Introducing Aniston Kate

What a CRAZY past few days! There is absolutely nothing on earth that can prepare you for having your first child... NOTHING! I had loads of people giving me advice for months ahead of time, and I did appreciate the advice, but when it came time to start pushing and to have this little miracle... none of that advice mattered. So without further ado, I give to you the story of Aniston Kate Ahlstrom. ***WARNING*** I'm not skimping on the details so it may or may not gross you out.

We spent most of the 4th of July in the hospital. I was having crazy bad contractions within 2 minutes of each other and was dilated... however I was not dilating more than a 4. Even after hours of hard contractions my body remained solid and would not dilate. So they sent us home. I was pretty much a wreck and hated life and was having a hard time seeing the positive. We did have this AMAZING nurse named Marie when we were there who helped us so much and I seriously wanted to have the baby right then just so she could be the nurse there to help me. So the doctor prescribed me some Ambien, and they said that this would either stop the labor if it was false, or kick things into gear. So I went home and around 4pm and took an Ambien. I only slept for an hour before I woke up and helped Mom make dinner. I was kind of upset... I get super annoyed when I take a medication and it doesn't work the way it's suppose to. After dinner I started feeling super dizzy and sick and from there it was all down hill. I don't remember anything at all, but apparently it was one of the most terrifying nights for Spencer ever. I was so drugged I couldn't walk or stand without falling over, he said I was talking nonsense about a little man's party that I needed to attend, I kept drawing pictures with my fingers, and at one point he looked up at the bed (he was lying on the floor so he didn't get in my way... what a guy) and I was sitting up straight facing the wall... just sitting there, you know Paranormal Activity style.

After 12 hours of sleep I woke up on the 5th and realized that I kept leaking... It wasn't the usual urine leakage that occurs during pregnancy (super annoying) but it felt different. I called the doctor to make an appointment after a few hours of experiencing this, and luckily they had an appointment available at 10:40am. After I hung up the phone I realized that I had asked for the wrong doctor. My doctor works at a practice where there are several OBGYN's and if one is delivering a baby you get to see someone else. So I felt let down because I was sure I was going to be able to convince my doctor to get things started, but this other doctor seemed a little more strict. We got to the office and he checked me and told me that my water had not broken... then asked if I wanted him to strip my membranes. Since I had already had that done twice and we obviously saw no results, I didn't really want to put myself in unnecessary pain, but told him to go ahead... it couldn't do anything worse. Then a miracle occurred!!! My water broke... all over the doctor. He was pretty surprised and sent us straight to the hospital. I was thrilled to be going to the hospital knowing that they couldn't send me home this time and also knowing that the next time I would be going home, I would be going home with a baby!

When we got to the hospital, my doctor came in to talk to me and was surprised to find out the strict doctor broke my water while stripping my membranes... apparently he didn't tell him that, and he wasn't suppose to have done that. Oh well. Good thing I didn't tell him about the Nurse in his office who did it twice before. After being there a few hours I got my epidural while watching Les Miserables.... AMAZING!!! I highly recommend this and loved every second of it! I was a little bummed because I hadn't eaten breakfast and I heard that when you're in labor you can't eat. So I asked my nurse and she said it was up to me whether or not I ate, but if I did eat I could throw it up. Since I had already spent 9 months throwing up, I decided one more night wouldn't kill me and chowed down on a cheeseburger and fries and then some Cheetos. Best part about it... I didn't throw up! I was convinced at time during pushing I would, but it never happened. Around 6pm, super awesome nurse Marie walked in. I was on cloud nine. Spencer and I seriously were so happy to see her and that she was going to be with us while we had our baby. She is my favorite! I stayed dilated at a 4 for quite a few hours and began to get pretty upset about it. I couldn't understand why my body wasn't doing what it was suppose to be doing, but after I got that epidural I got up to a ten pretty quickly. Around 9pm they said it was time to start pushing... people had always told me that you'll know when it's time because you'll feel it, and I thought they were nuts! Well sure enough, there is a very distinct "pushing" feeling. Let's just say I'm not looking forward to my first bowel movement... in fact I'm pretty much terrified of this happening. Anyway, right before I go to push my doctor warns me.... his exact words "your baby doesn't have the smallest head I've ever felt." Really? Why would you say that to a pregnant woman about to give birth? Why? I can't say I was surprised because my family has a history of big heads, but still. After 1 1/2 hours of pushing, the nurse and Spencer were so helpful and amazing during this time and really tried to keep my spirits up, at 10:33pm on July 5th a little baby girl appeared. Pushing was a lot harder than I expected, and took a lot more work. I really have never sweated that much in my life ever! It didn't help that my heartburn was absolutely killer during the labor, but it was brutal. I have a new respect for every woman who gives birth more than once. It wasn't until the last 3 or 4 pushes that I felt like giving up, like I just couldn't do it anymore. I started crying and shaking my head, but the doctor just wouldn't give me a break. Normally I would push 3 or 4 times during a contraction, but at the end there are no breaks. The doctor just kept saying, "keep pushing, keep pushing." My anger I think is what got me through it and kept me pushing. Poor Spencer... I thought he was going to pass out, but he was strong and kept me focused.

From the time they placed my baby girl on my chest, until her first cry seemed to take hours! I was so worried about her and so shocked and amazed that she was actually here. The horrible nine months that it took to get her to our family didn't even seem to matter, all I wanted was to know that she was okay. She wasn't though. She had swallowed a significant amount of fluid and had to be taken away and put on oxygen and I couldn't hold her. I was able to watch from my bed, but the hospital staff did a pretty crappy job of keeping me informed about what was happening. Spencer called my Mom and she came right over. She was able to stand by the nurses while they took care of her and watched her. I kept myself distracted by exhaustion and the doctor who was lovingly sewing me up.... (note the sarcastic tone). I only tore to a first degree, thank goodness, but I tell you what... OUCH! (More on that to come). I wasn't prepared for the amount of blood that I would see in the upcoming days, or just how painful recovery would be. Once they brought the baby back to me, they wanted to try breastfeeding right away. This was one thing I was terrified for. I wasn't sure how it would feel, if she would latch, or how it worked really. But my little girl jumped on that bandwagon right away. It was a little painful at first but nothing crazy awful. I was able to get showered and they moved us to our new suite, which was pretty nice. Spencer and I stayed up talking about names, but just couldn't decide what to name her. So she was nameless for her first night on earth.

The first night was awful. I couldn't go to the bathroom by myself, I couldn't get out of bed or move by myself. After breastfeeding several times I began to experience pains I have never felt in my life! It was then that I noticed the bruises! My beautiful baby girl loves to eat, and eat aggressively! Every time it was time to feed it would take me a few minutes to brace myself. But as painful as it was, I wanted to push through it because I only want the best for my little girl and breastfeeding has such amazing benefits. My second night in the hospital however, I totally broke down. The pain was unbearable and I couldn't stop crying and Aniston was so upset because she was starving, so I asked Spencer to go find a nurse because I needed to figure out my options and how to feed my baby. When my sister had Cortney, she also had some complications which forced her to supplement with formula, so I thought that maybe I could do that and work up to be able to strictly breastfeed later on. When Spencer came back into the room after looking for the nurse, he was so mad! Apparently when he went out to talk to the lactation specialist and told the nurse at the desk about what was happening and what we were thinking about doing, she started yelling at him and telling him that there's no other way to feed Aniston except for breastfeeding, and that supplementing wasn't an option and that I just needed to buck up and do what every other mother would do. Basically she told him I wasn't being a good Mom and that I was being selfish... Spencer didn't hold back when it came to telling her exactly how he felt about what she said (love him). Another nurse quickly came to our rescue after overhearing the conversation. She quickly came into the room and apologized and gave me amazing advice and taught me how to supplement and set me up on a plan to be able to slowly build up to feeding my daughter more and more. She was my life savor and such a crutch for me that night. The next morning before discharge we found out that even our doctor heard about the exchange between Spencer and the nurse and apologized. Everyone's situation is different, and the only thing I was concerned about was making sure my daughter is eating enough and is healthy and happy, and whatever I have to do I will do it. If that means supplementing for a while then so be it. Since I have started supplementing I haven't felt like an unfit mother because I couldn't do what I originally wanted. I feel like I am doing the best thing and providing for my daughters health. And she loves it! She is so happy when she eats, and to be honest, I'm not sure I could produce enough milk at this moment to fill her needs. Spencer asked me the other day which was worse.... labor or breastfeeding, and I couldn't answer him.

I was so blessed to have some of my cheerleaders and fellow coach come visit me in the hospital, which made me happy. I really feel blessed to be able to be involved in that program and it was just amazing for them to come and say hi. I was also blessed to have my Mom there. I was so blessed, and continue to be blessed that she is here everyday. I have so many questions, and Spencer and I don't know all the answers and we need advice. My Mom is a GREAT Nana and Aniston loves her already. I admire her ability to change diapers so quickly and to calm and relax her. I always knew my Mom was smart, but I now I'm learning that she has an entire other level of information that I need access to and that she is willing to share. The emotional support she has given me has been amazing! Than you Dad for letting her come stay for a month. It is a HUGE blessing!

So the morning of my discharge I began to be extremely sick and dizzy and in a lot of pain. It was kind of scary and we weren't sure if I had an infection or what was going on. After the doctor checked my stitches and everything, it looked great, so he drugged me up. The pain is still pretty intense and I'm in bed a lot, and we have learned that even 2 percocet isn't even enough to ease the pain. But I know it will get better and I have and AMAZING husband and Mom who have been helpful and deal with my crying and pain. Aniston had her final check and everything looked good and we were cleared to go home. Leaving the hospital was a little intense... I couldn't believe they were letting me leave the hospital with a baby. With my baby! But coming home was awesome!

I always knew that I wanted to be a Mom and have children. I wish people would tell you how painful recovery actually is... but I wouldn't change my pain for the world. I feel so blessed and lucky to have this beautiful daughter in my life. Watching Spencer with her has been one of my highlights of this entire experience. He is so amazing with her and she absolutely loves him! She is definitely Daddy's little girl. I knew he was going to be a great Dad, but I had no idea how good. I feel lucky that as much as he loves and adores her, his first priority is still helping me. When I was crying and unmovable from the pain, he makes sure my Mom or a nurse was there to take care of Aniston and then he only focuses on me. He cheers me on through breastfeeding, constantly telling me how good I'm doing, and he lets me know that I am doing a good job. That means the world to me. I am definitely a lucky girl!

We love watching Aniston grow. She has changed so much already it's unbelievable. We love how she sings when she sleeps. It lets us know she's okay and it's just so darn cute! We love her dark hair, and her cute chubby cheeks! She has the same coloring I had as a baby as well as my hair and nose, but the rest of her is all Spencer! That boy has got some strong genes! But my hair gene won out on this one. Haha. She's adorable... but I might be a little biased.

So I know this post is super long and maybe boring and TMI, but I use this blog as a journal also and so it was important that I wrote everything out. Be prepared for lots and lots of pictures!!!! Also, thank you to all of you who have expressed congrats and prayers for our family! We feel blessed to have all of you in our lives.

Remember Last Year....

Last year rocked!!! Best 4th ever!

This year sucked!!! No fireworks, no BBQ, no parade (it was my first one with MHS), no water games or swimming.

I need to have a do over with my favorite holiday. Cause as of this moment, we are not on good terms, and I am seriously depressed.

Membranes, Mom & a Moose

There has been a TON of excitement during the past day and a half in the Ahlstrom household. I think that the most exciting thing of all is that I have had my membranes stripped TWICE in the past 24 hours. First of all let's talk about the pain... Holy crap! I understand that pregnancy is painful and that labor is going to be even worse, but I was not prepared for the stripping of the membranes. The doctor just kind of did it without telling me she was going to do it, which I guess was good for the first time, but the second time I knew what I was getting myself into. All I could do was just think to myself... "baby, baby, baby". At this point we are willing and ready to do anything, and  mean anything, that we need to in order to have this baby, so if that means enduring a little (understatement) pain, so be it. The stripping has helped though.... I'm now dilated to a 4 and definitely didn't sleep last night because the back labor was soooooo intense. Spencer and I have talked since we found out we were pregnant and due in July about how cool it would be to have her on the Fourth of July. It has always been my favorite holiday, but last year Spencer made it especially special by proposing during the parade. So why not add another special moment to such an amazing day? If this actually happens, I will seriously be amazed and I will feel extremely blessed, because even when we talked about it I was pretty sure it wouldn't happen, but now there's a very good chance that it actually will happen. I also have total hobbit feet! They are so swollen and my ankles have completely disappeared! It's been pretty warm here in Idaho, so I'm sure that doesn't help.

Also my Mom is here!!!! Hooray! She will be here until August, which is a long time, but I couldn't be more excited about it! It kind of makes the whole baby actually coming soon more realistic... not that contractions don't do that for me. It was actually her idea to talk to the doctor about stripping the membranes, so her being here has already been genius! I also have someone to keep me company while Spencer is away at school and work so that's really nice.

So last night during our routine walk around our apartment complex, this dude asked us if we had seen the moose....I'm sure he thought we were super stuck up by the reaction we gave him by looking at him like he was insane, but sure enough once we got around to the front of the complex, there was a moose trapped in a construction area that had been fenced off. How it even got in there I have no idea, but I can tell you it was the most exciting thing to happen in Rexburg for a while. There were 2 security cars and 6 police cars. 6 police cars seriously???? So the were finally able to coax the moose out of the construction zone and 6 inches away from me. Once it came out of the fenced area it just started running like crazy and came directly at Spencer and I. We were sure it was going to jump the short fence that separated us from the beast, but it didn't. Instead it ran around to the driveway and ran into the complex... I ran also. I booked it when I saw that huge animal coming towards me... disappointed that it didn't make me go into serious labor... if a heart attack and a good run don't put me into labor, will anything? Anyway, it definitely was an interesting experience.

Now I'm off to get dilated and get this baby out! Wish me luck!!!

Huge, Hot and Ready To Go

My sympathies go out to every single woman who has ever been pregnant in the summer! I'm so thankful that I don't have to be pregnant all summer long... even though it feels like pregnancy will never end at this point. Unfortunately, we don't have A/C. That really sucks, but we are on the bottom floor so if we keep the blinds shut it stays pretty cool and we have an awesome fan which follows me around the house from room to room. We attempt to keep cool by spending time at the city's pool when we can (okay so we've only been once), as well as at my parents house here in Rexburg jumping on the trampoline with the sprinklers turned on... Yes, we are children. It really does feel amazing though, plus it's free, and the best part is that the house is empty and there's no little children running around screaming and splashing at us (yes, I actually do like kids, just not the annoying ones at the pool). Along with renewing our childhood love of backyard fun, we have also fell in love all over again with Otter Pops! They may or may not cause my heart burn to flare up, so we switch in between those lovely acidic treats and Arctic Circle's .79 cent ice cream cones. A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!

Staying cool isn't the only pregnancy issue I am struggling with... Being in the last 2 weeks of pregnancy (hopefully shorter... cross your fingers for me) I am no longer fitting into much of my clothing. Yes, I haven't spent much money on pregnancy clothing, mostly because I would rather spend it on new clothing after the baby comes, but with today's style's a lot of my clothing allowed for my bump to grow and they still kept me covered... Now, not so much. I find myself constantly pulling down my shirt to cover my belly, while pulling up the legs on my sweat pants to not overheat. Feeling rather large. It doesn't help that Spencer points it out every day... not rudely, he just stares at my belly and comments on it's enormousness. I don't know if there is any way to effectively communicate to a man the experience of pregnancy. I know that they experience it too through our hormones and what not, but besides straight up telling them that you're uncomfortable and trying to explain the pains of contractions, there's no way for them to know exactly what it's like. Also, if one more guy tells me to buck up because getting kicked in their "special" area is a thousand times worse than having a baby, I will physically do them harm as well as some kind of witchcraft you can learn online to impose constant vomiting, nausea, and insensate urination. Seriously guys... be a little sympathetic... and you wonder why you're not married.

Spencer made me pack my hospital bag as well as a bag for the baby a few weeks ago, just in case and because I have a doctor that has diarrhea of the mouth and gives false hope, so we are ready in that aspect. I am getting to the point of extreme annoyance when I see the bags or even look into the babies room. That makes me cringe a little bit because that sounds awful, but my pregnancy is awful and I am so done. As excited as I am for baby girl to get here, I am more excited to not be pregnant. I have to admit that I will miss the look of being pregnant. I have always had such a huge body issue problem, and since becoming pregnant, I haven't struggled with that. No one can call you fat when you're pregnant... but other than that I am really looking forward to not throwing up several times a day, and losing the heartburn, and I cannot wait to sleep on my stomach again!!! The jealousy I feel towards Spencer when I wake up in the middle of the night and he's sleeping on his stomach, is really brutal. I am also jealous of anyone who can take medication... my body becomes completely immune to any and all medication when I'm pregnant, which is not awesome, and leads the doctor to tell us there's nothing they can do. I think that pregnancy is going to make me much more thankful for a lot more things in my life.

So while we wait patiently (yeah right) for the arrival of baby, I will continue to follow the advice of Dwight Schrute and constantly use the fitness orb... while eating ice cream of course. Here's to hoping the next post is about a new little person in my life. Also I love love love pringles!

Date Night

Spencer and I were able to go on a long overdue date night tonight!!! It didn't last very long and we didn't do much and it didn't involve Taco Bell, but we had a blast and it was super nice to get dressed up (by dressed up I mean not wearing sweats and flip flops) and actually go out in public. I don't wear makeup very often, but I haven't worn it at all in weeks! And let's be honest... I haven't really even gotten "dressed" in weeks. I have been a little depressed the past couple weeks, and after a doctor's visit today (lost 3 pounds), I am officially on medication to help deal with the pain (vomiting) that I am experiencing. Basically pregnancy just isn't what I had thought or hoped it would be, so it makes me a little sad. So it was nice to feel somewhat decent looking going out tonight. So while Spencer was off taking tests, I got ready...

How do you like my high school Facebook picture taking skills... Seriously, I am friends with a lot of high school kids (no I'm not creep, just a coach) on Facebook and they post so many pictures of themselves like this. It's just weird. It's also probably a little weird that Spencer is friends with many high school cheerleaders on Facebook... that's creepy. Anyway, Spencer was super surprised and happy when he got home to see me up and about and ready to go out... that is until I made him take a belly picture for me.

He is amazed daily at the size of my belly. I don't mean to brag or anything, and maybe it's because  the pregnancy has been so rough, but no stretch marks! I am truly blessed and knocking on wood that I don't wake up tomorrow covered with lines. Huge blessing considering that I feel like a whale! So we decided to go to a movie. Spencer has been wanting to go for a while now and I kept saying no because it's just so hard for me to sit for that long, but I gave in tonight. He has put up with a lot lately... yesterday I woke up choking on my own vomit cause I had thrown up while sleeping and it really scared him because he really doesn't want me to die from being pregnant... and he has just been beyond amazing to me, so I figured I could do this little thing for him.

I have learned that if I smile not showing my teeth during these, the final days of pregnancy, I don't look so chubby... We decided to see What to Expect When You Are Expecting... So funny! Maybe because it's something we are going through right now, but we were laughing so hard. I did eventually have to get up and stand in the back of the theater, where these teenage boys thought it was the best thing ever that I was so pregnant and watching that movie... they also smelt horribly of B.O. that was nasty. Darn pregnancy nose... I can smell everything and anything within 500 feet of me. This is dangerous when it comes to food and cravings. I don't get to go by Taco Bell very often in order to save us money. The best thing about living in Rexburg is that for $14 you can get 2 adult 7pm movie tickets, 2 large drinks, and a large popcorn. Don't forget that anything that is sized large gets free refills!!!! And it is that BEST popcorn ever! You cannot beat that deal! And if you go before 5pm it's only $12... Good old college town!

I highly recommend this movie! I did cry my way through the ending (stinking hormones) but it was a great date! Now I get to get into my sweats, take my drugs, which also act as a sleeping pill (BONUS), and fall asleep watching some awesome reality TV show.

THANK YOU Spencer for such a wonderful date night! I'm sorry it had to end at 9pm, but I'm glad we got to spend time together doing something we enjoy! I will make it up to you by giving you a daughter... how about that? Deal?

F-A-T-H-E-R-S

I'm a pretty lucky girl when it comes down to things... Not only was I blessed with an AMAZING Dad, but I now have a husband who is beyond AWESOME and is going to be the best Dad! And in turn, he has a Dad who he never stops talking about.

Growing up I would have to say that I was much much closer to my Dad than my Mom. My Dad and I would spend evenings throwing a football in the carpeted gym (Spencer is quite impressed with my football throwing skills, but we learned that it doesn't mesh well with pregnancy), having running contests, and basically doing a lot of things that boys usually do with their Dad's. I am probably the most athletic child in my family. To me sports were super fun, and a way to get involved... none of my siblings really felt the same for whatever reason. My Dad enjoys watching sports, so I was able to have him spend a lot of time supporting me at my events, even all my cheerleading events. Pretty sure it helped that our basketball team won state my junior year and then took second my senior year, so the games were pretty exciting. We haven't always seen eye to eye and there are definitely times when he gives advice that I don't listen to, but I've come to realize that he really is a pretty good guy. Watching him with Cortney as a Papa has been awesome and I can't wait for my little girl to spend time with her Papa.

It'll be a little harder with them living in Kansas now, but that's why someone out there invented skype right? I have so many awesome memories of my Dad.... If you wanna see something really cool then go to Disneyland with him. The dude runs to make it to certain rides. I am really blessed to be able to have such a good role model and priesthood holder to call my Dad. I love you Dad! Thank you for everything you have done for me! Happy Father's Day!

Spencer woke up this morning to his first Father's Day gift. I struggled with trying to find something for him and then I read online that for soon to be Dad's a good gift is their favorite book from their childhood so that they could read it to the future baby. Luckily we didn't have his favorite book and Walmart had 1 left in the little hardback books that are perfect for kids.

Anyway, I am pretty excited to see him as a Dad. I have seen him as an uncle and he really is AMAZING! He has been so excited during my pregnancy, and he has been so patient. I know it has been a super frustrating experience for him because he longs to help me when I'm not feeling well or hurting, but there is truly nothing that he can do and he feels helpless. But despite that he has never missed a doctor's appointment, he make sure I'm drinking plenty of water and eating when I need to. He's willing to go out at midnight to find certain foods (Nothing... and I mean NOTHING is open at midnight in Rexburg) and he has been super active in helping trying to induce labor. He is such a kind, gentle, and concerned husband and I can't wait to see that transfer into being a father.

I really love the second picture because it just shows how happy he is to soon become a Dad.

Another father that has a big impact on my life is Spencer's Dad. Spencer love, love, loves his Dad. He talks about him all the time and longs to be as good of a Dad as he was to Spencer. I think most little boys really look up to their Dad's and Spencer was obviously no exception. I'm so happy that he was raised in a home where he had such a good father and example. Guaranteed he is as AMAZING as he is because of the way his father taught him to be. Spencer's Dad definitely deserves a HUGE thank you!

I thought it would've been awesome if baby girl decided to be born on Father's Day because what better present than that for a first time father, but it doesn't look like that will happen since I have been banned to the bed again... I am thankful for all the father figures in my life who have blessed me with their amazing attributes and presence. I LOVE YOU ALL!!!

To induce or not to induce...

I do not like being told one thing by one person and then something completely different by another. My doctor told me 2 weeks ago to wait until this week and then do everything that I can to induce labor. Even though this would bring the baby early, he felt it was best because it's been such a hard pregnancy, and also because the symptoms I experienced earlier in the pregnancy were beginning to return, and he felt confident that she was ready to come. So we waited... and then this week we...

Walked around the track on campus... People really stare at you when are this pregnant and walking laps... Didn't their parents teach them staring is rude?

Jumped on the tramp at my parents old house... We also may or may now have chased kittens through their gardens as well. Cardio is a good labor inducer right?

P.S. - Did I mention that my parents and Jake and Ryan just moved to Kansas???? And Kim and her fam just moved to Oregon????

Spencer used his mad reflexology skills to massage my feet. I tell you what... I can feel those contractions when he rubs certain places around the ankle. Thank you massage therapy school!

Walked the lazy river at Rexburg Rapids for 2 hours... We didn't even care that we were the only people over the age of 13 there who didn't have children... Okay we cared a little.

And we did other things that are definitely not appropriate to post on here... Use your imagination.

This landed us in the hospital today for several hours with contractions about 5 minutes apart, severe back pain, and a baby who had the hiccups. Spencer enjoyed taking advantage of their unlimited supply of any kind of soda you could imagine... minus Baja Blast, which may be the best soda ever invented! Thank you Taco Bell!

Really starting to hate that in every picture, it looks like I just got my wisdom teeth out. Like our sweet sunburns from the pool???? Also I have no energy to blow dry my hair since I no longer am able to get comfortable at night and so I no longer sleep.

Anyway, our nurse at the hospital told us to stop EVERYTHING we were doing! And when I say everything, I mean everything... much to Spencer's disappointment. She put me on bed rest for the next month, or until baby girl decides to make her grand entrance. I was super bugged and cannot wait to go to the doctor's on Monday and find out what exactly is going on. She may have been a little off her rocker, because she did ask if I planned on having my daughter go through a circumcision... I know there is 4 weeks until her due date, and that the longer she stays in there the better, but you cannot tell someone who's had such a crappy pregnancy that they are going to deliver early and then take it back. It was nice to listen to her heart beat for a couple hours, and to know that I am dilating and that she looks GREAT (nurses words... not mine). Anyway, bed rest is super boring, especially considering that by the time this pregnancy is over I would have spent 4 months on bed rest. I have discovered some great TV shows like Duck Dynasty (AMAZING!!!), anything on HGTV, South Beach Towing, and Storage Wars. But I've watched them so much that everything's a rerun now. Oh well... the good thing about pregnancy is that there is always an end in sight!

P.S. - I am still majorly contracting, but there's no way I"m going back unless my water breaks because it was heartbreaking to be sent home!

P.P.S. - Jake this is a picture of the perfect van for you that is across the street from the Hart building... I could totally see you driving this!