Going, Going, Gone

This is Annie practicing sitting up on our couch surrounded by pillows ...

What IVF Can Really Mean

18 Years and Counting

lately have found self caught up in home renovation shows and the like ... design on a dime, design on a nickel, design on a penny, sell this house, flip this house, flip that house, national open house, international open house, etc. have decided master bathroom should become escape spa -- like bathroom seen in bathroom expo 2006 made completely of recycled products ... bathtub built into floor with windows thrown wide open to reveal beautiful treetop views; heated floor so no "cold tile floor" feeling when stepping from ocean-size tub (is large enough to scuba dive); faucets which respond to voice commands and similar amenities. will streamline home into modern, clutter-free machine, both aesthetically pleasing and efficient ... oh wait, have small infant ... plans on back burner for 18 years or so.

Cereal With a Milk Chaser

And So It Goes

recovering well from surgery but still think hospital gowns more than push the edge when it comes to standards of human decency ... feel self would be more covered if naked than when wearing a hospital gown with various peek-a-boo slits and "secure" ties ...
anyway, have just returned from pediatrician ... annie is now 11 pounds 14.4 ounces and 23.5 inches long compared to 8 pounds 8 ounces and 21 inches long two months ago ... dr. very pleased and has given us the go ahead to start cereal ... hmmm ... wonder if should try fruity pebbles or corn flakes or perhaps raisin bran?? kidding, of course but excited about next step ... know she may spit new cereal right in our face but shall see ... just when you get used to one thing it changes ... such is the world of parenting!
finally, to sweet Molly Calvert, perhaps the most beautiful dog I have ever had the privilege of knowing, we'll miss you ...

Bathtime

Takin' It Easy

surgery went as expected (endometriosis on both sides of pelvic cavity, right ovarian cyst and adhesions caused by scar tissue) ... back home by about 2 PM and doing well ... will write more later.

Annie's Hands

much to her dismay, annie has recently discovered her hands ... she stares at them with great interest and fascination and is always disappointed when they go away ...
luckily she has recovered from her little incident at Publix yesterday ... I was simply smelling some shower soap, and it accidentally squirted out onto her head ... she never knew the difference but wow did she smell good!

Endo 101

sorry for the delay in this fascinating science lesson, but something's going on with the power cord for our computer. Anyway, not to gross anyone out but for a basic definition of endometriosis: it is a chronic disease in which tissue similar to the tissue that lines the uterus (the endometrium) grows elsewhere in the body. Common locations include the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, uterine ligaments, abdominal lining and the lower part of the large intestine. Other areas may be affected, including the lungs, retina, skin and brain, but this is rare. There are different treatment options, one of which is surgery to remove lesions or adhesions (scar tissue) formed by the endometriosis, but for some people this is only a temporary option as endometriosis has no cure and can always come back. Symptoms include severe menstrual pain, abdominal pain, lower back pain, nausea, diarrhea, leg pain, fatigue, headaches, low blood sugar and depression. Approximately 40% of women who have endometriosis experience infertility. Annie is waking up, so I must go, but please e-mail me with any questions ...

Hello, Familiar Friend

(no, this is not my picture, just one that was already on the computer ...)
For those who don't know, my medical history prior to the beginnings of this blog was somewhat interesting ... among other things (to include two brown recluse spider bites, once which had to be removed due to staph infection), I had three laparoscopic surgeries for endometriosis over the course of six years ... went to the doctor yesterday and am scheduled for my fourth lap surgery Monday the 24th to remove suspected endometriosis. I say "suspected" because endo cannot be seen or felt and can only be confirmed during surgery. Tiny endometriosis lesson to follow tomorrow to refresh my mind as well as to educate any readers who may be unfamiliar with the term. Feel free to skip tomorrow's blog as will likely be on the boring side ...
Nashville in grip of heat wave, though not as bad as other areas ... Annie not out and about much as is TOO hot ... will not accompany me to hospital for pre-surgical testing tomorrow as favorite babysitter will come visit. Fairly certain saw horns of Lucifer earlier is so hot ...

Tummy Time

Full Moon

picured today are annie's big sisters, mary and hope ... aren't they lovely ??
continue to be amazed at all the stuff that comes out of annie, most especially when she's just been changed into something cute and adorable (not that she isn't always cute you understand) ... she'll be dressed for a super fun day of grocery shopping and some liquid of some variety will shoot out of some orifice on her body ... either a nose, a mouth, a private area, you get the picture ... outfit will be changed, all the while the probability VERY high that liquid-shooting will occur all over again ... too bad naked is not appropriate outfit for errand-running baby.

Haute Couture

have decided zipper sleepers like Annie's should become part of grown-up fashion ... are incredibly functional (zippers extend from just below chin all the way down to below crotch) and would be so fast to put on and could seriously speed up bathroom time for women ... could create dress-up versions, etc. feel is fashion breakthrough and should contact someone ... realize zipper jumpsuits already in existence but these will be different ... is only matter of time until run into Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman as have been spotted in Target and other Nashville hot spots so expect to see her sporting a zipper outfit soon ...

Whose Idea Was It to Pull the Fire Alarm,Kelly?

ah, lovely vacation time with family ... where else would you hear stories with lines like "it wasn't my idea to tell her to pull the fire alarm" and "exactly how long was I lost in DisneyWorld?" attached photo is Annie on the beach studying the dolphins merrily moving along, the infinite nature of the universe, etc. oh, no wait, that's actually Annie hanging out on our back deck because our camera fogged up due to the humidity on the beach in Fort Morgan ... never fear, vacation pictures are on their way from other sources, namely Matt and Mandi ...

Quoth the Raven Nevermore

preparing to depart for week-long beach vacation (hallelujah!)... except of course for Anthony who will be returning to Nashville on the 4th to go back to work on the 5th ... have rented house in Fort Morgan with family and know in truth family is glad we're coming but more excited because we're Annie's transportation!!
was packing and decided to become intellectual beach reader and pack To Kill a Mockingbird but then more realistically packed the last 3 months of People magazine and both Bridget Jones books ... and I never leave the house without my Mommy Mantras: Affirmations and Insights to Keep You from Losing Your Mind book, which I quote constantly ("Surrender to the goat ...") honestly, beach reading should not require much thought as mind could possibly be affected by any of the following: sun, plain margaritas, sun, more margaritas, sun, refreshing sleep to prepare self for strawberry margaritas, and awaking to book with no recollection of what page you were on ... happy tanning! shall return to blogging in a week or so ...

Resting Up For the Beach

Who Needs a Nap?

Dust In the Wind

vacation picture from recent trip to Gulf Coast ... very first pit stop to feed tiny Annie ... we had made it approximately 2 miles outside of Nashville ...
hair loss continues ... tiny hair tumbleweeds now blow around bathroom floor ... is sad ... perhaps trip to Target will cheer self up ...

The World Cup

This is Annie recovering from her wonderful trip while enjoying the World Cup on tv ... as some of you know, she's also resting up for her big beach trip at the end of the week!

State of Emergency

still have travel tales and pictures to share but more important matter at hand ... self is losing hair. according to various pregnancy "bibles" this is normal around 3-6 months after giving birth but still is alarming. find self's hair everywhere and is not funny ... books encourage discontinuing the use of heating devices ( i.e. hair dryers and flat irons) during this time but get real ... self's hair air-dried is just this side of Don King. not cool. state of emergency declared and threat level elevated to orange!
P.S. By the by, Annie is doing fabulously well!!

What Can Brown Do For You?

Traveling Tip #1: When in an enclosed car and suspicions arise that tiny passenger MAY have pooped (thereby requiring a pit stop,) it is NOT a good idea to check this situation whilst tiny tot is in car seat as attempting to visually see area MAY result in your finger slipping into what is in fact poop ...

All Aboard

fortunately (and to self's great relief) have found way to fit kitchen sink into tiny Annie's pink duffel bag ... shall report back when return from great adventure ...

Does That Include the Kitchen Sink?

Annie's first road trip coming up ... will be traveling to the Gulf Coast for several days ... have begun packing for her and could appear we will be traveling to a deserted island and living there for 3-5 years. do not want to be caught off-guard should any travel emergency or need arise so am packing all manner of things: onesies, dressy onesies, rompers, dresses, socks for all occasions, sleepers, dressy sleepers, burp cloths, dressy burp cloths, flashlights, candles, a generator, canned goods, bottled water, plastic bags to dispose of toxic diapers, baby CD's, changing pads, tylenol, gas drops, pacifiers, dressy pacifiers, etc. will be prepared like Marines are prepared. will win award for preparedness ...

You're Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile

Making a Run For the Border

am embarking on new healthier lifestyle ... have decided that recent diet of Taco Bell, Double Stuff Oreos, Cheez-Its, and cokes not helping self regain pre-pregnancy body ... vow to eat more fruits and vegetables and perhaps take up yoga ... (note to self: learn how to do yoga.)
tiny Annie continuing to grow ... at dr's appt. last week was 8 pounds 8 oz. and 21 inches long ... continues drama queen existence and still no idea where that part of her personality comes from ... is a mystery to all! is smiling and laughing lots ... will try to post smiling picture soon ...

# 5

Murphy's Laws of Motherhood # 5:
Some of the Various Cries of a Tiny Infant:
1. I'm tired and cranky and I don't want to go to sleep.
2. I'm tired and cranky and I refuse to go to sleep.
3. I'm tired and cranky and falling asleep but this is my last hoorah.
4. I'm hungry.
5. I'm now starving and screaming because you're not moving fast enough getting
my bottle ready.
6. I'm awake now and need entertaining.
7. I'm a baby and I want to.
8. I have a SERIOUS code brown emergency in my diaper.

#4

Murphy's Laws of Motherhood #4: Despite the occasional desire to place your head into the toilet and flush it, moments like these make motherhood all worthwhile.

#3

Murphy's Laws of Motherhood #3: Taking tiny child on an outing involves an inordinate amount of planning to avoid (as if it were possible) explosive poop incidents, hunger, crankiness, spit-up on nice going about town outfit, etc ... feel planning is akin to what must be involved in shuttle orbiting earth ...

#2

Murphy's Laws of Motherhood #2: If your beautiful new baby has wild hair it will be wild no matter what you do.

#1

Murphy's Laws of Motherhood #1: If you are burping a very small infant and you are wearing an enormous burp cloth covering most of your upper body, but tiny infant decides she needs to spit up a bit, the spit up will miss the gigantic burp cloth and land between your new voluptuous post-pregnancy cleavage.

The Best Laid Plans

(am currently devising Murphy's Laws of Motherhood to be printed later) ... as Annie isn't quite old enough to get out and about yet but can still take little rides in the car, decided yesterday would be lovely day for short ride to Taco Bell for yummy Nachos Supreme ... very much a fussy (and poopy) day for Annie so was looking forward to being in car for short while ... loaded sweet Annie and set off ... all well until seismic poop explosion from backseat ... since was close to home headed back to change enormous poop diaper, certain that Annie would be in better mood and ride to Taco Bell would be calm and quiet ... not to be ... trip involved Annie's constant hollering, purchasing of said nachos and chance to eat nachos (by then cold) around two hours later after Annie calmed down and fell asleep ... oh, happy day.

Flourishing Annie

per family request am posting pictures of us with Annie ... only have one with me at the moment but will post one with Anthony soon ...
has been busy week! at appt. Tuesday, Annie had gained one pound in two weeks, which made the pediatrician very happy ... next appt. in one month. annie flourishing very well ... hair still thinning but has retained appropriate wildness!
oops, must run ... annie waking from super long 7 minute nap ...

Hair Club for Annie

still amazed at how much stuff tiny Annie can produce and how many orifices stuff can erupt from simultaneously ... must get industrial strength coveralls to wear ...
have noticed so many of Annie's pictures posted here are of her sleeping ... this is of course because sleeping comprises much of her day. However, would love to share pictures of other activities, perhaps of Annie planting her first garden or riding our black lab, Mary, around the house while dressed as a cowgirl (Annie, not Mary, although it really could go either way) but alas, for the moment, pictures will mostly show sleeping ...
just fyi, Annie's beginning to lose some of her hair ...

sorry for lack of posting recently ... phone lines inadvertently cut by workers next door but restored today ...

Diapering for Dummies

and so world of parenthood rocks on ... Annie has been on much better sleep schedule the last few nights (love the zombie mom shirt, Kate) so sleep deprivation FOR THE MOMENT is not so bad ...
have decided diaper changing should require its own course of study in college ... maybe not the actual procedure so much as the timing of the entire situation. how to know when tiny baby is through producing treasures so is safe to remove diaper without fear of projectiles?? entire family still being pooped and tinkled on at regular intervals ... Annie especially loves to do this after a lovely diaper change resulting in momentary nakedness as previously dirty clothes are being changed ... is wonderful opportunity to wet new clothes, diaper changing pad, etc. with what I swear is a tiny smile on her face ... is too funny to actually worry about as projectile tinkling usually results in all of us having to change clothes ... so, so many stories for when she's older ...
still obsessed with American Idol, and last night was absolutely breathtaking ... bitter that Mandisa's gone, but life goes on ... feel Katharine and Kellie have excellent chance but also love Paris ... however, last night belonged to Katharine and her gorgeous version of "Someone to Watch Over Me." who shall leave tonight? my money's on Elliott, but who knows ...
one more real-world thing: what is up with gas prices? self is re-considering bike-buying idea ...

The Black Hole of Space

continued existence in sleep-deprived bubble of parenthood ... mind still vacant from premises and self has discovered absence of any thoughts whatsoever. has nothing to do with lack of peace and quiet generally required to have thoughts in head and more to do with absolute lack of thoughts. bizarre little situation ... is as though mind has gone into vacuum of outer space ... as luck would have it, very little thought required to hook self up to milker and let 'er rip!

The Slippery Slope of Parenthood

and so we no longer need nightly sleep in this household ... what a wonderful gift of time! can read novels, begin memoirs for posterity, watch important and timely movies, etc. good thing Annie has days and nights mixed up!! quite the over-achiever at such a young age ... she has already projectile-pooped on Hope (our border collie), her dad, her grandfather, and me.
the world of parenthood continues to be a moment-to-moment existence ... Anthony wanted to use the baby monitor this weekend to broadcast the tv coverage of the Master's outside to where he was working in the yard ... following this bright idea, we decided we could save time if I shaped up his sideburns for him instead of trying to go to the barber for a haircut ... self not so great with out of control electric razor, and wearing baseball cap to cover hideous trim NOT an option as Anthony wears suits to work. ahhh, our minds have left us ... hopefully they will come back ...

Here's Annie!!

Mandisa and Mohawks

still in shock that Mandisa has been voted off American Idol but know we'll see her again soon (or really soon in my case as she lives around here)
life with Annie continues to be incredibly entertaining ... not sure where she got it but she is a bit dramatic and loves to flail her arms about ... very good and content baby so far and very funny ... lots and lots of brown hair and big blue eyes for the moment ... think if Annie had made it to full-term she might have been born with an afro ... enough hair now that we can style it into a baby mohawk during bathtime ... must learn to post pictures here!

Maximum Milker

just read last line of last blog ... "will return shortly" made me laugh out loud ... should have said "will return when Annie allows!!" nonetheless, to say we are enjoying every second (ok ALMOST every second) of parenthood would be an understatement ... it's a miraculous and truly fun time.
have conquered proper use of breastfeeding pads since last blog as well as moved up to the "maximum" setting on the milker ... trust me, "maximum" setting on milker was terrifying but have discovered is not that bad, and milking goes much faster! still, sometimes at night when I am sitting attached to the milker I think hmmm, how miraculous but also how strange!! Dairy Queen feeling still quite pervasive but no worries ... as my friend Julie said about pumping milk as opposed to buying the astoundingly expensive formula (honestly, is formula made with 24 K gold flecks highlighted by diamonds mined by Donald Trump himself??) -- why buy the milk when you can get the cow for free?? to say that I say MOOOOOO!!!!!

Dairy Queen Now Open

apologize for blogging absence but have excellent excuse ... as many of you know, little Annie Catherine Barclay has arrived! went to hospital last Sunday night after "The Sopranos" (must keep priorities straight) with what were possibly contractions ... self not at all sure but dr. said come on in ... arrived for observation and had dilated to almost 5 centimeters by Monday morning ... was fairly comfortable and still not sure if contractions were in fact CONTRACTIONS but turns out they were ... dr. came in early Monday morning to check on things ... ordered epidural and checked on Annie ... as her heart rate was occasionally dipping, possibility of C-section was discussed ... dips in heartrate were not entirely dramatic but enough so that additional stress of labor and delivery determined not be the best thing for Annie so self was prepped for a C-section (not emergency, though) ... lovely epidural arrived, additional prepping occurred, and Annie was born at 8:05 AM on March 27... as self has always said, Annie was extremely active in utero so was little surprise that umbilical cord was wrapped around her wrist, her leg and part of her torso ... nonetheless she was breathing and crying immediately and just like that Anthony and I became parents! absolutely amazing and indescribable experience and in lovely little serendipitous occurrence Annie was born 9 years to the day when Anthony and I had our first date ...
life has certainly changed but is wonderfully fun ... of course there is the matter of sleep deprivation, the automatic breast pump (heretofore referred to as "the milker"),the fact that self overnight became not only a mom but also a food source (feeling more and more like Dairy Queen), and of course the entirely unforgettable experience this morning where I put breastfeeding pads into my bra as we went to Annie's first pediatrician appt. only to discover an hour later that I put the adhesive side on my boob ... "ouch" only "family friendly" word I may use here to describe moment adhesive side was removed from self.
will return shortly ... it appears Dairy Queen has a beautiful and hungry customer ...

Big Day

ok ... have returned from dr's appt... am officially 3 centimeters dilated, fully effaced and off my anti-contraction medicine ... for all practical purposes Annie could arrive any time from here on out but my dr. thinks maybe next week or the next ... will keep posting new info ... big news of the day: am dilated enough that dr. said I can have epidural as soon as I arrive at the hospital to give birth :)

Status Quo

still enjoying periodic outings (even the grocery store is very exciting now) and continuing rest at home ... have now completed 36 weeks, so Annie is technically full-term which is certainly a blessing ... still taking anti-contraction medicine but dr. may stop that this week and let nature take over ... shall see ...
as am sitting around a lot have really been enjoying Direct TV ... discovered Game Show Network and am rediscovering "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" am able to answer more questions than on Jeopardy, which makes me feel a smidge dumb ... however, even on "Millionaire" geography questions are hard ... if actually found self in the hot seat on "Millionaire" and got a geography question would probably scream and cry, running away with $100 and leaving all my lifelines unused ...
and (of course) only 4 1/2 hours until "American Idol" very excited ... Simon Cowell recently spoke to Howard Stern and predicted the top three would be Elliott, Taylor and Kellie ... like them all but in my personal top three I have Kellie, Chris and Mandisa ... don't forget: Mandisa is a Nashville native ...

All Clear

had follow-up dr's appt. yesterday ... am now dilated 2 centimeters, but apparently have passed a major milestone as from now on whenever Annie is born she'll come home with us ... dr. very happy with current situation ... will continue medicine until my appt. next week and then re-evaluate ... was cleared to make 4 or 5 outings this week which is wonderful news!
besides appt. yesterday was interesting day as most days are ... before leaving house self was determined that rings would still fit on pregnancy-size fingers so crammed one ring on and was very pleased until realized ring was actually causing pain in finger and absolutely would NOT come off ... removing ring required pouring olive oil onto finger and more pain ... depressing situation but oh well. loaded car with newly packed just-in-case-we-go-to-the-hospital bags, including clothes, baby stuff, movies for hospital room, CD's my iPod, etc. and went to dr. ...
after appt. went to Vanderbilt to visit Anthony's new co-workers ... found spot in parking garage, walked to his building and had lovely visit with various people ... upon walking back to the car realized self had left passenger door open ENTIRE time we were gone ... apparently just hopped out of car and never closed door ...was appalled as purse and hospital bags were in car but nothing was disturbed ... pregnancy brain is mush ...
another depressing moment after leaving Vandy on way to sports store ... realized watch on wrist was so tight it had actually drawn a bit of blood ... another piece of jewelry bites the dust ...
one more happening at sporting goods store: tried on cool new Nikes and walked around store feeling like I was on air (shoes were so comfy) ... purchased shoes and off we went to Target ... realized something was missing from car ... self had left purse in shoe section so back we went to retrieve it. wonder if brain ever gets back to normal??
big vote-off American Idol tonight ... should be interesting ... feel perhaps Melissa will go away but no telling ...

Shipping Purgatory

can't talk about American Idol ... very sad that Gideon got voted off last week! however, due to current sedentary position have made lovely tri-fold cardboard masterpiece with USA Today pictures of all remaining contestants ... is very colorful and helpful ...
nursery is almost complete ... crib we ordered several weeks ago appears to be in some kind of shipping purgatory ... is stuck in customs overseas with no known ship date ... order has been cancelled, and Anthony went and bought a crib today and is currently assembling it ... that will pretty much finish the nursery. is very exciting but still staggering how much stuff Annie appears to need! yes, yes, in my baby days things were very different (or so I hear) but, alas, things have changed!
will be 35 weeks tomorrow and heading into week 36 ... has been 2 1/2 weeks since self was admitted to hospital, so Annie is doing good as she continues to incubate ...

Girlfriend's Guide to Pregnancy

mercy, mercy, mercy ... as have lots of free time on my hands have been reading The Girlfriend's Guide to Pregnancy, which is HYSTERICAL ... turns out pregnancy weight doesn't just drop right off after the birth ... probably knew this subconsciously but is still alarming ... can picture self making first grocery store outing with Annie and pregnancy pounds ... will get to check-out line, where check-out person will express shock at fact that self is pregnant again so soon after Annie's birth!! self will throw up, scream and run from grocery store ...
big vote-off night for American Idol ... LOVE Mandisa as she is from just outside Nashville plus she is amazing ... also love Chris the rocker... shall see how things turn out ...

Ready to Wait

follow-up visit with doctor today ... he was very happy that Annie continues to incubate, which of course is wonderful, but the progress (or lack of progress) I'm making as far as the impending birth means I must continue my little bedrest world. Basically I have to sit around (or rest in bed) getting up to go to the bathroom or take a shower but not a whole lot else ... he wants me to continue the Terbutaline (anti-contraction medicine) for 2 or possibly 3 more weeks. He does not think Annie will wait until her due date (April 18) but he wants to try to get me within 2 or 3 weeks of that date. All in all, things are looking very good :)
Because Annie could hypothetically arrive whenever, I must constantly be hospital-ready ... legs shaved, bag packed, eyebrows plucked and shaped, hair clean, etc... want to be at personal best when arrive at hospital for grueling childbirth which results in tiny person coming out of me ... will be sure to touch-up with powder before post-birth pictures are taken!!
Must go ... American Idol is on!

The Personal Incubator

ah, another day, another 24 hours Annie has stayed in her personal incubator ... every day counts!! will be 34 weeks tomorrow and heading into 35th week ...
must take a moment and comment on Oscars ... although very excited that Reese won and that "Crash" won best movie, still found ceremonies to be incredibly boring ... not sure why but seemed as if life had been sucked out of the whole thing ... felt a bit sorry for Ben Stiller in his little green get-up.
nursery is coming together ... Anthony painted it, furniture is put together and have received wooden letters to spell "Annie." actually have only received A,I,E as "N" is backordered ... in meantime, self immediately thought of American Idol the second letters came out of the box as am a bit obsessed with show this season ... more on that later ...

The Ever-Exciting Annie

have lots of updating to do!! had dr's appt. on Friday, where he discovered I was dilated to about 1 cm. ... not unusual as people go for weeks being dilated with nothing happening; however, because he could feel pressure on my cervix he sent me over to the hospital for monitoring ... wonderful facility and wonderful nurses, I might add. was not alarmed at all but went to hospital where I received antibiotics, steroids to "boost" the baby's lungs and was given Terbutaline to stop contractions (monitor picked up several but I couldn't feel them.) spent night there so could continue monitoring but went home the next afternoon as contractions had stopped. am now on modified bedrest and continue taking Terbutaline for awhile longer. saw doctor on Tuesday, and he was very pleased with the whole situation ... if Annie is born anytime between now and her due date, she'll be fine ... only issue is if she comes a little early, she may have to spend a little extra time in the hospital before coming home. in summary: Annie and I are both doing fine. she was monitored at the hospital as well and was never in distress ... quite the contrary actually as doctor said she seemed to be really enjoying herself!! what a pistol she may be ... will continue to communicate here primarily as self is losing voice for unknown reasons!!

The Nashville Gourmet

boxes would appear to be multiplying ... seems as one is unpacked twelve more appear as if from nowhere ... judging by kitchen boxes and contents would seem self is a gourmet chef or at least a caterer but, alas, as anyone who knows me is aware self is NOT a cook. so where did all these gadgets come from?? unpacking boxes after moving is some sort of unwanted version of Christmas morning ... each box contains lots of surprises but not always good ones!! for example, why is self in possession of three very different napkin holders?? have never seen two of them in my life ...
continue to be inspired by Olympics ... inspired to do what I'm not sure but inspired nonetheless ...

Baby, It's Cold Outside

greetings from snowy Nashville ... got moved on Thursday with no problems, just unpacking boxes now ... has snowed today and is really beautiful!! have met several neighbors, and all is very well here ...
dietician appt. went fine ... gestational diabetes numbers are so borderline that all that's required is a slight variation in what I eat ... nonetheless, just for fun, have new machine and will have to prick finger to check sugar levels 4 times each day. lovely. will be like B.B. King ...

Packing Day

ah, Olympic season is upon us ... very sad that Michelle Kwan had to drop out but respect her decision ... now interested in exactly what curling is?? plan to find out as is on right now ...
packing day is also upon us ... things have been a little hectic but manageable lately ... packers are here now, and movers will be here tomorrow ... so far all is going according to plan ... have spent a couple of days pulling out things we'll need for the next two nights so those items don't get packed ... learned that lesson during the move from Pensacola. (anyone seen my cereal, make-up, hair dryer, etc? oh, is packed in a box on a truck somewhere ...) have dryer, etc. in special "do not pack" area ...
ok, now about rascal scooters ... first, DO NOT mean this to be offensive AT ALL ...merely following train of thought regarding previously discussed super strong hand dryer and fact that some things have TOO much power ... believe rascal scooters at Wal-Mart, etc. are excellent way for some people to get around; however, when aforementioned scooter is barrelling down the produce aisle at top speed is just downright scary!! feel perhaps these machines have too much power ...
appt. with dietician is tomorrow afternoon ... in meantime Annie continues to grow and kick, tumble, and whatever else she's doing in there ... 9 more weeks ...

Annie and Nashville

apologize again for lack of blogging ...
am now 30 weeks pregnant and had dr's appt. today ... all is well with Annie ... strong heartbeat, good growing (sounds like flowers) and good weight gain on my part ... as for the glucose tolerance test, I don't have diabetes, but I had one number that was elevated, so they want to follow that for the rest of the pregnancy... have an appt. next week with dietician but in meantime told to eat more green veggies and more meat ... sigh as not huge fan of meat in general.
ok, now for moving logistics ... we will close on our house here on Feb. 15th and close on our house in Nashville on Feb. 16th ... packers will be here Monday the 13th, and the movers will follow them on the 14th ... we'll be in Nashville permanently on the 16th!! I already have an OB in the area along with an appt. in two weeks so I won't miss any appts. I'll be a bachelorette for about three weeks as Anthony will continue to work for the American Cancer Society until March 15 ...
more details to follow along with a blog about Rascal scooters ...

The Xelerator

baby shower was such fun!! Annie (spoiled beyond belief even though she's not born) got some wonderful gifts and shower was absolutely perfect ...
am now 29 weeks pregnant and feeling it a little bit ... Annie is now small person moving around, which is not always comfortable ... still miraculous but sometimes in a "could you please be still so I can go to sleep?" way ... due to ever so slightly elevated numbers in my gestational diabetes test last week, had to go to hospital lab yesterday for 3-hour glucose tolerance test ... had to fast after midnight, arrive at hospital, have blood drawn, drink VERY sweet cola drink, have blood drawn again one hour later, then two more times in two hours. not the most fun thing ever but certainly not the worst!! will have results next week at dr's appt ...
forgot to mention interesting incident that occurred on trip to Columbus on Friday ... my aunt rode up with me, and of course we had to stop several times for bathroom breaks ... at one gas station, bathroom had hand drier called the xelerator (be afraid) ... while in stall heard frighteningly loud roar that sounded as if a tornado had descended on the restrooms ... could hardly finish bathroom business as waited for ceiling to cave in around me ...turns out roar was actually dangerously powerful hand drier ... have never seen such in all my life ... drier actually shifted skin and veins around on hand as air shot out. very scary ... beware, travelers.

First Baby Shower

will be heading home to Columbus tomorrow for first official baby shower ... very excited!! Annie is, too ... or Annie Catherine ... haven't decided yet! will report back soon ...

Movin' On Up

ok, after several very busy days have returned to Gulf Coast ... house-hunting in Nashville was very intense, but we did buy a house :) very, very excited about house as is perfect for us!! will close on new house on February 15, so must close prior to that on Gulfport house. still working out all details but should be pretty quick next two or three weeks ... oh, new home is actually in Spring Hill, which is just southwest of Nashville. I think. must double-check self's geographical details ...

House Search Commences

have re-negotiated date we must be out of house to February 15, which gives us a little more breathing room ... will be leaving this afternoon to head toward Nashville ... will spend Thursday, Friday and Saturday with realtors there and return to Gulfport Sunday ... will return to blogging then ...

Going Going Gone

well, has been very busy few days ... after realtors showed the house three times yesterday, we received two offers, one of which was full asking price in cash. met with our realtor this morning and accepted the full-price offer, so for all intents and purposes house is sold ... only point we are trying to negotiate is the date we must be out of the house ... the purchaser wants to move in Feb. 2; we're trying to push that to Feb. 15. however, with such an amazingly good offer, if Feb. 2 is the only date that works for her, then we'll make it work for us, too ... goes without saying that our trip to Nashville next week will involve some serious house-looking ... in actuality the earlier we're in Nashville the better so I have plenty of time to get in to see an OB, etc. we continue to feel incredible blessed ...

Big News

And now for promised big news ... just before Christmas Anthony interviewed for a position with Vanderbilt University, a rather intense 2-day interview that he really enjoyed ... he liked the campus, the people, etc. and more importantly, the job would involve significantly less travel since Annie will be born within a few months. He was officially offered the job last week and accepted it on Friday. We are both very excited and have now shifted into we'll-be-moving-soon mode ... we met with our realtor two nights ago, so the house is officially on the market, and we go to Nashville for three days next week to meet with a realtor and start looking at houses there. From all we have heard, Nashville is a great town, and we can't wait to get up there and look around. Lots of changes are happening, but what a great adventure!! Since the hurricane, Anthony's traveling has greatly increased, so we feel very blessed that he was able to find a job that will allow him to be home with Annie (and, of course, with me as I am currently growing Annie.) Plus Nashville is a GREAT place to meet celebrities ... hello, Dixie Chicks!!!

Body Snatcher

is becoming more and more apparent that self's body is no longer self's body but instead belongs to Annie ... miracle though it may be is still strange ... belly button now looks like bit of balloon that you knot after blowing up said balloon ... as for amazing cleavage, well, actually that's still just amazing! but rest of body may as well be that of a stranger ... wonder if body returns at some point after Annie is through with it??
continue checking blog regularly as big news will be forthcoming within a few days ...

Annie the Boxer

am officially 25 weeks pregnant today ... time has really flown by, but Annie has definitely been growing during those 25 weeks ... her "little" punches of earlier weeks have become much stronger now, as though she has perhaps created some sort of boxing gloves in my uterus. still a miraculous feeling but not so much at 4 in the morning ... oh, well, feeling is reassuring nonetheless.
will be absent from blogging tomorrow as will be in Fairhope taking care of niece until Thursday ...

Happy 2006

(happy to report that computer has returned from computer hospital so normal blogging can resume ...)
happy 2006 to all faithful readers ... attended mass on New Year's Eve and really liked what our priest said: we are not bound to the past, and we have every right to hope for the future ... particularly applicable to current life here on the Gulf Coast ... however, whilst sitting in church pondering that thought (and being oddly concerned about what appeared to be a knee burn on the statue of Jesus) saw little girl several pews up stick her finger into her dad's ear, pull out I-don't-know-what and put the finger in her mouth. I love when something like that happens at church ... to me, it's just a reminder from God that we need to come to church and learn, but then we need to go out into the real world (with all its comedy and human failings) and practice what we learned ... must keep that in mind as 2006 unfolds...

Overachieving Annie

ah, what a wonderful Christmas holiday this has been ... for my family, just being together this year was the best present ... of course, having said that, this Christmas somehow turned into an impromptu baby shower for Annie as she got LOTS of presents!! such fun ...
speaking of Annie, had dr's appt. this morning ... doctor very happy with appropriate weight gain and said Annie weighs about one pound now. so in 24 weeks she has gained one pound but by next visit in only 4 weeks she will have gained one more pound ... dr says she will begin extraordinary growth from this point on ... said pregnancy was going extremely well, and if this were school Annie and I would have an A+ ... great news as I believe the only thing I ever had an A+ in during school was talking ... nonetheless, good to excel in something!

Merry Christmas

have spent three of the last four days in the madness that is the pre-holiday craze ... even ended up in Wal-Mart, a store I have VOWED to never again visit ... while there, was in line behind a mom and a three-year-old who was holding a Mountain Dew while in the buggy ... he was slugging back that Mountain Dew like it was juice, and I rejoiced in the fact that he was NOT coming home with me ... good grief.
will not write again for a few days as family is arriving in town and festivities will occupy the next few days ... Merry Christmas to everyone!

Another Christmas Miracle

have lovely new maternity Christmas Eve shirt for annual family gathering at Calverts' house ... will FINALLY be able to compete with Calvert side of family: what better way to celebrate the miracle of Christmas than by wearing a shirt that shows off my new miracle cleavage?? cannot wait and don't care how superficial that sounds ... if possible (read: if I can figure out how) will post Christmas cleavage picture ...

Moxie CrimeFighter

has been cold and dreary day here ... good day to paint the nursery (actually Anthony painted; I just taped everything off) ... beautiful paint is called angelic pink. is wonderfully soothing color ... have visions of little Annie waking during the night and being so soothed she simply sings beautiful hymns to put herself back to sleep ... no need to cry when your room is angelic pink ...
on subject of Annie, received annual Best and Worst of 2005 issue of People today ... among other highly interesting topics was a list of wackiest celebrity baby names and I SWEAR I am not making these up ... Top Names: Pirate, Poet Sienna Rose, Kal-el Coppola, and (my personal favorite) Moxie CrimeFighter ... have mercy, can you imagine your middle name being CrimeFighter??

Tragedy of King Kong

do not understand current hype over most recent "King Kong" remake ... did not see original but know it's sad ... how could it not be?? tragic love story between gigantic hairy ape and tiny blonde woman cannot possibly end happily ... according to every review I've read, movie must be breathtaking but is not for me ... animal sadness (even sadness involving aforementioned gigantic hairy ape) always makes me cry ...
made trip (is becoming more of an actual trip with the traffic ... now stock car with food, water, blankets and books) to Wal-Mart today ... approached trip with fairly good attitude and the Barenaked Ladies Christmas CD so was ok ... always end up conversing with neighboring shoppers while in line, and today was no exception. talk is always of post-Katrina life, and everyone (including self) has an opinion ... did much better with tempting right-by-register items by NOT purchasing purse-size spray starch, purse-size static-guard, purse-size benadryl, purse-size hand sanitizer and purse-size puzzle ... how can tiny items cost about 10 times as much as their normal-size counterparts??

No End In Sight

The past two days have not been good "hurricane days." Sometimes it's almost easy to forget about the rest of the area if you only do a few errands relatively close to home ... however, I've been out and about all over the last couple of days, and, even three months later, the devastation takes my breath away. I know it's been said and written numerous times, but television cameras cannot capture the vastness of what has happened here. Very disturbingly, there are still an extraordinary number of people living in tents, people who have been paying house mortgages on concrete slabs, people with good educations who are now unemployed and cannot get a job, and people who are struggling simply to survive. The stories that come out, whether at a dr.'s office or in line at Wal-Mart, are staggering and make me feel all the more guilty that Anthony and I fared relatively well ... "survivor's guilt," I believe they call it. Rest assured and make no mistake, positive steps have been taken in the last three months in an effort to rebuild, but the situation is still very, very dire. I only ask that you pray for the thousands of people here who have suffered unimaginable losses and for all the legislators, politicians, etc. who are fighting for relief money so the Gulf Coast and all of its people can live and move on.

Baby Rocky

am recovering from gross cold or allergy/sinus attack that arrived last week ... feeling better but not great.
while laying around with tissues up nostrils read a good bit about Annie's development this week ... turns out she is now able to make fists and actually punch the uterine lining ... am NOT making this up as came from reputable book and also can feel it ... occasionally feel like punching bag for tiny daughter ...

A Few Loose Screws

**still having technical problems with our computer, so blogging may be sporadic for the next little while**
assembled Annie's high chair today all by myself ... yes, I realize she won't be using it for quite some time, but the particular model we registered for was being discontinued so I went ahead and ordered it ... only slightly unnerving part of the assembly was that some screws were left over ... can only pray leftover parts don't lead to some sort of bizarre high chair accident for little Annie in the future ... shall see ... is cute baby Mickey pattern ... not obnoxious or overly precious but appropriately cute ... good thing as we do have quite awhile to look at it!!

That's What Dreams Are Made Of

Annie has become a much more real presence lately ... not only because I feel her move a lot, but because suddenly she has a little identity. I always thought when I got pregnant I would have grandiose dreams about my child being a doctor or the next NFL star or even the next President. Though they've changed a bit, I still have grandiose dreams for Annie, but they're grandiose because I want her to be healthy and happy. At the moment, I can be very assured that she's healthy, which is indescribably miraculous. I can only hope she will grow up happy and always know how much she's loved. If someday she becomes President, that's just fine, but I'll be just as happy if she's kind and thoughtful and considerate.
My dreams now are of meeting her for the first time, holding her in my arms and looking into her eyes. I absolutely cannot wait ...

Look at those Knockers

very good pregnancy day today ... had to go buy new, BIGGER bras ... very, very exciting!!
on flip side, am presently watching our local news station's airing of their Hurricane Katrina program ... is absolutely mind-boggling to see the footage ... as we were in Columbus the night before Katrina arrived, we are seeing much of this footage for the first time ... is heart-breaking and almost surreal ... even though it's been over three months since Katrina hit and much progress has been made, rest assured that recovery is far from over ...

We've Got Annie

has been wonderful day with thoughts mostly on Annie ... fighting urge to go paint baby room pink, although we have got the most beautiful paint chip picked ... very pale and not at all Pepto Bismol-colored ... thanks to Molly for the paint suggestion ... have edited Target and Wal-Mart registries to reflect Annie's pink identity as opposed to neutral yellow and green ... discussed Annie's dating rules with Anthony last night and mutually decided that 25 is the perfect age for a first date ... watched video from ultrasound appointment last night after soccer game but if honest, had trouble picking out things as found Annie to be somewhat chimpanzee-looking ... mean that in nicest way possible as certain child is beautiful and perfect ...

Hmmmmm...

How to best deliver the big news?? First (and most important) let me say that the baby looked perfectly normal on the ultrasound ... the doctor showed us her wonderful brain (full of geography knowledge, I'm sure), her spinal cord and all 4 chambers of her heart. He said they can pick up lots of abnormalities at this point but that everything looks great. Needless to say, we were thrilled! Ok, onto the rest of the news ... as it turns out, most of my family and friends were wrong as we're having a beautiful baby girl :) We would have been happy either way, though! Her name (which has been decided for awhile; we just weren't sure we'd need it) will be Annie Catherine ... my grandmother's name was Annie (she passed away four years ago, but I talked to her about naming a future baby after her before she died), Anthony's grandmother in Scotland is named Annie, and my paternal grandmother's middle name is Catherine. We'll call her Annie and thank God for her every day ...

Landlocked Land

for the record and with less than 48 hours to go, general consensus among family and friends is that we can expect to see a little boy on the ultrasound on Wednesday ... shall see but am halting all attempts to read own intuitive feelings regarding sex of baby because honestly do not know!!
after Sunday afternoon errands (including Wal-Mart) decided to come home for quiet time before football games ... took up new challenge ... New York Times Crossword puzzle always in our Sunday paper but have never been brave enough to try it ... self's crossword puzzle skills much more in line with People magazine's puzzle. anyway, sat down with PENCIL and NY Times puzzle and was instantly and overwhelmingly stumped ... with roughly 145 clues and possible answers was only certain of one: "urgent transmission, for short" -- confidently filled in SOS ... however, with the next clue being "landlocked land" how on earth is one to know the answer is "Laos??" (in case readers are curious, solution to puzzle was printed two pages prior to puzzle so gave solution to Anthony so he could participate) goal now is to think of one answer each day, making puzzle last roughly 5 months ... perhaps by then will know answer to "galoot-like"

Pink or Blue?

hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!!
baby update: the date to (hopefully) find out the sex of our baby has been moved up to Wednesday, November 30, at 2 PM ... cautiously excited but will be 20 weeks by then, which is halfway through the pregnancy and apparently a good time for seeing all the important (and relevant) body parts ...
have just received Christmas issue of "Real Simple" magazine, a magazine I really love ... however, had to spend 20 minutes removing all annoying and strangely huge ads from magazine ... full page slick ads for cars, an entire Gap gift-giving guide (kept that one) and more perfume/cologne ads than care to count ... perhaps advertisers should send all that money to the humane society ...

On Hiatus

will be away until Tuesday taking care of wonderful niece in Fairhope ... very much looking forward to it ... Happy Early Thanksgiving to everyone! as for our family, we have much to be grateful for this year ...

The Goblet of Fire

have just returned from humbling trip to church ... main concern prior to leaving house was if shirt self was wearing was too small due to new baby girth ... checked all angles in the mirror for at least 10 minutes as getting dressed has become constant battle of pregnant size versus clothes ... chosen shirt fit three weeks ago but is a smidge tight now; nonetheless realized church was about Jesus not (shock) my wardrobe ... self can be so shallow and vain ...
know not everyone out there is Harry Potter fan but must report that new movie is FABULOUS ... disappointed, though, as full-capacity audience was dressed as normal people ... no witches or wizards in the bunch ... perhaps self should have worn 12-inch-tall Sorcerer's hat from DisneyWorld ...

The Wonderful World of Harry

(** must begin by wishing our sweet Mary Barclay a happy 7th birthday!! have 10 new tennis balls and a birthday milkbone all ready for when Anthony gets home ...)
had dream last night that we're having a little girl ... had dream the night before that I was going to the hospital to be induced because I was past my due date ... hmmm ... wonder if I should expect a pregnancy-related dream every night from here on?
have pre-purchased tickets today to see "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" tomorrow night ... am very excited to have opportunity to go to theater seven hours early to wait along with fans dressed as witches, wizards, Hagrid, etc. to simply get a seat ... Anthony and I have (perhaps ridiculous) hope of getting two seats together. wish self could say movie will be Jack/Jackette's first theatrical experience but would not be truthful ... baby has already been exposed to "Saw 2," a frightening and psychotic thriller of a movie with disturbing but entertaining qualities ... oh well ... have read that baby cannot yet hear anything going on outside the womb ... good thing as "Saw 2" might have made him/her stay in womb forever. wow, that in itself is a disturbing thought ... as is now, each day is a new adventure in closet trying to determine what still fits and what is too uncomfortable to even zip up, etc ...

Mean Old Wal-Mart

another Wal-Mart debacle ... had to stop for a few items and arrived to find parking lot only partially full ... felt heart leap with joy as self anticipated a very small victory over post-hurricane life ... parked car VERY close to front and hopped out ... only then did self notice barricades and security barring entrance to the Mart. SIGH. readers, prepare to be shocked: Wal-Mart is temporarily closed today due to "power issues." did not know Wal-Mart ever closed ... very sad morning as self joined other million cars heading down Highway 49 ... ah, the stories we will have for Jack or Jackette ...

The Fun Continues

have returned from Fairhope, which was magical fun taking care of niece ... discovered that during diaper change little girls can tinkle on you with the same impressive stream you might expect from a little boy ...
post-hurricane life continues here ... made inevitable trip to Wal-Mart two days ago ... actual shopping only took 45 minutes but was in line for over 30 minutes ... found self passing time by buying those little items they place at the check-out lines ... ended up with purse-size container of Tylenol, purse-size bottle of hand sanitizer and softball-sized magnets of Mary (black lab) and Hope (border collie) ... must exert more willpower next time.
spent yesterday morning creating baby registries at Target and Wal-Mart ... is shockingly challenging task ... initial try at Target yielded a CART full of baby items that I was apparently to buy not a registry full of baby items that lovely friends and family will buy ... had to begin again ... have more or less completed task with exception of registering for items like diapers, wipes, pacifiers, etc. that you actually have to scan in the stores not online ... the fun is beginning!

Captain Jack

well, have decided to move to Blanding, Utah ... article in our paper yesterday described this town as safest with regard to weather disasters ... now must find out where this is. yes, yes of course I know where Utah is (pretty much) but do not know where Blanding is ...
still trying out baby names but have eliminated some ... latest name is Jack Riley ... for Anthony, the move back to "Jack" was somewhat influenced by "Pirates of the Caribbean" on TV the other night as, of course, Johnny Depp's Keith Richards-influenced pirate is Captain Jack Sparrow ... still, for whatever reason we keep coming back to Jack ...
self (sorry, Chris) will be away from blogging for next few days as am going to Fairhope to take care of brand new niece until Wednesday ... until then ...

The Question Remains

false alarm, everyone ... turns out we were misinformed by the office staff when they told us they could determine the sex of the baby at 16 weeks ... they prefer to do that particular ultrasound at 20 weeks, so we'll do this all again on December 2 at 1:30 PM ... all was not lost, however; the doctor picked up the heartbeat today, said the baby weighed about 8 oz. and that everything looked absolutely perfect. really can't ask for more than that!

New and Important Tax Laws

has been interesting morning here at the Sheraton ... was in line at breakfast cafe for deliciously fattening cheese danish when found self drawn into conversation by stranger in front of me ... announced he had just been reading about the new and idiotic tax laws and how this was such an important time for tax laws ... looked at me expecting a response. now do not consider self to be moron but am not overly informed about or interested in tax laws ... if conversation had been about pop culture or perhaps any episode of Friends, would still be conversing with man ... when self did not make quick enough response man said "hopefully you didn't vote for Bush" to which I responded with the only thing I could think of: "President Bush is a special man." Man stared at me and said "Oh, is THAT what he is??" and stormed off ... whatever, it was self's turn at the danish counter since tax law man vacated the area. (to clarify, Anthony is very knowledgeable about tax laws, which allows for my virtual ignorance on the subject.)
must report on strange subject ... has anyone noticed commode flushing mechanisms have gotten frighteningly powerful?? first time self used hotel bathroom jumped up after flushing because sounded as if self was about to get sucked down into the plumbing. very scary and insane response more than a little mortifying but feared for life at time ... mechanism is at least as powerful as airplane bathrooms which always scare me ...
countdown to tomorrow has begun ... will baby be turned so can see private parts or will baby be shy?? shall see ...

Riley ??

another inexcusable absence from the world of blogging ... am currently in Birmingham with Anthony for an American Cancer Society conference ... have discovered wireless internet in hotel lobby and am writing from cozy little corner chair. has been very nice to be away for a few days in a town where there is no debris, blue roofs, etc. will return to Gulfport on Friday in time for dr's appointment that afternoon ... will have ultrasound and possibly learn sex of baby ... have moved down names list and have been trying out "Riley" this week. hopefully ultrasound will at least narrow name choices to either boys' or girls' ... is exciting prospect but know is not certainty.
am adapting to fact that can no longer fit into many of my clothes, at least not without holding my breath for an indefinite period of time ... feel this is not healthy for self or "Riley." am moving to maternity clothes while trying to avoid looking as if maternity wardrobe only consists of gigantic sacks ... will maintain some semblance of style despite increasing girth of self. hopefully will still have that attitude several months down the pregnancy road when self can no longer see feet ... shall see.