Each year, I think about what I did that year, about the things that I changed, and the things that are the same.

The baby is two, and she brings excitement and joy to my life. I love watching her and her daddy interact. I still love being “Mommy.” No change there. I still can’t seem to get out and socialize with my friends much either.

I finally finished a book that I started a year ago.This may not seem big to you, but I have not had a chance to really read. I love to read. I can’t wait to dive into another book!

I worked hard to mend a relationship, and made sure that one did not get lost. I am in the process of finalizing a decision about having a major surgery, and a spiritual decision that my family will not understand.

And since this is “positive day”, I am going to remain that way, and not share the things that have gone really wrong.

I still miss my neighborhood, Mid-City, more than I understand. And I discovered that even though I can cry at the drop of a hat for some sappy stupid thing on TV, the Katrina stories make me feel like I could cry, but I don’t- ever.

So Happy Katrinaversary- or as I like to call it, my Thanksgiving.

My job sent me to St. Louis last week for ASAE 2011. I enjoyed the education and the sites.

I questioned my sanity when I decided to take Rina on an airplane. I asked friends for tips for toddlers flying. No one had any encouraging words. So, in my panic, I bought Rina a seat on the plane. I also rented a CARES (harness). That was the best thing I did for myself and the baby. She was great on the plane. Did I mention it was a 7:30 PM flight? She really did great. She was excited. She only cried when I took her out of the harness, and had to put her back into it. My brother was a big help as well.  Thanks Bro.

Bella told me that she had would correct herself when she said “No, Mommy” to “…Nooo (pause), Bella.”

August 3, 2009

So I do not expect that I am going to be a Mommy-blogger, but I hope to remain sane by posting a few updates.

Here we are on Rina’s birthday. Yes, I am in love. Yes, I watch her while she sleeps. And yes, I stare at her while she is awake. I am fascinated. It is a new life.

I am recovering here at home. I am in week two of nine. It is going fast. Who wants to go back to work when you can stay at home? I get it. I do like to work, and I am sure I will be ready to go back to work. For now, I am happy at home- watching. I need the time to recover. My incision still hurts. I need to take it easy. I am still under instructions not to drive, do house work, or lift above ten pounds. I just get to relax at home and take care of Rina.

Rina is sleeping now. It is her long afternoon nap. I toil over waking her to feed. I let her take a longer afternoon nap every day. She makes for a happy baby in the evening. Nights are interesting. It is all going to take time to get the schedule. As soon as she can make her own melatonin, we can really work on it.

I hear Rina stirring. I thought I had a few more minutes to get this done, but not today.

Oh, and thank you Shelley for the dinner. Perfect!

I am definitely the size I wanted to be. I was hoping that I would carry front and center with a cute little belly. I believe that is what I look like. Everyone carries so differently, I had no idea what I would look like. From the front,  or back, you can’t really see the weight gain. When I turn sideways, there it is! The first sign of weight gain for me is my cheeks. You really do not see the weight gain there. I have gained just about 18 pounds total. I have eaten! Some days I was really hungry and some days I was not. I have enjoyed lots of ice cream with no guilt.

This pregnancy has been really amazing. The only complaints that persisted throughout are the horrible reflux and the lack of sleep. My only latest complaint is that my hands ache terribly, especially my right thumb knuckle. Just opening a water bottle is difficult. I will have to address this post-delivery. Otherwise, it has been really easy.

Speaking of amazing, my husband has been great. When I come home, I grab water, take my potty break, and then sit down with hopes that I can get back up. When I don’t, he gets me water refills and whatever else I need. He has posted a ton of stuff on FB about what is going on, and his friends say that is all he talks about. It is so sweet. Kids love him. He is usually that one person that is playing with all of the kids at family events. I can’t wait to see how this little baby will melt (and steal) his heart.

So Monday is the big day (as long as she holds out the next 96 hours). We finally get to meet her. I wonder if she will have my hair, or his eyes, or his lips. Who is she going to look like- my in-laws, or my grandma?

I know our lives will be so different. We have built this life together as husband and wife, enjoying each other. Now are going to add a little piece of him and little piece of me in this new life. Maw maw and Paw paw will no longer be. We will be come Mommy and Daddy. I am looking forward to this new life.

Hopefully, I can post more about daily life soon. There are decisions about cloth diapers, day care, pediatricians, and so much more that I can comment on. We will see if I have the time and when I actually post next. But definitely, our new baby will have entered in this world.

And my eye was hurting. I thought I had pink eye, but I now think I have some allergy thing going on. I don’t know. It is not really even that red to call it pink eye. I might have eye strain. I haven’t been wearing my glasses… who knows?

Sunday, I was energized enough to hang up all of the clothes Shelly gave me,  make room in my kitchen cabinet for bottles etc, and install and hang up the baby room curtains. Susan loaned me a little bouncer and a swing. The swing is in the living room. The cats have checked it out. We put a clean plant pot in the seat. What cat wants to fit their fat ass in the planter, just to sit in the seat? Only time will tell. But it makes the house seem just a little more welcoming for the baby. It is kinda’ strange sitting there in the living room, waiting.

This week, I will be busy. I have to work a program at the Hotel Intercontinental. I get to sleep at my niece’s house on Wednesday, have an ultrasound on Friday morning, go to dinner at Mardi Gras World on Friday night and sleep at the hotel, and work all morning Saturday. Whoot! It is going to be an exciting week.

Last week was uneventful. The baby did acrobats all week. She even had the hick ups. That was so weird!

This weekend was busy as ever. Saturday, I spent the morning running errands in the pouring rain. By the time I was done, my hair looked like I had not washed it in weeks. I was a hot pregnant mess!

Sunday, I took a ride to Kenna’ for a baby shower. This was the first “drop-in” shower I have attended. I liked the concept so much that I called mom to tell her that we should do the same for my shower.  You know the older Italian family won’t like it, and may even stay the entire time. But the idea that you do not have to sit through the opening and passing the entire time is appealing to me. I stayed at the shower for an hour and a half. Perfect.

I started pricing diapers. I desperately want to contract this diaper service,  and needed to compare the costs. I compared the G-diapers (biodegradable), cloth diapering at home, the diaper service and regular diapers. Wow. We are going to spend a lot on trash! The diaper service is very close to the price of regular diapers. But, when we add in using the occasional huggie, then the price goes up. I need to see what the nanny wants to do as well.

Oh yes, I still need to contract day care this month.

This week, I am at 18 weeks. We have cleaned our extra room making it ready for our little baby. She is due August 10th.

Studying: Continues.

Facebook: I am not sure why I did not want to join the social networks. I started with one network, started a second profile on yet another, and just started yet another profile on Facebook. I think I like it better than the rest. See you there.