bits

Anna! I had the pleasure of meeting Anna from Right vs. Easy a couple of weeks ago. Oh, and I had such a nice time. She is just lovely lovely lovely in so many ways. Plus she has an art background, so it was interesting for me to hear what she does in terms of that. Especially, since I haven't done a thing in ages. I still love to hear about it, though. That and, of course, the recent birth of her son -- a triumph after years of heartbreak. We did reflect back on some of the things that we'd been through -- not to dwell on them, but to recognize that they were still with us and had shaped us in some way. But it was also nice to be seeing those events as part of the past, rather than an ongoing, painful reality. Most of all, though, it was just good company, great conversation, a wonderful time. Anna, you are a delight! I truly hope that our paths cross again sometime.

My Shower. It happened recently, and it was really terrific. I had decided that it should be small -- just a few close friends & family, but boy, did that little group shower me with stuff. It was pretty overwhelming. I made a tiny thank you speech at the end and got a little blubbery. It was just so incredible to be surrounded by loved ones who were celebrating the imminent birth of my baby. So incredible.

My Feet. Are puffy. And they have been for about a month. But it hasn't been too much of a concern, because my BP and urine tests have been consistently normal.Yesterday, though, I had my foot resting on top of a box that was under my desk, when I noticed that it felt a little ouchy. I looked down and saw that the side of my foot (which was kind of hanging off the edge of the box) was bulging out pretty badly. Seriously, it looked like Frankenfoot. That freaked me out a bit, so I called my OB and went in for a quick check up. The crazy bulge went down while I was driving in, but I was still pretty swollen when I arrived at her office. All my tests checked out OK (BP 122/68 and no protein in the pee) but she sent me home to rest. So I did, and putting my feet up made a huge difference.

My Kitchen. The picture shows what it looked like a few days ago. It's a little better now. The guys have closed in the walls (no plaster yet, though) and have started to work on the flooring. Yes, it was kind of crazy to do a complete kitchen remodel so close to my due date, but unfortunately that's the way M. and I operate. We've been talking about it for years. Now finally, with the realization that it would be nuts to try to do it with a baby/toddler/little kid around, we've brought someone in to do it. Oh, and it so needed it. Every surface was tired and in disrepair. And there were layers and layers of wall coverings and flooring and paint -- it was time to strip it all out. And the guys have been great -- working really hard to finish before the baby comes. Of course, there's always a chance that it could be tomorrow, but let's hope not!

Boys, Boys, Boys! There are three little boys who live across the street from me, and God, they are just so cute. They are from Haiti, they are often dressed in short-sleeved button-down shirts and cargo shorts, and their hair is shaved pretty much down to nothing. And their faces -- oh just so damn cute!! I would guess that they are 8, 6, and almost 4. Right now I'm watching them play whiffle ball in their driveway and arguing (in French) as to whether a ball was fair or foul. Yesterday I watched them do a little song and dance thing on their front steps. Another day, when my husband was out weeding in the yard, they ran over and insisted on helping! I just want to squish them, they are so adorable. I guess it's good that I'm finding little boys so charming these days, seeing as I've got one on the way. I used to have a hard time envisioning being a mom to a boy (what the hell do I know about boys?), but I'm seeing it more and more.

The Red Sox. I don't often write about how much I love the Sox, but oh, I do love them. I wasn't always such a huge fan. It's been just over three years now, I'd say. I "discovered" them around the same time I started having reproductive problems. It was the perfect distraction. I could go to Fenway Park, and my whole world would go away. All that mattered was the location of the next pitch. Or where the ball would land. Or whether the runner would make it to the bag before the tag was applied. It was great. And it was really good for my marriage -- to have this thing to focus on and get excited about in the midst of our hard times. Well, M and I are in a real upswing right now, but our poor Sox are kind of struggling. They had been doing great all year, but now they are slipping. They are about to play the Yankees 5 times in a row, and they're already off to a shaky start. Blech. Oh well, I guess the rough patches make the comebacks all the more fun and exciting. Such is life.

One month. 'til my due date. There's no knowing when it'll actually happen. Of course, I have no say. Six weeks tops, I suppose. And I am excited. I can't wait to meet this much anticipated baby. The one that finally (oh, God, please) made it through.

Comments

[Nico]

hehehehe... Frankenfoot! My swelling has been getting worse too - I actually feel as if my feet are bruised when I get home at night. I bought some compression nylons from Isis - I despise wearing nylons in general, but I do feel like they help keep the swelling down to some extent.

Your shower sounds like it was lovely! It is a special feeling to know how much all those people care about you, isn't it?

I'm glad you're feeling squishy about boys these days. I've mostly been calling Phred a he for the same reason, I was having a really hard time at the beginning imagining myself with a son. It's gotten a lot easier though :-)

Thanks for the update!!

[fisher queen]

Boo Yankees. Boo Hiss. I'm not a baseball person but was so thrilled to see the Red Sox beat them (last year?)

Good luck on the kitchen remodel. I feel your pain.

And belated Happy Shower! I'm glad you had a happy weepy one. You deserve it.

[Katie]

I'm sorry about the Sox. Meanwhile I'm just enjoying Le Tigres...

There's only a month left? Good GOD!

The boys across the road sound totally adorable.

Hurrah for updates! We love you, lady!

[T]

One month - wow!

And yes on the Red Sox - actually I could have written that, I think I started a year or so earlier than my diagnosis, but that was it exactly and I'm hooked - well, now furious, but since they've just started back up again (Schillling BETTER have been in a hot tub for the last 45 minutes!), I have to run.

[pixi]

Oh well, T, it looks like we (and the rest of Red Sox Nation) should have gone to bed early last night. God, it's just so frustrating!!!

[Kath]

Dear Pixi, one MONTH? Wow. That's so close! Good for you for doing your kitchen now. (Does it count as nesting instinct if someone else is going it for you? ;)) And I'm glad your shower was so enjoyable. Small and bounteous sounds like the ticket!

A friend of mine had such foot swelling towards the end of her pregnancy that she could only wear espadrilles. Even to her wedding!

[stephanie]

Pixi-ONE month left! but it seems like yesterday when you posted the "+" post. and I think the kitchen remodel is well timed. can't wait to see the results.

As for the Sox, it might be the pregnancy, but I seriously got teary after this weekend's nightmare of a series. OK it really must be the hormones. But still very dissapointing.

[mm]

Oh I'm insanely jealous that you and Anna got to meet!! :)

I can't believe you have just a month left. I'm thrilled to know that Mr Limbo and I aren't the only crazy ones for attempting renovations at the last minute. We've got 7 more weeks to go and only today started demo-ing what will be the baby's bathroom.

Glad you're no longer as puffy. This swelling sucks. I've had my rings off for months and now my joints are getting so sore that I can barely make a fist, which makes it exceedingly difficult when I feel the need to punch someone for gawking at my rapily expanding front half.

[Lori]

I can't believe you only have a month left!
Those kitchen guys better keep working fast.
I'm so glad you had a nice shower and had the opportunity to enjoy the day. You deserved it.