Sunday, March 24, 2013

Due Date Day


March twenty-fourth has come - our daughter's due date. 
Baby girl is still lounging, nice and cozy in my belly.  I imagine she's lying in there with a beach towel, a pair of shades and a glass of tropical punch garnished with a mini umbrella.  
Our appointment on Friday showed that I am still the same 70% effaced and 1 centimeter dilated that I was the week before.  And the week before that. 
Our doctor called her a "little stinker" and asked us to come back on Monday for another check and a non-stress test, since I will officially be overdue tomorrow.
I don't have that "Get her out now!" feeling at all. 
 I feel more excited and more anxious because I know that we are definitely, no matter what, coming to our last days together.  And we now know for sure, she will be here in 8 or 9 days at the very latest.  

When I returned home from the appointment, I decided I should really get on packing our hospital bag.  I had everything washed and set aside for a good month but wanted to wait until we were closer to our due date.  I always imagined as soon as I packed us up, I'd go into labor.  Or that I'd go into labor and be huffin' and puffin' my way through packing us.
It was nice to be able to pack in peace.
I got my long list out, threw the bag on our bed, threw a good ol' Full House episode on t.v. and got to work.



Target has always been one of my bffs but in these last few weeks, we've grown even tighter. Every day I'd think of (or be told of) another item that should go in our bag.  I lived there last week as I finally completed checking off our packing list.
Before heading out the other night, I asked Steve if he had any last requests for his side of the bag.
"New slippers, gummi bears and beef jerky!" 
What a combination.  As I approached the lady at the checkout counter, I could see she had a big smile on her face.  "When are you due," she asked as she rang up my hilarious order of nasty beef jerky, knock-off gummi bears, dollar bin treats, $2 earrings, nail polish remover and neon undies in a size or two too big.  "Sunday...oh, and the snacks are for my husband" I said, as I laughed and smirked.  You know she totally thought I was lying and imagined me going home and pigging out on a gummi bear/beef jerky ice cream sundae.  I wouldn't put it past me, though. 
 I've been known to make a nice bowl of trail mix with milk
and eat ramen with pepper, peanuts and dijon mustard this past month.




Muffin sat by and watched my every move while I packed.



 All set!
(besides a few items that will have to wait until the time comes.)



Friday night, I decided to make some more freezer meals for the upcoming weeks.
The Mr. bought me a few cooking magazines a couple months ago with some pretty awesome (and easy) sounding recipes.  I gave the chicken and broccoli casserole a try and it turned out great.
I'm actually learning to follow directions. ;)







Saturday morning, I woke up and could have sworn that it was going to be "labor day." 
There were booby traps following me from the instant I opened my eyes.
As soon as I stepped out of bed, my foot sunk into a freezing cold, squishy, wet slipper.
Miss Muffin, who loves to try and steal a sip of my water, must have knocked over my cup in the middle of the night, causing it to land directly into my slipper.

Next, I headed to the bathroom to get ready for our day.  Eye makeup remover was one item I did not want to chance forgetting for the hospital.  (I have a feeling it's gonna get a lot of use with this emotional mama.)  So, I packed it on Friday (and was too lazy to use it that night before bed).  I, like a total dumbo, grabbed a tissue and pumped a little bit of some handy-dandy hand soap onto it - Hey, hands...eyes...they're all the same, right?!
And in my groggy state, I went to sweep the tissue over my right eye and got a nice glob of cranberry orange soap right smack inside it.  It burned like no other and stung like someone poured Tabasco sauce in my eye and then lit it on fire.  I'm not lying.  I don't know what's in that stuff, but it is evil. Feeling like a total moron, I tried to flush it out and keep quiet before telling Steve.  I was literally dying laughing and almost crying at the same time.  Two minutes later, it was even worse and I could barely see out of both eyes because of the insane burn.  I went in the hallway and screamed to Steve in the office. 
After he realized his wife wasn't in labor he screamed -"Flush it out, baby, what are you doing?!  Why in the hell did you use hand soap to wash your eye out?!"
(as he rightfully so, laughed his butt off and stood in the doorway staring at his loony wife). 

"Because I already packed my eye make up remover!!  Don't just stand there, help me!!  Help me!  Help me!  I can't see" I shrieked (as I am laughing uncontrollably and hanging over the bathtub drowning my eyes with water).
This literally went on for about twenty minutes until my eye actually gained its sight back.

I truly believe that yesterday morning was just a glimpse of what our labor will be like - there will be burning and stinging and laughing and screaming and crying and more laughing.  And definitely more crying.


 Pure evil!

Steve grabbed my camera out of my purse and snapped about 289 photos of the whole thing.
Here's a few of our favorites.


Smart  Dumb Maria uses another tissue
(and places more dust in her eye) to try and help with the pain.


 This is our absolute favorite.  This was me in the middle of laughing so hard, crying, and me telling Steve that I was going to squeeze some of that demon soap in his eye if he didn't stop laughing at me.




Thank you, cranberry orange Home Goods hand soap.  Labor will feel like a breeze after the pain you put me through. ;)



So, after my eyesight finally came back around, we were truly ready to start our day.  I had worked up quite the appetite.  And what better way to feed it, than with a trip to the sweet, Shady Maple Smorgasbord in Amish country.
The drive through Lancaster is always so pretty, rain or shine.
We picked up my mom and Karen and were on our way.
The drive was extra long and scenic, as we were stuck behind a carriage half the trip.
Luckily, Road Rage Randy Steve kept his cool.





Steve made fun of us ladies for wasting belly room with salads.
This is what our first plates looked like.


 And this was his...
Fried chicken on top of steak on top of fried shrimp.
We shortly followed his lead (just with maybe about 1/4 the amount of meat).



I didn't eat it all...promise.  If baby left me more room, I so would have.  Everyone laughed at me as I walked waddled back to our booth, carrying a plate of desserts and 2 pieces of cake.


 My mom looks so sweet and innocent here.  I think it's a good look for her.
I was glad we came across these - I picked up the cutest little bonnet for baby girl.  I tried to tie it on Muffin, but she ran for it.


 After 3 hours of lunch and shopping




 ***

Last night, we got festive and dyed some eggies.





Muffin was thrilled she got her own little cup.
















***


Much thanks to my friend, Rebecca.  She sent us a sweet package this weekend filled with thoughtful treats for all of us.   She made the tutu for her daughter this past year and wanted to pass it on to us for baby girl - so touching.  I see a photo shoot or two with baby sportin' it.

Thank you so much, Rebecca!
<3


So, here we are - due date day.
40 weeks.



 LOL!





Whether it be tomorrow, mid-week or next week...
We are ready.  Waiting.  Practicing patience.
  And filled with massive amounts of excitement and love. 
<3


Have a sweet night, everyone!  Thank you so much for your constant support and love.
<3



40 Week Lovin',


38 comments:

Unknown said...

Wishing you the best of everything!! Sending so much love Maria!! I'm so excited for you and your husband!! Just have to say that I love that your dress matches the nursery!!! Also, you look gorgeous!!!! Hugs and kisses!!

Kathy

Maria said...

Happy Due Date! I can. not. wait. until I get to hear your birth story! It is going to be wonderful! Good luck, Mama! You can do this!!!

Kat said...

I bet you're beyond excited to have little baby out. I can't wait to see the pictures you snap of her! :P

Looks like you had a great weekend filled with oh so much love and laughter, as it should be :)

Katharine (LauraKat81) said...

I always love your posts! So funny! Yet I'm sorry for the soap in your eyes yet glad for the laugh!

Can't believe it's your due date!!! I'm so excited for you and Steve to meet your beautiful baby girl! Can't wait!!!!

Unknown said...

Hi Maria,
I am here waiting for Beano!:) Before we know it she will make her appearance. I am sorry about the soap getting in your eyes. Those soaps can burn so badly. I am glad you were able to have a laugh despite everything. I see that you are all packed and cute Muffin wants to know what's up. He will be looking with even more interest when he sees Beano. You and Steve did a great job decorating Easter eggs. I am in the mood for Easter which is a 4 day holiday here. As always I love all your pictures. Take very good care my friend. Lots of Love, Friendship and Best Wishes to you, Steve and Beano.
Judy

Anonymous said...

Wishing you the best and goodluck! :)

Kara and Mary said...

Important things first ... You have the most amazing handwriting. I'm jealous. And second ... This post had me laughing like crazy at the computer. I got a few side glances from Kara. I know you must be getting very excited. I'm getting excited!! Try to enjoy your week as you wait for baby girl to make her appearance.

Miki said...

Awe, Maria! You have no idea how much I've been thinking about you! I'm constantly thinking you might be in labor this very second; so exciting! To be honest with you, it makes me a tad curious about how it must feel to be pregnant and then be about to have your baby, awe ...

Thank you so much for the sweet words today! Dante and Dimitri send you guys (including Muffin, Twinkie & Krimpet) a tight hug! And I send you another super tight hug and all the best vibes!!!! ;D

Brittany said...

Awwww Baby Girl is still cooking....come on sweet angel- we're all dying to meet you!!!! :) It's great that she's still "cooking" though; she will come in her own time and that's exactly how it should be :). I'm so sorry about your eyes..how painful! You're right though, definitely labor practice- haha! Your eggs turned out beautiful..my Mom wants to dye some when we go home for Easter; we haven't done it in years so I'm excited. Definitely a tradition I want to start with Mr. Bear!

Sending you LOTS of hugs and relaxation as you prepare for labor...HAPPY thoughts! I know it will go smoothly and you'll have your sweet girl in your arms before you know it. Bear says he's ready to meet his Pennsylvania girlfriend ;). Rest up pretty momma!! Happy due date!!!!

Melissa said...

So excited for you! Praying for an easy labor and quick, healthy delivery of your sweet girl!

Hanna said...

Can't wait to meet your new little one! Praying for a safe, easy labor for you! You'll do great! Beautiful pics of you at the end:)

Whitney Cypert said...

Baby Girl is taking it all in, relaxing for the big day! : ) It's good that you don't have the "get her out of me" feeling, I have heard several people say that before and I can't imagine how that must feel. I'm sorry about your eyes, that sounds awful. I have to admit though, I did giggle a little bit at those pictures Steve took. I also laughed at Steve's plate of meat! That is totally what Garrett would want. I, on the other hand, would prefer all of those desserts! Your Easter eggs turned out cute, I have never made any with Garrett. We may just have to do that!

Keeping you in my prayers! I hope the next couple days are relaxing and exciting!

Unknown said...

Praying for you on your due date. I pray that you have a wonderful, smooth delivery. I can't wait to see little baby beano!!!! Xoxoxox

Olivia said...

My eyes hurt now.

If it makes you feel any better, I was walking to our laundry room with just a towel on after my shower and stepped on a toy car and went flying through the kitchen... the towel got ripped off and as Joel put it, "There were boobies everywhere." And then in the midst of it while Joel was laughing hysterically, and so was I--- I farted and ran away naked.

Omg... it was so funny, and I will never live it down.

I wonder what your next post will bring??? hmmm :D

Jonny and Brittany said...

Girl that ROOM! AMAZING!! You look awesome too! Can't wait to meet the mini you! :)

Jen said...

Thanks for sharing your wonderful pregnancy journey all the way to 40 weeks. It's a good job I'm not working this week as I'm going to be checking blogger all week for baby news : )

Wishing you a peaceful wait and an incredible and positive birth experience. Cannot wait to meet her!

Kerry said...

Love love love that pic of your cat with his/her paw on your nose! Ahhh Maria you never cease to amaze me with your sense of humour and patience and all round lovely personality (even after burning your eyeball with soap!)
40 weeks...you my friend have completed the journey!! Now we wait. I am thinking of you every minute and cannot wait to hear the happy news that baby girl has arrived!!!! Lots of love to you guys, all the best! I love you xoxoxoxoxoxo

E and R said...

Oh my goodness!!!! I am so darn excited for you! I keep checking for updates hoping that 'today is the day' :)
Praying for you and Steve that all goes smoothly. You look great, and I love that your dress in those last pictures pretty much matches her room.
Take care and enjoy these last moments before baby girl gets here.

Heather said...

Happy Day after your due date!!! Let the blog-stalking commence :).

Can't wait for the exciting news. Much love and many prayers!

lovejoy_31 said...

Oooohhhhh!!!! Can't wait for this baby. I can only imagine how you feel. Next time, unpack the dern eye make-up remover. You are going to be stunning in your labor pics. I looked HORRIBLE in our first family pic. And I mean BAD!!!!!!!!!!!!! I want this baby out soon.

xoxo,
Joy

Janet Off Kilter said...

I'm so excited for you and Steve! I can't wait to "meet" her. Sending much love your way! xoxo

Alex[andra] said...

Oh my goodness, you and Steve are too funny! If I got soap in my eye, I'm not sure I'd be laughing about it. I know Andrew would be!

Muffin is quite the model! What purrfect poses!

Eek! I'm so excited for you! Any day now :) I wish you an easy delivery :)

Our Journey Through This Lovely Life said...

Oh my gosh! you are too funny!! I've totally done the soap in the eye thing! NOT FUN! lol I'm glad Steve captured the moment! Muffin is so funny too! I LOVE the 40 week pictures of you! Pregnancy looks so good on you! I CAN NOT WAIT for you and Steve you meet your little girl! and I CAN NOT WAIT to see her pictures and find out her name! AHHHH I am so excited!!!

Jenny said...

Gah, I'm getting so anxious for you're little girl to arrive! I guess I'll just have to be patient as well :) You look great by the way!

JP said...

You are a GEM! How much do I love you for posting those photos. I bet that hurt SO bad. I'm sorry for you, but I am glad you were able to see the humor. Also, the pic of the cat's paw on your nose is the best.
I believe your readers are bursting with excitement while you relish the calm. I cannot wait to hear all about her precious nose and toes and everything in between!

mail4rosey said...

We died eggs last night too. :)

Muffin looks like a cat asking, 'What's going on, mama?" when you're packing that bags. Little cute kitty.

It's fun that you and hubby laughed over the soap. I promise to never appreciate orange/cranberry soap again. :)

Good luck, you're going to be very busy at any time now (but it's a good busy...no, the BEST busy). :)

Tami said...

I tried leaving a comment yesterday via my iPhone. I don't see it, so I guess it didn't work. :(
Any whooo…. I LOVED the soap story. Sorry I am laughing at your expense! I can picture Steve running when he heard you scream his name, only to find out you weren't in labor. LOL I think I'd have to kill him for the photo's though. HAHA!
xoxoxo
Thinking of you sweet lady!

Rachel said...

OMG you had me laughing at your eye soap situation. Let me tell you labor ummm yeah probably will feel worse unless you get meds :-) I bet you can't wait for the time to come! Hanging in there and please enjoy the quiet time because your world is about to be turned upside down in a good but no sleep kind of way. I I hope you have a quiet, easy labor :-) BIG HUGS!!

Ashley said...

So, your very first line about baby girl just relaxing in your belly totally reminded me of what Kendra said to me not too long ago. She said she used to read magazines and slide down slides while she was in my tummy! LOL!
I can not believe you are past your due date! I would be so impatient! I do not like to wait for things! hehe
I totally snickered at your expense for the soap in the eye thing! Sorry! It is just so something I would do. I would laugh and cry too!

I hope your next post is an introduction to baby!

Unknown said...

I tried everything, and I mean EVERYTHING, to try to coax both my babies out. From my experience, the best thing you can do is just relax and try to get as much rest as possible, and they'll come out when they're ready. Good luck, I hope your little princess makes her debut soon! :)

I'll Love You Forever said...

Look at those packed bags!! Seems like you are prepared and ready, woooo!! Bursting with excitement all the way over here in Utah. Love how your Easter eggs turned out. We will be coloring some tomorrow. Your poor little eye! I have done that similar thing, just not with a tissue. Soap in the eye is the worst!! I love that Steve took pictures, haha. Awesome indeed! Loved the update. XOXO

Tracy said...

Oh my goodness! I bet that hurt so bad. How exciting that she will be here any day now! I'm still completely in love with your rocking chair.

Ashley at flats to flip flops said...

Enjoy these last few moments..soak them in! I am so excited for you! Happy Due Date! Oh and way to be patient..I totally wasn't!
Ashley:)

Heather Nelsen said...

Oh my! There's always so much fun to comment on in your posts! I love that "little stinker" is showin you guys who's boss already. hehe ;) The soap-in-eye pictures are hysterical! Gotta love that Steve went for the camera in the middle of your pain. HA! Too funny! The Easter eggs turned out great! Y'all are too cute. :) I'm anxiously awaiting your post baby post!!!! Have a great rest of your week, Maria!

~Heather

LOVE MELISSA:) said...

Anything yet? I said I was stalking you! Now it is 3 days past due date:)

Irish Italian Blessings said...

Ohhh man! Loved the Target adventure, beef jerky and gummi bear sunday for the pregnant lady, coming right up! Super sorry about the demon soap, that sounds awful but at least now you're both prepared to deal with labor :) Thinking of you my sweet friend and saying lots of prayers. I went to my 41 week appt with baby #2 and I thought I would be pregnant forever. They induced me the next day...so you're close!!

Unknown said...

YAY!!!! You're here...you're at the baby time! I can't believe it. I bet you can! lol ;). Ooooo I cannot wait. I feel like I'm about to have a baby.

I'll be stalking you until that sweet love is here.

xxo.

noel bressler said...

Ahh enjoy the peace while you still can!! You're still looking lovely, of course :))

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