They admitted me after confirming my bag of waters was in fact leaking. It was about 1700 Tuesday, 19 Feb. A nurse came in and did a very rough membrane sweep and contractions started. They then gave me my first I.V. at 1845. They gave me antibiotics (broken bag) and a Pitocin drip and the contractions really started coming. The contractions were coming too frequent so they took me off the Pitocin and I was contracting naturally. I GOT AN EPIDURAL. Fan-freaking-tastic. I then labored until about noon on Wednesday the 20th. I wasn't progressing and the dr realized I still had the bag of waters intact and broke it. She thought there may have been some meconium. I was at 5 cm and since the doctors didn't really know when my bag of waters broke they wanted to get her out. Cailey was delivered at 1330 on the 20th by C-section. When I was done in the OR they sent me to recovery but I got to hold Cailey for a few seconds on the way. They sent me up to the mother baby unit after the recovery room and I got to hold Cailey for the second time. We tried breastfeeding and then my liquid dinner came in. Something wasn't right and not only was I feeling extreme pain, everyone said I was super pale. After every doctor in the hospital pushed and mashed my abdomen and I was wrenching in pain they rushed me in to the OR for emergency surgery. They went right back in through the C section incision and found they had nicked an artery. My abdomen and uterus was filled with blood. After they repaired the artery they 'nicked' they tried to get all the blood out. The last thing I remembered was them cutting the stitches or removing the staples from my belly and then BAM I was awake and in the Intensive Care Unit. I had several blood transfusions. They released me back to the Mother Baby unit Friday afternoon and released us from the hospital Saturday afternoon. Everyone's been astonished at how fast I've recovered. Not recovered enough though I gotta go put my feet back up and will add more details AND PICTURES later.

Wednesday, September 5, 2007 - We found out we were pregnant on Father's Day '07. After the second test, I still didn't believe it. But the blood test confirmed it. We'd been living together for 2 months and we both were basically freaked out. Now that I'm 16 weeks along, our feelings about the situation have dramatically changed and we couldn't be more excited. We have a pup named Okie (Oakmaster Lee Joseph LOL). He is a Mastiff/Pit Bull/Bulldog mix. I can't wait for him to get huge! I had my first ultrasound at 12 weeks because the doctor couldn't get the heartbeat with the doppler. Let me tell you I was ecstatic to be able see the heartbeat AND hear it (180bpm), rather than just the latter. We've decided to get married and are picking our rings up this week. I haven't gained any weight yet. How could I be getting a bigger belly but not gain anything? I think I'm losing all my muscle mass and replacing it with fat because I haven't been working out like before. My "morning sickness" involved extreme nausea at times. Other symptoms early on in my pregnancy were cramps and tiredness. They felt like bad menstrual cramps and hurt all the way down to my knees. As for the tiredness, ALL I DID WAS SLEEP. I'd get home from work and sleep and then sleep all through the night! Prenatals made me constipated so I've been taking 2 Flintstone vitamins a day instead. I go to the doctor tomorrow and I'm hoping to get my second ultrasound. I haven't heard the heartbeat since August 7th and a month gives you a lot of time to get paranoid. Did I mention my due date is the same day as Will, my Aunt Phyllis and my pup Okie's birthday? I doubt I'll deliver on that day though. At first, I felt like I was having a boy most likely because I wanted a boy, but I now feel like I'm having a girl.

Friday, September 7, 2007 - Yesterday was blues day and guess who couldn't fit into her uniform? Doctor found the heartbeat FAST! It was 160bpm and she said that every time we heard a little blip sound it was the baby moving, we heard it a lot! She kept asking "do you feel that?" and I kept saying nope. I'm still unsure, but I think I did feel the baby move while she had the doppler pressed on my abdomen. I said, "whoa!" And since I'm still not sure of what I felt, I was embarassed lol. They only drew one vial of blood for the quad screen and I got to schedule my "big" ultrasound with Radiology!!! September 28th I will know if I'm having a Healthy boy or girl! Will wants a girl and I just want a healthy baby. But I think it's gonna be a girl. To make yesterday even better, we went and picked up the wedding rings and they both fit us perfectly. When we got home, he got down on one knee and proposed, it was so damn cute. Now he's wearing his around saying it's his wedding SLASH engagement ring and told me to wear mine so I am lol. Yesterday was a great day for us and we were both on cloud 9 knowing that the baby is ok. And today is Friday! I hope everyone else is doing well. Much love, -Cari

Monday, September 10, 2007 - The doctor said my hair has been falling out because there's more new hair growing and it's pushing the old hair out. But if it starts falling out in clumps, that's when we need to worry. I worked myself kinda hard this weekend although I had one of the worst headaches. I am pretty sure they're coming from my neck. I held off taking acetaminophen as long as I could. It dulled the pain but I was still in a crummy mood. Several of our friends are leaving for deployments so we had 2 going away's to go to. I will miss them all so much!
I bought a solid oak coffee table and end table for $15 each on Friday. I sanded the coffee table on Saturday and one of the legs fell off LOL so I glued it back on, screwed some screws back into it and it's fine now. I stained it in my garage with the garage door open...don't think it was very safe for me to be doing. My dog Okie just wanted to eat the stain which isn't surprising to me. THE PACKERS BEAT THE EAGLES WOOT!!!

Monday, September 17, 2007 - 18 weeks - My coffee table turned out beautiful. My nausea has diminished! And Will and I are great. A little kid asked me why I had my Halloween decorations up so early LOL I didn't answer him...what a jerk I am...I made enchiladas yesterday that turned out delicious!
I'm upset because my brother is having a party to celebrate his new marriage and I can't go because I won't have enough leave! I'm stationed in Colorado and they're in California. If my class in San Jose wasn't freaking cancelled, I would have had more than enough leave so I could be there for my big brother :-(
Pains in the butt for the second trimester so far have been nausea, extremely tender breasts, semi-tiredness and bloating/gas lol. I've started to notice dried up colostrum on my nipples but no noticeable leaking. My nipples itch/hurt so bad! I hate the dizziness/lightheadedness when I get up. I'm still very tired too. Definitely not as tired as the 1st trimester, but it is honestly painful for me to sit at work so tired and so sleepy and not be able to do anything about it.
Will decided to pressure his parents into telling him what his grandparents said about us. His mom's father and step-mother said that Will's life/career is over if he gets married this young (he's 23 too) and that we should have an ABORTION. By the time he was off the phone I was bawling. I just felt TERRIBLE. His father reassured him that just because his grandparents said those things it is NOT how they feel about the situation. When he got off the phone, he was more upset at how sad I was than anything. By the end of the day we both managed to forget about it. ANYWHO, we're still as happy as we could be. No, we're not proud of what has happened, but we're dealing with it the best way we can, together. Packers are now 2-0 after defeating the Giants.

Wednesday, September 19, 2007 - U.S. Airways has the right to change your previously purchased flight/ticket up to 2 hours without your consent and you get NO refund. I'm pretty pissed off. If you use a 3rd party discount ticket organization like Orbitz, Travelocity, Priceline, etc. you get NO refund. Just figured y'all would wanna know that.
I'm getting married tomorrow, Thursday, September 20th @ 1200 at the courthouse. I just got a call saying they have to reschedule my u/s. Now I don't go in until October 4th and I'm sad that I have to wait that much longer to see my little sweetheart again.

Thursday, September 20, 2007 I have to vent about what happened yesterday. I went and got gas and remembered that someone said my tire was kind of low so I went to put air in it and THERE WAS A NAIL POKING OUT! So I had to get a new tire for $140 after work cause the nail was in the sidewall (not repairable). I was PISSED and didn't feel good, thank goodness it only took an hour. I'm getting married today :-) I need to just relax and smile. I WANT SUSHI!

September 25, 2007 - The little ceremony went pretty quick but still made me cry! We ate at my favorite restaurant afterwards and I had to resort to california roll cause I can't have raw sushi :-( I can't wait until my u/s next Thursday :-D I read today that women pregnant with boys eat 10% more than women pregnant with girls. Weird huh? I've been feeling great! Just when I stand up it feels like my tummy's gonna fall to the floor lol I've held off wearing the maternity BDU's but I'm thinking next week will be time (my pants have been unbuttoned for at least a month lol) I bought the second plane ticket today and was able to get the same exact flight as Will but it cost me $400. OUCHIE. I hope everyone is doing great and saving more money than me! Packers are now 3-0.

Wednesday, October 3, 2007 - 20 Weeks 4 days - My mom is giving me a baby shower back in CA with all my family and friends on November 10th and I can't wait. I hope to have one here in Colorado Springs at the end of January when my friends get back from deployment. I get my BIG 20 week ultrasound tomorrow morning and can't wait. I felt the baby for the first time this last Monday at 20 weeks and 3 days, it was indescribable and amazing and I don't want it to ever stop. Packers are 4-0! Hope to know the gender of my baby tomorrow morning! Much love to you all!

IT'S A HEALTHY GIRL!!!

Cailey Anne Marie

October 9, 2007 - We have decided to pay $200 for a 3D/4D ultrasound. We go on Nov 6th and I can't wait to see her again! We will get a video of her and better pictures and I get to show them at the baby shower! We have to drive to Denver for it but it's WORTH IT. Everything's been going great with the pregnancy except that I could use a bit more attention from my husband. Packers are now 4-1 and I'm pretty upset about the game they played this weekend. And I've had a lovely sore throat for several days now. Much love, Cari.

October 11, 2007 - I had a ton of weird dreams last night. In my favorite one, I woke up from the baby moving and looked down and she was actually moving my tummy and the sheets. So I woke Will up and grabbed his hand and put it on my belly and was saying "YOU HAVE TO BE ABLE TO FEEL THAT!" he could feel it, but I think it went to a different dream quickly afterwards so I didn't get to see his reaction. I guess I will be able to see his reaction when it really happens :-) And my mom was kind enough to say "are you sure that's what you want to name her?" if I was home, I'd have to punch her in the arm!

October 15, 2007 - I am wearing the maternity BDU tent today and just want to hide.
Packers are 5-1 woot! I was very happy they pulled it off against the Redskins...whew :-) I am exhausted AGAIN this week and just want to lay in bed and sleep but I had to go to work. So then all I do is look forward to going home all day LOL but who doesn't???

Tuesday, October 16, 2007 - Freaking figures. Will and I have spent a lot of time apart because of the military, and we thought we'd be inseparable until after the baby was born. But NO, he got tagged to go to New Jersey next week because the individual previously tasked is getting kicked out. We had a class to go to next week, but I will be going alone. I know they could do worse (let's pray they don't) but it still pisses me off. He was told today that he's leaving Friday morning. I can't wait to get out in April! My measely 6 weeks of maternity leave will be up right at the time I separate!

Sunday, October 21, 2007 - The Packers have a bye week this week so no Packer football this weekend :-(
Whenever Will is gone, I end up doing A LOT around the house. I don't really know why. He asked me if he holds me back...I don't think he does. Lately it's been hard to catch my breath. Bending is the worst actually. 2 more weeks of work and I get to go to CA! I can't wait to see my family.
Today turned out to be a great day. In fact, I ended up falling down the stairs. I was halfway down and started slipping. I was able to sort of hold myself up with my arm and ended up skiing down each step. I landed on my butt at the bottom and sat there. I thought, that wasn’t hard enough to hurt the baby and I’m not having any abdominal pains, now is my arm broken? It was on fire. I sat there and the pain in my arm and some of my fingers was slowly getting better. Then I tried to move my arm and I could move it. So then I sat there and cried because it could’ve been so much worse! Okie kept trying to get in my lap and I just kept yelling at him. I have a nasty bruise on the inside of my arm and it’s very tender and the joint kind of hurts, but I’m fine. I sat in bed and didn’t move for the rest of the day.

Thursday, October 25, 2007 - I have had the worst week ever and I feel like crap. All I want right now is for Will to come home. He won't be back until tomorrow night. I feel depressed. One of my friends from high school said she thinks I don't even consider us friends anymore. I'm pretty upset about it. I just want to sit at home with my dog. I'm so sad.

Friday, November 2, 2007 - I had my 24 week appt yesterday. The baby is in the 30th percentile for how big she is so she's smaller than most but just barely :-) fine with me! I asked about my joints hurting and she gave me a bunch of reasons why. Hormones, cold weather change, weight gain, oh and that I'm pregnant. From my last appt I gained 10 pounds but since my first appt I've only gained 9 pounds total...crazy how that works. My uterus is measuring 2cm bigger than normal and she said +/- 2cm from average is what do you know? NORMAL. Packers are 6-1 after defeating the Unicorns...I mean...the Broncos tee hee. We're going to CA next Wednesday and I can't wait. We're also getting our 3D/4D ultrasound next Tuesday too! I've only got to work 1 1/2 days next week YAY! My baby shower with all my family is next Saturday too! I hope I don't overdo it...I doubt I will. I need to go shopping for clothes...I hate shopping. Much love, -Me.

Monday, November 5, 2007 - How about those Packers?!? Woot! 7-1! I CAN'T WAIT TO BE IN CALI ON WEDNESDAY!!! I bought one more pair of fatty jeans hope that'll do lol.

Tuesday, November 6, 2007 - I have my 3D ultrasound today and I'm nervous...I DON'T KNOW WHY! I really can't wait to see Cailey's face, but nervous they may find something wrong. What if they find out she's really a boy? Like I've said before, I just need to relax.

Tuesday, November 13, 2007 - Packers are now 8-1. I LOVE IT!!! They said your team better watch out for Peterson (Vikings' RB)...BIG GOOSE EGG. 34-0 vs. the Vikings. I posted the 3D pictures that we got from last week. She kept covering her face so we get to go back and try again for free. We'll get the video this time and the "color" pictures. Cailey has been kicking me nonstop and I LOVE IT. Sometimes it startles me though lol. Flying to California sucked and even though the tickets were expensive, IT WAS WORTH IT. I got to see my family :-) the trip was not long enough. NOT EVEN CLOSE. Cailey got a TON of clothes at the baby shower, and several quilts from her grandma. Her great aunt and a friend of the family bought us a very nice stroller. Our family is home and happy. I think Okie, my poor little boy, is the happiest to be home.

Monday, November 26, 2007 - Packers are now 10-1 YAYAH! They beat the Panthers and the Lions. They play the Cowboys this week and it's going to be a good game. I just got back from Georgia and I had such an excellent time. My new family is FANTASTIC. The flight was direct, but horrible for my pregnant self. I can't believe there's only 82 days left until Cailey gets here. We finally painted Cailey's room's closet and I painted a shelf to go in there too. But we still have to finish taking down the wallpaper and paint. TOO MUCH TO DO. I bought some of the Dreft laundry detergent that's meant for babies so I'm going to start washing all of her stuff and she has a ton of stuff too. I have been craving a rib eye steak for I dunno how long and I bought some at the store yesterday and I can't wait to eat mine for dinner tonight. I'm so happy to be home, although being back at work SUCKS. Will got sick before we left for Georgia and guess who has the sickness now? ME! I need to remember to bring tissues to work with me tomorrow. I finally set a date for my second 3D attempt at getting a picture of Cailey's face. December 8th :-) she's going to be so much bigger this time! My Thanksgiving was awesome and I am now more thankful than ever for everything I have. Even though it is painful at times, I am so happy everything with this pregancy has worked out so well. I can't wait to hold my little girl in my arms.

November 29, 2007 - I have my 28 week appt today and my glucose test and who knows what else they want to do. I need to remember to tell her about my hip and ask her about all the classes at the hospital. And I have this little white dot/bump on my nipple that I'll ask her about.

Friday, November 30, 2007 - Today is a day of mourning. The Cowboys beat the Packers last night 27-37 making the Packers' 10-2 and Brett Favre injured his right elbow and left shoulder leaving Aaron Rodgers in charge of the Packer offense. On a different note, I drank the "orange soda glucose solution" and they took 2 vials of blood an hour later for the Gestational Diabetes test. Apparently no news is good news so if I get a call it's bad. I gained 8 lbs since my last appointment bringing my total weight gain to 17 lbs. The doctor is worried I'll gain 10 lbs a month 'til birth. Which if I do, I'll have gained 43 lbs total by the end of this adventure. I could care less how much I gain! I just want a healthy baby! The white dot on my nipple is either a plugged duct or a small cyst (thanks doc) and I was told to put a warm cloth on it. As for my hip hurting so bad I can hardly walk: "it's just your joints expanding." Gosh I love the answers I get...not. Will let the weight gain thing go straight to his freaking head and he's trying to control everything now and it's pissing me off. I'm still sick and have been cranky and now Will is trying to control me. It's not gonna happen. ANYWAYS, hope we can paint Cailey's room this weekend and I hope our geek party on Sunday doesn't piss me off too much.

Wednesday, December 5, 2007 - I went to get my flu vaccine yesterday and they are out of it. As soon as I got to my phone I saw I had a missed call from some random number and a voice mail. So I check my voice mail and it turns out, 5 days later or 3 business days later, they call to tell me that my sugar levels were elevated when I did the 1 hour glucose/gestational diabetes test. Now I have to drive the 45 minutes to the hospital to pick up a 3 day diet (that they can't send to me!) and schedule my blood test for the 4th day. Then drive to the hospital (Will's driving) again for the 3 hour blood test where they immediately take blood to make sure I fasted, make me drink "the drink" and take blood the 1st, 2nd and 3rd hour. I'm pretty freaking stressed out about it all and I hadn't felt the baby since last night, but I just felt her slithering around. Work is making me more stressed out too because we have a bunch of BS going on. I just want to take all my leave right now, but then I won't have any for later when I'm sure I'm going to need it. I hate everything today and I'm just glad I got to vent, even if it's on here.

Tuesday, December 11, 2007 - So I did the "unspeakable" this Sunday. I painted Cailey's entire room all by myself, and my husband slept on the couch that night. The room has vaulted ceilings and a cubby/shelf above the closet so it's not like I was painting a normal 4 walled room. I put a picture in my album on here. It was way too much for me to do and I was hurting and CRYING Sunday night. I'm so glad to have a husband that is so willing to help me out. One that shows me every day that me and his unborn daughter are more important to him than playing a video game. I told my mom what happened and she was pissed, then he got mad at me for telling my mom THE TRUTH and putting him on the spot. It took me forever to really speak to him Monday morning when he went with me to get my 3 hour diabetes test. Speaking of which, I called the clinic this morning and didn't get a definite answer from a doctor, but "the results look pretty good" according to the nurse that answered the phone. A doctor is going to call me tomorrow afternoon. The Packers beat the Raiders...no surprise really, but I was still worried. They are now 11-2. I have no Christmas tree up and only a couple decorations and I don't know where I get any energy from, ESPECIALLY enough energy to paint a whole room! Anyways, hope to find out the real results of the grueling 3 hour blood test that gave me 4 holes in my arms tomorrow.

Thursday, December 13, 2007 - First of all, work sucks. I am exhausted and don't want to be there. By the end of the day, I am ready to die. I absolutely NEED to tell the doctor next week to put me on shorter days. Second of all, I DON'T HAVE DIABETES! I'm sorry to anyone and everyone that has or has had gestational diabetes, but I'm very VERY relieved not to have it. Especially right now because of the holidays and not being able to eat junk food would drive me freaking crazy!

Monday, December 17, 2007 - Packers beat the Rams (big surprise) making them 12-2 :-) I have an appointment Thursday and I am going to ask the OB/midwife for shorter work days and to write me up a shoe waiver because these combat boots are starting to get to me. I am DYING at work every day and apparently a 40 hour duty week doesn't mean 730-330 every day, but 730-430 every day and official appointments count against the 40 hours. So if I go to an appointment for 2 hours, I have to make up those hours by working until 430 on another day. I'm sorry, but I'm pretty damn sure that's not the way it is supposed to work. I'm just going to complain/tough it out until my appointment on Thursday where I hope to get some help.

8 weeks to go. Will and I feel terrible because the crib we were given was either ruined while it was shipped, or worse, his aunt gave it to his dad to ship in the condition it was in but anyways it's NOT USABLE. So I went and bought/ordered a crib with a matching dresser. They probably won't be in until after the holidays. I wish it would get here before I have these holiday days off because I could actually get some stuff done. I can't wait to just take all of my freaking leave/vacation and then separate from this place. I might have re-enlisted if I didn't work where I work now. I have tons of appointments: baby classes, doctor's appointments and out-processing appointments. I can't wait for Cailey to just get here already. We had the second 3D ultrasound this weekend and I cried the second we saw her face. I'm very lucky to be having a healthy pregnancy. :-)

Tuesday, December 18, 2007 - Everyone is telling me to go to our First Sergeant and talk to him about the 40 hour work week dealio, but I'm going to tough it out until my appointment on Thursday. I AM EXHAUSTED. Trying to sleep at night feels impossible for me now. And getting up in the morning to go to work is the worst torture EVER...no wait...feeling Cailey push my stomach acids up into my esophagus is the worst torture ever. I really hope the doctor isn't a B and helps me out with everything. Shoe waiver and shorter work days. When there's ice and snow everywhere it's so damn scary walking around! And falling asleep while driving...not sure what she'll think about that. Will and I can't carpool every day due to appointments and different crap each of us have and it's pretty scary driving home now. It's darker and the road conditions are crap and I start falling asleep! We'll see what she tells me I guess.

21 December 07 - ARGH can this day go any slower? I want to go home and sit on my A** for 4 days! I wish the crib would get here already! I ordered a matching car seat for the stroller that was given to us. Now we can go from car to stroller to house oh so easily...until she's 22 lbs. I really wanted to buy the car seat w/no base that switches from rear to front-facing. But just imagine this: standing out in the cold trying to get your newborn into the car seat...and now imagine getting her in and all bundled up in the carrier before you even leave the house. I choose the latter even if it costs us more money when she's over 22 lbs!

I have been such a clutz today! I spilled maple syrup down the front of my BDU shirt this morning and now I splunked a big ol' chunk of whipped cream on my shirt from my piece of oh so healthy chocolate mousse pie which tastes pretty dang good considering it is from the chow hall. NAP TIME...gosh I wish. I had some oh so tasty egg nog last night. I usually dilute it with milk, cause it's so thick and rich, but last night I put too much milk :-( so it only turned out good not fantastic. I think Cailey liked the pie cause she's hurting me with her kicks of joy at the moment.

My appt yesterday: I gained 2 lbs making the grand total 19 lbs. I go back at 35 weeks and then 37 weeks...kinda scary. Her heartrate was in the 150's. And Cailey is head down which is kinda scary to me too. As for getting shorter days, the doctor said she can't do that. But she did give me a more detailed description of the general pregnancy profile that specifically states HYGENE/LUNCH BREAKS ARE INCLUDED IN THE 40 HOUR DUTY WEEK. As are doctor's appointments. All I can say is I WAS RIGHT I WAS RIGHT I WAS RIGHT. "Suck on that Halpert." I got a tour of the labor/delivery rooms and recovery rooms at the class at the hospital last night. Not too shabby really. I have become so much more informed of everything, the closer her due date gets the less scared/nervous I am. I recommend everyone going to any and all classes their hospital offers. All the classes I went to this week were from 1800-2000 so I've been extra exhausted this week.

December 26, 2007 - I have the worst case of itchy belly today! It is driving me crazy! Not to mention the crappy fact that I'm at work again. :'-( I'm starting to get a little overwhelmed. I have to outprocess before I deliver Cailey and I have so much to do! What scares me more is not only is she head down, but my belly has very noticeably dropped. Will and I just hope she waits it out. I only have to work today and then I'm off until January 2nd. I couldn't be more exhausted though! Wow, 6 days off and I can't wait. I wish I could sleep in like I used to be able to. I could sleep all damn day. Now all I want is sleep and every night I get up at least 3 times and once I wake up, I'm up. I try and try to go back to sleep and it never happens. But Will, he'll pass right the heck out and I am so jealous of that. Although the Packers have clenched the division, they still lost to the Bears AGAIN. They're going to the playoffs. I HOPE THE VIKINGS DON'T get the wild card! I need to figure out what kind of shoes I can wear while in uniform. Happy Holidays everybody.

Wednesday, January 02, 2008 - 33 Weeks & 4 Days - It's 2008, weird. We have Olympics and elections this year...not sure what else...HA! How about I'm going to be a mom!?! Cailey's room now looks like a baby's room. I'm finally washing all of her clothes, blankets, etc and putting them away. We have her crib put up and her dresser. We got her car seat as well. Talk about a load off. I talked to my friend who had her little one in November, I dunno but she makes it sound like she never leaves their apartment. I don't plan on being at home all that much except for the first month, but we'll see I guess. I love going out to eat and I don't plan on stopping that just cause she's with us. We will be short on money from April-September, but thank goodness only 6 months. I separate from the AF in April and Will gets promoted in September. This little girl is killing me! How can she not be doing any damage to my insides? This morning, she decided to do somersaults at 5 a.m, then moved to using my bladder as a punching bag which makes me feel like I'm going to pee my pants even though I had just went to the bathroom. She has no room anymore. I can't wait for her to come out! This miracle is going to truly come to life the second she's in my arms cause I still don't feel pregnant. Gosh I can't wait to be done with work.

The Vikings didn't get the wildcard hehe...

FINALLY Friday, January 4th, 2008 - This has been a long 3 days lol. Lately after I drink a lot of liquids, I get pains on both sides of my abdomen and cramps that feel like menstrual cramps. I think they might be contractions or crampy braxton hicks. I woke up early again this morning and couldn't go back to sleep until Will woke up, noticed I was awake, and helped me go back to sleep. What a sweetheart. I am still majorly pooped out today. It's drag ass Friday. I forgot my stinking ID card at home and I was half way to work and had to go back and get it. All I could see were dollar signs because of wasted gas. I can't wear my wedding ring anymore which upsets me a ton. I'm so tired all the time I haven't been cleaning the house. My hips hurt bad when I stand or walk. My tummy has way more stretch marks than I thought it would. I have out-processing crap to do basically every day and though it lets me leave work early, I'm already sick of it all. I only have 14 days of work left until my leave that I'm taking before I deliver. These people drive me freaking crazy. What a bunch of tools. But I'll try to calm down and just relax cause stress is bad mmmkay? But this place still sucks. I keep wondering if I will be put on quarters when I start to dilate and I freaking better be. If not, I'm NOT freaking coming all the way out here, in uniform, to possibly have my water break, over an hour from the hospital, NO F'ING WAY. Sucks that I even have to use leave before I deliver. I'm just sick of everything and in a horrible mood. I just want to go home.

Wednesday, January 09, 2008 - 34 Weeks 4 days - I told the doctor about my hands being numb and getting pains that feel like sparks going through them and how it's another reason I can't sleep at night because they hurt/ache or get completely numb. And I was told to just deal with it until delivery. How nice. I am getting another baby shower thrown for me (just like I wanted/needed :-D) on Saturday, January 26th. I can't wait. My friend Heather and I are going to go update my registry some time this week. The one thing I'm worried about is it's Snofest weekend and 2 people already said they can't come cause they'll be in the mountains.

Monday morning I could BARELY fit my right foot into my boot and Monday afternoon it started snowing bad. But we had to go and get me some tennis shoes cause what if my boot wouldn't go on the next day? So while I was driving with Will, I slid from all the snow while making a turn (WITH 4 WHEEL DRIVE!), and hit a curb. HARD. We went and got me shoes and Will drove us home from there cause I was still shook up from it all. First thing Tuesday (yesterday) morning Will was following me in our other vehicle to take it to a repair shop. We got down the road from our house when he pulled me over and told me the wheel was wobbling all over and we should call the insurance and get it towed. So we waited at home for the tow guys to get there and followed them to the repair place. Our first repair estimate: $970. But of course after digging deeper our second estimate: $1300. That's when I called the insurance again because our deductable is $1000. So we're going to pay $1000 but now there's an insurance representative going to the shop to make sure everything they're doing is legit, etc. and I feel better about it all. It's still in the shop and they said it MIGHT be ready this afternoon, good times.

Thursday, January 10th, 2008 - 34 Weeks 5 days - So, I was up since 3 A.M. drinking and drinking water. I slept between 0500 and the alarm at 0530. I felt Cailey maybe twice before I got up. Came in to work, and drank and drank and drank. I started wondering if anything was wrong and was asking around to see if I should call L&D. Then I realized I hadn't felt Cailey move since 0530. Usually when I sit at my desk in the morning I feel her 10 times in 5 minutes but today, I started counting at the first kick, and got 8 in 2 hours. So then I sort of forgot about the thirst thing and called because of her reduced movements. They had me come in and I almost FELL ASLEEP several times while I was driving. I was monitored for about 2 hours (I slept for about 20 minutes). She moved a bit once they put the monitors on, but then I didn't really feel her after that. Once her movements went along with her heartrate fluctuations, they said I could go cause everything was normal. So I got to the suburban, and had several messages on my phone. My truck is ready YAY! And they are sending me to a civilian doctor for my hearing testing. After that, I went and ate lunch and came in to work so that I could sit there and fall asleep at my desk.

Friday, January 11, 2008 - 34 weeks 5 days - It's freaking Friday! It's freaking Friday!!! 35 Weeks tomorrow. I have a lot less vacation/leave than I thought, so I now have 11 appointment filled days of work left and will be leaving this place February 1st. FOOTBALL THIS WEEKEND! Teams that need to win: Jaguars, Chargers, Packers, & Giants. Teams that will win: Patriots, Colts, Packers & Cowboys...BOO. We'll see if I'm right lol. But holy moly the Packers had better beat the Seahawks tomorrow! I don't have to come in to work for 2 days. I don't think I have EVER IN MY LIFE cherished weekends/days off as much as I do right now. That's about it except that Cailey is making up for yesterday today by hurting my bladder. Everybody be safe!

Wednesday, January 16, 2008 - 35 weeks 4 days - Getting close and I can't wait. This is my last full week of work THANK GOD. I have a 3 day week next week (22-24) and a 3 day week the week after that (30-1). Then my leave starts HELL YES. Then I'll have my little girl in my arms! FOOTBALL: The only team that lost that I wanted to win last weekend was the Jaguars (Will's team). I am pretty stinking happy! Packers play the Giants at Lambeau this Sunday! No more Cowboys! No more Colts! WOO HOO! I have a feeling it's going to be the Packers and the Patriots in the Super Bowl. I go in to the doctor tomorrow (35 weeks 5 days), it seems like it's been YEARS (1 month). They're going to do the GBS test...blah. And I think they'll check for dilation, but I doubt it. THEN I DON'T GO IN FOR 2 MORE WEEKS! I'll be 37 weeks 5 days! Now that, scares the shit out of me. Who knows what could happen in 2 weeks...But I guess I could just go in to L&D whenever I needed to. Saves gas I guess lol. Anyways, I can't wait to be done with work!

FRIDAY FRIDAY FRIDAY FRIDAY FRIDAY FRIDAY FRIDAY FRIDAY FRIDAY, January 18, 2008 - 35 weeks 6 days - 1cm, long and soft - Yep, at my appointment yesterday my doctor did the GBS swab and then checked me for dilation. I found out my cervix is dilated 1cm and is long and soft. Upon her finishing, I had bloody show and have had continued discharge since, blah. I know it means she could come tomorrow or even after her due date (Feb 16) but at least I know so far that my body is getting ready. Wednesday night (Jan 16) I felt Braxton-Hicks contractions for the first time, and then had them again last night. They give me cramps I hate it. Makes me think about how much I'm gonna love real contractions! I'm supposed to have a baby shower on the 26th but I don't think it's gonna happen. My friend suggested we have a welcome baby shower instead lol. Sounds good to me! I definitely feel different today. I'm getting a lot more weird random pains "down there." And finally Cailey is moving a ton. I had to drink a caffeinated soda to get her to dance but man I'm glad she is. Anywho, Will and I are retards for not having our bags packed yet lol. But we're doing it tonight and he's not going to say "we can do it tomorrow," we're doing it tonight dammit! Having rib eyes for dinner yummy! And it's a 3 day weekend WOO HOO!

Thursday, January 24th, 2008 - 36 wks 5 days - I have had a stomach ache for almost a week straight. I had my first real contraction Saturday night (Jan 19). It was weird, only one and it only lasted 15 seconds. My tummy tightened and then the pain started, first as cramps but then it went up my whole belly and definitely hurt more. My face got flaming hot and I had to remind myself to breathe. Then it was gone and I haven't had one since. I rarely feel the BH and sometimes I feel like I'm having BH and it's just Cailey protruding whatever she feels like out of my stomach. The bloody show discharge stopped by Sunday too lasting only 3 or so days. THE PACKERS - I honestly don't even want to talk about it, but I will anyways. WTF was wrong with them?!?! They weren't even playing like normal they were playing like shit. Running the same damn plays over and over even though they gained NO YARDS with them. They could have easily won that game! So we're all pretty sure Brett Favre will be back next year to try to make it again. Maybe if they get as far as the NFC championship game in the 2008 season he'll pull his thumb out of his ass for it. And Eli Manning can go suck it. Well, now that I vented a bit I should be ok. We are getting the trim of the house painted this weekend and some of the boards replaced. It better stay over 40 degrees! And he is also going to fix the leaky skylight, our fence/gate, and reseal all the windows. I can't wait. Yes, I'm excited to get home improvements done! The baby shower was cancelled and they're giving me a Welcome Baby party. I have no idea how that works exactly but I don't have to do anything so it doesn't matter I guess. So we are having a HALO Party at our house on Saturday instead. All military here gets the day off tomorrow for SnoFest, even if you don't go you get the day off :-D I took 2 vacation days next Mon and Tue AND it's my last week. So it'll be a 3 day week! I go to the doctor next Thursday and if I haven't progressed any, I'll start crying right then and there. Will thinks I might not be having stomach aches, but mild contractions. Who knows? We'll know when we go in next bloody Thursday. Everyone be safe and keep in touch.

Thursday, January 31st, 2008 - 37 weeks 5 days -

Oh my gosh I feel crummy today. I've been cramping since last night and it's getting worse. I wonder if this is how contractions feel to me? I go to the doctor today at 1345 and I'm going to tell her how I've been feeling...she's not going to care though. I feel pressure in my bum lol and have already used the restroom. Honestly, I hope this isn't the "real thing." I will very happily wait until February 16th. I've been pretty mellow, but I honestly think I'm mistaking mellow for exhausted. Today and tomorrow are my last days of work. I go on leave/vacation up to my due date. I haven't felt to see how hard my belly's been getting until just now, and it's hard at the moment. Maybe it's just gas, and the baby is pushing out making my belly feel hard...We'll see after the appt today. I was 1cm long and soft on Jan 17th - 2 weeks ago.

Back from my appt - 1 cm long and soft ARGH - I've gained 29 lbs total and the cramping that feels like menstrual cramps is in fact contractions. Cailey decided to show off her butt today by sticking it out as far as she could at the dr's office. Will called it Mount Cailey. And I found out that they want you to work until the day you deliver! Even if you're having contractions, they want you at work. Freaking awesome. Good thing I'm on leave after Friday. When I asked if they'd put me on quarters or bed rest to get me out of work if I'm having contractions, she said "we don't give bed rest" I wanted to scream at her! Of course they give bed rest! Maybe not for normal pregnancies like mine, but why say it like that? What a bitch. And I tested negative for GBS.

Thursday, February 7th, 2008 - 38 Weeks 5 Days-
So here I am. I have an appt at 1530 today. I've been at home all week and love every second of it. I wish my hands would go back to normal. My mom and grandma get here next Wednesday. I've been cramping a lot still and feeling the tightening of my belly. Sometimes it feels like she's curling up into a ball and pushing down. I'm still pretty mellow (probably tired) and I actually slept last night and part of this morning. I can't believe my due date is still 9 days away. And on top of that, I almost "know" that she's going to come later than that, but no one ever really knows. I feel like we have everything ready but then again I start to feel restless like we don't. WE DON'T. We don't have a co-sleeper/bassinet and some other stuff too.
My hips are killing me, my feet swell VERY easily, the fingers on my left hand pop in and out of the sockets, the fingers on my right hand are tingly/numb, when I turn in bed I just want to scream out in pain because of my hips, I wake up with my wrists KILLING me, I constantly have cramps now, and I swear I can feel my food trying to get through my belly. Anyways, I hope she gets here soon.

Monday, February 11th, 2008 - 39 Weeks 2 Days - My last appointment...should be called a disappointment. 1.5 cm dilated, zero effacement, baby at neg 3 station. I spotted a little bit after that appointment and I think more of the mucous plug came out. And ever since then I've had this sexy egg white-like discharge and tons of random contractions, just not regular ones :-( The closest they've gotten apart was 10 minutes, not close enough for a L&D visit and they went away anyways.Go for a walk...but it freaking hurts! 6 days 'til my due date. I go back to the Dr on Valentine's day. The contractions I've been having better be doing something! If Cailey doesn't come before Feb 19th, I will be at work at 0730 that day. My mom and grandmother get here Wednesday and stay for a week, followed by my MIL the next week. I love my gramma but I wish it was just my mommy. And Will's mom is freaking awesome! The co-sleeper will be here on Feb 14th HURRY UP! My belly button is basically an outie now and the stretch marks I've got...I don't even want to take a picture of them they're horrible. I have to go get Will and Okie's Birthday presents, their birthdays are both Feb 16th. I hope Cailey doesn't decide to come on the 16th or the 14th but at this rate, she will NEVER get here.