Followers

01 February 2012

The population of Crazyville

is increasing. And I don't mean we're adding pets. Although I would like to. I told Left-brain about the Puppy Bowl on Animal Planet this weekend, and how they have an adorable pit/lab mix puppy. We got to talking about it, and Left-brain doesn't understand why it's always the pitbulls and the labs hooking up. Somehow he doesn't believe my theory that pits and labs are the "hos" of the dog world. I asked Beazer if he would like a Lab girlfriend and make his own little mutts. He seemed to be in agreement, Left-brain said no. His exact words were, "You don't have the time now, and you won't have the time later." Sadly, I had to agree, poor old Beazer won't get to see his progeny running through the back yard.

You see, Left-brain and I are going to be parents. I'm not kidding. It seems kind of wierd to be a "mom"; part of me laughs inside at that, at the idea someone is trusting me with another human being. Fortunately, most of me figures I'll be a good mom, since I'm pretty "young" at heart. I think that is the same part of me that says, "Oh, surely they give you some sort of multiple choice test before letting you out of the hospital with a baby." Nope, if you got the co-pay, a carseat, and a pediatrician, you too can be a parent (of course, remember, I got married in a county whose only requirements for a marriage license are the payment, a photo ID and a right arm--Maryland seems to be pretty lax about these life-changing choices, LOL)

I'm due in early July, the 6th to be exact. So far, it's gone about the norm, except that I'm considered high-risk, due to my age, and serious hypertension. Even before they had confirmed the pregnancy (which is a long and involved story, and is the reason I HATE my PCP), they diagnosed my blood pressure as dangerously high. It was touch and go for a while and they have been watching me very closely, but we finally seem to be getting it under control. I pray about it, I ask God and my gramma to protect this baby, and I am trying to do better. This has been a wake-up call for me; I've been changing a lot of things, drinking more water, much less fast food, being more mindful of what goes in me in general, since this isn't just about me anymore. I want to be in this child's life as long as possible and as healthy as possible. Knowing that I feel better, that I have less headaches than before is proof I can do this.

We don't know the sex yet. Yes, we want to know. No, we're not sharing that information til he or she comes out. We did pick out names: Logan Willam for a boy, which I love because the doctor took one look at Left-brain and said, "With that one, you are going to have a big baby." If it's a boy, I want a strong name for him, a big man should have a strong name. If it's a girl, her name will be Kaydence Breanna, which has dual meaning. We will call her Katie or Kate, which was my great-grandmother's name. I respect her because she raised 8 children all by herself after her husband died when my grandfather was small, and sent my grandfather to college, where he became a teacher and affected the lives of hundreds of kids. That's a pretty good tribute to her, but she needs her name carried on. The middle name is a combination of Best friend Brea's name and that of my mom. Three very strong women in one little name. Also, the name means "beat strong", and, when we were in the process of confirming whether or not I had gotten pregnant, my OB/GYN sent me for an ultrasound. All I saw was this little flashing light, the baby's heartbeat, like it was saying, "I'm here, Mama. You were right," and it was so strong. Proof there are miracles. I didn't know the meaning til after I had chosen the name for the first reason, but it's almost as if it was meant to be.

In case I haven't said it, we are really excited for this change in our lives. To think, God willing, we will have a baby next Christmas and get to see the holiday through a child's eyes, to have summers making sand castles and watching this baby experience Assateague and the fair, and dressing up for Halloween, first days of school, when I was not terribly sure I'd ever have that experience (when I was 30, unmarried, and no prospects are coming down the line, motherhood seemed a pipe dream), knowing other women go their whole lives, wanting this and not having it, makes me feel so lucky. And thankful.

I hope no one minds that I posted and that I rambled on and on. I meant to post this earlier, but couldn't get around to it, and it seems rather silly to not say anything anymore. I appreciate everyone who sent good thoughts and asked after me right after the blood pressure started, and for putting up with me while I've been tired and not very interesting over the past few months. Hopefully, we're into the better stretch of the pregnancy at this point; I have more energy, even though you wouldn't know it if you'd watch me walk, LOL, and my appetite is back. YAYYYY!

30 comments:

ArchangelDecker said...

Congratulations on the big news! That is so awesome! :)

Erin said...

Congratulations!! (I had some suspicions....LOL) I completely understand everything you've said about being a parent, and I was high-risk too, thanks to juvenile diabetes. And now I have an almost-2-year-old mucking about in my stitching supplies....hehehe

Stephanie M. said...

Congrats!! You will make a terrifc Mom!! BTW I want one of those Jammers....lol

VegasJilly said...

You're right about how easy it is to get married in maryland! After I got married it was actually harder to change my name than it was to actually get married. Lol. Congrats!!

stitchersanon said...

Amazing news. Congratulations..that is just the best. I wish you a healthy and happy pregnancy and look forwards to the big announcement.

Kathy A. said...

OMG!!!! I am so excited for you Rachel!!! Congratulations!
Will be praying and waiting with bated breath for the new arrival.
Sending big hugs!

Denise said...

Congratulations! Isn't it amazing how the things we've always wanted seem to happen? Sounds like you are doing a great job getting the health issues under control. Must say I am particularly partial to your name for a boy - my Logan got stuck with 2 middle names - Robert Thomas. And he's big enough to handle them.

Keep us posted!

Chocolates4Breakfast (Terri Malinovich) said...

Oh, Rachel! What exciting news. I couldn't be happier for you and I really enjoyed reading your post. I wish for you a healthy baby, a joyful pregnancy and continued good health and habits. Great news!

Danielle said...

Rachel, I am so very happy for you!!! I wish you all of the luck and look forward to funny baby stories when that time comes. Just think, you can teach him/her to stitch when that time comes!

Nancy said...

Congratulations! Love both names you have picked, good strong names!

Stitchinowl said...

Rachel, I am so excited for you!! Enjoy the wild, amazing ride of pregnancy while it lasts! I love the names you picked out, especially Logan.
Carolyn

pandy said...

Congratulations! :) You're going to be wonderful. What a great announcement!! :D

valerie said...

Congrats on your big news! I'm glad you're feeling better and hope your blood pressure lowers and gets controlled. How exciting for you and HB!

riona said...

Congratulations. May the remainder of your pregnancy be uneventful and very enjoyable and may your labor and delivery be as easy as mine were: both my boys were born with one puch after very short labors - just a two or three hours.

Julie M said...

What fantastic news Rachel! Congrats to you and left-brain! Glad to hear you are doing better health wise. Take it easy and enjoy the peace and quiet while you can. It will be a very long time before you have it again!!

Annie said...

Sending big congratulations your way! This is wonderful news. I think you will be a fabulous Mom!

Vicky said...

Congratulations and big hugs to you both :0)

Bette said...

Congratulations. That is wonderful news!

Lainey said...

I;m so happy for you Rachel that is wonderful news. Congratulations to you and your DH!
Hope your blood pressure settles down and you have a wonderful pregnancy.

Astrids dragon said...

Oh Rachel, how exciting - I love it when 1+1=3!!! Both sets of names are perfect, can't wait to see which one gets used.

Unknown said...

Hi,
Congrats to the future parents!!!! I'm so happy for the future parents!!!!

Carol said...

Oh, Rachel, I'm so very happy for your and your husband--I can tell you are thrilled and excited by your news!

Take extra good care of yourself and enjoy the next six months! Pregnancy has its ups and downs, but to feel a little one move inside of you is one of my favorite memories. A new baby will offer more blessings than you can imagine...

lynda said...

Congratulations! You will make great parents

imnverted said...

Great news Rachel! Thinking good happy thoughts your way.

Raggedystitcher said...

I am so very happy for you. You are not only a blessing to those around you, you are a blessing to your very special baby that is on his/her way! :)
Thinking of you today, and hope you are feeling great!

Blessings to you!
Louise

LoneStar said...

How exciting! Congratulations to you and your DH! May you have an uneventful pregnancy and good health.

The names y'all picked out are great; I like them.

Lisa (Texan)

Donna said...

Big time congratulations!

Lynn D said...

Rachel, I am so happy for you and your husband. You will be a wonderful mother!

Dr Colin Sullivan in AU is doing research on how cpap therapy can help with blood pressure in pregnant women. He is the doctor who invented cpap therapy. Early intervention is cutting down the occurrences of pre-eclampsia.

Pumpkin said...

OMG! OMG! OMG! I am SO happy for you Rachel :o) Believe me, I know how scary it is when you have health issues on top of things. If you ever need to talk (not that I know much) feel free to email me. I highly recommend the book What To Expect When Expecting. My doctor told me to focus on my current month only and it's helped me out a lot.

Congrats to you and DH :o)

Unknown said...

You will be a wonderful mommy. Congrats again to you and your hubby.

Gina

I do my thing and you do yours. I am not in this world to live up to your expectations, and you are not in this world to live up to mine. You are you and I am I, and if by chance we find each other, then it is beautiful. If not, it can’t be helped--Frederick Perls