T-Minus. . . . ???

Could this be it? It's almost 3:30 in the morning the day before my little man's due date and I haven't really slept yet. Contractions are coming pretty strong about every three minutes. I took a shower while I had the chance and now I'm using www.contractionmaster.com to see if it's time to head to the hospital.

Just had to take a contraction break right there :P Little guy is wiggling around in there just fine - I don't think he much likes the contractions though, but can you blame him? Nobody likes being evicted!

Hopefully the next update will be with pictures of our new addition once we are home from the hospital! Keep thinking happy thoughts for us.

T-Minus 9 days . . . . maybe

We are now in the single digits - how crazy is that? I've actually started having contractions - though intermittently at best. My impatience is starting to shine through. I just can't wait to meet my little man! I got some pictures of my cousin's son (that's incredibly cool to say) and he really is precious.

So I told Grandma Paula that I did this months ago, I think I've been waiting for the "right" time though and I guess tonight with your daddy snoring on the couch behind me is that time. I fully intend to write a letter to you to give to you some day in the future that will be just between you and me but until then some insight into how I'm feeling about meeting you and my hopes and dreams for you my sweet little Liam.

I'm incredibly excited to meet you and hold you and kiss you from head to toe. I can't wait to see who you look like and what color your hair and eyes will be. I truly believe you are going to be long but we'll see if mommy is right or not soon enough. I worry too about how scary this whole journey will be for you. But I promise you that while it might seem like a big, bright, loud and scary world out here - it's a pretty incredible place with lots of amazing, wonderful people who love you unconditionally already.

As any mommy would admit - I want only happiness and sunshine for you. Unfortunately that's not always possible, and times may be difficult once in a while. But mommy and daddy will ALWAYS be here for you - whether you need a hug, a pat on the back, or just someone to talk to. I want you to know above all else that we love you and always will no matter what. I also want you to know that the sky is the limit. If you put your mind to it, you CAN do it. My mom taught me that and I hope I can do half as good a job proving that truth to you in turn.

From the day I disbelievingly gazed at a positive pregnancy test (December 14, 2008) with tears of joy in my eyes, to the first time I felt you flutter around in my tummy, to the first time you made the book I was reading jump off my belly I have loved you and I always will. I'm ready when you are little man!!

Nothing yet. . . .

Well August 3 has come and gone and still no baby news from Michigan - as you may remember my cousin is expecting her first little one as well and we're all anxiously awaiting that little one's arrival.

As for me, I'm doing pretty well. Little man has the hiccups as I'm writing this, but it's a nice reminder after a pretty quiet day that things are all going well. I'm not sleeping very well at night, but I seem to be able to crash from about 7:30am till 10am, so at least a little bit of sleep is happening. If there is anything I feel I can say for sure it's that my little guy is going to be VERY long. I have SO much pelvic pressure, but at the same time I can feel him burying his feet up under my ribs (and I have a pretty decent sized torso folks)!

I had a doctor's appointment on Monday. My doctor is pleased with him and me and seriously has no concerns (have I mentioned lately that I love my doctor and how laid back she is?). She did say that at 39 weeks (about a week from now) she will do an ultrasound just to check his size again, but she doesn't seem concerned.

I hate to say that I am "done" with being pregnant - because truly I have enjoyed every single second - even the not so pleasant/scary seconds. I think I'm just getting very excited to finally meet this little person who's been bouncing around inside of me for 9 months. And I would be lying if I said I wasn't also looking forward to possibly getting to sleep on my stomach again, and having a normal sized bladder.

I've also gotten very emotional in the last day or so. Now any of you that know me well will laugh at that statement and say "when isn't she emotional?" and it's true - I'm a very "sappy" person. But in the last day or so I have found myself in tears over one thing or another which hasn't been the norm during this pregnancy. Sure there were tears from time to time but today it seems like every sweet little thing I read about or hear about has the tears running down my cheeks. Does this mean anything? Who knows?

And now, just proof positive once again, that I have the world's greatest husband - he called to let me know he was going to get home late (he didn't want me to worry) and that he would be a little bit later because he was stopping to get me a surprise! We'll see what it is when he gets home.

I will keep everyone updated as things hopefully start progressing soon. Hope life is treating everyone else as well as it's treating my little family. These are truly good days - ones I won't ever forget.

Ummmm. . . . Yikes!!!

So yeah. . . . it's August! Holy crap! That means that I'm supposedly having a baby THIS month! That is just a little crazy to think about.

So sorry that I haven't posted in so long, will work on rectifying that, and in the meantime try to catch you up a little bit.

The car stuff got figured out eventually in case anyone was wondering but there was even more drama to be had after that last post - I don't even want to go into it. It was actually almost comical by the time everything got worked out.

My mom came to visit on July 9 and stayed till July 15 which was wonderful! I didn't mean to put her to work but she ended up cleaning and organizing my apartment - which is awesome since my body has decided it doesn't want to do anything but grow a baby! Did I mention how much I adore her? Other than wanting to see her now obviously pregnant daughter (we saw her back at Christmas but I was only about 4-5 weeks pregnant at the time) she was also in town for the baby shower that Kazia and Sandy threw. It was marvelous! This little boy is SO loved already. I'm pretty sure we have everything we need, and if we don't, well then we'll get it after he arrives. Most of Paul's side of the family and some of my friend's were able to make it and I'm pretty sure a good time was had by all.

One of the games we played was me trying to figure out what kind of baby food I was tasting - I can't believe babies eat this stuff!

This was a definite "Yuck!!" flavor - I think it was squash or something I don't normally like anyway.

This was a definite "YUMMY!!!!"

And how cute are the party favors??? "Thank you for coming from Kristin and her 'bun in the oven'!"

Then I had another shower at work! This little boy is going to seriously be the best dressed baby on the block that is for sure. They decorated my desk and had a potluck with lots of yummy food. It was a nice way to round out my last week of work.

There's the belly! And my cubicle at work. Cheryl came in on Sunday to decorate my desk!! Such love from my lead :)

The sash says "mommy - to - be" and that cake to my left. . . was made by Cheryl out of blankets and wash cloths!!!! So cool!

So July 24 was my last day of work and it was definitely with mixed feelings that I left. I miss my friends at work and seeing them on a daily basis. But as little man has gotten bigger over the last week and dropped a little bit I don't know if I could still be doing it. I've had a hard time this past week just keeping up with doctor's appointments, I can't imagine what it would have been like while working full time as well.

I've washed the first batch of his clothes and blankets and burp cloths. We got the crib on the 26 and put it together the same day. I'm still waiting for the mattress pad to be delivered but once I have the bedding all put together as well I will post some pictures of his corner in our room. It's really coming together quite nicely. Other than that not too much going on. Just trying to patiently wait for his arrival. This is the truest surprise I think I will ever have - having no idea when he is going to decide to make his debut.

That pretty much sums it up I do believe. I will post again soon, I promise!

Vehicles - The Bain of my Existence

I hate cars. I desperately wish I had no need for them but alas I work 30+ miles away from home and that just isn't walkable, especially in my current condition!

We took the Lincoln in last Saturday to have the rear driver's side shock looked at. Found out on Wednesday that both air bags (it has air suspension) are shot along with the air compressor's motor. Great! So to fix all that it was going to be $700+. Instead for $400+ we can have the car converted to regular coil spring shocks and not have to worry about compressor motors or air bags anymore - score! But of course the parts have to be ordered from out East and won't arrive till the 6th at the earliest. We need this car up and running by the 9th when my mom comes to town (the Saturn just isn't big enough for everyone anymore).

Then the Saturn didn't pass it's smog test. Took it in this morning to find out what's wrong, $140 later it's fixed but the smog place won't re-smog it for free until the guy who did it originally comes in at 2 (so Alex and I wait). Then I have to go to the DMV to get the tags and then hopefully this nightmare is over, at least for a while.

The exciting and wonderful news is that my mom is going to be here in less than a week! It means much cleaning still needs to be done but that's ok with me, I get to see my mom!!! She hasn't seen me since I was only about 5 weeks pregnant - quite a difference now at almost 33 weeks.

My baby shower is on the 11th (the reason mom is coming to town - isn't she just the best?) and that should be great fun. A bunch of my friends that I haven't been able to connect with in quite a while are going to be there, it will be so nice to see them again! And let me just point out how truly blessed I feel that some of these friends are driving quite some distance just to see me and celebrate the coming of this baby. I'm a very very lucky lady.

Other than that I'm just doing my very best to stay as cool as possible - the temperatures have been awful lately - and since when is Southern California humid? I don't like this new development! And trying to make it through my last 3 weeks of work. I can't believe I'll be on leave in less than a month. I would be lying if I didn't say I'm not looking forward to some time off. I'm hoping my little man doesn't get any ideas about coming super early - I have a lot to accomplish before he arrives. I tell him everyday that he needs to take his time and get as big and strong as he can. I then always amend what I've said and tell him he doesn't need to be TOO big!

I can't believe we only have about 50 days to go! That's pretty crazy, but I am so looking forward to meeting this little person growing and wiggling inside me. Even with my achey pelvis and sore back I am thoroughly enjoying this entire experience. I finally feel as if I'm doing what I was meant to do. I feel so natural and content being pregnant. We'll see how I feel in another 4 weeks right? :P Anyway, that's our update for now. Hope life is treating everyone well!

Someone give me MY doctor back!! Please!

OK, I had one of the most frustrating doctor's appointments of this entire pregnancy today! I was supposed to see my usual doctor on Monday, however she called out sick on Monday and the only time they could reschedule me was today at 9:40 in the morning - with a different doctor.

She left me waiting in the room for a good 20 minutes first off - and let me just say that is not the usual at my hospital. Once you are in a room to be seen you are usually seen in about 5-10 minutes. Then she wants to go through my whole history all over again! Um. . . you are not my doctor, you are a fill-in since my doctor was sick this week, you do NOT NEED TO KNOW EVERYTHING ABOUT ME!

Normally my doctor looks to see what my blood pressure was when they took it out front (I'm considered "high risk" due to high blood pressure at my first appointment - even though it's been pretty much perfect since then) tells me my blood pressure is looking good and we move along with the appointment. This doctor? No, she wants to know if I had blood pressure issues before I got pregnant. Well, yes I did but it was determined to be white coat syndrome. She wants to know if anyone ever termed me "chronic hypertensive". No, I've never been put on medication for the blood pressure and it has never been termed a "chronic" problem. She decides it is a chronic problem and puts it on my chart so now it shows up all over the place!

Then she tells me that due to my being "chronic" I have to start having non-stress tests 2 times a week starting at 32 weeks gestation. Wait. . . . WHAT?!?! You just decided I'm chronic - even though I'm not - you are not my doctor and now I have to have two extra appointments per week because of a decision you, who are not my doctor, made? Um, can I object?? I keep my mouth shut, more because I'm not sure of what will come out of it than any other reason, and decide well we're almost done I can discuss with my doctor at my next appointment if this is all actually necessary.

THEN - she measures my belly and says "This baby is measuring big!". I laugh and tell her his parents are both big people and that we are not worried (because my doctor has been measuring me all along and has not seen a problem with my measurements). Well apparently this doctor - who I again remind you is NOT MY DOCTOR - decides it is something to be worried about. She schedules an ultrasound (another appointment = more time off work BEFORE baby is born) to see just how big he is. Apparently, it doesn't matter to her that this late in the game ultrasounds can be off by a pound or more in either direction and are not conclusive at all - oh well!

She listens to his heartbeat and it sounds great - thank goodness - and then squeezes and pushes low on my abdomen to see if he is head down. It HURT!!!! But the good news is he is indeed head down - at least for the time being.

There's more, but I've totally bored myself now so I can only imagine how awful this is for anyone who decides to read it. What it boils down to is I am very much looking forward to my next doctor's appointment with MY doctor to suss out what exactly is truth and what is over-reaction.

I've seriously gained a new appreciation for my doctor now though that's for sure. She's a little older and I think she's seen so much that she doesn't tend to overreact about things - which for me and my touchy blood pressure is a very good thing. I'll keep everyone posted with what happens.

Doctor's Appointment Update

OK, so I just got back from the doctor's office and everything looks GREAT! Blood pressure was excellent, Liam's heartbeat was steady and strong, headache is probably stress induced but nothing to really worry about.

She made me drink that awful glucose drink and then go have blood drawn to check for gestational diabetes. If there is a problem I should hear from them today, if not, no news is good news. They also ran blood work to check my blood count to look for anemia and that sort of thing so we'll see.

I have to go back on the 15th as now my appointments are every two weeks and I'm trying to get them back on Mondays because Monday is a more convenient day. We were talking about how much personality he has already. She agreed that even in utero babies have developed their own personality. We know for sure you doesn't like being pushed on because he pushes right back.

I also have to start doing kick counts before I go to bed at night. I have to write down what time I start counting, what time I get to 10 kicks, and how long it took me to get 10 kicks. I don't think this will be difficult for my little man as he's usually pretty wiggly. They did say though that if I don't have 10 in an hour I need to go to labor and delivery - do not pass go, do not collect $200. So we'll see how that goes.

She also said that I can go swimming! Just that I have to take it easy because at this stage too much physical exertion and I could potentially put myself into preterm labor and we do NOT want that! I also got my doctor's note for short term disability today. As of now she has me off starting July 27 and off for 6 weeks after the baby is born. That was kind of exciting because 6 weeks means, at least at this point, that she sees no possible reason for a C-section. Woo hoo!

I think that's it for now. Time for a nap before I have to go pick Alie up from school - today was their beach trip - and help her get ready for the end of the year dance! Big stuff. Hope everyone is doing well.

Introduction of Sorts

Hello there to our families and friends! I've started this blog as a way to keep you all updated with what's happening here in sunny Southern California - in the life of the Ginsberg's anyway. I figured it was a way to share pictures, thoughts, ideas, what we did last weekend, etc.

For those that haven't been kept up to date, or we've lost touch with along the way, I will try to catch you up as quickly as possible.

September of 2007 was a big time for our family. Paul and I made it official at the beautiful Japanese Gardens (right down the street from our apartment). It was a truly magnificent day, and we were blessed to be surrounded by our family and friends. I can't speak for everyone there but I know that it is a day Paul, Alex and I will not soon forget.

The happy family

After the wedding Paul and I were lucky enough to spend a glorious week in Hawaii! Paul had been when he was little, but it was a first for me - trust me, I'll go back anytime!!! You can't help but feel relaxed while you are there, that is just the overall vibe on the island.

We rented scooters to ride around the island - they even pulled a green one out just for me!

After that it was pretty much business as usual. Paul working for Countrywide while I continued at Cardservice.

Fast forward to September of 2008 and you find Alex starting 6th grade! Hard to believe the little munchkin I met when she was 4 years old was already starting junior high. She is, at this point, almost finished with 6th grade! Only 7 more days of school left - does it look like we're counting down? She has a radiance about her that draws people in. Her laughter is medicine after a rough day and her smile lights up any room. I have enjoyed getting to know her and look forward to watching her grow and continue to blossom into the amazing woman I know she will become.

Just turned 11 years old! (2-20-09)

Ok - so my time line got a little goofed up. Rewind to December of '08. Paul and I find out we will be adding 1 more to our family in August! Joyous news all the way around. Alex, Paul and I spent a week at Christmas in Michigan with my mom and had much fun building snow men and exploring the Detroit Zoo. We were also surprised to find out that my cousin Rebecca is expecting her first little one as well . . . . in August! I'd love to say we planned it that way, but alas it's just another instance of great minds thinking alike.

My pregnancy has for the most part been smooth. We found out March 25th that we are having a little boy! We could not be more excited to meet our little man this summer. I'm currently enjoying feeling him wiggle around (sometimes incessantly) and I think I've even caught him having the hiccups once or twice. I'm convinced he has quite the personality already. He doesn't much like people poking or prodding at him with anything, and has no trouble letting them know this by kicking or punching them away.

I think that brings us up to date for the most part. I hope to update here as often as possible, so if you are interested in reading what we've been up to feel free to stay tuned. With that I will leave you one more picture - one of the little wiggle worm still residing in Mama's tummy. Who do you think he looks like?

21 weeks