Extreme Makeover: Baby Edition

Well it is my third day of maternity leave and I have already done everything I can think of to do to prepare for baby, so I thought I would update the blog.  No, baby has not arrived yet.  At today's doctor appointment he said he has doubts that I will make it to my due date (woohoo!!!) which is next Wednesday.  So it could really be any time now.  And while I am a bit apprehensive about the actual birth part (random freak-outs, waking up in a cold sweat thinking about it, etc.) I am quite ready to be done being a preggo.  I am dying to have control of my body again!  And while I am aware it will not be quite the same as it was before (the doctor dropped a "well you have gained quite a bit of weight, yet all signs show the baby to be of average size" for no apparent reason today), it will be nice to wear shoes that are not flip flops and be able to paint my own toe nails again.

But in the mean time, I thought y'all would like to see what we have done with the baby's room!  I know, many of you have seen it in-person already, but some of you live far away and might be curious.  We put a lot of work into it so we have to show it off as much as possible.  

First, the before pics:

Obviously, it was a baby boy's room before.

Here's one of Daddy putting some things together:

Toast was being a good helper, as usual.

And finally, I give you the finished product:

As you can see, she's going to need more books to fill out her book shelf!  Hint, hint...

Girlfriend has more clothes than she knows what to do with...and don't get me started on the shoes!

Alright Baby Girl, ready when you are.  See you soon!

The Waiting Game

This morning I had a heart to heart with Baby Girl, letting her know I would really appreciate it if she made an effort to come on out today.  Her response: "Don't rush me, Mom!" and then she punched me square in the bladder.  Unfortunately, the doctor confirmed Baby's sentiments.  Apparently, I am not even a little bit dialated yet.  I guess her head is right there, locked and loaded, but other than that, it doesn't look like it will be this week.  "Maybe next week though!" says the doctor cheerily as she is bounding out the door.  Poo.

I know what you are thinking.  Yes, it is still early.  As of yesterday I am officially "full term" though, so that means she could come any time.  And I would like it to be this time.  I now know what all those mommies in the last weeks complain about.  This is literally the most uncomfortable I have ever been.  And there is no relief!  I could probably deal with it ok if it were just the difficulty sleeping, the achy hips, heartburn, and having to pee constantly.  But the swelling...it is just too much.  It is, by far, the worst symptom I have.  And for whatever reason I have it worse than the average prego.  I have it from my toes all the way up my thighs.  Oh, and let's not forget my other limbs.  I haven't been able to wear my wedding ring in a month, I have a hard time bending my wrists, and my upper arms are about the size of an average person's legs.  I've tried everything.  I even went swimming last night, which was formerly my "miracle cure."  Nothing.

So, since there is nothing to do about it and I am likely not going to get my wishes to meet the bambina today, I have decided to focus on the following GREAT things about being pregnant:

1. People always want to buy you food.  Not only that, they are willing to go out of their way to get whatever it is that you are currently craving.

2.  If you arrive to some kind of function late (as I often do...oops!) and there are no seats left someone is always willing to give up their chair for you.

3.  This may not apply to all pregos, but for me at least I have a "get out of grocery shopping free" card.  I had one particularly bad grocery shopping experience a couple months ago that left me physically and emotionally drained and ever since then Erik has taken on that chore!

4.  The Grandmas (my mom and my mother-in-law) are always fussing over me, making sure I am comfortable and not over-doing it.  I suspect this is more out of concern for their precious grandbaby, but I'll take it!

5.  You can indulge in things like pedicures without feeling guilty over the cost because really, what else are you going to do?  You can't reach your toes!

6.  You get fabulous hair and nails.

7. And perhaps the best perk:  When you announce you are going to take a nap, no one looks at you like you are some kind of lazy hobo.  In fact, they applaud you for making such a great decision for your baby.

Ok, now I feel a little better about my situation.  Although, I won't be sad if she changes her mind and decides she is ready to come tonight!

This Guy

This past weekend was all about celebrating Nurse Erik.  And celebrate we did!  After two years of hard work and dedication, he is the proud owner of a fancy new degree and we are both officially done with school!  Friday marked the arrival of Erik's family and the graduation.  Now it's time for me to brag a little.  Erik was chosen by the College of Nursing to lead in the procession of nursing grads and carry the nursing banner at the ceremony.  Following the graduation we had a fantastic BBQ with all our family and friends.  On Saturday, we went to his Convocation, which is a much more intimate ceremony steeped in tradition, so he could be "pinned."  Afterwards we had a Rammelsberg family dinner at Tagaris Winery.  The weather was perfect and it was an all-around lovely weekend.  However, it also made me tired!  So since I am still recovering you are about to get a little less conversation and a little more action.  Enjoy the photos!

Leading the nursing students into graduation!

On the stage with the Hogwarts crew...

Mama Ramm, the Graduate, Papa Ramm, and Seester Ramm

With his very proud (and very preggo) wife :).

My pride and joy of the BBQ...

Saturday: Convocation day

Me pinning Erik with his nursing pin.

Erik and his ladies...he was the only male nursing student in his program :)

The proud sister

And finally resting it up at Tagaris with the parents.  What a long, delightful weekend!