Its MY Anniversary!

Well - it really isn't an anniversary such as a birthday, wedding celebration or anything of that sort. It is my 34 week anniversary. Today. I am officially 34 weeks pregnant. This means that I only have 14 more days to get to the 36 week mark where my Doctor would like to see me. Whew. Today's anniversary marks 4 weeks of bed rest. Most say "wow that went by fast". I always laugh and say "um....maybe for you".

While on bed rest, I have learned many things. I have noticed that the locksmith man comes down our street every day and turns around right after my house. Same van, same time. I think he is stalking someone because he never stops to talk or see anyone.

I know that the irresponsible 16ish year old peels out with his red Ford Ranger everyday at 12:30. Seriously - does he not think that his tires are going to go bad? He peels out every day at the same corner. I told my mom that when I can get up and be more mobile, I am going to wait on that corner and egg his truck when he does it again. OK...so I wont egg his truck. That's not something a 29 year old should do. But - the thought has crossed my mind about twice now.

Did you know that an elephant is pregnant for 22 months? That's some serious pain. I am glad that I am not an elephant.

So there it is...34 weeks and counting. Only 14 more days. If I can make it that far I may seriously throw a party.

P.S. I cannot wait to post pictures of the murals my mom is doing in the girls' room. They are so awesome.

10 Things you may not know about me.

1. I want to have an ugly sweater party this year. My husband will think I am nuts. I wonder if people will even know what that is.

2. I love to oil paint.

3. I laugh at my husbands name. Still. Who can't? It is Charlie Brown.

4. I don't have a dog named Snoopy.

5. I tell my daughter and husband that I love them probably 10 times a day.

6. I'm still trying to knit, but cannot get past that first knot darn-it!

7. I worry about a lot of things.

8. I have almost everything that Bare Essentials makes. Serious company dedication.

9. When I first met Charlie, he didn't even blink an eye or look my way. When I met him the second time he said, "Wow...you clean up well". The rest is just history.

10. I read and collect motivational quotes.

33 weeks 5 days today

Another day down, and only 16 more to go. Doesn't sound like a lot to you, but it sucks when you are on your back ALL. OF. THE. TIME.

On Sunday I was in the hospital again. I swear this is a weekly occurance. I ended up with a small kidney infection. I know, how in the heck did this happen? I am not so sure. But nevertheless, I ended up in Labor and Delivery. Again. They know who I am now. That is not good. I was dialated to a 2 and 60% effaced. So in real terms, this means that I changed in just a few days. Chances are I will deliver soon.

On a lighter note, I only have about 16 days to go until I reach the 36 week mark. I know I can do it mentally, but hopefully my body will allow me to do it physically. We'll see. Every day is a journey.

My mom has been painting a beautiful mural in the girls' room. It is of faries having a tea party. I love it. Savannah loves it. She has already announced that one is her and the other is baby Emmie. She calls Emily Emmie now. Cute. As soon as it is complete I will post pictures. She is so talented. I am really lucky to have a mom like her. She can always bring a smile to my face.

Savannah is at the park with Lolo (Abuelo, my dad) right now. It is a local park called Kids Kingdom that she has renamed to "Girls Kingdom". She's really into asking whether people are boys or girls. I am so not ready for this type of discussion with a three year old. She is basically hypothesizing peoples gender based on the length of their hair. So if you have really short hair, dont be sad if she calls you a boy. Just kidding.

Charlie has been absolutely slammed with work. It never fails. Right when he thinks that he can take a breather, 5 or so deals some up. While this is good, it is still crazy.

On Saturday it will be my 34 week anniversary. That's what I am calling them now. Anniversaries.

Did You Know This?

This is pretty neat. I found this aricle this evening on MSNBC:

Microwave zaps 99 percent of germs on sponges
Scientists test speedy way to stop kitchen sponges from spreading disease

Updated: 1:37 p.m. PT Jan 22, 2007
WASHINGTON - Two minutes in a microwave oven can sterilize most household sponges, U.S. researchers reported on Monday.

A team of engineering researchers at the University of Florida found that two minutes of microwaving on full power killed or inactivated more than 99 percent of bacteria, viruses or parasites, as well as spores, on a kitchen sponge.

"People often put their sponges and scrubbers in the dishwasher, but if they really want to decontaminate them and not just clean them, they should use the microwave," said Gabriel Bitton, a professor of environmental engineering who led the study.

Writing in the Journal of Environmental Health, Bitton and colleagues said they soaked sponges and scrubbing pads in raw wastewater containing fecal bacteria such as E. coli, viruses, protozoan parasites and bacterial spores.

Then they used a common household microwave oven to heat up the sponges. It took four to 10 minutes to kill all the spores but everything else was killed after two, they said.

"The microwave is a very powerful and an inexpensive tool for sterilization," Bitton said.

At least 76 million Americans get sick from food borne microbes every year, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and 5,000 people die from them.

Kitchens are a common source of these illnesses.

My Mom and Dad

I can honestly say that there hasn't been a day that has passed where I am not thankful of all that my parents do for me. Not only have they been amazing parents to me, they have become wonderful parents to my husband and daughter as well. I guess parents really don't ever stop parenting. I am lucky to experience such as love, as I know that many people in this world will never understand.

My mom is so wonderful. I don't think that I will ever meet someone so amazing as she is. Not only is she a wonderful mother, she is a great friend. She is the type of friend that anyone can count on - regardless of the task or need at hand. She is genuine, caring, giving, loving and very devoted to those that she loves.

She has been there to help during this busy and hectic time. She has made dinners, watched Savannah, helped with laundry and anything else that has come our way. She has become a second mother to Savannah. Vanna loves her Abuela and asks to spend the night at Lala's house every night.

My Dad is the best! He has helped us out every day for the past 3.5 weeks. He comes over in the morning and picks up Savannah for a fun filled day. Whether they go to the post office, park. Turtle Bay, Papa and Gigi's house, or to get ice cream, Savannah is always in for a real treat. She loved hanging out with her Abuelo in his truck.

Dad really is a very talented person. If you want it - he can build it. If you need it, he can find a way to make it happen. I am lucky that my husband appreciates my dad as much as he does. He spends a lot of time with him and enjoys every minute of it. It isn't too often that your spouse loves your parents as much as Charlie loves mine.

My parents are the best. I can promise you that.

A weekend with the Henrettys

Paul, Shannon and Ellie came to visit us this weekend. Can I please say LIFESAVERS? They were all such a great help around the house, with Savannah and making the time pass a little faster for me while I was flat on my back. I cannot forget to mention in this blog how LAZY my husband was this weekend. OK-I guess he deserves it just this once.

Shannon has always been like a sister to me. She has always been there to lend a helping hand whenever I am in need. She has been through everything with me no matter what the situation has been. Although we are 1st cousins, we have been more like sisters. We were raised five houses down from each other and spent most of our life together. So this weekend she came to the rescue and was here to help. What would I do without her?

Ellie played with Savannah till the cows came home. They played dress up, house, hide-and-go-seek and many other games. Savannah insisted on Ellie sleeping in bed with her. I'm not sure how comfortable that was but when you are a kid, I guess you can sleep anywhere.

On Saturday they took Savannah out to see Willamina the pig and the two goats. Willamina is Valerie and Ron's wild boar. She absolutely loves this pig and refers to her as "my girl". The pig is gross, and well, piggish. Not my cup of tea. Regardless of my disgusting opinion of the nastycreature, Savannah is quite the farmer. She helps feed the animals and is quite proud of her job. While they were out there Savannah decided that Willamina is of good use when she sits on her, and treats her like a bench. Yuck.

So...here's to you Shannon. A big THANK YOU for all you have done for me.

One more week down!

OK... We are officially at week 33. I am still feeling A LOT of contractions, but- I have a good feeling that we can hold on for another week. We'll see. Everyday that passes just gives Emily one more day of strengthening.

Shannon, Paul and Ellie are here. It is so nice to see them. Ellie has been entertaining miss bossy Savannah. They have played kitchen, rode bikes, brushed hair and everything else in between.

I'm not sure what we have planned today. Or I should say "they". I will be on my back, and they will all go and do stuff. Charlie hasn't had a day for months where he didn't have to work, so today we are crossing our fingers that he doesn't have to meet up with any clients. He needs a break. Hopefully they will all go sledding, or do something fun.

So...here's to one more week down. Only a few more to go!

Events to date

I spent the weekend in the hospital. It was not fun to say the least. I went in on Saturday morning with contracttions. Figuring that they would just give me more drugs, I thougt I would be in and out. Not me. No such luck. They admitted me, and monitored this little gal that desperatly wants to enter our world. My meds were changed to Nifedipine, which is ultimately the last drug that can be given to me. Luckily, it brought down the contractions, but unfortunatly, I am still dialating.

The good thing, is that I am almost to 33 weeks. I cannot wait. Saturday is yet another anniversary for the Brown household. Essentially, I would like to go to 36 weeks, but I would be fully content with being 34 weeks. Savannah was born at 34 weeks, and that was do-able. Time will tell, and as each day passes I count my blessings.

In other news, I have had several great visitors. I love company. Lisa O. brought me my favorite salad from Cheesecakes today. That was yummy. Yesterday my friend and hairdresser came over and did my hair. Let me tell you how wonderful it is to have freshly cut and colored hair. I know, nobody sees it, but it is all about the way it makes me feel.

Shannon, Paul and Ellie are coming in to stay with us for a few nights this weekend. I am REALLY excited about seeing them. Ellie was born at 28 weeks. She truly is an inspiration. She is an amazing little girl, and you would never know that she was born so premature.

I apologize this post isn't that exciting. I'm not exciting these days. I'm pretty boring. Once I hit the 35 week mark, watch out - I am making my way out on the town.

It could be worse...

Today was a pretty emotional day for me. I went and had another fFN test, as well as another ultrasound. The test is still positive. Originally, we had hoped that the first positive test was a false-positive. Today's results confirmed that is in fact wasn't false. My ultrasound showed a lot of change in the cervix as well. So...we may have a baby sooner than later.

I went to the hospital to get shots of beta methazone, which is a steroid that will help the baby's lungs develop faster. I had this with Savannah, so I am confident that it will in fact make a substantial difference. So...it is is now a daily waiting game.

While I play this waiting game, I think about many things. I shed a few original tears, but have told myself that everything will be OK. Tonight, Charlie had some friends over to play cards. I was talking with one guy who is a RN. He said that he sees patients in the ER daily who only wish they could have our problems. Problems which we think may end our world, but in reality are just another stepping stone in life. There are people who don't have a roof over their head, a family to support them, food to eat or the ability to be loved by others. So...it could be worse. I could have other problems, and lack the strength to face them. But I don't, so I am blessed.

Everything will all work out, as things always do they way in which they are intended to. I have chosen to take the strong road from here on out. Only time will tell.

I may be a Brown, but I'm not James Brown

I know I married into the last name Brown, but I am pretty sure that there aren't any relationship ties. Seriously. I am not sure that I would want this to take place in my home. Read is the article I found on CNN tonight:

REMEMBERING JAMES BROWN
COLUMBIA, S.C. - The body of soul singer James Brown has yet to be buried as attorneys and his children work to settle issues surrounding his estate, including where he will be laid to rest.For now, his body lies in a sealed casket in his home on Beech Island, said Charles Reid, manager of the C.A. Reid Funeral Home in Augusta, Ga., which handled the services.Brown died of heart failure Dec. 25 at age 73. His will has yet to be filed, said Buddy Dallas, an attorney for the singer.

He's still in his house in a casket? This is getting good. Maybe Michael Jackson will take him to his house too.

Pink Lady vs. Honey Crisp

I haven't really had many cravings of anything bad this go around. Which is a good thing. I can remember when I was pregnant wanting Fruity Pebbles at 11:00 PM after watching some big rapper eat them on MTV Cribs. (OK. I don't watch that show on a regular basis, but when you cant sleep at night, sometimes there just isn't much on TV).

The need for fruity pebbles hasn't stuck a chord with me. I haven't wanted anything bad or unhealthy. I have wanted Apples. Lots of them. I have become the new Apple connoisseur. Just ask me, I'll tell you.

There are two types of apples that are awesome. One is the Pink Lady and the other is the Honey Crisp. Both of which are the most expensive. Go figure. It is just fitting for me.

Anyway, I was so upset to find that there aren't any stores that carry these apples right now. Duh Jen, they are out of season. Why do I have find something that I REALLY enjoy eating and then BAM! They aren't available to me. That's not fair. Especially to someone who had a hard time eating anything during the first 5 months of pregnancy.

So. I have resorted to eating Fuji apples again. I guess it is better than nothing. Next time the Pink Lady or Honey Crisp apples are in season, you need to try them. You'll understand what I mean.

My baby does have a cookie. It has been confirmed.

This pregnancy has been extremely different than when I was pregnant with Savannah. I was sure that I was having a boy. Even after I had several ultrasounds I still wasn't completely convinced. It seems as though lately I hear people telling me that even though they thought that they were having a girl, it ended up in fact being a boy. So, when we were in the hospital a week or so ago trying to stop labor, I had the following conversation with the nurse:

"Can you make sure that we are REALLY having a girl?"

"Sure...let me see...Yes, there is a cookie. Do you see that cookie right there? There's nothing hanging low about this girl. I see a cookie for sure"

"A cookie. Ok." (I wasn't sure where she saw a cookie looking object, but I just went along with it).

So there it is. My daughter's "girl parts" is now considered to look like a "cookie". I was thrilled to know that it really is a girl and that after three ultrasounds this was confirmed.

Because I went into labor early before, I was better prepared this time. I already have Emily's room decorated...In pinks, yellows and greens. Not typical boy colors. But, I had my mind made up that if Emily Grace ended up being a boy, he would be sleeping in the girliest room ever.

So...cookies to everyone. We are REALLY having a girl. Let's just hope later than sooner. I am glad I won't have to explain to Savannah that the baby doesn't in fact have a cookie, but has hanging parts. I really didn't want to have to go there with a 3 year old.

Can you find my daughter in this picture? She really is there.

So...my wonderful and loving mother has been really helping out A LOT with Savannah since I have been, well, lifeless. She truly is a blessing, and an amazing do-it all type of person. I can only hope that I am half the mother to my children that she was and continues to be for my family. She is truly amazing.

You're probably wondering what this picture has to do with my mom. This afternoon she came over to my house to pick up Savannah. They were going to head out to Savannah's "Grammy's House" (Valerie's house) to help her feed the pet pig and goats. (By the way, the pig is named Willamina. Savannah calls her Phillipina). When my mom walked into the house she asked me where she was. I told her that she is in her room sleeping. She went in to check on her and came out with a white look on her face. She thought Savannah was missing from her room. But seriously, when you do look at the picture my daughter is no where to be found. She realized that sleeping beauty herself was disguised underneath her mass of toys, books, games, papers and blankets.

Since Christmas, Savannah has decided to bring SEVERAL toys and misc. items to bed with her. If she doesn't start with them when she initially lays down for bed, they are all there next to her when she wakes up. Whether it is the drawing that she just created, or her new Giraffe Robe they are there tightly clutched while she sleeps. Savannah's room is always kept very clean and orderly. Except during the time that she sleeps.

So...life really isn't all that bad while on bedrest. Savannah sleeps with toys, and I take pictures of her. Entertainment to the fullest.

He seriously dropped it?

OK...so last night Charlie and I lay in bed watching ESPN as we usually do. Well - for those football fans out there who were rooting for Dallas - I am sorry to you. Tony Romo, the up and coming stud must have lost his studliness somewhere in the fourth quarter. He dropped the pitch right before the kicker was attempting a game winning field goal. OUCH. I can honestly say that our Tivo came into good use because we watched this play oh say 15 or so times. Mean I know. This poor guy was trying to win the game but completely gassed it. And here we were laughing. I know he didn't mean it, but my anger for this fellow runs deep. So deep.

See - I normally wouldn't write about something like this except for the fact that Tony Romo has been a thorn in my side since about the 12th week of my fantasy football league. I was the only girl hanging in the top 4 spots 95% of the season. UNTIL TONY ROMO APPEARED. Lame. He had a few "awesome games" which happened to be when I was playing him. Not fair. This helped me to place 5th in our league underneath all of the men (boys). As many of you know, I am very competitive, so this was a down right blow to my ego. I wasn't able to talk smack anymore and tell the men (boys) that they are hopeless. All because of Tony Romo having a better than great game. It just isn't fair. Next year, I have a plan to win it all. And it wont include Tony Romo.

My 2007 resolutions

OK...so Charlie and I are big goal setters. We're always reading inspirational and motivational quotes, writing down our goals and try to hold each other to them. Try I said.

So...Here are a few of my 2007 goals right off of the tip of my head:

1. Read more

2. Run a 1/2 marathon

3. Have a full-term baby

4. Be a better mom

5. Worry less

6. Eat more vegetables

7. Garden more

8. Learn to knit

9. Be an outstanding wife

10. Teach

You ARE my hero Charlie Brown

OK...so for the past 5 or so years people have laughed at the fact that Charlie Brown is in fact my husband's name. Charlie Brown is typically referred to as being a a goofy, big headed character with a zig zag on a yellow shirt. Regardless of what he appears to be, he is my every day hero. Especially now.

This past week, the Brown household has changed a bit since I am pretty much laying down all of the time. Charlie has graciously (I am not being facetious, he really has been great) taken on the role as the family rock. He has made meals, worked late, cleaned house and played dress up with Savannah. He has gone grocery shopping, done laundry, dishes and cooked dinners. Sure this doesn't sound like much, but when he spends some nights working on proposals or other work until 3:00 AM, it means a lot to me.

I know, I know, I m sure that you are thinking, "just wait, in a few months, she is going to post about the annoying things that her husband does" and yes, this may be the case. However, in the meantime, I am proud that Charlie is my husband and that he has to much to offer not only my family, but the world around us.

A dreary life of bed rest

9 entire weeks of bed rest sounds quite appealing to most - but let me tell you - it's not. Laying on your back all day and night isn't all that great. Having a two year old that doesn't understand why mommy isn't able to just jump up and play dress up just breaks my heart. The days pass so S-L-O-W-L-Y. The highlights of my day have been visitors and my morning and evening showers. Lame - I know. All of this complaining really makes me sound pathetic. The reality is, that the next few weeks in my world are important yet slow moving.

I am 31 weeks pregnant, and this little girl wants to arrive into this world a little earlier than expected. Savannah came 6.5 weeks early - which is doable. But to have a 31 weeker - that is a little scarier.

I started to go into labor a few days after Christmas. Luckily, the Dr. and Hospital was able to stop it. Since then my life has been consumed of ultrasounds, and weekly fetal fiber nectin tests. Fetal Fiber Nectin tests are given to mothers who have a high risk pregnancy. Last week, my Doctor called to tlel me that I had a POSITIVE fFn test. SCARY. This means that I have a high chance of going into full blown labor within the next two weeks at any given time. So...I have started a round of serious labor stopping drugs (tripbuteline) as well as being flat on my back.

We have had several ultrasounds and the baby is doing great, growing and is moving right along- but again, wants to come and meet her big sister NOW! I go in again next week (Jan 11th) so I will know more then.

So..that's my life today. Tomorrow may bring yet another journey.