What a Brilliant Induction!!

Hello all, this is Jamie---Magrat's wonderful loving brother.

She wanted me to let you all know that she went in for a doctor's appointment at noon and was showing mild signs of pre eclampsia. They did an ultrasound and the baby measured in at 8 lbs.

They went ahead and induced her at 6:30 pm but they don't really expect the fireworks to go off until Wednesday morning.

I will try to keep you all updated. But in the mean time make sure you check out Roman Catholic Cop.

How to Stay Catholic in College: A Review

I recently read "How to Stay Catholic in College" written by Professor Christopher Kaczor. It reminds me of a Catholic strategy guide for those students entering the big college world.

Professor Kaczor writes about "worldly learning" and "spiritual learning" and how both areas need to be cultivated at the same rate.

With "worldly learning" Kaczor assures the new college student that there is "nothing to fear from embracing learning and acquiring wisdom." He stresses that "no area of knowledge is forbidden, off limits, or contrary to spiritual development." However, he goes on to warn that many colleges have a very anti-religious attitude, especially when it comes to Catholicism. Kaczor warns the student of those historical teachings and philosophies that are incompatible with the Christian faith. He reminds the student to look at both sides- yes, there have been times that people in the Catholic Church have not made the best decisions, but the gifts the Church has given to society far outnumber the negative aspects: the founding of universities and hospitals, for example.

Professor Kaczor also reminds the reader that Catholicism and science are compatible, which I don't think is stressed enough in our culture today.

He also spends quite a bit of time on the subject of relativism- the notion of "what's true for me may not be true for you." The man facet of relativism is that there is no truth, which Kaczor explains is a self-contradiction. He explains how this way of thinking can destroy one's educational experience.

Professor Kaczor then focuses on "spiritual learning." He reminds the reader to learn as much as he or she can about the Catholic faith and gives some direction on where to go to find the answers to questions one may think of while learning about the faith.

He also stresses how important it is to find a good group of friends that will help in fostering a deep Catholic faith. Drinking alcohol, partying, sexual relationships- they get in the way of God and one's studies and future goals. He points out places to find good Catholic friends- a pro-life group or campus ministry are some suggestions he gives.

He then gives practical hints on how to stay strong in the faith- go to Mass, go to monthly confession, and serving others are some ideas.

This book was a very short read- only 17 pages. I kind of wish it were a bit longer and went into more depth- especially about making friends and how peer pressure and not having parents around can greatly influence one's decisions in college. However, 17 pages may be the perfect amount of reading for a young person who is busy getting ready for the huge transition of going to college.

One thing that also struck me- this book is great for a student who intends to really stay Catholic in college. However, if a student intends to stay Catholic they have probably been raised to know most of the material presented in this book. If this book is given to a barely-practicing Catholic then it probably won't do much good. (However, you never know what seed might be planted by giving someone this book.)

Overall, this was a good read. It has suggestions for living out a better Catholic life that can apply to everyone, not just college students.

This review was written as part of the Catholic books reviewer program from The Catholic Company. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on How to Stay Catholic in College.

Cervix Envy and Feeling Like an @ss...

This past Saturday night was rather interesting.

Ryan's parents had a pig roast at their house. A lot of family and friends were there and I was having a wonderful time (even though my feet were super swollen and you could fry an egg on the sidewalk!)

Around 11:00 p.m. I felt something strange.

A "gush."

Oh my gosh.... did my water break???

I went to the restroom to investigate. It had soaked through my underwear and pants. I didn't freak out initially because there are times when pregnant women can mistake their water breaking for peeing themselves.

But I had no clue which fluid it was. I started freaking out since I was an hour away from my doctor. I called my best friend who is a labor and delivery nurse for her opinion. She said to go have it checked out. I even called the labor and delivery department at the hospital where I plan on giving birth for their advice. They said the exact same thing my best friend did. So off we went to labor and delivery at the hospital near Ryan's parent's home.

I was there an hour for a non-stress test. Baby C looked perfect and was kicking up a storm. They did the test to determine if my water broke. It hadn't. They checked my cervix to see if there was any chance I was leaking amniotic fluid. According the doctor there my cervix is very high, very thick and very closed.

So... yep- I pee'd myself!

I'm not too embarrassed. It happens. And I'd rather be safe than sorry.

I'm grateful to God that everything turned out well.

However... I'm a little discouraged. I know of other women who have been checked at 37 weeks and they've been dilated 1 cm. Their cervix has thinned. The baby has dropped. The first steps in welcoming their baby to the world have begun.

I think I have cervix-envy because none of that has happened to me and it seriously bums me out. Why does my cervix have to be up practically by my lungs? Why can't I be just a little bit thinned out and dilated? Some women go into labor already 2-4 cm. I am convinced my cervix is a steel trap and will never ever open.

My doctor's appointment today confirmed that my baby boy hasn't dropped and that the doctor seriously doubts that he will come early. (Even though everyone who sees me has me convinced that I won't last until my due date!)

I left the appointment happy that both baby and I are healthy. I'm also quite happy that he has been head down for the last couple of weeks. I'm so scared of having a c-section and at least having him head down eliminates a very small chance of that happening.

But, I'm sorry, folks- I'm getting miserable. It's all totally selfish. I want to be able to sleep on my stomach. Heck- I just want to be able to sleep. I can't breathe. I hate being confined to my recliner all day and not being able to be out and about. I hate not being able to go outside because it's eleventy-billion degrees out. I hate how my hands have swollen into gorilla-hands. I've stopped counting stretch marks and trips to the potty.

I'm kind of in denial that I'm going to have a baby. I feel like I'm going to be pregnant forever. That this is just a condition I'm going to have to live with for many years to come. I feel like I've been pregnant for 58 months. I want so badly to meet my child, and I feel that three weeks is going to take fooooooreeeeeeeverrrrrr..... It's like when I was a little kid and I knew my mom had an awesome present for me for Christmas and I would beg and beg to open it early. She'd never give in and I felt I was in pure agony!!!

But then I saw something online that nearly made me break down in tears. There are 33 men trapped about a mile below the earth in a mine in Chile. They have been trapped for 18 days in a space the size of a hotel room that is 95 degrees with 95% humidity. They have survived by rationing food to where they only eat about every other day- a couple spoonfuls of tuna is their meal. Thankfully they have made contact with the outside world and are being supplied water, food and medicine. Recently, when speaking with rescuers the miners broke out in song- the Chilean national anthem. It doesn't sound like they are complaining too much... which makes me feel- excuse my language- like a complete ass for complaining so much!



Sigh... I suppose waiting three more weeks isn't that bad....

7 Quick Takes Friday Vol. 16

1. On Tuesday I wrote a post about my fears of having a Godzilla-sized baby. The next day I had an ultrasound to see just how big this baby is. Since I'm so far along it was kind of hard to see his features- he's so squished in there! We got to see his chubby little foot and his big toe wiggle. We got to see his chest move up and down with each little "breath" he took. We could see a little bit of hair on his head. The most amazing thing was seeing his face. Instead of the scary looking skull face we saw during our 19 week ultrasound, you could see his chubby cheeks, his lips and his nose. It was amazing! And he's measuring 6 lbs 10 oz, which isn't too far from where he is supposed to be at 36 weeks. (Phew!)

2. The ultrasound has his due date pushed to two days earlier- on September 13th. That's the Kansas City Chiefs home opener against the Chargers. If that happens at least I'll have something to distract me. I can be a bit boisterous when it comes to football!

3. Ryan has another interview for the same position he tried for a couple months ago. We're praying hard again, and hoping that perhaps the second time is the charm. He's familiar with the interview questions, so that should help.

4. This may sound crazy- but hearing all the back to school stories and seeing the commercials make me miss school. I loved school when I was in elementary and high school. College was a bit of a different story... but I still enjoyed it for the most part. I guess I just miss doing something- anything with my time. Soon I'll have a little baby to keep me busy!

5. I can't wait until fall! The pretty leaves, the caramel candies and apples, pumpkins, football, hearty crock pot meals, snuggling under a blanket, the smell of burning leaves... oh- and COOLER WEATHER!

6. I'm reading a wonderful book by Anthony DeStefano called "Ten Prayers God Always Says Yes To." It has really boosted me from my spiritual blah-ness.

7. That's all, folks! Have a great weekend!

Depression and Postpartum Fears

A couple months ago I wrote about the physical aspects of my pregnancy. I mentioned there that I had been battling depression once again and that I would write about it later. I've been putting that subject off for so long. First of all, I was still in the throughs of the sadness and wasn't quite ready to write about it. But with the help of my doctor and Zoloft I have broken through the deep abyss of despair. Even though now I am doing 100% better I still didn't want to write about it because my thoughts were, "Who wants to read about depression?" I want to make people laugh and smile. I want to uplift. But with life there comes the good and the bad, and if anything, I want to encourage others to battle through the bad.

Ever since I was little I have been plagued with bouts of loneliness and extreme sensitivity. Some of my sadness was rational, but other times it was out of control. I couldn't stand it when people made fun of me, even if they were doing it in fun. I remember crying at the silliest things on TV. On rare occasions I would have panic attacks. I remember in first grade when my brother was in Saudi Arabia during the War of Desert Storm and I burst into tears thinking about him getting hurt or dying. I was inconsolable.

Thankfully these occasions were very rare and when I think back to my childhood I peg it as being a very happy and care-free time. Even though I was raised by a single mother I was loved, cared for and safe.

However, in high school those feelings of sadness came back and they were dark and twisted. I remember it being very bad the summer before my senior year of high school. I would be in a crowded room with my family or my closest friends and feel completely alone and unwanted. And this is the part that made me so mad at myself- I knew I was loved very deeply by my family and friends so what was the matter with me? Was I such a selfish person that I wanted more love? Was I that much of a drama queen that I wanted attention on me at all times? I knew those weren't true, but I just couldn't shake those feelings. I lived in a great town, was active in a good school, was a good student and a good worker- why did I feel like I was a blob of nothing?

I figured it was just typical teenage angst, but it wasn't going away. The sadness was gnawing at me every second of every day. I wanted to escape, run away, hurt myself- do something- anything to stop it. At that point I suffered more despair because there was nothing I could do about it.

I remember volunteering for a women's health seminar shortly after my senior year began. I walked around to some booths and saw a brochure on depression. I looked at the symptoms and was shocked to learn that I fit basically every single one of them. Depression? There's no way I had that, I thought. People who lose family members or lose their job are depressed. Depressed teenagers were those who painted their fingernails black, had their hair covering their eyes and wrote poetry that made no sense. I couldn't be depressed. Not me, with my bubble gum pink painted fingernails, president of the student body and National Honor Society member. I didn't have a mental problem. Not me... not me...

Things got pretty bad in the following weeks. I won't tell you how bad, because there are some things I do believe should be kept private. (Even though I sometimes share TOO much on here.) I finally found the courage to approach my mom about my problems. I was so scared she'd shrug them off as typical teenage woes, but she listened to me and made a doctor's appointment for me.

The doctor put me on a trial run of the antidepressant Paxil. It seemed to help. After my medication ran out is when I decided to get into shape. I worked out and ate healthy and the difference it made on my body both physically and emotionally was incredible. My senior year ended up being the best year ever.

The following years I battled depression on and off. I still kept wrestling with the idea of depression. On one hand I knew it was something I couldn't help. It wasn't something as simple as a bad mood to shake off. It wasn't my fault that I felt this way and I didn't have to try and battle it all by myself. However, on the other hand, I hated that I had been diagnosed with depression. I felt like I was weak. I wanted everything with my life to be all put together in a neat presentation, but depression was like a big ugly splotch on it all. I hated myself when I was under the crushing power of depression and couldn't get out. But I put my big girl pants on and talked to a counselor and was put on Zoloft a couple years ago while in college. I weaned myself off it shortly before my wedding.

Finally, what made me come to terms with my depression is that there is someone depending on me to be as healthy, both physically and mentally, as possible- the child that is in my womb.

I read up on depression during pregnancy and post-partum depression very early on in my pregnancy. I knew there was a big chance that I would be susceptible to both. I talked to my doctor about my past problems with depression, just to give him a heads up that further action may be needed. It felt good to finally overcome my embarrassment of depression.

Each doctor's visit he'd ask me how I was doing emotionally. Each time I'd answer with a smile, "Fine!" But one visit, around week 27, I couldn't answer "fine" anymore. The depression had been sinking in slowly. I chalked it up to regular pregnancy hormones. But it started interfering with sleeping, eating and being semi-rational. I would cry at how beautiful a piece of paper would gracefully fall from the refrigerator if the magnet accidentally was bumped. I cried at zombie movies. I cried when paranoid thoughts of losing my husband would creep in.

This time around the depression scared me. In the past when I suffered from these bouts they only affected me. But here was this helpless child inside me depending on me for food, water and the essentials of life. I was diligent about staying away from cigarette smoke, alcohol, chemicals, deli meats, hot dogs... and here I was creating a toxic atmosphere with my own body.

I was still upset that I was so unbelievably sad during the most amazing time of my life- being pregnant. I know that there are a hundred and one things going on in my body and it's normal to feel depressed. But I wanted more than anything for those feelings of despair and emptiness to get the heck out of the way for my true feelings of joy and elation that there was a living being growing inside me.

It was not hard for me to swallow my pride and ask the doctor for help. He prescribed me with a low dose of Zoloft and it has done wonders. I still get into an occasional Darth Pregger mood but I've come to terms that that is just a part of my personality! :-)

I still fear that I will suffer from a severe bout of post-partum depression after my son is born. The thought of hurting him or not wanting to be around him scares me to death. I'm hoping since I've tackled this issue head on that it won't be as much as a struggle for me.

My prayer life has definitely had an extra oomph these last couple of weeks. I refuse to let a spiritual dry spell suck me down, even though it has been a constant struggle. I need God now more than ever.

My days are happier now, even though crushing exaustion sets in every once in awhile, but it just means my body needs rest to develop this precious baby boy! I am so lucky to have such a supportive husband who encourages me in everything I do and makes me feel beautiful (and who lifts me out of my recliner like an old woman!) I am so thankful for my family and friends who love me and take care of me. Most of all I'm thankful for this little miracle inside me who has taught me what love truly is.

Big Baby

I had my 36 week doctor's appointment today. Blood pressure is fine, weight is... *cough*...



The doctor felt my belly and said, "Yeah, he's pretty big." He's mentioned in the past that I'll probably have a big baby... and I guess it's true!



He scheduled me for an ultrasound tomorrow which I am excited about, since I get to see my baby, but I'm also kind of nervous about this huge child growing inside me. All I can picture is a toddler size baby in there... wearing a t shirt.



I will do whatever is best for my baby, but I do not want a c-section. The doctor says that isn't a concern at this time, so I suppose I shouldn't worry about it right now.



I guess what I am most afraid of, and this may sound silly, but I am afraid that since I haven't taken really good care of myself and exercised more that I made my baby obese and unhealthy... I know that what the doctor says and even ultrasounds are just estimates, but I'm still a little discouraged.



My blood pressure is perfect but I'm having a lot of swelling. He has said to stay off my feet as much as possible. That is so hard for me! I've been resting, but I still need to get up and do laundry and stuff when my husband isn't home. I guess I should re-read my post on the do's and don'ts of pregnancy!



Any who, I'm looking forward to the ultrasound tomorrow. Who knows, maybe they'll bump up my due date!

7 Quick Takes Friday Vol. 15: Do's and Don'ts of Pregnancy

It's been awhile since I've done 7 Quick Takes!

For this edition, I'm going to do a "Do's" and "Don'ts" of pregnancy. These are mostly reminders for myself, but hopefully some of you preggo ladies and future preggo ladies can benefit!

1. Don't look at pictures of yourself when you weighed 98 lbs as a senior in high school.

Looking at your tanned, toned body and bony ankles will only make you feel worse about your cottage cheese thighs and swollen face! Look at those pictures after the baby is born as motivation to lose weight, but be realistic- your metabolism isn't quite the same as it was in high school!

2. Don't over do it.

If you're like me, you find it extremely difficult to stay put when there are things that need to be done. Unless your body provides you with that extra boost of energy they say you getting during nesting (which I haven't experienced yet...) then don't clean the whole house in one day. (Trust me on this one!) It's OK for things not to look perfect. The most important thing is to take care of your body because that in turn takes care of the child within you. Put your pride and stubbornness in your back pocket and take a chill pill. If you absolutely HAVE to clean- do a little at at time. One day clean the bathroom, the next the kitchen and so on...

3. Don't worry so much.

This one is extremely difficult for me. I am constantly worrying about the little one inside me.

Is he moving enough?



Is he moving too much?



What if something goes wrong and I don't realize it until it's too late and I have a stillborn baby?



What if there are complications during the birth?



What if he has health issues?



Am I leaking amniotic fluid or did I just pee myself?



But then I realized that the worrying won't stop once the baby is born. I'll worry that he'll get sick, that he'll stop breathing, or that he isn't pooping enough. When he gets older I'll worry he isn't developing right or that other kids will pick on him or that his obsession with vacuums is a little weird. Then he'll enter the teen years and a whole new bundle of worries will develop. (Oh dear Lord in Heaven... please don't let him turn out like I was as a teen!) I will be worrying for him when he's adult. I will be worrying about him until the day I die.

But worrying constantly just sucks the joy out of life. It has sucked a tiny bit out of my pregnancy. Sure- a certain level of worry is good and healthy, but too much can just be crippling. This has definitely taught me to trust in God. He has the Master Plan and it is ultimately good.

4. Do accept help.

I am a fairly independent person. I swear there is a 2 year old toddler inside me that stompls and yells, "I can do it myself!" whenever someone asks if I need assistance. For the longest time in my pregnancy, even if my feet were swollen and I felt like a zombie I would still make supper even if my husband insisted on cooking. I would water the flowers myself in 100000 degree heat and drive our minivan even though it was starting to get uncomfortable.

It was hard at first- but that has all changed now. My husband now cooks and it's nice to share the responsibility. I can no longer drive because.. um... Ican'treachthegaspedal... and it KILLED me for the longest time that my ability to drive was taken away. But now I can enjoy the beautiful scenery instead of constantly pay attention to the road.

Accepting help has made my husband happier too. For the past few months he's sternly told me to "SIT DOWN AND REST" and I'd just smile stubbornly and keep on scrubbing the toilet. Now that I listen to him he's a lot less stressed and on edge.

5. Do drink enough water

You WILL feel like crap if you don't.

There are times I feel like I'm drinking enough but then realize that I only had 2 bottles. Keep close track of how much you drink and just keep drinking! And don't skimp on the water while driving long distances. There are restrooms along the way, and even though it might take all your energy to roll out of the car and waddle to the bathroom, remember- baby needs that water!

6. Do realize you are not alone

When I look in the mirror and lament over how ginormous I have become or feel like I'm having a heat stroke when I step outside for .06 seconds I must remember that I am not the only 35 week pregnant woman who is feeling down about her appearance or her shut in days to avoid the stifling heat. I am not the only one counting my stretch marks or finding it hard to breathe or who thinks that rolling out of bed should be an Olympic event because it takes precise skill and talent to do so at this point. I am not the only one who looks down in shock when my feet turn brick size at the end of the day. I am not the only one fretting that I don't have my hospital bag packed yet.

It can feel like I am the only one in the world that is experiencing the joys and sorrows of pregnancy, but I have to remember that just isn't true.

7. DO ENJOY THESE TIMES

I know this post seems like I've been complaining a lot about my pregnancy. And to be truthfully honest, I'm to that point where I'm beginning to feel miserable. Physically I just can't move around anymore and it's just annoying. I get so tired that I feel like I want to sleep all the time. Emotionally- my heart is aching to see my little boy. I swear I constantly think about the day he comes into this world. My arms want to hold him so badly. I am reading The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding by the Le Leche League and I just can't wait to have that sacred bond with my son.

The suffering of certain pregnancy symptoms has taught me to love more deeply. My back might hurt, my face might be swollen and heartburn might be killing me, but every time I feel my son kick I remember that it is all for him. If he is growing happy and healthy then all the pain is worth it. I feel like I'm running out of room for him to grow, and because of that I can sometimes see his little foot pushing out. It's like he's saying, "Mommy, you will get to tickle these little piggies soon!"

Pregnancy is a blessing. Men don't get the joy of feeling a little person grow inside them. Pregnancy can be difficult to achieve- it's not like a normal bodily function like hiccups or digestion- pregnancy is something truly special for a woman's body. So many changes occur and the body adapts to a growing human- how truly amazing! When we women are old and grey and look back on the special times in our lives, pregnancy will probably be toward the very top of our list.

So try your best to not concentrate on the poopie part of pregnancy. Enjoy the kicks and tumbles of your little one. Enjoy washing baby clothes and imagining how cute he or she will look in the adorable outfits. Smell the baby wash and lotions. Look at the diapers and think of the cute little bottom who will grace these diapers and fill them with icky things. Think about the moment you see your child for the first time and how your life has just changed forever. Think about your husband gently holding your child for the first time and imagine the look of love and pride in his eyes. Thank the Lord for this precious gift and the time He has given you during your pregnancy.

BONUS!

DON'T throw things at people when they make annoying comments and DO realize they aren't trying to piss you off.

"Wow, you've gained weight in your face." Gee, thanks. Every woman wants to hear THAT.

"I bet you're dying in this heat." Really? I hadn't noticed. Is summer supposed to be hot?

"Your feet are swollen." OK, it's my turn to point out something on your body that doesn't look right!

"Are you sure you aren't carrying twins?" Um, no, I'm not carrying twins. But thanks for making me feel extra fat today!

"I bet you're going to pop any day!" Nope, I still have a month left. My God, what will I look like then?! I might topple over!

Check Out These Other Posts!

I'm beginning to see a recurring theme in my blog posts: I'm too tired to write anything worth reading. I have about 50 ideas bumping around in my head but when it comes to typing them out they seem to fade away and I can't come up with the right words.

I suppose I have a good excuse- I am 35 weeks preggo and fighting off an annoying cold. This weekend I had two wonderful baby showers and my nieces came to visit. I had such an awesome time with family and friends, but it took a lot of energy out of me and I feel like I'm still recuperating.

So today I will point you to some more worthy posts to read. I doubt I'll have time to do my Wondering Wednesday post tomorrow since I will be out of town. I promise I'll have something profound to write about soon!

Meanwhile check out these:

My brother at Roman Catholic Cop wrote a great post about being living sanctuaries. It gave me Holy Ghost goosebumps!

Matthew Archbold has a heart warming post about a couple taking into their home a young woman with cerebral palsy. (Thank you, Matthew, for the warning to grab some tissues. This preggo lady who cries at cat food commercials needed them!)

Check out this hilarious video on Danielle Bean's blog, and this one she posted on Faith and Family Live.

I hope you enjoy these posts as much as I do!

100 Random Facts

I'm too tired to write anything profound. I've pretty much reverted to this:




I'm going to follow Kate Wicker's lead and write 100 random facts about myself. Thrilling, I know. Actually, I've noticed some bloggers doing this when they reach the milestone of writing their 100th post, but I forgot! I believe this post will be #126.



So here I go. Hope I don't bore you too much!

1. When I was little, I used to sleep at the very edge of my tiny twin bed so my guardian angel would have enough room to sleep by me.


2. I have 2 tattoos and I don't regret them one bit. One is a butterfly on my heel. The other is a Chinese symbol on my back that means "love." It probably actually means "stinky toilet brush licker" but we'll just pretend it means love, shall we?


3. Before my spiritual growth spurt, I had my nose and belly button pierced. When my mom discovered my nose piercing she just shrugged her shoulders, shook her head and said, "Nothing surprises me anymore..."


4. I learned my letters by watching "Wheel of Fortune." Don't laugh! I never went to preschool or Headstart and I was one of the first of my age group to learn to read!


5. Because of my love of "Wheel of Fortune" I frequently imitated Vanna White when I was little.


6. I also imitated Mary Lou Retton and the Blessed Virgin Mary. I couldn't decide between a leotard or rosary beads.


7. We lived across the street from the Catholic Church and whenever I saw the nuns in their habits walk into the church I would yell out to mom, "Look, it's the Virgin Mary!"


8. I have to have my toe nails painted at all times. Even in winter.


9. The first song Ryan and I danced to as a married couple was "Forever" by the Beach Boys.


10. I played alto clarinet in high school band, piano in jazz band and was part of the color guard in marching band.


11. My favorite Harry Potter characters are Ginny, Snape and Neville.


12. My favorite Harry Potter book is Harry Potter and the Half-blood Prince.


13. I almost went skydiving once but couldn't because of the weather.


14. I've never been in an airplane, so my first time up would have involved me jumping out in midair!


15. The reason I hate butter is because my babysitter wouldn't let me leave the dinner table until I ate EVERYTHING and she always served a piece of bread with butter on it. I didn't like butter then, but I would have to force myself to eat the whole thing and gag over and over if I wanted to go play with my friends who were having fun. I know it was just a small piece of bread but it might as well been as big as a pizza box!


16. I giggle at words like poopie and toot. I swear I have a 14 year old boy living inside me.


17. My husband has turned me into a geek. I love comic books, Star Wars, TRON, sports statistics and history, video games... He mentioned how badly he wanted to go to Comic-Con and I secretly wish that we COULD go someday. OK... so maybe I always was a geek and he just brought me out of my shell....


18. My greatest hero is my big brother, even though he annoys the crap out of me 90% of the time. :-)


19. I can wiggle my ears.


20. The only leftovers I like are Thanksgiving leftovers.


21. I know Easter is the most important holiday. I totally get that. But my favorite holiday is still Christmas.


22. My favorite Disney princess is Belle.


23. That also means my favorite Disney movie is Beauty and the Beast.


24. My confirmation saint is St. Cecilia- patron saint of music.


25. I found out I was pregnant on January 1st. What a wonderful way to start the new year!


26. The reason our first child- our angel baby, is named Gus is because we found out about the miscarriage on August 28th- the feast day of St. Augustine of Hippo.


27. I used to hate roller coasters when I was little. Now I LOVE them!


28. I call it pop, not soda.


29. My favorite pop is Mr. Pibb.


30. I am convinced the baby will come 2 days early- on the Kansas City Chief's home opener!


31. I learned how to swing dance in high school and I loved it. I hope to take more lessons again someday!


32. My favorite season of the year is fall.


33. I have recurring nightmares of Jurassic Park.


34. My favorite books growing up were Babysitter's Club and Little House on the Prairie.


35. I wish I had a clothes line to hang up our clothes.


36. I never liked boy bands like Backstreet Boys or N'Sync while I was a teen.


37. My career goals as a child were: Olympic swimmer, Olympic gymnast, teacher and actress.


38. I quit my first college hoping to start an acting career. Well, that was just one of many reasons I quit!


39. To start off my acting career I auditioned for the Broadway musical The Lion King.


40. I was practically laughed out of the audition.


41. That was the end of my pursuit as an actress.


42. I'm still glad I auditioned, though. It was definitely a once in a life time experience!


43. I thought about trying out for American Idol a couple summers ago but never got around to it.


44. I snort when I am laughing really hard.


45. When I was about 5 or 6 I had a cat named Demi. One day Demi ran away. I sat on the front porch with a bowl of food waiting for him to return. He never did.


46. When I was about 13 I found out at my niece's birthday party that Demi never ran away. He died under my brother's bed and they never told me the truth!


47. When I was little I begged Santa for a Barbie car- the kind you can actually drive in.


48. I did get a Barbie car that Christmas- for my Barbies to ride it, not me. Santa must have misunderstood.


49. I have vowed since then that my future daughter WILL have a Barbie car she can drive.


50. I once scored the winning point during a Jr. High volleyball tournament.


51. I played shortstop and catcher in elementary softball.


52. I had an imaginary friend named Tony.


53. My greatest fear is driving off a bridge into a large body of water.


54. I was a lifeguard for a couple years in high school.


55. I won a dance contest at my senior prom.


56. My favorite color is green.


57. My first car was a 1988 (?) Plymouth Horizon. It had no power steering and the front windshield washer fluid would sometimes squirt over the car to the back window.


58. I have green eyes, but they change color depending on my mood. My husband says they change to blue when I'm mad. He would certainly know!


59. Mom was right- I regret quitting piano lessons.


60. I wanted to backpack through Europe. I had big dreams.


61. In high school we had to write down our goals after we graduated. Mine was to become a pediatrician, move to New York for a couple years, move back home, get married and have 5-7 children.


62. I have been life flighted- kind of. I played a part in a docu-drama of a drunk driving accident.


63. I have never been east of Jefferson City, MO.


64. As a child I was deathly afraid of thunderstorms, the wind blowing and fireworks. I mean, it was so bad my mom thought I had problems.


65. I now love thunderstorms!


66. I have dyed my hair so many times I am not quite sure of my natural color!


67. My best friend and I have been best friends since 5th grade.


68. She called to ask if I was going to join basketball.


69. We ended up talking for hours underneath our dining room tables.


70. I have a potty mouth.


71. I have never had surgery or a broken bone.


72. Well, I have had a broken pinky finger because once Ryan was tickling me, so when I punched him he held up his elbow in defense and I punched that and broke my pinky.


73. In 4th grade I insisted on being called Margaret.


74. That lasted about 3 days.


75. I am named Margaret Amy because I was born on my grandmother's birthday and her name is also Margaret Amy.


76. I used to ghost hunt in high school.


77. That basically means my friends and I explored abandoned houses and cemeteries.


78. We never provoked any spirits and always prayed before and after just to be on the safe side.


79. My friends and I once tried cow tipping. However, when we were climbing the fence to get to the cows, someone accidentally tapped the feed bucket and about 30 cows started coming at us at a fast rate of speed. There's nothing like shining your flashlight and seeing 30 dark objects coming at you with green glowing eyes. We hauled out of there quickly. I think that's God's way of telling us, "Don't be dumb."


80. I'm not much of a cook, but I do love to bake.


81. I used to have a huge gap between my two front teeth, but they grew together naturally- no braces needed!


82. I wanted to play the flute in high school but was told my fingers were too short.


83. Writing is one of my passions.


84. I have tons of stories that I wrote as a little kid, but I never got around to finish them.


85. One was about a rich girl whose parents ignored her. She was cast overboard a cruise ship and someone found her. I can't remember how the rest of it was supposed to go.


86. I have always hated the movie Grease. Sandy has to change her whole self- both inside and out for her greaser boyfriend. I don't think Danny should have tried to change himself either. If they truly loved each other they would have accepted each other for who they were!


87. However, I still like the songs from the musical...


88. I was a cheerleader in high school.


89. My favorite sport to watch is football.


90. I threw the discus my senior year of high school. Just for fun.


91. I used to work at a hospital. I did laundry and did general housekeeping.


92. I talk to my mom pretty much everyday on the phone. If I don't, something just doesn't feel right.


93. My mom is one of my best friends, which is funny because we were mortal enemies when I was in high school. (At least from my perspective!)


94. I have a birthmark on my upper right arm. It's a little larger than a quarter and it's a bunch of big dark freckles all clustered together.


95. I've never had the chicken pox.


96. I have seen every episode of Friends at least 3 times.


97. I'm Team Edward.


98. There was one Thanksgiving we celebrated at my uncle's house. When one of my cousins asked how I liked Kindergarten I said, "It sucks!" I learned that language from my brother.


99. My weirdest pregnancy craving has been corn dogs.


100. I could eat a whole plate of deviled eggs.

Wow. That was a lot harder than I thought! I hope you enjoyed these random tidbits!

Wondering Wednesdays Vol. 16: Music for Labor and Delivery

Today's Wondering Wednesday post:

I'm wondering if y'all have any good suggestions for songs to put on my iPod for when I am in labor.

Of course I'll have the plinky dinky Enya type classical music to soothe me, but I also plan on having some upbeat songs in there as well. I'm talking some 80's, classic rock and songs from musicals. I'm sure there is some labor expert out there that advises that it's not good for the pregnant body and mind to mix slow, relaxing music with fast, upbeat music, but I know I will need a change in genres every so often. I remember in high school when I was out of my mind nervous before singing a solo for district or state music contest I would listen to heavy metal to calm me down and it aways worked.

Some of the slow music I have in mind:

The album "Echoes of Ephesus" by the Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles
CDs of different movie scores- Twilight, Harry Potter, Batman, Charlotte's Web
a couple classical CDs
slow songs of the Beatles and John Lennon

Some of the faster music I'd like to play:

"Day-O" by Harry Belafonte
"Jump in the Line" by Harry Belafonte
(Yes, I am aware these first two songs are played in the movie Beetlejuice, but I love 'em!)
"The Power of Love" by Huey Lewis and the News
"Little Bitty Pretty One" by Huey Lewis and the News
Rolling Stones
Beatles
"Summer in the City" by Lovin' Spoonfuls
"The Heat is On" by Glen Frey
"Smoke on the Water" by Deep Purple


and... of course.... "Gonna Fly Now" AKA the theme song from the movie Rocky. What an awesome way to pump one up for giving birth!!! (I understand I may be in no mood to listen to this song while my uterus is contracting, but this song just makes me wanna power through anything! YEAH!!!)




I could list so much more, but I won't. As you can tell, my music interests are very random. I love all music- classical, rock (classic, hard, hair, metal), country, religious, punk, oldies, folk, a little bit of rap, Celtic... almost everything except modern jazz.

So I'm wondering- Will you please, dear friends of mine, throw some suggestions my way for songs you listen to to relax, focus and concentrate? I'm not planning on using any medication during labor and delivery, so listening to music is my form of pain management!

Thanks!

P.S. I'm also wondering how to schedule a post to be published. I wrote this post last night and I clicked the option to have it posted at 8:00 AM today but apparently that didn't work. I tried it one other time and didn't know what to click, so I just cliked Publish Post and it went ahead and published it before I was ready! Help!