Freedom!

Well, today is the last day of my contraction stopping pill, which means an end to my home bound, couch confined state! I thought it would never come! Technically, bed rest doesn't end until Monday, (just a technicality of course) but unless my doc happens to read my blog and sends the hospital police over, I am planning on getting a bit of walking (and of course shopping!) in this weekend.

It felt so good to get up this morning and make my bed, put up shoes, and load dishes in the dishwasher. I think I might even clean the toilets. I wonder how long this passion to clean will last? Ali spent the night last night and she helped me nail some decorations on Ella's wall last night. Besides getting stuck between the crib and the wall, I successfully used my handyman tools to put up semi- straight letters on the wall (don't look too close) and hang a picture frame. It sure feels good to do something productive.

Even though I can only take about 15 at a time on my feet right now before my feet turn bright red and splotchy and I get a bit dizzy, I am going to enjoy this upright position this weekend. We'll see how much Ella likes it!

Let's get this week started!

Well, today was a lovely Monday, if there is such a thing. It started out with sleeping in till 9:00 with hubby and puppy (puppy was a surprise when I woke up- Brian swears he jumped up here on his own). After taking my time getting ready for my weekly outing, we headed off to the doc for our 35 week check-up... so close!

The check-up went well. I am proud to say that I weigh the same amount as I did 2 weeks ago, though I am beginning to wonder if some of the blubber is just displacing itself because my chin of one has now become a chin of 2- no kidding. Darn that water weight. I was also pleased to know that I know longer have to go in to the hospital for injections if I start having contractions. In the words of Dr. K, "Don't come in until you're in labor." Bring on the contractions! As soon as we got home I began a routine of jumping jacks, sipping herbal tea, and munching on flamin' hot cheetohs. Not really, but just wait till next week. I am going to be obedient and continue with my bedrest and meds, if that's what the doctor wants. But believe me, next Monday might be a different story.

Other than that, the rest of the day was pretty uneventful. Brian rearranged Ella's room while I directed from the floor. I finally decided I liked it the way we had it in the beginning- sorry Bri, but I just have to see it to know what I want. I why on earth would I think that the 3 men that set it up would know what arrangement looks best? Surprised me!

I did lose a shoe tonight- I believe my youngest nephew is most likely responsible, as he was seen wearing it on several occassions. Fortunately, I won't be needing it until Monday at the earliest. Another thing, the lasagna from Pizza Hut is definitely worth getting- I was really impressed- they even used real ricotta cheese and not just cottage cheese, for those that are ricotta cheese fans. I'm not, but it was still super saucy and delicious.

Well, it's about 28 minutes until Tuesday, so I'm going to end here and save anyone who is kind (or bored) enough to read this from any further nonsense rambling. Oh, and by the way, I had a Dr. Pepper today, and I remembered why I haven't had one in a while. I've so moved on. Until next time...

The Dr. Pepper Blues

So ,everyone who has been around me for the past month knows that my newest accessory, that never leaves my side, is my 28oz plastic Baylor Health Care System water mug with straw. Other than my trusty stretched out gauchos, it has become my most trustworthy adornment. Keeping my water at a refreshing 55 degrees without a hint of condensation on my furniture, this is the mug of all water mugs. And just this Monday I had the priviledge of bringing home a brand new one! I was so thrilled, as one of my other 2 suffered a fracture last week after being dropped (by my husband).

My mug and I are practically one in the same. The first thing my youngest neice asked me at my baby shower on Saturday was, "Where's your water bottle, Aunt Meredith?" Really? Is my water bottle catching such attention? Perhaps I've stumbled upon a new find- a hot, new spring accessory. Or perhaps, a healthful motivation for everyone my precious mug comes into contact with to drink your water. It definitely reminds me with each look that "The Best Babies Are Born At BAYLOR Health Care System" (clever advertising I must say).

Yet still, I wonder, what would happen if my water mug was to perhaps hold something besides the pure, clean, hydrating H2O? Would it ever recover its identity as my water mug? Or would it forever remain an adulterated Dr. Pepper mug because the Lord knows that is what I am craving this very minute. All I know is that I am willing to take the risk- to go beyond the injunction of the Baylor All Saints nurse and plunge into new territory, just me, my mug, and icy, cold Dr. Pepper.

This could be a wild ride. One that could result in further bloated thighs and cheeks (you know which ones). But again, this could be the beginning of something so sweet. And I mean syrupy, 400 calories, caffeinated, carbonated, dehydating sweetness. Hmmmmmm............ well, I guess I could always settle for diet.

Baby Shower!

This weekend was Ella's baby showers! Boy, is this girlie spoiled already. The first shower was at my sis-in-law Lisa's house. She and my sis-in-law Lanee', sisters Lauren and Ali, and longtime friend from kindergarten ,Tracy, hosted this family/friends shower. It was really wonderful. They did an amazing job on the food. Oh the fruit pizza was to die for! I could eat it on a daily basis.

It was really great to see a lot of my family, old friends, and piano students that I hadn't seen in weeks and months. I had to sit on my throne (Lisa's red chair and ottoman) while everyone brought me gifts and food. Can't say that's happened before, but it sure was nice! Well, the thing about people bringing me food while I sit on my rump happens on a daily basis now, but the whole present part sure was a plus! I'm positive that if it wasn't for the adorable little baby growing inside of me, Saturday would have consisted of laundry, cleaning toilets, and grooming a smelly dog, with perhaps an outing to Wal-Mart. You gotta love this baby!

Sunday night was my church shower, which I sadly was unable to attend. We thought that perhaps little sis Ali should don a blonde wig and faux baby bump and open the gifts in cognito, but the thrill of such an opportunity made her sick and she had to be absent from the shower. So, hubby and I opened the gifts together at home. Boy did I miss my girlfriends! He is forever fired from any further baby gift opening. Do you know that he could care less what was on the hiney of the bloomers or the scent of the baby lotion? He didn't even try to fake enthusiasm. I think his first comment was, "You mean we have to open these tonight?" Well, yeah! He did light up at the sight of a $20 bill. I haven't yet ementioned to him that that is designated diaper money- not daddy money.

In all seriousness, Brian and I really are so thankful for everything everyone has done for us this weekend- we really, really appreciate the showers, gifts, and words of love. It is such a huge help to us and an encouragement to see how many people love us. We love y'all and look forward to introducing Ella to each and everyone of you!

Doc Update

Well, I should have posted this yesterday, but my hectic schedule would not permit. Right. So, I went to the doctor yesterday morning. Hooray for fresh air! I was kind of nervous going because they were going to do an fFN test to check for preterm labor. My doctor was gone again this week, so I saw her nurse practitioner again, who we really like. But I would prefer to see my actual doctor. Oh well. I was happy to know that I had not gained a ton of weight from my lounging and chocolate shakes (which Dana Hunka is responsible for). Only 2 pounds in the last 3 weeks. Woohoo. Everything else went really well, also. The fFN test came back negative, which means I am most likely not at risk for preterm labor in the next 2 weeks if I continue to take my meds and rest. We are glad for that. I had not dilated, either, which is good news.
So, my countdown to week 37 continues, when I can rise off my couch and face the outside world again. Wish me luck!

Saturday Morning Cartoons

Do you remember the Saturday mornings of your childhood when you would wake up to Garfield and Friends and fresh donuts and chocolate milk? Oh I relish those memories. That is what I think of when I think of Saturday mornings. Unfortunately, this morning I woke up to a dog curled up beside me taking over half my pillow and a bowl of cheerios. Delightful.

Saturday mornings have changed so drastically. It's so quiet in the house and there are no boxes of fried, iced dough to satisfy my tastebuds. There are no sounds of Garfield scarfing down a lasagna. Although I do enjoy the peaceful mornings, I truly miss the Saturday mornings of my childhood.

I look forward to the future when I can help recreate these sort of memories for my kiddos. I want them to enjoy some of the little pleasures in life that I was fortunate enough to experience. It is so peculiar how things that seemed so ordinary at the time can be a source of sweet reminiscence years and years ahead.

What was your Saturday morning routine growing up? I would love to hear about it!

ABCs of ME

*A - Attached or single: Attached to Brian Adkisson
* B - Best Friend: my hubby
* C - Cake or Pie: tie- chocolate cake and key lime pie
* D - Day: Any day when Brian is home
* E - Essential Items: cell, flat iron, and Procardia (for the time being)
* F - Favorite Color: green
* G - Gummy Bears or Worms: worms- not the sour kind though
* H - Hometown: North Richland Hills, TX
* I - Indulgences: bubble baths, pedicures, and Godiva chocolate
* J - January or July: July- sun and swimming
* K - Kids: currently baking- Ella Grace
* L - Life is incomplete without: God, my family and friends (same as Dana's)
* M - Marriage Date: February 25, 2006
* N - Number of Siblings: 3- Lauren, Ross, and Allison
* O - Oranges or Apples: red apples
* P - Phobia or Fears: fish- dead or alive
* Q - Quote: "I love you"
* R - Reason to Smile: way too many
* S - Season: summer
* T - Tag two: i don't know how to tag???
* U - Unknown fact about me: I have a mole next to my belly button that now looks more like a glob of melted chocolate
* V - Vegetarian or Not: omnivore
* W - Worst habit: letting the toilet seat drop instead of setting it down
* X - X-rays or Ultrasounds: I've had both but I prefer ultrasounds- the warm gooey gel is nice
* Y - Your favorite food: steak and shrimp
*Z - Zodiac sign: Sagitarius

Update from the Doc

I had my weekly doctor's appointment this morning (yea for fresh air!), and it was pretty uneventful, which in my case is probably a good thing. My doctor was gone today, so I had to meet again with her nurse practitioner, whom Brian and I just love. The best news I got was that I had not gained any wight this week (Halleluia!). I was a tad worried after all the chocolate and casseroles combined with my immobile state. It is sure to result in an expanding fanny.

Anyways, my vitals were great, and Ella's heartrate was great as well. She is alive and kickin'! She did tell me that her head is very low, which explains the frequency of my trips to the potty. Poor bladder is really suffering. But I guess she is in position and ready to jet whenever the time is right. She's just a little ahead of the game.

I have approximately 6 more weeks of confinement to the couch and then I am free! I have been day dreaming of what I am going to do the day I get off bedrest. Hopefully I can fit in at least 1 day of shopping before Ella arrives. I really miss the mall :( Next week they are going to do another test on me to check for preterm labor. So until then, I'm just hangin' around doin' what I do best.

What's the date?

Each day is beginning to blur into the next. I keep up with the time because my relentless tummy will not let me skip a meal, but knowing the date is hopeless. Fortunately I am on track for today because of Valentine's Day, but by Wednesday I'll be floating through February once again.
Speaking of Valentine's Day, I had a great one. It started with some adorable little visitors (Melissa, Madi, and Max) who brought me some cheerful daisies. There's nothing like hugs and kisses from them! My valentine brought home some yummy dinner and we were able to enjoy just being with eachother. I am so thankful for him!
Tomorrow, is the exciting outing of the week- the Doctor's office!!! How I do look forward to Mondays! Hopefully everything will be going well, and Miss Ella is staying put for a while longer. I'm just not looking forward to standing on that scale...

Buttons

I now realize that I am hopelessly attached to my precious little Buttons. I just look at him and he melts my heart. He's curled up beside me right now with an adorable little sleepy face. And then he stretches and makes a cute whiney noise. I can't imagine how even more attached I will be to Ella- she will definitely have the advantage in the breath and poop stuck to fur category. But then again...?

Friends

I definitely have some of the best friends and family- they have already done so much for me the past week, and I am so thankful for them! I hope I will be able to express to them how much I appreciate them.
I have to take a minute to recognize Allison RENEE (is that better Ali?) Cooper for her outstanding dishwashing and dog grooming abilities. The dishes and Buttons have never looked better. She is one impressive 18 year old. Yea Ali!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Home Church

This morning I had church in my bed with Buttons. Not really, but it's an idea. Even at home all I can think about is what I am going to eat for lunch. I can't wait till Brian comes home with some food! I do miss seeing everyone today and being at church, but the time has gone by pretty quickly this morning. I hope services went well today, and I look forward to going back soon!

Blog Numero Uno

So I gave into the pressure of Dana and made my own blog :) She can get to do just about anything. I am quite excited that I actually have Internet at my own home now. I also have limitless time it seems to keep this blog updated since I am on bedrest until Miss Ella Grace decides to make her appearance, which will hopefully not be until at the earliest March. We'll see how dedicated I am.