy sits on the potty…and Mimi sits on the potty…because when we’re big like you, we sit on the potty to go ….”
5.  My dad and brother came up today to help cut and clear limbs out of our yard.  There were lots and they were huge!  They had to cut some up and pull the rest off…something I definitely couldn’t do.  I love my family (Thanks again!)
6.  I owe them cupcakes, again.  (It’s how I repay them.  I also do other forms of sweetness…and meals, but they request cupcakes usually)
7.  A friend of mine is letting me borrow small cloth diapers so now I get to cloth diaper Aurora ASAP!  I’ll probably wait til the cord falls off to begin, but YAY!
8.  I’m feeling a little overwhelmed with things I want to get finished – two of which don’t even REALLY matter – painting the kitchen and finishing the quilt.  But, I’ve made it such a huge deal in my head already and am so afraid that if we don’t do it now, it will never get finished.
9.  I’m feeling overwhelmed in general, today.  Maybe it’s because I’m sick, or the hormones…or maybe it’s not.  I’m all teary-eyed and feeling like I’m oh-so-alone and nobody loves me and all sorry for myself.  I want to beat myself up.  I know it’s dumb, and yet…  I just want to cry.
10.  I just realized how much stuff we still have yet to buy that I didn’t even put on the list…like cloth nursing pads, cloth diaper wipes, nursing bras, nursing tanks, double stroller (which was on the list actually), BFing cream, and other things…I’m kind of freaking out about it, actually.
11.  Another friend loaned me some “natural childbirthing” books and I’m currently reading about Ina May.  Full disclosure: I figured I’d just scan this one, but they make some really good points in here.  Things I’ve written down for notes of things to do while in labor:
-Moo
-Laugh a lot.  Even if it requires punching your husband in the gut to make you do so.  Or, the mooing.
- Express the love
- Sing
- Blow raspberries
(I’m not explaining these because I’m mean and want you to WONDER.  )
12.  I’ve finished the first draft of my birth plan.
13.  I keep going back and forth on the vitamin K – and whether I want the hospital to give it to her in a shot, or whether I’d rather give it to her realllly slowly, or whether I just want to depend on her getting it from my regular diet.  I can’t decide.  Big words like brain bleeds freak me out.
14.  Brain bleeds is actually 2 words, neither of which are big in size…but DUDE.
15.  Cry. Cry. Cry.

After a rash that wouldn’t go away…except for when we coincidentally took away some dairy products to help ease her sinus issues, we began to wonder if perhaps the rash she had was totally unrelated to her other sickness.  We began to wonder if perhaps it was an allergy, or an “intolerance.”

So, beginning yesterday – we decided to take Lorelei off of Dairy.  Completely.  For 1-2 weeks (depending on how it goes.  2 weeks if it’s not cleared up by one week.)  Once the rash goes away – if it does – we plan to slowly re-introduce dairy to see if the rash appears.  You know, just to be sure.

I’m not really sure either of us fully realized how HARD it would be to take her off of dairy.  It didn’t SEEM like a big deal.  She doesn’t LIKE milk and she mostly only eats cheese and yogurt.

We didn’t think about the bread made with milk.  Or, the crackers.  Or, the kashi roasted vegetable snack chips that she eats.  We didn’t think about the main dishes we eat which had cheese in them, or the creamy sauces…or anything that would say “contains dairy products” because at some point they may have TOUCHED dairy.

Oy.

So, I sent out emails, letting the people who would be most likely to be around during snack and meal times know about our new endeavor for the next couple of weeks.  And then, I spent hours searching for adequate supplements to some of the things we’ve grown accustomed to feeding her.  There was a catch, though:  I needed to find recipes where I had most or all of the ingredients on hand.  And, I needed to NOT use soy products.

Oh gaw, I REALLY hope this is NOT a dairy allergy.  Please let it not be.  Because, really?  Dairy allergies are no fun.

ALTHOUGH, I did make some kick arse fruit bread last night.  At midnight.

It’s a dairy-free whole-wheat alternative with no sugar added (just honey!) and it’s YUMMY.  Except, Lorelei won’t eat it because guess what?  She didn’t like the TEXTURE!  ARGH.

So, here’s the recipe if anyone would like it:

Whole Wheat Dairy Free Banana Apple Bread

Ingredients:

* 2 cups whole wheat flour
* 1/4 cup wheat germ or ground flaxseed (optional)
* 1/4 teaspoon salt

* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1  1/4 c mashed banana
* 1/4 c. applesauce
* 1/4 cup extra light olive oil
* 1/2 cup honey
* 2 eggs
* 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
* 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Grease a 9 x 5 inch loaf pan & preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Add all of the dry ingredients to a bowl, then make a well and add the wet ingredients.  Mix well.

Bake for 50-60 minutes. Bread is done once a toothpick or knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

I won’t even pretend to be the organizational guru – or, that my home is always completely organized and spotless (because it’s not) – but, for the most part, it’s relatively tidy. For the most part, we can whip it into guest shape in about 30 minutes or less.

We’ve owned our own home for about 4 years, and it wasn’t until last year that I found a new “system” that helped take the pressure off of myself when it came to keeping said home CLEAN. I was beating myself up and my list was never-ending – there were even some days where I’d throw my hands up and exclaim “I QUIT!”

Of course, it’s ironic because I LOVE organizational stuff. I love the magazines and the container store – LOVE them. Somehow though, when it comes to actual execution…it just doesn’t happen. – Probably because things come up which keep me from being able to purchase cool sets and systems that actually LOOK GOOD enough to put in my home… You know, things like MORTGAGE payments and electricity bills come up and ruin all of my organizational plans. Darn them!

So, I had to find a way to keep the house CLEAN and (mostly) clutter-free without all of the pretty organizational storage units and shelves. At some point during this journey, I came across Flylady.net – and, to be honest, the chick and her plans made my head spin. They were great plans, don’t get me wrong – it was just SO much. I was having trouble with my own to-do list, and hers was even LONGER! So, I tweaked it a bit (okay, alot) and came up with this new system which we now use.

Basically, we divided the house into zones:

Zone 1: The Front Porch, Entrance, and Dining Room (because of how our home is laid out. The Dining Room is the first room you walk into)
Zone 2: Kitchen
Zone 3: Bathrooms and Nursery
Zone 4: Master Bedroom
Zone 5: Living Room and Stairs
Zone 6: Upstairs Bedroom and Office
Zone 7 and 8: Yard and Outside of House/ Garge and Pool

You could divide your zones up any way you wish, but this is what made sense for us based on the layout of our home. For example, the upstairs bedroom and office were paired together because they are both seldom used and upstairs. The Living Room and Stairs are together because the stairs begin in the living room. And, for zone 1 – there are 3 areas because the first 2 don’t require that much upkeep.

I only made 8 zones, though, because I wanted to be sure to be able to get through them all within a timely manner. Next, underneath each zone I made a list of really specific things to do (dust, sweep, mop, put fresh flowers or a centerpiece out, etc.) Then, I decided that each week would mean a new zone. Sometimes I do them in order, and sometimes I don’t. For example, we’re expecting a baby and although Zone 6 may be next on the list, I really don’t give a darn how organized and clean the extra bedroom/craft room and office are. I mean, we vacuum and such, but other than that? It can wait. My priorities are downstairs for now, so that’s what I’m focusing on until those are finished up and ready to go.

Under each zone, I have between 10 and 16 things listed. I know that for THAT week, I need to accomplish at least most of those, so I try to divide up the total number by the days in my week available to clean and that’s how many chores I do on those specific days. Which usually turns out less than 3 items a day. I know I can let a few of the chores in other rooms go because I know I’ll be cleaning those soon, too. And, once you start, you begin seeing how easy the cycle is to keep up. I love that I can get sick and not touch something for a day and my home won’t explode (nor will my head)…I just readjust how much I do for another day. I can even go on vacation for a week and not feel behind by just adding an extra zone one week! Or, just skipping it all together.

In addition to the zone list, Steven and I both have our separate DAILY lists (which aren’t always daily…basically, stuff that doesn’t fit into the zone timeline and needs to be done more often) – like, cat litter and laundry and dishes and such.

So, that’s my tip Check out www.wearethatfamily.com for more cool tips!

SAMPLE ZONE:

ZONE 2: KITCHEN

1. Empty Refrig and clean thoroughly
2. Clean microwave inside and out
3. Clean Stove/oven
4. Wash any canisters/knick-knacks
5. Straighten drawers and cupboards
6. Wipe fingerprints off walls
7. Wash inside of windows
8. Clean fan/vent – a – hood filters and hood
9. Scrub down cabinet fronts
10. Clean light defusing bowls
11. Clean under sink
12. Clean pet dishes
13. Clean high chair

(It doesn’t say to sweep or mop because in Zone 1, I would’ve done that already…my kitchen/DR/entryway are all open to each other)

I’m sure you ALL know that today-ish is my one year bloggiversary!  I know I could just make some witty comment and you would all TOTALLY catch it immediately because you like, pretty much have this date circled in pinks on your calendar that’s right beside a poster-sized photo of me with red hearts scribbled on it.  I know, I know.  But, I wanted to tell the others …you, know…THEM…just in case they didn’t know (*whispers and points to the other corner of the room*).

Some of you may not know this, but …I’m kind of a big deal.

But, now that you all are AWARE…

It’s my blog’s BIRFDAY!!  Aren’t you excited?  I figure the mail is running a little slow, so that’s why there are no presents or cake (*sigh*).  Actually, I bet the mail-lady ate my cake, didn’t she?  Wait, what?  Nobody sent me cake?

Well, could you at least grant me a teeny tiny blog BIRFDAY wish?  Would you mind clicking through if you’re reading me in a reader?  And, um…can you guys kind of de-lurk and comment today (or whenever you read this?)?  You can tell me who you are, how you find me, why you put up with me – or, even just HI!  I’d love to see who all is coming around and I swear I won’t call the POlice about any stalkers.  I might send you a thank you card, though.

**Sidenote:  The crazy hair?  Yes, that’s because AFTER I got undressed, I realized that OH CRAP I need to take a photo!  So, I redressed and kind of forgot to check my hair.  Oh well.

Today, you kids are getting a special treat, a photo with my belly AND face.  Don’t you just feel special?  You should.

The 31 week mark has come and gone (or would have in less than 2 hours), and I’m feeling exhausted and like i’m going to pass out.  It just started a few days ago (and if you weren’t aware of this, maybe you shouldn’t tell me because then I would SO KNOW you’ve not been reading my blog.  Gaw.  Don’t you know every spare moment of your time should um…REVOLVE AROUND ME?  Consider this your warning, mmmkay?)

So, today I went to my obligatory every-2-week OB visit just to wait for an hour, do the ritualistic pee-in-the-cup thing, and…a 4D ultrasound!  With Lorelei, at 34 weeks she was still breech – but Aurora?  Yeh, she’s already head down.  And, turns out I’m not completely dying, I’m just a pregnant anemic with an infection.  So, yay for that.  Actually, I’m kind of excited by the news – which makes me sound sick in the head – but, at least I know that in exactly 7 days, I should feel much better (because my antibiotic lasts 7 days).  I’m now on a red-meat and dark-greens diet, doctors orders.  So, feel free to send me steaks and shrimp.  Yes, I know shrimp isn’t red meat…it just sounds good with steak.  That, and I generally don’t eat much beef because I prefer chicken or seafood or NO MEAT…so this is harder than it sounds for me.  I just want you all to know that me eating steaks is SUFFERING.  Feel bad for me, okay?  *snicker*

It looks as if Aurora is also a pouty-faced bald baby, and she’s still a girl.

What else?  What else?

Oh, 113 lbs in my new weigh in.  That, and I have the best OB ever.  She actually called my cell and left me a personal msg apologizing for not being there the second 2-week appt in a row because she had a hospital emergency to tend to.  She told me to call her if I needed her at all or if anything came up.

And just so you all know…that horrid crunchy grindy tail-bone feeling I sometimes have when I roll over or try to walk?  It’s the plates in my lower back grinding together.  Apparently I can drink a LOT more water (8 8oz glasses no longer cut it for some of us) and it’ll help.  That, and it was suggested that I buy one of those girdle thingies to hold up my stomach.  Which I won’t do.  Because, taking a nap with a pillow between my legs also tends to help the lower back pain and that sounds like WAY more fun.  So, I choose that one.

Must Do’s –

• Unpack and hang all baby clothes
• Install 2nd Closet rod and organize closet shelves
• Pack birth bag
• Pack labor bag
• Put baby’s car seat in SUV
• Get new batteries for camera

Hope To-Do’s -

• Birth plan
• Stock up on diapers - a friend is letting me borrow her tiny cloth diapers, so yay!
• Purchase a toddler bed for L
• Buy mattress for said toddler bed
• Get L to sleep in toddler bed. I’m really really hoping that I can get L transitioned to her “big girl” bed before the baby comes. She’s shown a lot of interest in the twin bed in her room, so I’m hoping she’ll sleep on this new one when it comes (twin bed is too high)
• Work on potty training with L. I won’t rush it if she doesn’t want to, but I’m keeping my fingers crossed to have only one in diapers. We’ll see!
• Set up the girls’ room. I still need to organize the armoire, organize the book shelves, set up the toddler bed (once it arrives), vacuum, and dust.
• Stock freezer with at least 5 meals, 5 lunches, and 5 breakfasts
• Pack L’s bag for during and after the birth
• Paint kitchen trim and cabinets
• Buy a double stroller
• Buy or acquire a BFing pump
• Finish the top of the quilt. This might be overly ambitious, and isn’t top priority, but it’d be nice to not have it on my mind!
• Plan garden
• Till and Plant garden
• Organize the house in general
• Box L’s clothing that no longer fits and store in attic
• Go through L’s toys and weed out the toys she doesn’t really play with to be given away
• Hang LR photographs
• Hang frames to showcase L’s art in DR
• Assemble bookshelf/toy shelf in LR
• Buy and start seeds indoors for garden
• Organize a section of cabinets for A’s food-items

Okay, I’m not really dying.  Well, maybe I’m not – one can never really be too sure.  (Kidding, don’t call 911 on me.)

In the past week, the urge to “nest” has hit hard and strong.  I’m talking like in a CRAZY way.  Imagine all of the “weekend projects” normal couples would try to fit into a year, and that’s what I’m trying to do in oh, 7 weeks.  Because OMG, you OBVIOUSLY can’t wait til the last few weeks because DUDE what if something happens?  So this Queen ListMaker has lists coming out of the wazzoo.  And no, I will not just sit down and breathe thankyouverymuch.  Oh wait, you’ll give me an enchilada and fresh chocolate chip cookie if I do?…Well okay.  But you won’t steer me off task, oh no you won’t.

All of this would be good – it’d mean such things like my house was actually getting REALLY cleaned – except that my energy levels have kind of gone…  FRRRPPP.  THUD.  ERRRKK.  SCREECH!  BANG!  (That was the sound of them hitting a bus, declining rapidly, hitting something else huge and massive, and then I have no idea.  But the energy is gone.  Actually, I feel like *I’ve* been hit by a bus.  Except all of my bones are intact, and except I’m not in horrid pain, and I can see out of my eyeballs, and …okay, bad analogy.

Maybe I should just say I feel exhausted and like I’m going to pass out?  Is that better?  And, by pass out – I don’t mean in the whole DUDE, THAT WEED WAS WICKED.  I COULD TOTALLY PASS THE F’ OUT NOW.  TOTALLY.  Not that I’d know anything about that.  Eh herm.  Nor do I talk like that.  Most days.  But, I mean the unconscious, lying on the floor sort of passing out.  THAT’s how I feel…like I’m gonna do that.  It makes projects and such really a lot less fun.

Yes I’m taking my vitamins.

Yes, I think I felt this way last pregnancy, only it was closer to my due date.  Like, at 34 weeks or so and onwards.

Yes, I’m eating well, and healthy …and snacks.

Yes, I’m drinking lots.

Yes, I’m resting and getting sleep.

So, there’s that.  But, really I still feel good.  I mean, besides the fact that I feel like I’m going to pass out and drop from an exhaustion that can’t be cured by sleep or rest.  I’m not actively hurting except for when the baby-child kicks me in the bladder or other random organs.  Things are good…and I’m feeling pretty happy.  And, oh so thankful.  God has blessed me in huge ways lately.

Like, my new Dyson vacuum?  Omg.  I don’t even know really how this one happened, but by the grace of God, I acquired this and well, it’s one of the coolest *expensive* sort of gifts I’ve received in a long time.  It rocks.  Finally, I don’t have to brush my couch for all of the cat hair (I have two REALLY fuzzy medium haired kitties that shed like crazy).  I was beginning to get confused and just started thinking that maybe the couch kind of came like that…like a shag- couch or something.  But, alas…the Dyson showed me that my couch is indeed not gray but tan!  Who knew?  (Side note:  Lorelei was not impressed with it’s suctioning abilities, however.  Perhaps because I was trying to get her to let me use her hand.)

Oh, and then, my cousin – who I’m renaming SANTA – told me I could have her breast pump that she used with her two kids … for free.  She takes really good care of her stuff and is not wanting any more kids, so she’s giving it to me!!

And, then mom?  Just called and told me to mark the gowns off my list too.

Then, Steven called and said our other SUV is fixed again (yes, again) and it was cheaper than we had expected (PRAISE GOD!) – although they were supposed to just be looking and not really fixing until we gave them the go ahead.  So, yet another PRAISE GOD that it wasn’t something really super expensive, otherwise I hope they take sexual favors or something.  From Steven.

Plus I’m all sorts of thankful for all sorts of other stuff…and I’m just all ….thankful.

I totally got off track there, but yeh. So, I have these TO DO lists…

Hell, I’m just going to make another post.