Now that we are getting so close to baby boy actually arriving, I feel like I should take a few moments to present some awards to some people, places and things that have made this pregnancy easier on me, that and the Golden Globes inspired me! A big congratulations to all the award winners... and a big thank you to everyone else who I may have forgotten, but hey, blame it on the baby brain.
First up, the award for most understanding friend goes to Morgan Nangle! After spending years begging me not to get pregnant before she got married, it would happen that she sends a picture of the form fitting bridesmaids dress she has chosen for her nuptials just days after I got a positive result on a pregnancy test. She took the news that I would be 8 months pregnant at her December wedding great and is one of Cameron's biggest fans.
Next, the award for best mom of the momma to be goes to Dawn White. Whether she was driving down for a day trip to buy me maternity clothes, or listening to me ramble about the long list of baby to-do's I was sure I would never complete, her support has been unwavering. Not to mention she has gifted Cameron with some amazing items including refurbishing our family cradle, providing all bedding and accessories for Cameron's crib and even baby tevis shoes so that Cameron can join us on our annual camping trips.
Onto the award for best shower throwing sister-in-laws which goes to Sarah and Megan! From the assortment of snacks that were based on my cravings to the adorable milk bottles for all of the drinks, everything was perfect. They threw a great party that everyone enjoyed and Cameron made out like a bandit. Sarah and Megan have both been so excited to welcome their first nephew and have been so generous by throwing such a great shower not to mention giving Cameron some great gifts and helping to take good care of me by checking in on the phone and visiting to help me prepare for baby.
From family to co-workers, the award for most tolerant co-workers goes to the Walmart Grocery Visual Merchandising Team! These poor people have suffered through my daily baby updates - they deserve more than this award, maybe I can come up with a medal. They have tolerated my daily Cameron chatter and have even found a way to pretend like they are interested. A big thank you to the whole team for putting up with me, and for taking over for me while I am on leave.
Also co-workers, both past and present, the award for the best "mommy Yodas" as I call them goes to Cortney Carlson, Amanda Crabtree and Ashley Evans. Cortney started the baby train by getting pregnant a few months before me which meant I have always had someone to answer my questions and to provide me with practical advice. Onto Amanda who couldn't help herself after Cortney and I got pregnant and decided to jump on the baby bandwagon. She is my go to text-buddy when I need someone to tell me that there is light at the end of this tunnel and she is always good for a lunch or dinner date when I need to get out of the office. Last, but not least, my 6:30am Crossfit buddy, Ashley. She kept me motivated for 7 months of pregnant workouts until the doctor shut it down. Her encouragement helped me to continue to get up and get my baby-carrying booty to the gym every morning so that I could keep my strength up. These ladies are awesome!
I would be remiss not to mention a few places and things that have also helped me survive the last 9 months including...
- Best post doctor appointment snack spot - Steak-N-Shake
- Best takeout dinner when I am too tired to cook - Cheese pizza from Sams
- Best substitute for beer - Oogave Gingerale - SOOOOO GOOD!
- Best pregnant happy hour - $1 Icee in the Walmart cafeteria from 1pm-3pm
- Best baby purchase - the remote controlled rocker that I will be living in once Cameron arrives
Finally, I don't know how I could have survived this pregnancy without this last award winner... the award for best ever baby daddy goes to Mr. Kevin Ool. I cannot even begin to thank him enough for everything he has done to keep me sane the last 9 months. He was supportive and comforting throughout the pregnancy, but it is even more evident how awesome he is in these last few weeks. He has done everything from help me put on my socks if I just can stand to bend over to continuing to tell me how beautiful I am when we both know that I am a blown up version of my former self. He has taken over all forms of dog duty so that I don't have to take the pup out as the weather has gotten colder and brings me anything I ask for without pointing out that I could probably get it myself just as easily. Even this evening he came home with a beautiful orchid that I had my eye on because he thought if I took it to work it would make me happy for these last couple of weeks. Pizza pickups, foot rubs, housework help, crib construction and spirit lifting are just a few more of the things that have made me fall even more in love with my husband than I already was. I love you Kevin Ool and am so thankful for you everyday.
Onto the FAQ!
How are you sleeping?: Easy... I'm not. I am well prepared for late nights at this point.
What was the best moment this week?: Being able to officially cross over and get the countdown under 4 weeks has been good. I am beyond ready and knowing that he is considered full-term now makes it feel like we can finally get this show on the road.
Do you miss anything?: I miss being able to find a comfortable position. At this point sitting, standing and laying all prove to be bothersome in some way.
Cravings?: Smores pop-tarts. I have no idea why, but I went to four different places in my office yesterday seeking out a smores pop-tart only to find strawberry - Dang! And yes, we have a lot of snack shacks at work.
Mood lately?: I have my moments. That is probably a better question for my Hubby or Momma who get my frantic phone calls when I am convinced that Cameron won't actually be born until July - they assure me that will not be the case.
What are you looking forward to?: Not being pregnant anymore... :)
Maternity Clothes?: I have expanded my wardrobe thanks to a few donations from a co-worker. Probably a good thing or people would be looking at the same couple of shirts over and over again in these last couple of weeks.
Stretch Marks?: There are three red dots on me... I think they are the beginnings of stretch marks... Kevin thinks I am crazy.
