Step one complete!

Straty and I went to visit the nurse this morning in the labor and delivery. We've got all of our questions answered and ready for Monday. Baby Hadj should be here by bed time. They've never seen a first timer deliver prior to lunch, earliest would be dinner. I'm still hoping our stubborn little one may have the control freak gene and is planning a surprise arrival over the weekend. Who knows...I'm having those lovely back pains and contractions this morning. It's all good for preparations of labor. Sunday we go in and have the balloon installed, which will help dialate me to 3. So we wait, and wait with anticipation and wonder. Oh thanks babe for the lovely turkey photo! XOXOXOX Jenn.

This was Jenny at thanksgiving (sticking out her belly-i think baby hadj is going to be a turkey) so now over a month and a half later you have to imagine how uncomfortable she must feel. I've been wanting to go down to the hospital and say get this kid out of her already. I have also put on some sympathy lbs and i'm uncomfortable i can't imagine what she is feeling like.

Coming out of the Cave

Well, I've decided to peak my head out of the cave today. I think after Mondays doctor appointment, I just wanted to go somewhere and hide. I did. I've been at home the past two days hanging out with my sisters. Sarah came down Tuesday and we took a very long lunch break to San Clemente. We ate pizza!!!!!! We walked around the old surf town. I LOVE Del Mar Street with the boutique shops and antique stores. We came home watched a movie and relaxed. Krista came down yesterday. We did some work for dad, made gourmet pasta dinners, ran to BR for some TLC. I got the new chocolate covered strawberry sundae, which was the most over priced item!!! $7 for a sundae! Holy smokes though it was yummy. We probably could have made them. We had gift certificates, thanks to our FUN FILES! We watched a movie too. It's so cute when Straty goes to make a fire, Miller stands right behind him. Miller loves the fireplace going. He lays in front of it, all nice and cozy.

Tomorrow I go to figure out what Sunday and Monday is all about, then Carolyn and I are off to get mani and pedis! After Saturdays dance, my toes aren't presentable for delivery:) Mom and I were talking yesterday about the events. She'd ask what does the Sunday do? My answer, I think it's this....She'd then ask about Monday and if they need to be there...I'd respond with an "I'm not sure. I think my water is broken and then we can walk around the mall across the street, until it's time" My answers were either...I'm not sure or I think it's because.....Anyway we realized it would be best to get answers. I have a list for tomorrow! Doctors know best, and since they know my body the best, I better listen to them:) I guess Monday is the big day, unless Baby Hadj changes his/her mind and comes earlier. So, the gang better get ready! I'd still love for Baby Hadj to arrive w/o all the bells and whistles:) Either way, I'm praying for what's best for Baby Hadj! Happy Birthday Aunt Connie, Jesus (close friend to the family), Ernie (our Europe Dad) and Adam A. (old HS friend).

My party planning failed!!!

So the date was set, the location picked, guests invited, bags were packed, even the f&b were close by...where's the guest of honor? My question exactly! My party failed:( Thank goodness all we've paid for is the deposit:) So the party is postponed...to when you ask, well if Baby Hadj does not make his/her grande entrance by Monday, January 14th, then we go in at 7am for induction. Actually the SOE is Friday at 9am I see a labor nurse to go over induction, Sunday I go to the hospital for the cervix balloon (I forgot the real name) BTW....I hate balloons!!!! Then...Monday 7am for the induction. Doc is hoping we deliver by 6pm on Monday. He'll be in a different office Tuesday, but back on call that night. If I'm in labor that long, God help me! Dr. May really is holding off on induction until we have to. He's hoping mother nature will do her thing. He's concerned because Baby Hadj isn't petite, and is not certain he/she will fit into the birth canal. No word of C-section. It sounds like they want me to try labor and then emergency c-section. Doc is being very honest and hopeful. Baby Hadj hasn't moved at all! Stubborn baby! Like father like baby...The nurse who did the ultra sound confirmed the weight being 8.11 pounds (+/- 3 ounces), estimated 20" long and STUBBORN. We had to keep our eyes closed a little bit longer because she was having trouble getting a good look at the sex of Baby Hadj. No we don't know:) Then she tried getting a photo with Baby Hadj's mouth open, and instead Baby Hadj stuck its tongue out at us!!! Straty said Baby Hadj has the Hegenbart nose. It was cute! We even saw Baby Hadj's eye moving and looking towards the probe. He/She was wondering what in the world was poking at the bubble. It was strange having the ultra sound. We're used to seeing Baby Hadj's whole body in one screen, not today! We saw the head, then the spine, then the femur, then a foot.....The body part I thought I kept feeling wasn't the foot, but actually a knee! The nurse also said my muscles in the tummy were very tight, and that's not always a good thing. Drugs will be on the menu:) Doctor still says because of my tummy and pelvis muscles being so tight, I'll need drugs to relax me. Lets hope those muscles stay that way after pregnancy.

I am tired and ready to meet our baby. Although I've loved hearing about everyone else's experiences and what to do's, I'm selfish and ready for my own. There's nothing, nothing at all, that is going to make Baby Hadj come out, except for prayer. It's all in God's plan. What's that saying..."If you want to hear God laugh, tell him your plan."

Hazel May is very motherly right now. She's so sad when we leave. When we come home it's like we've been gone for years. She jumps about until I sit down and allow her to love up on me. She throws herself onto my upper body and flings her head onto my face, so we're check to check. Then she places her head on the belly, as if she's checking up on Baby Hadj, listening to make sure all is good. All of the dogs have been so wonderful!

Oh and since our little one isn't so little, all those clean and cute clothes hanging in the closet...well that's where they will most likely stay:( I'm hoping Baby Hadj will be able to fit into some! So, word to the wise, buy clothing for 6 months or higher when shopping for newborns. You never know how ripe they'll be. I totally didn't think about that. I didn't even know there were weight limits on the tags. I thought Newborn meant any size as long as it was a newborn wearing it:) Auntie Sarah came up with the idea of buying a bunch of onesies and creating our own designs. I already know mine. Picture.... Miller's head on the front and around his face will read...."Have you had (or hugged) your Miller Lite today?"

So in a long winded way, there you have it. All dressed up and no party! If and when we go into labor, Auntie Sarah will be taking over. Hopefully she can download some photos. We are having Jenny McMasters come to the hospital either during labor or at least when we leave to take hospital photos. Of course it all depends on Baby Hadj. You know what....I'm not even going to plan anything else. I'm throwing in the towel on this one. I think I'll move on to a different party! XOXOXOXO

Awaiting Doctor's Appointment...

Well it's Monday. Today I have an ultrasound at 1pm and dr's appointment at 2:15pm. Straty and I will find out if our little peanut is really a watermelon and if the birth canal is safe for travel. Me? I'm a little nervous and anxious. I've done all the walking, squatting, stairs, cleaning and organizing. There's still more to be done, but I know it won't bring Baby Hadj here. The cough is still frustrating and painful, but manageable. We had a relaxing weekend with rain, fireplace and three snuggle bugs. Like doc said, prayer is the key. He's right...no matter what, the Lord knows what's best for me and Baby Hadj and will be with us. I'll update you later...

"I've got it....yes....I've got it!!"

Those of you who have watched my favorite movie "Under The Tuscan Sun," you'd understand the title..."I've got it...yes...I've got it!" If not, you should watch it!!!! It's a quote from the movie:) I've still got my girl, my creature. Even 9 months pregnant it felt absolutely wonderful dancing and twirling around the pole!!!! I was with the most beautiful creatures tonight. Watching them slide, sliver, crawl, glide and fly across the room was breathe taking. I soooooooo needed our Staff class tonight, and missed the S girls terribly. I love you all!!!!! I was hesitant because I'm feeling like a big blob. To inhale and exhale, to move slow and let my mind stray from the anxiety of motherhood and labor...was so freeing. Poor Baby Hadj though. I think he/she is still spinning. If I don't go into labor tonight, then I don't know what will help:) No worries, for the first 7 months, Baby Hadj grew up to me speaking in a deep slow voice and listening to Nine Inch Nails, Rap, and even Marilyn Manson. Of course don't forget country:) Ah I'm on a high and very happy. I can't wait to get back to teaching. S Factor should be every woman's playground!!!!

Hopefully Baby Hadj comes soon! Grandma has finished her payroll, we made it through Grandpa's important meeting, Christmas is down and Valentine's Day is up....I've learned more than I need to from cousin Kim on Sitz baths:)...Dad, which I'm sure Auntie Krista will back... is now saying it has to be before Thursday, because the Patriots play next weekend! My oh my the schedules!!!! I'm ready, boy oh boy am I ready!!!!

Happy Sabbath. XOXOX

Jenn's body vs. Baby Hadj's body....

Well hello there, it's week 40 and no sign of Baby Hadj. I went to the doctor yesterday and he was a little concerned Baby Hadj hadn't moved. I'm still 1 cm and 85% effaced. Baby Hadj's head has not lowered into the pelvic structure. That raises a red flag as to why????? It's my body vs. Baby Hadj's body sums it up. Either Baby Hadj is larger than he/she is leading us to be or my body is pushing back Baby Hadj. Huh? My pubic muscles are pretty strong and not allowing Baby Hadj to drop into the pelvic structure. I think those muscles are call Psoas Muscles. I could be wrong. I was looking on the internet for them. So it's either one of those reasons why our little one hasn't moved into position. We're going to have an ultra sound Monday at 1pm and see the doctor afterwards. The ultra sound will determine the size of Baby Hadj.

Another small bummer is Doc told me due to these muscles being so strong, they will not relax on their own. Meaning my wish to have a natural birth may not be the best for me and Baby Hadj. He's going to stay hopeful and make that call during delivery, but is afraid I'll put all my efforts into labor, that when it's time to push, I won't have the energy and we'll have to do a c-section. I do appreciate his honesty. Especially when I asked what I could do to kick start labor. His honest answer was pray. "That's all you can do now, is pray."

If my body doesn't go into natural labor no later than January 15th, then they'll have to induce me. Doc prefers not to, as well as I. That's the latest and safest date.

So that's it! We'll no more Monday or go into labor before then. Either way stay tuned....

It's no fun being sick on top of it all. I guess the Lord knows what's best. Being sick as made me relax a lot more than I was doing. The coughing isn't fun for the throat or the bladder:) Poor Baby Hadj, everytime there's a big one he/she moves about, like "what was that?" I've set up camp downstairs on the couch. Trying to keep Straty from getting sick. Last night was wonderful with the rain, fire and the dogs. We slept on the couch snug and bugs on a log. XOXOXO Jenn.

Keep me Strong Lord

Hello there! We'll Baby Hadj is still resting well in the belly! Lots of movement today, along with a consistent pattern of contractions that came every 7-8 minutes. No fears no labor is here, just a nasty cold with a lovely sore throat and a nose bleed or two. The weather is just awful. It's hot and sunny by day and bone chilling at night, topped off with a five day forecast of rain. Is it normal to feel like your heart is floating? I think it's the nerves, the wait, the what ifs, the what do I do's and the holy cow...a baby? not a puppy? We've all come a long way!!!! Thank you thank you for coming along on this journey! Who knows...the next time you read this Auntie Sarah may be introducing you to Baby Hadj!!! XOXOXOX Jenn.

Happy 2008!!!! 39 Weeks....January 5th is almost here!

Happy New Years! Baby Hadj wasn't the first Baby of 2008. I think that talk from Grandma did that! She has asked Baby Hadj to wait until after the 5th, worse case the 3rd. She has payroll at work to do. If Baby Hadj came any sooner, no-one would get paid at JT&C. It's all about Grandma!!! Baby Hadj must be very comfy and in no hurry to get started on life in the big world. I don't blame him/her. Mommy and Daddy though, are very anxious for the big day. You should have seen us the other night. I started contractions and told Straty we should "timing" them, just in case....He had to put the battery in his stop watch. Once he mastered that task, he was ready... set... go...!!!! I was upstairs working and he was downstairs watching TV. Once a contract started, I'd yell down to Straty..."Babe one started....Babe....one started" Straty would yell up "What?" I said. "One started," I said. "I can't hear you," Straty would shout out. "Forget it...it's gone," I'd say. It was very comical. We decided we'd figure it out once it really happened, like when I couldn't speak, that would be an obvious "time to call the doctor."

Straty opened up some of the baby stuff, like his Jeep Stroller. He LOVES that thing, with the MP3 speakers. I think he's nesting. He put together baby stuff, his new exercise bike and then spent last night organizing the garage. I was so excited about cleaning the garage. I'm so sick of clutter and old stuff.

Cheers to 2008! This year is my year...The year of the RAT! May your year be filled with FAITH, HOPE AND LOVE! To good health and lots of happiness!!

Baby Hadj is doing a doosie on me...

Hello all! 38 Weeks....6 days....

I've hit my turning point and I'm ready for Baby Hadj's arrival. You know the saying..."why make mountains out of molehills?" Well, I'm pretty sure Pike's Peek was made by a pregnant woman! Last night was pretty tough. Baby Hadj was playing the role in Boogie Nights! He/She would not stop moving/dancing. The pressure is pretty strong. It's like I have the blob moving in my belly:) Anyway, last night, I had a vision of what I wanted to do...take down Christmas and get my last decaf Gingerbread Latte of the season, but I went a stray of my plans, which ended with a night of constant sorrow and tears! I know better than to stray a way from my expected plans, because nothing will compare. Anyway, I spent last night tearing down Christmas and crying like a baby. I made Straty drag it to the curb ASAP. Everything else I packed up. I'm moving on to Valentine's Day! I know...I'm crazy. No-one will know better, since it's still red:) During the day was much better!!! I cleaned our Master bedroom, including vacuuming the window screens. Not I'm not nesting, just detailed in cleaning:)

Went to the doctor today. Baby Hadj hasn't moved. He's actually not surprised. He was more surprised two weeks ago when Baby Hadj was already descending. He's still very pleased at where we are at. I need more rest. Easy for him to say! I tried sleeping all day today and got one hour out of it! I turned off the computer, the phones and still nothing but the heavy breathing of Miller Lite with his big head on my shoulder:) Hazel Mae was aligned to my leg with her head on my thigh. They love to snuggle. Doc also said I wasn't making a peanut. He thinks Baby Hadj is over 8 pounds. Great!!!! Doc thinks he'll see me next Thursday for another check up, but says he has been proven wrong.

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas! We had a very relaxing day. In the AM the dogs opened up their stockings and Straty and I exchanged our gifts. I got him a big skillet for our weekend breakfasts. He made breakfast while I wrote in Baby Had's journal. We spent the rest of the day at my parents house with my sisters. We relaxed, BBQ'd, played games and succeeded at the annual Santa scavenger hunt my dad puts together for us kids! This year was a tough one. Anograms!!

Happy New Year! Be safe! XOXOXOX Jenn.