I am so smart, smrt :)

So if you watch the Simpson's you know the title.

Why am I smart you may ask??? I did not panic when my car threw another check engine light today on my way to Target. I did call Brad (side note: if you are in the Lakewood area and are looking for a good mechanic, let me know. I know a GREAT one!) hoping maybe he was still at the shop. He wasn't so I left a message.

I filled up my gas tank and went over to Target, at this point my car is still driving fine and there are no issues. As I'm walking through Target I realized that the first time my car threw a check engine light a good friend of mine said "Take it to Schuck's. They'll read the code for free." So that is exactly what I did. I took it to a auto parts store on my way home from work. They actually gave me the little computer to go plug into my car. The miracle computer read the code and guess what???? It was the same code that the car gave off on Friday so I cleared it.

I think i actually impressed the guy behind the counter for two reasons:
1. I actually knew where to plug in the computer and
2. I knew what the code was and was able to figure out how to clear it.

I think my car throwing a check engine light is God saying "Hey Drea, I think it's time to start looking for a car." I got the picture God, I'll start to seriously look for a car. Something big enough for baby and me, reasonably priced and leasable.

Words of Encouragement

I have had some difficult experiences over the last 8 months being a single mom-to-be. Ranging from assumptions individuals make to just down right rude comments. Well yesterday helped to wipe all of that from my mind.

I was at another office for meetings all day so I saw different instructors and staff members. As I was walking out of meeting to make yet another trip to the rest room I ran into an instructor I had been corresponding with all day. I thought I would stop and actually speak with her. We talked about work and then the conversation went to the baby, as only natural as my stomach seems to be growing each day.

This instructor actually said that she respected me for the decision that I made, that she knew I had other options (abortion) and that she was honored to have a co-worker like myself. I was floored. I knew that people talked about the pregnancy behind my back but I made the assumption that the talk was all negative.

When I shared this with the instructor she said that her and a few other instructors have talked about how impressed they are with my attitude and determination. I almost started to cry right there in the middle of her class room.

Those few kind words from a co-worker was like the sun coming out and chasing away the storm clouds. After that conversation I have made a promise to both myself and my daughter to focus on the positive and not get bogged down in the negativity of other people. If they have an issue with my pregnancy, that is their issue and not mine.

Responsibility

Responsibility is defined as the state or fact of being accountable or to blame for something. I am not looking to place blame, I just want people to take responsibility for their actions and their words. In society today it is to easy to hold somebody else accountable for our own actions.

I was taught by my amazing parents that problems only get worse the longer you ignore them. Think of that sore tooth that you don't want to go to the dentist for. At first it's just an intermittent bother that comes and goes and really isn't affecting your life. Then it becomes a constant dull ache but you can still take some Tylenol and ignore. But finally it get's to the point that this sore tooth is affecting EVERY aspect of your life. You can't eat or drink. It's affecting you at work because you are in pain but yet you still don't go to the dentist. Well guess what, the tooth isn't going anywhere. It's only going to cause more issues and problems in your life. Just go to the dentist and deal with the damn tooth.

Countdown

So the countdown has begun; I am due in 4 weeks and 5 days and I feel extremely torn. Part of is done being pregnant and the other part wants her stay nice in safe in Mommas womb. I honestly think it all depends on how much sleep I get the night before. Last night I was able to sleep from 930 until 230 with out having to get up at all. Yippee!!!!

Everything is set for her arrival. The nursery furniture is set up. Her clothes are folded and washed and our bags are packed. Now it's just a waiting game, and those of you who know me well know that I am not a patient individual. I think the key is going to be to keep myself busy, but not too busy. :)

Since I have very little control at this point in my life I think I have gone crazy control freak on those things I can control. For example, on Easter Sunday the family was talking about going camping over Labor Day weekend and since I couldn't sleep Sunday night I start looking into when I could make reservations for Cougar Rock. I found out we didn't have to wait as long as we thought and that Mt. Rainier was actually taking reservations already. So Monday, I started emailing Eric and probably annoying the hell out of him. Long story short, we are booked for a camping trip at Cougar Rock over Labor Day weekend. It should be a regular Farkle Family getaway. We are even adding to our Farkle Family tree this trip :) and I don't mean just Lilli.

It should be an adventure camping with a 3 month old baby. I may need to check myself into Western State when we get back.

This pregnancy thing is getting to be a real pain in the butt. Don't get my wrong, I can't wait to meet my little girl and introduce to her to the wonderful things this world has to offer. On the other hand, it's hard to keep that end goal in mind when your leg's hurt all the time, your back in killing you and your bra size keeps growing.

Whoever invented nursing bra's needs to be taken out back, beat within an inch of HIS life then have to go to every nursing/pregnant woman and apologize to them. Now I understand what my sister-in-law was talking about.

On a brighter note I am 29 weeks pregnant today and that means I have about 11 weeks left until I can meet Eva (or Sprout). I went shopping last week with Mom and Samantha and I almost had a breakdown in the middle of Motherhood maternity. That is after we spent about 3 hours in the Base Exchange buying necessities for her. I was just completely overwhelmed by everything. Thanks to my amazing Mom and wonderful sister I was able to get past the mental block and start to enjoy everything.

The last step is to go order the crib and dresser with Mom and Dad. I think it is so cute that my Dad wants to make sure the crib and dresser are safe for his Granddaughter. We should be going the 2 of April so hopefully everything is in before she makes her grand appearance. If not, I will have the cradle that my parent's bought in Germany when I was a baby. So even if her crib isn't here she will have a place to sleep, that is if I ever put her down :)

Once her nursery is set-up I will post pictures, put at this point everything she owns is all over about her room, on the double bed or stacked in the corner.

Everything is Fine :)

After reading my last post and talking to my Mom, I realized there was some room for interpretation. Everything is fine. My pregnancy is in the normal ranges and at this point all my baby is doing is growing. If the doctors/midwifes were concerened about something they would have me back in.

All these tests

I have come to the realization that there is such a thing as too much information.  I received an email from Group Health letting me know that I had new test results posted; it was the notes of the ultrasound tech from my last ultrasound.  As I was reading the results one thing stood out "hand remained flexed through out procedure".  So of course my over critical mind kept thinking, could this be something bad.  So I emailed my mid-wife and she finally got back to me today.

In her email she states that they were concerned about my babies limbs not growing due to the uterine synechiae they thought I had.  I had to Google that to figure out what the hell she was talking about, since I had not heard that term before.  It was the uterine band they mentioned at my anatomy screening.

I think there is a point were medical information can do more harm than good.  There is way too much information out there that a lay person can research and work themselves up into a frenzy over "what ifs".  I found myself doing that.

I need to relax and try and enjoy this time.  Because in three months I will not be able to sit on the couch and knit for the whole day.  I will be taking care of another human being that will have the ability to be anything she wants to be.  I need to focus on that.

Checklist

So as the time is ticking down I have actually had to make a checklist to make sure everything is done before the Princess makes her debut.  Yes, the Princess has a name but there are only three people who know at this point (her G-ma, Uncle Mark and her Mom). The rest of the world will be told once she get's here.

Back to the check list.  There is a check list to get the home ready, a check list to get work ready, and a check list of things to get.  I know I won't have everything in line but dammit if I a girl can't dream.  So far I am feeling pretty confident.  I think I have found day care for when I go back to work, a daughter of one of the ladies I work with.  I am hoping to eventually be able to put her in day care on post because that will just be more convenient.  My brothers (Eric, Mark & Joe) are coming over on Saturday to  help me move some furniture in the nursery so I can get the crib.  My Mom, Samantha and I went and registered for at Babies-R-Us a week ago, so that is done.  And yes I do check the list to see if anyone has bought something.  So far no :(  I think in my personal life everything is in place for now.  Things will change when she get's here but there is not a lot I can do until then.

Work on the other hand is far from ready.  It down one me today that I have two full months left in the office.  Yes, I know, I'm not due until June 2nd but I want everything at work set by the 13th of May just in case Princess comes early.  That gives me two months to make sure that everything I am responsible for is being taken care of.  A lot of the process I follow I have created, so taking what is in my brain and transferring it to somebody else is easier said than done.  Every time I start to make notes I flash back to my Dad and Eric doing Math homework and my Dad yelling at Eric "Don't you get it!".  I sometimes feel like I am banging my head against a wall.  I see one of two ways this maternity leave thing working out.  Either I come back to work and everything is perfect and they realize that don't need me as much as I thought or the whole CTAM program is in disarray and none of our due dates are being met.  I hope it's a nice happy medium between the two.

I guess all I can do is take it one day and a time and try to focus on the blessing that is coming. 

Baby Names

Choosing a name for this little girl is turning out to be a very difficult!!!!!  Right off the bat I have to make sure that any name I choose will fit well with Vonderscheer.  I mean with the last name of Vonderscheer I don't want to name her Victoria Elizabeth, the poor thing wouldn't be able to spell her name until the 3rd grade :)  Plus, I don't want to pick a name that will automatically open her up to ridicule.  So far these are front runners (in no particular order):

• Sophia Mary
• Cate Frances
• Erica Jean
• Ella Mary
• Claire

This little girl will probably not have an official name until I actually get to hold her in my arms and have a chance to get to know her.

In Today's World.....

So I called today to register for my Childbirth class.  I was extremely excited because this is finally starting to feel real, I am more than half way done with this pregancy.

Let's say I was excited until I received the confirmation email; "Dear Mr and Mrs Vonderscheer......".  Those five words made me stop and think, is this something I am going to have to deal with from now on?  I was just going to ignore the assumption until an amazing woman pointed out that I should not have to put up with the narrow mindedness of others: Thanks Mom. 

So with that vote of confidence I replied to the email and the Director of the Franciscan Health system and pointed out that not every individual who enrolls in one of their childbirth classes is apart of a married couple.  I realize that they are a Catholic organization, but one aspect of my faith I embrace is the acceptance of all. 

In today's world we need to me understanding an open minded.

Guess it's time to get back to work.

Changes

So a lot has changed since my last post.  I am going to be a Mom.  At this point I am 19 weeks pregnant and due on the 2nd of June.  I think for the next couple of months I am going to use this blog to keep track of ideas for the nursery and other baby stuff.  If you are expecting me to vent about the situation I find myself in then you do not need to continue to read.  I am going to be a Mom to a wonderful child and at this point that is all that matters.  I have faith that the rest will fall where it may.  So with that being said here is my first list of items I need to keep track of.

Stroller and Car Seat

This is the same set that PawPaul has and it is the only stroller that I can actually push with out doubling over at the waste.  I am very lucky that Uncle Mark has said this is his gift to the baby.  I love my brother.

I have decided that since I am not going to find out the sex of the baby that I want to do his/her room in Mickey Mouse.  So I am know on a mission to find the perfect bedding set.  I good friend of mine found this set online but I don't know where to buy it.