Pansy in the wind...

I realized today that I haven't posted in a bit.  The reason is a lack of content, or the lack of good content.  I don't like to be negative but after two rough weeks I think the negativity is starting to creep in.  My frustration has begun to reach a new level and I am just about to that point that most mommies-to-be reach, "get this baby out of here!"

A few weeks ago I started having Braxton Hicks contractions.  These are completely normal and are often referred to as "practice" contractions.  They aren't like real contractions which typically start in your lower back and move their way to your lower abdomen.  Instead BH contractions kind of feel like when you get a tight muscle after a workout.  Your entire belly gets hard...really hard...so hard it feels like someone poured cement in your belly and let it dry.  At first these are pretty cool.  "OOh babe watch my belly shrink and get super hard."  It's kind of a right of passage for prego mommies reminding us that we are getting close to meeting our sweet lil puff nugget.  I didn't mind them at first.  But about two weeks ago my BH contractions starting annoying me.  I say annoy because they don't really hurt.  They can be a bit uncomfortable so annoy is the best word I can think of.  I started noticing I would have them VERY frequently.  Not the four in an hour that is normal but more like 5 in 15 minutes!  This went on several hours at a time for a few days.  I know I probably should have called my doctor but I feel embarrassed calling my doctor for every pain, discomfort, etc.  I don't want to be one of those crazy women who thinks she is in labor every time she feels a tinge of pain.  So I waited until my next doctor's appointment.  I started to get nervous and last Monday I finally conceded and called the nurse and told her what was happening.  She told me to take it easy and drink LOTS of water.  Now anyone who is close to me knows I drink a ridiculous amount of water...probably over 100 oz a day.  In fact I attribute my water consumption to why I am not really bloated in my feet or my face.  So I know I was getting enough water.  Tuesday, was my appointment and I confessed to my doctor that the contractions were still coming quite regularly.  He decided to check my cervix.  Oh yay, I LOVE being poked and prodded in my lady parts....all in a day's work!  Guess I should get used to it. To our big relief I was not dilating but my doctor did but me on temporary bed rest.  He said I didn't have to stay in bed all day long necessarily but he did want me to limit my activities and work from home.  After further reading I found that sometimes mommies that are too active can bring on BH contractions.  Husband Daddy and some of my closest friends keep getting after me for doing too much.  My typical self, "no, I'm good, I can do this."  So I guess everyone was right.  So last week I worked from home.  I don't mind working from home but I DO mind not being able to do much at all.  I think I psyched myself out.  It's not like we do much during the week but knowing I wasn't really allowed to do much, even around the house, made me stir crazy.  By Friday DJ felt comfortable in letting us go to dinner with some friends and me getting my hair cut (not that he had much say because I probably would have done it anyway).  Saturday and Sunday I know I did WAY too much.  I told Husband I would rest but I had things I wanted to get done and so he agreed to help me.  Saturday I did things around the house.  Sunday we went to church and between the round ligament pain and the BH contractions I knew I was probably overdoing it.  I just had two quick errands I needed Husband to help me with and then we came home.  Friday night, all day Saturday and Sunday my BH contractions came back.  So now my stubborn self knows...I need to take it easy and really limit my activities.  I cried about it the other day because I told Husband I felt so bored and felt like I wasn't contributing to the family.  We are both very type A and sadly we feel we've had a good day when we have contributed or accomplished something.

On Monday we had a visit with our perinatal specialist.  We have been holding our breath for this one praying that he would give our lil puff nugget a clean bill of health.  Praise God because he said he no longer detected the spot on her heart and that she looked perfectly healthy!  Oh and he estimated her weight at 6 lbs.  She is a Petite Sofie no more.  He finally cleared us and turned me over 100% to my OB!

Monday afternoon was pretty rough.  I am not sure if it was because of the activity level or just plain pregnancy but I started to have BH contractions again pretty regularly.  Around 3 PM during a conference call I started to feel some new discomfort.  First, I got really clammy and nauseous and then I felt what felt like menstrual cramps in my lower back.  Nothing major just a dull ache.  Then it moved to the front.  Uh-oh....after about 1/2 hour of this I got a teensy nervous.  I tried to take deep breaths to calm myself (mind you I was on a call so I had to act like I was fine, it was probably good I was on the call because it distracted me).  After my meeting was over I decided to get up and walk around a bit.  The cramps went away and I felt much calmer.  I cooked a quick dinner (poor Husband...now all he gets are casseroles instead of my old creative cooking).  By the time Husband came home around 7 I had been feeling the dull cramps again.  In addition my round ligament pain became almost unbearable.  It hurt to even get up off the couch.  After dinner I drew myself a bath and hoped that the soak would alleviate both.  After my bath I decided to get into bed.  I get into bed around 8:30 now since it's one of the few places that is somewhat comfortable.  The aches continued but not as strong as before.

So that leads me to this morning.  After speaking with my nurse she instructed me that not much can be done for the round ligament pain except Tylenol.  She also told me that since my cramps weren't at any consistent pattern that I should be ok but I need to monitor them again today and I need to take it easy.  I am starting to think I am going to be told to take it easy (aka do nothing but stay home) until the end of my pregnancy.  Grrrrr....that frustrates me so much!  I feel like my body is being used and abused and I feel like such a pansy now!  When did I become such a  wimp?!  I mean I ran a half marathon pregnant, why can't I get through the last few weeks of pregnancy?! 

I know I need to do what's best for Sofie G.  My OB says that Sofie would be ok if she was born now but he prefers she bake a lil bit longer.  I am 35 weeks so just a few more to go.  This last part has been hard, mostly mentally challenging.  I can deal with aches and pains but being frustrated, annoyed and bored has been very hard on me.  So I apologize to all of you if I have been short in the last few weeks.  I especially need to apologize to Husband since he bears the brunt of my mood swings and craziness.  I've said it once and I will say it again but I truly have been blessed with an amazing man.  Thank you God for sending me Husband Daddy!!!!! 

Time to build a nest!

Ok so I admit it...I am a control freak.  Yes it's true, I am.  My friends and family all know this.  They say the first step to recovery is recognizing the problem...and I do, I really do.  I am not sure why I am this way.  Genetics?  Maybe.  Being on my own since I was 15?  Possibly.  Predisposed behavior?  Highly likely.  Whatever the reason, good or bad, I am a self-admitted control freak.   So I am sure it comes as no surprise that being pregnant has truly challenged this very challenging side of my personality.  On top of that, if I think pregnancy has been challenging, I KNOW being a mommy will definitely be challenging.  So why am I talking about this?  Well, I have noticed that as my pregnancy progresses I have become even more controlling (scary for those around me).  I would say it is mostly because I feel such a lack of control over my body.  You can't tell your bladder that going pee five times a night is excessive and it must stop.  Or your indigestion that you've had enough and take a hike.  Or your lil poppyseed-papaya growing inside of you to stop kicking because frankly mommy is exhausted and feels quite used.  Nope, you can't control much when you are pregnant...oh JOY!  So what can you control?  Well let me tell you....

First of all when you can't control your body and you are a control freak you need to find a new outlet to...well, control.  That said, if you have even the slightest bit of OCD (which I do, you didn't know I am also an MD--yes tis true) that will spread like a bad rash.  Second, being a control freak with OCD means trouble for everyone around.  As if it wasn't already bad enough that my fridge has to be organized in a certain manner, or the cans in my pantry have to all be facing the same way, now I am becoming a freak about even the tiniest thing!  In fact just the other day Husband was trying to be helpful and put one of the spices away.  When I opened the spice cabinet I was horrified to find the paprika in the wrong spot. 

"Daniel did you put this here?!"

"Yes babe, isn't that where it goes?"

"Um NO, it goes here!" (I move said paprika 1/4 of an inch to the right and turn it so the label is facing out).

So as you can see I have fallen off the edge.  Now back to taking control.  Like I said, when you can't control your body you need a new outlet and boy have I found mine.  ORGANIZING!!!!  Oh the word even brings a smile to my face and warms my heart!  Yes my friends I have become an uber organizer.  I have always like to organize but now it's a whole new ballgame.  I use all my expendable energy on organizing anything and everything.  In fact the other day I thought I had nothing left to organize but was elated when I realized there were still a few items I could tackle!  Sick, I know.  Some also refer to this period as nesting.  In fact Wikipedia (sorry Webster's but now we techies go to Wikipedia) defines nesting as: commonly characterized by a strong urge to clean and organize one's home and is one reason why couples who are expecting a baby often reorganize, arrange, and clean the house and surroundings.  So yes, I would say that perfectly defines what has taken place at Casa Jenkins.  Note the reference above about couples.  Another sad reality is that when mommy-to-be nests, then daddy-to-be is forced into the same behavior.  After all they do say for better or worse.  Not to mention the fact that the unit (my belly) is quite prohibiting.  How does one organize the kitchen cabinets when the unit prevents you from even being able to reach your cabinets because it bumps the countertops.  Or how can you organize the entire media storage under your TV when the unit won't even let you bend down halfway?  Insert said spouse to the rescue.  Luckily (actually more by God's grace) I have a husband who rolls with it.  He stopped asking, "honey wasn't this already organized?" when I was on my third round of REorganizing something.  He also stopped asking, "so is this what nesting is all about."  Ok I admit it, I have not only organized some items but I have reorganized others...it made me feel better.  I feel such happiness and pride when I complete a project.  So much so that I decided to document the end results.  Now please don't be a Debbie Downer and give me a "wha, wha" response of, "you know it won't stay like that forever when baby arrives?" or "wait to your kid comes and messes it all up.  Yes, people I know the harsh reality is that things won't stay this way and I won't maintain it but can't a girl bask in her own glory for a bit?  I mean I put a lot of hard work and effort into this, a simple, "job well done" will suffice.  So please, please leave your negative comments at the door and I will try to organize those later.  ;)

Here are some photos of a few of my projects.  Oh and I included some of Husband Daddy.  As noted in exhibits A-E, he too has been a part of this process. 

Exhibit A:  Husband Daddy's famous last words before putting together all of Sofia's "necessities;" "I have a feeling this is going to be a VERY frustrating day."  Now c'mon daddies you know you love an excuse to pull out your toolbox; I'm just guessing you would rather be putting together more "manly" items.  ;)

Exhibit B: Next up the Snap-N-Go.  He's still smiling.

Exhibit C: Husband showed this Snap-N-Go the business and put it together in record time.  This is his version of his ghetto thug-life mean face.  Um, it's not working. 

Exhibit D: And now for the baby car seat.

Surprise!  This one came already assembled!

Exhibit E: Last up, the Baby Jogger stroller.  I must say I am so glad he put these together, only bad thing, I don't know how these things work.  Husband will have to give me a lesson.  This was also the gift I was most excited about.  I don't know why I think I am going to be running 10 miles the second Sofia Grace arrives home.  Wishful thinking maybe.  I WILL however, train for my next half marathon with her.  Me and Sofie G!

Chloe's version of nesting.  She likes to take the term literally.

My second project was organizing the pantry, which many of you saw.  I can't help it, I was most proud of this project so I decided to post it again.

Storage bins in my office complete with labels.  Yes people, I LOVE to label things whenever possible!

Our medicine and towel closet.  Now I will admit, I took the idea of labeling the medicine bins by medicine types from Pinterest.  Hopefully this eliminates the ever annoying, always endearing question, "babe, where is the pepto?" or "do we have any Advil?"  We shall see.

A closer view.  Oh and yes those are extra shampoos, conditioners and body washes in that top bin.  In addition to loving to organize I love to coupon.  I decided to stock up on as many essentials (toiletries, laundry detergents, cleaning products, etc.) as possible before Sofia arrives.  My thought is I won't have either the time or energy to run to the store all the time so I wanted a backup reserve.  My good friend Amanda calls our home Costco.

Under my sink.  Not my best work but much better than before.

Ahh....zee closet.  Sadly, these are all my shoes and sadly, I had to give a bunch away when the carpenter came to build all of this storage in my closet.   Husband likes to tell people he almost didn't marry me when he saw all the shoes, clothes, purses and scarves (mmm...my favorite) in my closet.  I must be super charming because he still married me.

Another view.  I think I may have a boot obsession.  I also like all my hangers to match if possible.  This is not a cheap thing to do.  I have had to buy them a little at a time.  Also not shown...my famous scarf collection.  I have over 100 the last time I counted which is ludicrous but I still love them just the same!

Here is a view of the vanity we had built so I can store all my accessories since I seem to be an accessory addict.  In fact, I would venture to say I like accessories more than clothes.

And another view.

Viola!  The vanity.  This is my lil dressing room area.  Husband Daddy painted Sofie's closet to match.  Uh-oh trouble.  He's such a sweet Husband!

Le Chateau di Sofie

Ok, ok...many of you have asked what Sofie's room looks like and I think I am finally at a point where I can share.  Now keep in mind a few things; 1) there really isn't a theme (sorry I just couldn't pick one I liked and I'm not really into characters, animals, etc.---not that there is anything wrong with them but I'm just not into them), 2) my taste is very...what's the word...eclectic--my style is not for everyone but I think Sofie will like it :), 3) there are still some things to finish out and possibly change.  So when I say eclectic I guess I say that because I love old and new things.  Anyone who has been to our house knows I love to mix old rustic pieces and antiques with newer modern styles.  Maybe it's the wild Leo side of me that just loves a hodge podge of everything.  So when we started on Sofia's room I knew that I wanted either antique furniture or furniture that looks old.  The other thing about me and decorating is I am cheap.  It's kind of like a game to me.  I set a budget and then if I stay under it I feel like I won.  I know, I know, I am strange but I can't help it.  That said, you will see me talk a lot about deals I found on things for her room...it kind of makes me giddy to find a good bargain.  Probably just another extension of my OCD rearing it's ugly head.  All in all I wanted to create a room that Sofia could grow into, surrounded by treasures that were either handed down or had special meaning.  Daniel says it's my Bohemian side coming out.  I guess we can call it that.

Here are some photos of her room to date.  Oh and special shout out to Husband Daddy for rearranging furniture at all hours of the night about 100 x, patching the 13 holes I put in the wall to hang the bird art and just loving Sofia and I enough to help.  Love you Husband Daddy!

 

I painted the accent wall with yellow peonies since peonies are my favorite flower.  After loving it, I kind of wonder if it's too busy but everyone else seems to love it and Husband is strictly opposed to repainting the wall.

I had the shades made by a lady on Etsy.  I am most proud of the recliner.  This is the same one they sell at Baby's 1st but I was not about to pay $1,000 for a chair so I did some investigating and found a vendor online who sells it for $600!  The changing table is an antique from the early 1900's as well as the side table.  The first thing I bought for her room were the angel wings...I absolutely adored them.  The first ones I found were on Restoration Kids but they were over $300...sorry but I just could not pay that.  I found these online and painted them to match the mirror (from Marshall's).  Oh and these wings were $60.

The room arrangement gave me a heart attack.  Originally I wanted the crib on the wall with the mirror but it just looked silly there.  I have am very picky when it comes to furniture placement and design...I get very OCD.  This layout "felt right."  I looked for an antique ladder in the Heights but they were asking over $200 for them.  As usual I said, "no way" and got online and found a vendor in Illinois that sells antique ladders from old farms and farm houses.  This one was $50!

Another view of her room in the evening.  I love warm lighting and I am so happy we chose this to be her room because it is so peaceful and cozy.  The pups LOVE Sofie's room. In fact I think Chloe thinks this is her room.

Another view--wish the lighting was better in these photos.

The book shelf is an antique from the 1930's.  It used to be a display case in an old grocery store.  I LOVE this piece.  I actually spotted it about six months before I even knew I was pregnant  but just did not have a place for it in our home.  It has about 100 layers of paint on it which I love.  I am still working on rearranging and decorating the shelves.  Shelves are always such a pain to me.  Oh and the best thing about this piece is that it was about $200 less than anything I found in the stores.

Another view of her book shelf.  Ugh and the Diaper Genie...can't they make those things look any better.  They are a must but Lord they need some design help!  I made the framed letters above.  Etsy had people selling them for $20 a piece.  I just went to Hobby Lobby, bought 50% off frames, scrapbook paper and letters and put it all together.  I think the entire project cost $30.

Another view of her bookshelves.  I had the framed prints made by a girl on Etsy for only $15.  I thought they were pretty sweet.  The old baby shoes were something I bought in an antique store in Comfort.  I bought them with my aunt.  I wasn't even pregnant but I told her they would be perfect for when/if we had a baby and I would give them to Husband during the gender reveal.  I took a guess and bought lil girl shoes...funny how things work out.

The books are antique books from the 1940's.  I collect old books and wanted Sofia to have a collection of her own too.  The handkerchief is the same one that I carried on my bouquet on our wedding day.  It was a gift from Daniel's mom, it belonged to her mom.  I love it!

More old books ranging from the late 1800's to the 1930's.  The apothecary jars look old but they are from Pottery Barn.  They don't really match anything specific but they reminded me of something I would find in an East Coast antique store.

Close-up of the wings and Marshall's mirror.

I had these commissioned for Sofie's room by a fabulous artist on Etsy (she actually painted the dog portraits in our home).  From left to right each bird represents a member of our family; Husband, me (I am the mockingbird, fitting since mockingbirds can be mean and crazy), Sofia Grace and our two pups Gracie and Chloe.

Vintage looking book shelf with antique books from the late 1800's and Daniel's grandmothers Bible.  The baskets are where all her diaper changing creams, lotions, powders are hidden.

Sweet lil pink bunny by JellyBelly (I received a stuffed animal as a gift made by them and fell in love with the corduroy look and feel, they look old fashioned to me).  The book is a book from the 1930's that was a gift at my last baby shower.  guests signed their names and wrote notes inside. 

Sophies for Sofie!  I found the scale at my favorite antique shop.  I can't wait to take a newborn pic of her in it (not quite sure how that will work but we shall find out).

Side table with mommy and daddy close by.

Old ladder used as blanket storage.  The first two blankets were gifts which were made for Sofia.  The second one is actually folded in reverse but when you open it up it is a beautiful rag quilt...something Sofie can cherish forever.

I needed to fill some wall space and couldn't decide what I wanted.  Then one night (at 3 AM) I woke up with an idea.  Why  not write a letter to Sofia Grace?!  The letter just contains some prayers and wishes I have for her and serves as a reminder that I will always be there for her.  Husband will have one also right below this one.

And now....le CLOSET!  Husband was so sweet and painted her closet to match mine.  He wanted her to have a lil dressing room like her mommy has (I KNEW I married the right man).  The vanity belonged to his grandmother when she was little.  The angel was made my Gpa (Daniel's grandpa who passed away last year).  The shadow box will house her hospital keepsakes (outfit, ID bracelet, etc.).  Yes, that is her hospital bag, all packed and ready to be put in the car.  The chalkboard above includes the verse that is in our maternity pics.  When Husband was hanging the hooks he said, "are these for all her scarves?  Because if she's anything like her momma she will have 100s of them."

A sampling of her clothes.  Sadly there are more in her dresser and hanging on the opposite side of her closet.  We actually haven't really bought much for her, most of these were gifts!

A VERY small sampling of her shoes.  C'mon every proper girl needs a large shoe collection!

Alright, I will admit it, I went crazy labeling everything in our home during the nesting period.  However, this also serves as a way for Husband to know where things go so he doesn't ask me every five seconds, "where do her socks, go?"  We shall see if it works.  If not, well at least it looks cute.

It's showering....again!

Hi Everyone, just a quick post to talk about my second baby shower which took place in Dayton this weekend (Dayton, TX not Ohio:) ).  My mother-in-law and her friends were gracious enough to host a shower for myself and Sofia Grace.  It was just adorable.  They took the color swatch from Sofia's nursery and themed the entire shower around it.  These ladies put in a lot of hard work from the adorable onsie invitations, onsie cookies, bird cutouts, food, onsie banner and more.  It was so sweet!  Daniel came along with me so he could partake in some of the festivities.  He was pretty cute sitting next to me as we opened gifts together.  I think he actually enjoyed opening gifts!  

Speaking of gifts we were so blessed.  Sofia now has a closet full of clothes and more hats (I think she has up to 15 hats right now....I can't help it...I'm obsessed with accessories).  I was so excited to receive both our strollers, our car seat and her bathtub and bath supplies.  

It was such a great shower and I am so blessed that we have such wonderful in-laws and family friends.  Here are a few photos from the shower.  I am sad to report that I was so caught up in everything I didn't take more photos and forgot to take photos with the hostesses...shame on me.

Yummy cupcakes...they even made grey frosting to match Sofia's room!

Sweet onsie banner.

Onsie cookies made with love from scratch by my mother-in-law.

Lots of yummy fresh fruit...my favorite!  Oh and banana pudding cups!

Sign in table with a vintage book from the 1940's for quests to sign in on and advice birds on branches (for guests to write advice to us).

The tablescape complete with cute Sofie G outfit and adorable hat!