Good idea- bad idea

Good idea:  Fire stations offering free carseat inspections to families to ensure child safety

Bad idea:  Letting self-righteous firefighter/volunteer "Certified Carseat Inspection Experts" make parents who are trying to do the right thing feel like crap.  I am aware our carseat is not barnd new.  It was a hand-me-down from a family member and I know its history.  It is not that old, less than the 10 years listed by the manufacturer - shouldn't have to SIGN a form agreeing to purchase a new carseat.  Would I recommend your service to others?  Hell no, I think expectant parents are anxious enough without judgement. 

I wonder how they treat the family who rolls up with a couple new-to-them carseats in a banged up car? 

Oh, and the lecture about not forgetting to drop your kid off at daycare, that 20 kids die every year from that type of neglect?  Really?  Do our professional dress work clothes scream drug-addled idiots?  I understand what you are trying to do, but you'll make more of a difference if you approach it from a helping standpoint rather than a high-handed you-will-probably-be-a-bad-parent-unlike-me-I-am-super-awesome one.  I think anyone who comes in to your little clinic shuld be given kudos for taking steps toward child safety, not insults.

You suck Corvallis Fire Department.  I am not buying a new infant carseat, (I'll have to buy a toddler one in a year anyway) and if I did, I definitely would not be bringing it to YOU to check.   

The "final" date night

Last night Mike and I went out on a date.  We don't do it much, as evidenced by Lawrence's shock and dismay that he would not be accompanying us.  We saw  "What to expect when you are expecting", which from the previews looked to be a romantic comedy about the funny side of becoming parents.  It had its funny moments, but it was largely a serious movie about relationships and how they are impacted by pregnancy/expecting a baby.  Movie fail, if anything the birth scenes were absolutely terrifying.  The c-section mama lost consciousness on the table and you are left with the husband in the hallway in tears.  She was okay, but that hit a little too close to home when we are scheduled in 9 days.

So to lighten up, or try to, afterwards we went shopping.  Mike was seriously dismayed at the cost of baby stuff, luckily we were given all the big items and clothes by his sister whose son is almost 1, otherwise our gear would be much more limited.  He picked out some cute bibs, and camo pacifiers (I had to just let this go, I hate them, but I did make it clear that about 6 months is my upper limit for kid's using them...)  I got some baby medicines (gas drops, diaper rash ointment, etc) and a nursing nightgown, and hangars.  We are fairly lame.  :)

And we headed home.  It is likely the last time we will be out, just the two of us, until after Ellsworth is here.  My countdown clock is in single digits. 

Off-topic - Most recent concern:  my fingers have gone numb from swelling in my wrists and I can't grip things or close my hands into fists.  I have to type with the 2 fingers on my left hand that still work well.  I'm nervous about holding the baby safely.  :( 

A moment of silence

Lawrence is sleeping.  Mike is away.

Just me and the garden hose, admiring my tomatoes and flowers.

The hammock calls, the chores can wait.

Happy Saturday!

Seriously close...

My countdown timer says 17 days.  Ack!

I'm really feeling these last few weeks of pregnancy.  I was very lucky with Lawrence and never had much swelling, and I am paying for it by having at least double-duty swelling this time.  My legs are the same size from the knees down and then suddenly toes appear!  It's freakish.

Other than that I am okay. I've lost all faith in my OB, so that is discouraging but in a month I never have to see her again so, oh well.  She is just very quick to prescribe drugs without really exploring what is wrong.  I am proud to say I am have zero medications, even OTC, this entire pregnancy and plan to tough out the aches, pains, swelling and headaches without dumping tylenol or benadryl on them (which I doubt would work anyway...)

The house and projects need to get some attention this weekend. Mike will be down at his dad's house so I'm hoping I can be motivated and not just lay about with my feet elevated as I suspect I will be tempted to.

On another countdown, and one I am more excited about - 11 days left of work!

My bling

I can't actually wear them right now, but aren't they beautiful?  Mike has a simple Tungstun band, it feels really heavy and looks great on him. :)

Yesterday I got married

and it was a perfect day  :)

We didn't have a "ceremony" exactly, the actual wedding was just signing the license to make it official.  The wedding day, on the other hand, had a lot of pieces.

I got up and made breakfast for my men, red-white-and-blue pancakes.  We ate together and had a relaxed morning with no stress.  I tried on a couple things and Mike said he liked a sundress so we headed out.  After a short visit with a friend and some signatures, Mike and I left Lawrence and had ourselves a date-day.

We actually started with a nap!  It was wonderful to sleep without worrying about anything, in a completely quiet house, with no alarms.  Later we had dinner at Red Lobster which was delicious and again fun to do as just a couple.  We had plenty of time to just talk and relax.

Add in some ice cream and a non-PG movie in the living room before bed and it was very reminiscent of our early dating days, before work and school and pregnancy started demanding so much time.  I can't imagine a better way to celebrate making our commitment official.