Baby coming, baby coming

Tara's been having contractions at a rate of 1 every 9min. We're aiming for 6 or 7 min for an hour before we go to the hospital.

So we might be having another middle of the night, rainy day baby.

We're all followers, aren't we.

Yesterday Beyoncé (Ingrid Jackson) and Jigga had a baby. Big up to them on the birth of their baby girl.

Today Tara says she feels weird, not labor necessarily but weird none-the-less. Is it time? I'm sure if Beyoncé hadn't had her baby Tara would feel fine, right? Riiiight.

37 & 38 week vist

I go to the midwife every week now so I decided to combine the blog post for 37 & 38 weeks, mainly because I hadn't written anything for last week yet! : ) Also not much has happened or changed in a week!

On Dec. 27 my appointment was with Soheyl who is our primary midwife this pregnancy & last one with Julia. It was wonderful to see her, especially as I hadn't seen her in MONTHS! 1 reason is that my appointments were more spread out this pregnancy, every 5-6 weeks instead of once a month. Another reason is the schedule, which days she works with when I scheduled my appointments. Also there are a few new midwives in the past 3 years & they really want you to meet them all if possible before you deliver as you never know who will be on call at your time. Amazingly Soheyl was on call when my water broke & we went to hospital last time, she'd just started her shift too so she saw us through the whole process though relatively short since I'd been in labor all day the day before!

Soheyl was excited to see Julia & Jai since they came with me today. She hadn't seen Julia since my 6 week follow-up visit in January 2009. Julia looks quite different now! : )

Nothing major to discuss, blood pressure is good as usual, lost 2 pounds which is not unusual at this point in pregnancy (despite holiday eating!), talked about heartburn of course, the bane of my existence currently. Baby's heartbeat was higher than usual. We talked about VBAC plan some, actually I asked what would happen if someone decided to have a C-section again. Would they still be able to be a patient of midwifery practice? She said that if you changed your mind as you got closer to delivery, then you could stay with practice, but if you decided from beginning, then they would refer you to an OB. Different circumstances, makes sense; not applicable for us since I'm not choosing surgery. If everything is attempted during L&D & VBAC is not possible, then OK, but I'm not going to start out choosing a C-section.

Today's appointment was with Lauren whom I'd met earlier in my pregnancy. She's new since Julia's birth, very nice, seems young, but competent. Today I got there early & they weren't busy so didn't have to wait long, good since Jai & Julia were with me again this week. Again nothing major to discuss, blood pressure is good as usual, same weight as last week (woo hoo!), baby's heartbeat was lower than usual.

We talked about heartburn again of course - it's SO uncomfortable. I really have more compassion for habitual sufferers - I don't know how they deal with it. I considered getting some Tums last week, but when I looked at the ingredients (red dye 5, yellow dye 24, etc.), I couldn't do it. That's disgusting! The papaya enzyme pills will have to be it for the next 2-3 weeks. Hopefully the baby will settle into my pelvis soon. I already go to the bathroom a lot now anyway. I don't think Julia dropped - probably why she flipped to breech position at last minute. Last week & today the baby was head down, last week face down, today sideways. Lauren estimated baby is about 6 pounds now, so if I go to 40 weeks, baby probably will be 7+. It seems like this baby is bigger, but who knows!

Stay head down, baby! Until next week - week 39!!! I'm finally in the due month - so very exciting!

Lauren suggested taking it 1 day at a time which is smart; it could be 17 days or less or more. I cannot really make plans for anything or if I do, know that it could change if the baby decides it is his or her time to emerge.

HAPPY NEW YEAR! : )

A girl & her harmonica

One of our friends from church, actually my co-worker's husband, gave me a harmonica the other day - for Julia I assumed! : ) We're not into gifts for Christmas anymore & we'd done some of her birthday gifts over the last few weeks (from Uncles Mike & Chad, from Grandma Bonnie, from us). Also she'd gotten her Christmas/birthday gifts from Angel & Dawn last weekend plus the NEW bed so I didn't want to make a big deal about another present. I had a small stocking from gift from A&D so I put the harmonica in it, 1 to hide it from sight, 2 to be able to present the "gift" on Christmas. When I gave it Julia, she was so excited & curious. Jai showed her how to use it, basic instructions, then she played it for hours (it seems like it!). However, it wasn't annoying, it's adorable! Julia is actually quite good. Then today she picks it up again & starts playing some more. It's hilarious yet it sounds really good! She has my beauty & Jai's musical ear. Well, I played the flute in school band for 7 years so I contributed some talent, too. : )

A big girl bed arrives in time for Christmas

It was delivered this morning! So exciting! I think I'm more excited than anyone. I don't know why, but it seems so great! Julia has a twin sized bed with mattress, foundation, 2 sheets, 2 pillows & a comforter. : )

We ordered it 3 weeks ago from Nature's Greenlife (http://www.naturesgreenlife.com/) after some deliberation, looking on the Internet, & eventually met with Debby at the store/studio to see some of the merchandise. Then there was more deliberation/changes as we originally selected a full size organic cotton mattress as we have a full frame. However, we decided the nursery is too small a space for that & we will have 2 children so twin beds make more sense. Since we're spending a bit of money for this purchase, really important investment, we wanted it to be right. We changed to a twin sized organic wool mattress/foundation which is better for dust mites & allergies.  It also meant it took more time as it was being custom built & coming from Canada.

We weren't sure if we'd get it before Christmas & we really wanted it sooner than later anyway so Julia could get used to it with plenty of time before baby arrives. Luckily Debby liked us a lot & checked in with the company frequently & got it expedited through customs (I didn't think about that!) to be here today. Also her husband helped bring it to us AND inside the house & upstairs to the room AND helped Jai (and Julia too) set it up. Apparently he doesn't usually do that. How nice! They are really nice & I've already referred 2 friends to their website, 1 with a baby on the way, 1 with a 3 year old to get a big bed.

After we changed bed sizes, we had the dilemma of finding a new frame. Initially I was disappointed as that meant MORE money, but thankfully Jai is quite savvy in the world of Freecycle & Craig's List.  He posted a request on Freecycle & almost before I could blink, someone responded with info that they had TWO matching wood frames (what we wanted). The person had been about to take them to Salvation Army. She sent photos & they looked awesome! We said we wanted them & arranged the pick up/delivery. Then she said she'd bring them to us & she didn't even live close to us, I think Jai said Antioch. Amazing! I guess she was motivated to get them out of her garage. : ) Now we have a second frame for the second kid, to use in 2 years. Woo hoo!

We made the bed with her new jersey knit organic cotton sheets (so soft!), a fitted sheet AND a flat sheet. So grown up! Also finally used the Dora comforter I bought at a consignment sale in November. Julia loves Dora & Boots! She actually has had the pillow since late November when we placed the order (Debby gave us a "free" wool pillow). The wool is good for resistance against dust mites as well as good for hot sleepers which Julia (and Jai) is. I got a 2nd wool pillow from Gaiam (having a great sale!), mainly for us to use when we're in the bed, reading at bedtime.

Oh, I wish we'd done this MONTHS ago! It's been so uncomfortable on the floor, especially as I got bigger & bigger. I don't have bedtime duty until Sunday, but it will be so NICE to sit on that bed & read with Julia. We took a few photos to capture the moment as Julia got ready for bed this evening. FUN!!! : )

36 week visit

Today was a day filled with lots of pregnancy related activities. My friend, Jessie, & I are due 3 weeks apart & since it is Winter Break, we decided to get together for some pregnancy time.

First we went to the La Leche League meeting in East Nashville that meets on the third Wednesday mornings which usually we cannot attend, but this one was perfect timing. It was great to see some familiar faces, women who were very helpful & supportive when Julia was small & we were struggling to get breastfeeding to work. I really enjoyed listening & sharing experiences & feeling so comfortable & confident about this next adventure in parenting a baby. Jai had a dentist appointment & regular play date wasn't happening because Sam was sick so I had Julia with me. Actually I'm glad she was there to be around the babies & see breastfeeding. I'm sure she's going to be so curious when her baby is eating. She already talks about feeding the baby & we explain that won't happen for awhile. Julia played well on the rug with the plethora of toys & books available; she insisted that I come with her which I did awkwardly. : ) There was another mom & young baby on the floor too; the baby was 6 months old. Julia kept saying "No" to him & "He's taking my toys" which is not what he was doing. Mostly he was smiling & giggling at her, saying hello in his way. I anticipate some interesting struggles with possessiveness for belongings & parents.

We dropped off Julia at home for her lunch & nap with Jai home now. Then we headed to the West End area & grabbed some lunch & talked about our various pregnancy ailments. I will be SO grateful to not have this vicious heartburn/indigestion. It's awful! I feel like it's worse than last time & definitely lasted longer! Jessie fortunately hasn't had any issues with HB. We talked about the different kind of stomach acid that exists for us as we're different blood types. Interestingly I don't have issues when I'm not pregnant. Lunch was yummy, this place called Taiziki's, I'd never been there. I had a lamb gyro with rice & tomato/cucumber/feta salad. Hmmm!

After lunch we headed to A Mother's Place which is at Centennial Women's Hospital. We really were stretched for time & should have gone after our midwife appointments. I naively thought we'd be able to manage, but traffic was crazy at this time of day. We were late, but it was OK. Anyway, AMP is a lactation support center that includes a shop to purchase items related to breastfeeding. I went there a few times when Julia was 2-3 months old to get assistance with her weight gain issues & increasing my milk supply. The staff is wonderful, same woman who helped me is still there, so passionate & supportive of making breastfeeding work. It was great to see her. We got measured to find out what size nursing bra we need. We tried on a few styles & purchased some. I only got 1 as I have a few at home & since I'm smaller in general, the consultant reminded me that I'll get much bigger once my milk comes in postpartum. I remember that!! : )

Then to West End Women's Health Center for midwife appointment. I gained a few pounds in 4 weeks, but I've eaten more sweets & junk in last 2 weeks. UGH! The season of eating! I asked the midwife about cutting the cord after it stops pulsing - I got an explanation of the 2 minutes rule. Not sure I completely understand. I also asked about placenta encapsulate (supposed to help with postpartum depression). I heard about these 2 items at LLL meeting so I'm curious to find out more information. Thank goodness for the Internet.

My blood pressure was low again so excellent. Baby's heartbeat was much higher. This gender stuff is confusing! Who knows until she or he is born. Julia continues to refer to having a baby brother. Everyone says I'm carrying like it's a boy. However, we shall see when the time arrives.

Now I will go every week until delivery & I had already made all of my appointments (surprise, surprise!) so until next week.

The roof, the roof is on ... New Roof is ON!

After many months of waiting, first because of the hot summer, then roofers' busy schedule, it was inclement weather whenever it seemed to be our time, that seemed to delay us getting a new roof. However, finally it happened & it's so pretty. It came with quite a price tag (thank goodness for an equity line), but it looks beautiful. Jai picked out the slates as that is one thing I didn't care about nor have the energy. He did a great job - sometimes he's really good at the aesthetics stuff. He's been called a metro sexual (not sure if that term is used anymore) a few times.

Jai says we shouldn't need another roof until the kids are in college or maybe out of college. That will be nice! The next project will be to paint the water stains caused by the old roof (this has been years actually). However, that will be for later in 2012 or 2013 as we'll be busy with the baby.

Julia's 3rd Birthday

We celebrated with a family dinner with Grandma Bonnie & Poppy. Then we ate her traditional applesauce cake made by mom, & ice cream, Julia's new favorite (quick 2nd is Popsicles, but I need to make more). Also she opened a few presents which she really enjoyed this year!

What a great kid Julia is! Thanks for 3 wonderful years of fun & laughter! Looking forward to many more!

Phone call for daddy

Julia, what else are you doing today? I repeated the question.

I'm going to take a nap. Julia finally answered.

That's a good thing, taking a nap. I said.

Thank you, daddy.

Sleep well, Julia.

Thank you, daddy. She rushed over my words.

That's a pleasant phone call.

Thanksgiving Fun & Blessings

It was so nice to have the day off with both Jai & Julia, us all home together, no work, no school, no plans in the morning. I'd done holiday cooking preparation already - our contribution was ice cream. I made a few different kinds during the weekend. We had a leisurely day of homemade pancakes. Julia took her nap, then we headed to my mom's for appetizers, soup, then dinner. Lots of yummy food, different people had made. It's a fun tradition that my mom started a few years ago so she doesn't have prepare tons of dishes. Thankful for family & friends!

32 week visit

I wish I could remember what I was going to write about this visit to see midwife.
I didn't gain any weight from the past 5 weeks which is a miracle. Thank goodness!
I talked with the midwife about next visit which is for the Group B strep test - I forget what it does, something that is important to know if you have before delivery because of treatment so baby doesn't get the virus. I wonder if it's an issue for baby delivered by C-section, but I didn't plan for that last time & this time the goal is a VBAC. I didn't have the virus last pregnancy thankfully. My blood pressure is excellent even with the weight gain this pregnancy. Baby's heartbeat is low which people say means it is a boy. All is good!
Another 4 weeks to 36 weeks & then I'll go EVERY week until the end. How time has passed quickly though I will not be sad to say goodbye to the heartburn.

Childbirth classes

UGH! Once again I have an old post with only the title to remind me of what I might have wanted to write.
Well, here goes with trying to remember from a month ago! : )

We took a child birth class series at General Hospital on 4 Monday evenings in November (we missed 1 class because of family illnesses). Even though we plan to have the baby at Vanderbilt Hospital as that is where the midwifery center delivers babies, the class was free (not the case at Vandy) & Jai was born at General so it was neat to have some connection there.

Though we have had a child it was a great experience. We knew a lot of information already from reading & of course, Julia's birth. However, we learned some, clarified some, reminded of lots; it was a good refresher kind of course. We also received a beautiful knitted blanket to add to our collection of lovely hand made works of art & love.

Grilled Cheeserie

YUMMY! The food truck was at the West Nashville Farmer's Market yesterday & we hadn't eaten there in FOREVER. So glad we ventured out so far! We got lots of great green veggies, some meat, goat cheese of course, finally found some APPLES & the raw food. Then we snacked on a grilled cheese sandwich, tater tots (Jai & Julia shared) & the special dessert of vanilla bean/pumpkin pudding. It was a beautiful day to be outside, sunny, slightly windy, gorgeous weather.

Raw Food

I'm not really a fan. I like meats, eggs & cheese too much to be a vegetarian, much less a vegan. We try to buy/eat less meat to decrease our carbon footprint & definitely buy local products whenever possible. However, we still cook our food.  Today I got some amazing food from The Raw Warrior at the West Nashville Farmer's Market. I've actually sampled some of their wares when we'd stop by their table at the East Nashville Farmer's Market. It never tasted that great, not bad, just not good enough for me to purchase it.  Today was another story. It was spinach almond hummus & cilantro lime flax seed crackers. The garlic & spices also must be a big part of the overall taste sensation. Whatever it is the snacks are yummy!

Colds are Cruel during Pregnancy

That's all I want to say. It's not right!

Imagination Peaking

Julia has been very verbal from the moment she became verbal. Her vocabulary and grammar is pretty amazing; picking up on the things we say, filling in gaps and so on. Recently she's gone off the rails with imaginary language. Sometimes Julia will talk for 20 minutes straight in her own imaginary language. Its a verbal vomit. She starts talking about something and then it transforms into this gibberish.It sounds like she is pronouncing sets of jumbled letters yet it sounds like words. Its mind-boggling to hear, especially her extended monologues.

Side note. One of my fav radio shows just did a very interesting show on language development

Then comes the imaginary play, this is obvious stuff. She mimics what she sees. She feeds and reads to her "friends". She plays games and she tells them stories. In that spectrum is drawing where she puts a dot on a page and says she's drawing a tree or a smiley face. Today it finally took that twist we all dread to hear...

Julia, why did you drop the book? I asked.
Daddy I didn't do it, Bunny did. She answered.

Great! She now has accomplices.

Also...

Julia quote of the day: Do you want your penis in your mail? (I can put this is context if you wish but it stands on its own)

Old McDonald's

That's what Julia says about the yellow arches. Cute!

Other than that, she doesn't know about this place. Sometimes I'm sad for her missing out on some memories & experiences I associate with childhood like Twinkies, Tang, McD's fish sandwich & milk shakes. However, not that Julia's in any danger for childhood obesity, it is a real situation for many young people. The statistics are scary. Thankfully she understands or at least repeats what we say about it being unhealthy.

Also her normal is very different. She's growing up with Farmer's Market & CSA. She knows what sweet potatoes & okra are as well as kale, garlic & onions. Julia is unique compared to some of her peers, but then there are others who are living a similar way.  Everyone packs a lunch at the Parent Day Out program she attends; snack is provided. However, we bring her snack also. We don't want her eating goldfish & vanilla wafers every day when she likes pretzels & trail mix. Sometimes Jai doesn't want her to be different, but I'm used to it. It's OK for her to learn to be herself now when she's not self conscious about it.  When she has her own money & wants to buy "junk food," we'll see what happens. I wonder if she'll want to by that point.

Blueberries for Sal

This is the book Julia got from Imagination Library yesterday.

Jai & Julia told me she got a new book, but I forgot to ask what it was or look at it. I usually do when I get home from work as I'm excited when it arrives in the mail. However, it was Friday & I was really tired! Growing this baby is exhausting!

This morning walking home from the Y with Julia, we were talking about her new book & I asked her what it was. She said Blueberries for Sal very clearly, no hesitation. Of course I was impressed which I usually am with her verbal skills in general, but she just got this book. Maybe it's not signficant, but it seems amazing to me that she said the title so quickly & easily. Actually her memory is incredible so maybe it's not that earth shattering.

However, more importantly I loved this book as a child! I'm so excited to be able to read it with her as I was so happy when my mom gave Julia "Bread and Jam for Frances" for Mother's Day in May, another favorite of mine.

I'm so grateful & blessed that my child loves reading as much as I do. I'm sure we'll have many opportunities to bond over something, but I'm glad one experience is the wonders of reading wonderful books!

oh, the funny things kids say!

The reality is that children say what they hear from others, in particular parents or their consistent caregivers. Lately I am saying the word "crap" too much, mainly frustration with some toilet training lapses/accidents!
Now it is a favorite phrase of a little girl in our house.

Actually Julia proves my hypothesis constantly. Once again it happened recently. I really need to watch what I say!

Julia has a weekly play date with our friends' child, Sam. I'm sure we've mentioned his name or my friend, Anne Marie, in other posts. Anyway, this week they played at our house (they rotate every other week so each parent gets a mini-break for a few hours). It was a nice day so they played outside; at some point they watched some construction work being done across the street & Jai said that the worker talked with them. I jokingly said something like "I wonder what he thought of this black man with a black kid & a white kid." It's stupid, I don't usually make comments about race distinctions, it's not important.

Anyway, Julia quickly says the following:

• Who's the white kid?!
• Am I the white kid?!
• No, Sam's the white kid!

I know I shouldn't laugh, but I did. I couldn't help it, I couldn't stop, Jai is chuckling too. Of course Julia is a great social laugher so she starts laughing; we're all tickled! You also have to imagine her hand motions too - she touches her chest when she asks the 2nd question.

What is typical is the topic of conversation moves on to something else quickly, but I wonder why she knew Sam was the white kid. She knows colors, probably that's it. However, I'm having a moment of guilty conscience & contributing to my child's racial identity, creating some kind of bias. This won't be the first time of discomfort at something I've said to her or someone else, but I still wish I didn't say what I think sometimes.

Self-determination

Three year olds are obviously short versions of the adults they will become.

Julia has expressed herself really well since she was much smaller but today she took it one step further. She said she was hungry (mid-morning snack) and I was apparantly taking too long so without announcement or warning she runs off. About 20 secs later she reappears and says in a very matter-of-fact, matter-of-course way, "Dad, I was in the pantry." "I want rice cake and almond butter." Then she sat back down and continued what she was doing.

It's all very normal, but it's quite amazing to watch up close.

Addition from Tara on 11-5-11:
Today Julia did the same thing with the juice. She took it from the fridge & came back to tell me it was on the counter, again after she'd already asked for it & waited patiently for me to respond & I was taking too long.
She's resourceful & communicative! Kind of like someone else I know! : )

Active Baby S.

midwife visit on 10-28-11 - week 28

First of all, I almost passed out when I saw the scale! I gained 10 pounds in 5 weeks. That's not good!

I decided to stop eating the junk food (there is always something yummy at work!!). Pregnancy is really no excuse to eat everything in sight, especially when it's off my blood type (I really hurt myself when that happens). I also need to get back to my exercise routine which is a proven element of my blood type weight management success.

It is a vicious cycle of being "too tired."
I don't get up in the morning & go to Y.
When I eat something unhealthy day after day, I feel more sluggish.
Then I also am going to bed late.
I'm already sleeping in spots - frequent bathroom visits.
That equals weight gain. 
Bad combination of events!

The good thing is I can do it; already I can tell I feel better & lost a few pounds. I've gained 25 pounds & I really don't want to pass 35. I want to keep it similar to last time.

I signed the release form about the gestational diabetes glucose test - midwife (Linda) was cool about it, no pressure. She wasn't as concerned as me about the weight gain either - "it's not so bad." My blood pressure is 110/70 - usually good like that. I measured 29 weeks she said, not 28 weeks & 2 days. Again not much concern, maybe this baby will be bigger than Julia was, probably because I've gained more weight! : )

OK- topic related to post title!
Linda mentioned now I need to be counting the baby's movements, making sure it's frequent. I assured her that there is no problem in that area! This baby is much more active than Julia was ... or so I thought. Linda said something about having an anterior placenta last pregnancy & I said yes. The placenta then acts like a pillow & muffles the baby's movements. So I thought Julia was this mellow, relaxed fetus which didn't match her postpartum personality. That's kind of a relief.

Yet I wonder if that also means it decreased the intensity of the labor contractions I felt.  This also delayed going to hospital plus my ignorance that I needed to wait for water to break despite the frequency & duration of the contractions! I'm slightly nervous that the contractions this time will be much more intense - already I'm having lots of something like Braxton-Hicks, pressure that seems different from the baby moving/kicking. It also makes me feel like I have to go to the bathroom much more often. Don't need that - it's already too much!

Hopefully I'll be able to manage the real labor contractions. After the heinous heartburn since month 6, I feel like I can handle it, but I still wonder! Regardless this baby's nickname is Kicky McS. : )

Fall Break 2011

week 27 - 3rd trimester - nesting insanity!
You should see the list I've made of stuff to complete in next 3 months. Crazy!

Some of it is necesssary as we'll use it immediately once baby is born.

1. clean the infant car seat & crib
2. make sure we have the other infant stuff pulled out of storage
3. contact Smile Mommy! to set up cloth diaper service again

Some of it doesn't have to be done, it's more of a goal.

• green couch cleaned (it is SO nasty!)
• house cleaned by professionals (it really needs a thorough cleaning that won't happen again for another 3-4 years!)
• cook meals to store in freezer

I got a ton done - play date with friends with similar age kids, personal & medical appointments, visited a college friend in Memphis with Julia (Jai stayed home with a cold with Johnders who has heartworms so cannot be boarded), submitted my expired passport for renewal, paid property taxes (due in February 2012). However, I was exhausted!

I remember this crazed feeling of wanting to get so much done 3 years ago. I also was way too busy outside of work/home with church activities, socializing with friends, volunteering. I don't do as much as I used to, but I still have a full calendar most weeks. I decided not to do more than 1 activity each week. The only exception is if it's an exercise date with a friend at the Y during time when child care is available. I have to manage my weight gain - it's already more than last time & I have WEEKS to go!

I told Jai to help me do less. Sometimes that means he has to do more. : )

Baby # 2

We're having another baby due in January 2012. 

We were slow to tell people again (14-15 weeks), this time we haven't even sent a mass email, just word of mouth. We're excited & happy, but tired usually, so don't think about it.  Once again the gender is unknown as we like the surprise. We're working with same midwifery center affiliated with Vanderbilt Hospital; actually our primary midwife is Soheyl again which is super cool as she was the person on duty when we went into labor with Julia. We're planning on attempting a VBAC with high hopes for a successful delivery & not a repeat C-section.

All is well with the pregnancy, I'm just so tired, more than I remember last time, but that's because I have a little person to hang out with when I come home from work. Little time to rest as I did often while pregnant with Julia. : ) We're not doing any of the interventions/tests - only did the ultrasound at 20 weeks which was cool, made everything seem more real.  Even though I'm 41 I'm a healthy person & don't feel like it's necessary to spend time & money on tests. Once again I got an interesting response from the midwife when I went for my last appointment & we discussed my next visit at 28 weeks (Oct. 26) for the glucose test. I said I wasn't going to do it. I know I wrote a post in 2008 about a similar conversation with them about refusing the test. Most people must do it even those women who have a midwife as their medical provider.

Anyway, this baby is definitely different in utero, much more active & busy, especially when I'm trying to rest or sleep. Julia was way more mellow inside, compared to outside now! : ) I am really curious to meet this individual, male or female; I know they will be different babies & children. Hopefully I won't compare them too much which I know is difficult. I also am trying to be more excited, but it is second time & I'm not really into being pregnant. I hate the constant bathroom visits & heartburn discomfort, both of which started WAY earlier this time! : ( I'm sure this baby will have lots of hair too which I don't need heartburn to tell me! However, I'm excited & curious about breastfeeding despite that constant work of feeding a baby & of course sleep deprivation. I'm hopeful that this time we'll have more success earlier with breastfeeding, with fewer complications & issues. At least one of us will have some experience & lots of support from La Leche League & other friends. : )

Congratulations as Julia likes to say when she uses the toilet. So funny!

Potty Training Success

Finally it happened! For the past 2 1/2 months Julia has been honing her skills on the toilet. Gradually she started wearing underwear during the day instead of the potty pants or even the commando look which she LOVES almost as much as underwear! About 6 weeks ago she started to wear underwear all the time & improved on her ability to get to the toilet & pull down pants & underwear with fewer & fewer accidents.  The past 2 weeks there have been hardly any accidents. The cutest part is how excited Julia is to pee & poop in the toilet on her own. Sometimes she still needs assistance & she occasionally gets busy & forgets to get to the toilet on time. However, Julia is definitely becoming more independent & grown up, as she soon approaches her 3rd birthday which she knows is Dec. 9. AMAZING!

As her parents, we're excited to have a few months' reprieve from diapers (she still wears 1 at nap & bedtime, but often it is dry when she wakes up, even at night) before the next kid arrives in January. Our budget will enjoy the break too! : )

Do(e), is Missy Outside?!?

Dorice Josephine Glascoe Wright, E.D. 

Dorice fought it but ultimately, cancer won. I saw Dorice less frequently than almost all of my cousins. She and her brother are longtime Northeasterners, Dorice in the Boston area and her brother, Lewis, in New York which are places very far away from me. Not until I started going to family reunions as an adult did I have any significant contact with either of them and at that point it was only every two years until Dorice and I exchanged email addresses. At that point we started to write quite a bit.

My most recent memories are that Dorice was my family's most diligent but disorganized family historian. She knew the people and places of family long gone but her document archives were scatter-shot at best - it really is a family trait. This info was to be included in her perpetually under-construction and unpublished memoir. We talked about family and genealogy and we talked lots about jazz. She was clued into parts of the Boston music scene I never was familiar with but she spoke with intimacy and enthusiasm.

The memory that stands out the most is a story passed down to me from my own personal history. A story that sounds probable but one that took place when I was so young that I don't remember it. Dorice came to Nashville to visit my mother and me and at some point while staying with us I exclaimed - in a voice I have learned from Julia that only two or three year olds can muster - Do, is Missy outside? Why such a simple phrase stuck like it did I couldn't understand until Julia started blurting out these very mature sounding statements and questions and so now, I get it. Missy was our dog and because I have heard Julia ask something very similar I can easily see myself asking Dorice (Do) if Missy was outside. Something like Julia asking "Suse, is Johnders outside?"

Dorice, we will miss you. I know 'Trane, Althea, Marvin and as well as Lena (Bell Wright), Eatonton (Wright) and all the ancestors are waiting for you, while we will forever tell your stories.