No, Anna, you can't protect him from it all...

I remember when the Bubs was just a teeny lil' thing and he began to notice the outside world. Different people, places, images sounds, etc. He was -and still is- a child-sized sponge that would soak every new thing up before Hubby and I had a chance to register what he'd absorbed. That wasn't such a big deal in those days, but that ain't the case these days!

I've been taken aback lately with the amount of totally inappropriate images, language and even behavior that's displayed in front of him...and all this during a simple trip to the store. And don't get me started with the obnoxious "kid shows" that are on t.v. these days or the semi- pornographic commercials that seem to be on every.......oh, you probl'ly already know what I'm talking about on that score, so I'll hush. We just turn the channel or fast-forward through stuff if we can....

In any case, I know I can't put blinders on him but I also don't want to draw his attention to all the distractions, either. The Hubs and I have kinda settled on a "we'll tackle it if he brings it up" tactic. So far, so good. I still really, really want to put some blinders on him though!

Assumed the Position

Hallelujah! The baby is head down! I had another OB specialist appointment yesterday and they did the usual growth ultrasound to make sure the placenta hadn't gotten any thicker (it hasn't). The first thing I asked was if the baby was still breech. Come to find out, he was head down and face down. That last bit made me realize that I've prob'ly been rubbin' on his lil' tushy through my stomach these last couple of weeks...that could have interesting ramifications once he's born!

Darn that stomach virus!

You know, I really did try to outrun that pesky stomach virus that's been laying people low lately, the Hubby and Bubs included, but it stuck out it's vile foot and tripped me up a couple of days ago. Ick. I ended up in the hospital with a bag of saline or two for company and a fetal monitor to keep track of the baby. He's fine, but the dehydration brought on some mild contractions and severe cramping that we were concerned about.

I'm on the road to recovery now, albeit a bit on the weak side. The Hubs has become my pusher...of fluids, that is! If he's not asking me how much I've had to drink, he's bringing me a glass of something. He's almost fierce in his care of the Bubs and I these days what with the sickness that has snuck in and batted us about. After all the times that the Bubs and I have had to do without his help and concern because he was away from home, this is wonderful.

So, I hope no one else has been tripped up by the long, slimey leg of the stomach virus bug! As for me, I'll just keep chugging fluids (that'll keep Hubby from grumbling!) and resting when I can...

Football...it doesn't bother me, Y'all!

I know that there may be those of you who are glad that football season is over. No more shows about stats and replays of the previous days games. No more football lingo being slung around...things like, "tight end, pass/reception ratio, third down conversions", etc.

At my house it's a different story. The Hubby and I both like to watch football and, as Steelers fans, are totally stoked that they won their 6th Super Bowl title which is the most in the league! We love to watch Roethlisberger scramble in the pocket and evade tackle after tackle, Hines Ward grin his way through a game, Heath Miller, Willie Parker and Santonio Holmes all make dynamic plays and then there's my favorite - Troy Polamalu. Man that guy knows how to read a play and hustle!

Now, I grew up watching the occasional game but I wasn't particularly interested in the sport as a whole. When the Hubs and I met he slowly but surely got, not only me, but my Mom into watching the games. He didn't mind all of our questions or inane comments (still doesn't), or the fact that we'd talk at all which I know some men hate during games. I think his patience went a long way to me being more receptive to him watching the games and to me joining in with him. Now, we have something else to talk about and he feels more comfortable in his own home. He's even been introducing the Bubs to the sport and invites him to come hang with him during the games. Invites, not forces. If the Bubs isn't in the mood, the Hubs doesn't push the issue. The last few weeks, though, the Bubs has enjoyed hanging out with me and his daddy while we watch football....even if he looses interest after a while and just plays with his trains on the floor. We're together and that's the whole point.

Last night, we had our own little Super Bowl party here at the house. We chowed down on apple and Snicker salad, bacon wrapped Lil' Smokies baked in a little brown sugar, veggies and dip, the usual chips and salsa, and for the Bubs some pepperoni and cheese with Ritz crackers. The Hubby thought that I shouldn't have gone through the trouble but he complimented me the whole evening and we all enjoyed the festivities.

Hmmmm. Speaking of those goodies, I think there are some leftovers and I'm having a craving. Gotta go!!

Prego check-up

I had my 29 week check up with my ditzy doc yesterday. Thankfully, she wasn't as ditzy this time around and the check up went well. Hubby was even able to be there with me. The baby's heartbeat was nice and strong and the belly measurement was right on target. Then I was even complimented on keeping my weight fairly consistent throughout the pregnancy so far. Yes, I did let loose with a snicker at that one as I haven't the slightest clue how I'm not huger than I am! Let's just say that the cravings have not all been for fresh fruit and veggies, y'all.

The subject of what to do if the baby continues to be in a breech position did come up. The doc assured me that the baby still had room to turn, but if he continued to be breech after the 36 week mark, that we'd have to decide if we wanted to try an external cephalic version (ECV), where they would turn the baby, or just wait to see if a c-section was the way to go. Seeing as everything I've read about an ecv indicates that it's only 50% effective, can cause bleeding a premature labor and that the baby could just turn back to a breech position anyway....well, I'm leaning towards just waiting to see about a c-section if the baby hasn't turned on his own.

Do I want a c-section? Not so much.

Will I do it for the baby? Without a moment's hesitation.

However, there's still time for everything to work out naturally. We'll handle whatever needs to be done when it needs to be done. Save that worry for another day!

"It smells like Jesus in here!"

The Hubs is taking the Bubs to school this morning (my back is outta whack) so I thought I'd hop in here for a moment or three. Especially since it's been a while between posts *head hanging in shame*......

I'm sure y'all are wondering what the title up there is all about. That would be what my hilarious Bubs said after church this past Sunday...Not Kidding!

After church, my Dad (who's the church musician) and I went to fetch the Bubs from children's church downstairs. He was chattering away to me and his Poppi about helping another little boy in the class. We had reached the top of the stairs and opened the door which lead to a small hallway. Out in the hallway, a couple was selling organic coffee for charitable proceeds and the whole area smelled like freshly ground coffee....along with the usual "churchy" smells -women's perfume, furniture polish, the usual half-burnt coffee, etc.

All of a sudden the Bubs takes a big sniff and says, "It smells like Jesus in here!"

Dad and I laughed almost the whole way to my car! When I told the Hubs later that day, he laughed and shook his head, "That's my Bubs."

So, if anyone out there was wonderin' what Jesus smells like...according to my son, he smells like a combination of coffee, perfumes, and furniture polish.

Snow day, snow day! .....What? Inauguration?

That's right, folks! We've got snow down here in the south! And it was cold enough to lay and not melt as soon as it hit the ground!

I know, I know. My excitement is prob'ly a bit sickening to my Yankee relatives and bloggy peeps, but I can't help it, y'all!

We were plastered to the windows for most of the day watching the winter storm's progress...completely missing out on the big inaugural hoopla that was plastered on practically every station known to man. Feel guilty about that? Nope. I know it was a historical event, whether I agree with the person being sworn in or not, but we were so caught up in the wonder of the white stuff that it fell by the wayside. I'll watch the ceremony on youtube later...

For now, though, here's one more snowy snapshot for the road~