Remember when?

Remember when I could sit down at the computer for more than 2 minutes?

Remember when I could take a shower without a crying newborn and a toddler who insists on playing peek-a-boo with the shower curtain?

Remember when I could cook dinner without holding my newborn and having my toddler squeeze himself between the cupboards and my legs, whining to be fed/held/played with/whatever?

Remember when I could sit on the couch and watch a movie without having 80 things that need to be done run through my head and eventually getting up and turning the movie off?

Remember when I could just get up and go to bed?

Remember when I could eat dinner without breastfeeding?

Remember when I had a whole closet full of clothes that fit me? 

Remember when you could walk through my living room without having to look down to be sure you weren't about to slip on a matchbox car?

Remember when I wore makeup and did my hair?  (Haha, don't miss that one so much)

Remember when time to myself didn't include going upstairs to put laundry away?

I do.  I remember those days.

Good things my boys are incredibly cute and amazing and I love them more than life. 

Wiped out

Man alive.  I'm pooped. 
Today was the first day out and about with both the boys.  Unfortunately it wasn't for anything fun.  Or at least most of it. 

It only took me 2 hours to get all of us fed, dressed and ready to go.  Not bad for the first time right?  that includes two sessions of breastfeeding.  Go Simon!

Dex had his allergy appointment at 10am.  Both boys did pretty stinking well.  Simon slept through most of it and Dexter was happy bubbly through the rest of it.  Hopefully we'll figure out what else is triggering these reactions other than dogs.  The bad part of this appointment was we had to draw blood.  AGAIN.  Drawing blood from a 21 month old is not easy.  When you are a brute like Dexter, it makes it doubly hard.  When you have inherited your mothers bad veins?  Oy vey.  They had to stick my poor baby THREE times to get blood.  THREE.  He was screaming and screaming.  Hurt my heart.  Then Simon woke up from all the screaming and he decided to scream too.  Three nurses poked their heads in the room to make sure everything was ok.  Yikes.

After that ordeal, I asked for an unoccupied room so Dexter could recover and I could feed Simon.

Then it was off to get Daddy for the baby shower his work was throwing for us and another gal he works with.  It was very nice to meet everyone and put faces to names :)  Everyone is so nice and was so excited to meet Simon!  Working at a hospital, Max is quite outnumbered in the female department.  He is the only male in his department!  Good thing he grew up with so many sisters.

Dexter was free to run around the big room and he had a good time.  Simon was passed from person to person to person and I was able to sit down and eat.  Fantastic cake!

Then we had to go and get Simon's weight checked.  At his 1 week appt he hadn't quite reached birth weight so we needed to make sure he was up to par before putting off his next appt until 2 months.  In 4 days he gained 6 oz so now he is a healthy 8 lbs 5 oz and we are good to go until 2 months.  I had the doc check a little something on Dex quick and then we did another breastfeeding session and finally we could go home.

So we left at 930am and got home at 245.  Who knew an all day trip to the hospital would poop you out so much.  I sure didn't.

Max will be quite lucky if I make dinner.

Simon's Birth Story

On the Monday the 23rd I had an appt with my doctor.  This appt was for IF I made it through the weekend which, of course, I did.  We were laying out a game plan for inducing.  As I have said in previous weeks, we were worried my labor would go too fast and I wouldn't be on antibiotics long enough.  After considerable thought, Max and I decided to go ahead and induce the labor because we didn't want the baby to be on antibiotics if I wasn't there in time to get them myself.  We were all set to say "TOMORROW!" which was the 24th but hospital policy is that you have to be 39 weeks to induce so we made our plan for the 25th. 

The night before was nerve wrecking and slightly sad.  As much as I wanted this pregnancy to be over I really would have preferred it to go naturally.  It was better for the baby though so Max and I just put up with it.  The only nice thing about knowing the date the baby was coming is that the day before I stayed home from work and spent extra time with Dexter.  I also got the whole house clean so I wouldn't have to worry about it.

We woke up very early and got ourselves together.  We woke up Dex at the last minute and were on our way.  We dropped off Dex at daycare (which was very emotional knowing this was the last time I'd see him as an only child... his world was going to change so much!) and then headed to the hospital. 

We got checked in and got to the room.  I didn't have to put on that horrible gown since we were just going to do the first dose of the penicillin.  That went in at 830 and they said that we would break my water at 11.  That was really strange being in the hospital but nothing was happening.  No contractions, no pain, no nothing.  Just the husband and I hanging out.  I watched some TV and ordered some food since I was too nervous to have breakfast at home.  Max watched some Netflix on my phone.  Time went by kind of slowly.  Once 11 came, my doctor was very busy so they said 12 they would start the 2nd dose of penicillin and then break my water.  Another slow hour.

Finally, at 1220 the nurses came in to break my water.  Apparently that was quite the process but eventually they got it broken.  I had been a 5/6 cm for about 2 weeks at this point and when they broke my water I was instantly a 7/8.  Still no pain.  I opted for an epidural because I was terrified of the pain and because I really liked how laid back Dexter's birth was.  I had way too much of the medicine with Dexter so we had them tone it down this time.  Once the contractions finally came I was 9 cm.  Every once in a while I would feel a real strong one where I had to breathe through it but really, this was as close to a painless birth as one could expect.  I think we sat at 9 cm for an hour and half and finally at 350 I was 10 cm and it was time to push.

My doc came in wearing his nice clothes since he had appointments and I told him to change into his scrubs but he didn't listen.  After 30  minutes of pushing and a lot of bantering back and forth between the 3 nurses, the doctor and my husband (quite the crowd in the room) the baby was coming out.  Usually they have you do 3 counts of 10 seconds and you get a break but I swear since he was coming out so well, I did around 7 or 8 counts of 10.  No breaks but it was worth it because there the baby was. 

We had told the doctor to exuberantly say the sex of the baby since neither Max nor I remember how we were told Dex was a boy but right when the baby came out, a bunch of fluid came with him and got all over the doctor.  Max tipped his head over and with a big smile announced "It's a boy!!!".  Simon Maxwell was born.  He was beautiful.  Simon was put on my chest and there he stayed for a good 1/2 hour or so.  Max cut the cord and everything else associated with birth went well. 

Simon got cleaned up a little bit and was weighed.  He was 8 lbs 2 oz which is a full pound heavier than Dexter was.  He was 21" long and was perfect.  Absolutely perfect.  After he was weighed I was able to breastfeed him and he latched on right away.  What a champ.  Both my boys were such good eaters right from the start. 

My total labor was just a little less than 4 hours so it was a good thing we opted to have my water broken otherwise Simon would have had to be on antibiotics.  That is exactly what we wanted to avoid.  I am very lucky to have such easy pregnancies and such easy labors.  I don't take this for granted.  Trust me. 

I have heard that sometimes it takes a little longer to bond with your second child because you feel guilt or something for your first child but that was not the case.  I was instantly in love with my new son.  I'm amazed at how the heart can make room for all the love you have for your children.  My boys mean everything to me and I'm so happy that I have two sons who will grow up together and have each other.  I'm so happy!

Book Review: Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children

Summary:  Jacob has learned that his beloved grandfather had a secret.  Jacob goes in search of this secret and comes across a world he never dreamed of.  He is torn between the world he lives in and this world he feels so safe and at home in.  Then, something happens that threatens this life he has found and he is the only one who can stop it.                                                                                                     Readability:  Incredibly easy.                                                                                             Rating:  I'd give it a 6 1/2 or 7 out of 10.  I really did like the book but it was a very easy book to read and I base my ratings on if I would re-read parts or the entire book again.                                                                                             Recommend:  Sure, if you have nothing else to read, this is a good filler book.

38 weeks

For some crazy reason I really didn't think we'd make it to 38 weeks.  My impatience is at a high level.  I am really, really, REALLY trying to just trust that there is a reason that baby is still cooking.  I want to meet him/her so badly and find out who is in there.  My body gives every sign that its ready for delivery and yet baby still doesn't come. 

Yesterday I had my 38 week appointment.  I am a "good 5 cm" (aka between 5-6) and he says I have no cervix left.  Honestly?  I am over halfway done with prepping for delivery and nothing has even happened yet.  Don't get me wrong, I am so grateful for the lack of pain that most women experience at this stage.  Quite a few are even on epidurals at this point and here I am, waddling around and still working.  I think having my body this ready to deliver just increasing my impatience and at times, frustration at the lack of active labor. 

Last Saturday we did have to go into the hospital for monitoring.  I was having contractions (that weren't painful at all) every 5 minutes and then down to 3 minutes.  Once we got to the hospital they stopped.  Of course.  With my being so far dilated/effaced and being GBS positive, the doc is worried I won't get to the hospital in time to have the penicillin.  I guess it should be in for 4 hours.  I think he's even worried about us making it to the hospital.  Maybe not...  It is only a 20 minute drive but with only needing to dilate 4 more centimeters, it really might go quickly.  Dexter's birth went so fast and he was a first baby.   

Baby is still as active as every.  S/he obviously doesn't have any room left but I can feel kicks and jabs quite well.  Bug doesn't enjoy contractions, that much I know. Who would enjoy contractions?  With so little room left I often have to push Bug's foot out of my ribs.  S/he must think they are some sort of xylophone to play with!  Ribs just aren't made to be moved.

Until next time...

37 weeks

I am full term!  That means I am officially routing for baby to GET.OUT!  Yes, any time baby is cooking after this is good, good for baby.  Momma is HOT.  Momma's feet HURT.  Momma's hips HURT.  Momma is starting to get squishy like the Pillsbury Doughboy.  Momma is ready. 

My feet really do hurt.  The swelling is making my heels get cracks in them.  I have never had this problem before but it really is irritating!  I don't know what to do to make it feel better.  I read on the internet to try soaking them in Epsom salts.  I tried that... my feet look better but don't feel much better.  Good thing I waddle anyway because if I didn't I would be limping. 

Still keeping up with the braxtons.  Not as many contractions but still a few here or there.  This morning I woke up feeling very crampy and felt that way all morning.  It seems to have calmed down now.  Bummer, I was hoping they would turn into the real deal.  With all my hoping for labor to start RIGHT NOW I'm sure I will go right up until 40 weeks or later.  I jinxed myself.  Max doesn't believe in jinxing.  Poppycosh.  I jinx myself all the time.  Hopefully I am wrong.

I've been visiting the chiropractor regularly so that my body is all in alignment.  I fully feel like going to the chiropractor helps baby wiggle down in the right spot and make labor faster.  Obviously it helps with your back anyway when you are carrying such a load in front.

I had my 36 week check up last Friday.  I tested positive for GBS again.  I am super bummed about that because the penicillin really burns when it goes in.  Plus it's annoying.  And it makes me feel like I'm dirty or something.  I know lots of preggos are positive for GBS so I shouldn't whine but that is how I feel.  Either way.  Baby is measuring 36 weeks this time which is funny because at my 33 or 34 week appt baby was measuring 36 1/2 weeks.  S/he really was in a funny position!  I am currently 2 cm dilated and 50% effaced so a little progress!  That was exactly what I was at Dexter's 36 week appt.  We'll see what tomorrow's appt brings.  I hope we see a 3cm and 75% effaced :)  I remember what Dexter's 37 week appt was so we'll see if that one matches too.

36 weeks

Woot woot!  We are honing in on that finish line!  I have to say, I really love being pregnant, I do.  But this heat, man oh  man, this is rough stuff when you are 9 months pregnant.  I'm already sweating like a pig when it's 75 degrees out let alone 95+!  Not my cup of tea.  The other day I begged Max to go over to my friend Nikki's to go swimming so I could cool off.  (Thanks Nikki!!!!!)  It was heavenly to get in the water and cool off.  And yes, I was wearing a bikini... I'm sure that was a surprise to their neighbors driving by!  Seeing a big huge pregnant lady in a bikini.  

Lots and lots and lots of braxtons.  The other day I had them every couple of minutes for about 2 hours.  I usually get a couple of real contractions every day now but nothing serious and nothing that is consistent.  I suppose you can toss in cramps too.  My hips are still bothering me but not as much as last week.  All preparations for birth and you know what?  I am stinking fine with that.  I am ready to take off this fat suit and meet my little love that is in there.  Come 37 weeks, I might just start those old tricks for inducing labor on your own.  Not the spicy food though, we won't go there.  I can't handle spice.

We decided to change our girls name.  I got cold feet again on both our boy and girl names but after a couple days, I liked our boy name again.  Our girl name though, I had to go back to our original.  It just didn't seem right to not use that name.  I'm glad that Max is understanding and went back to our original even though he really, really liked our 2nd name and it had sentimental value as it is a family name.  We can save it for baby girl #2 if this one is a girl. 

We are ready for baby to come out as far as preparations go.  Yes, I have some sewing projects that I need to get done but nothing urgent.  Nothing that can't be done after baby.  We got all of our diapers and they are prepped and washed.  I have all of the covers washed for the bouncer, the swing, the bassinet stuff, etc.  Clothes are ready to go.  The only thing I need to do and better do it this weekend is pack my bag for the hospital and pack Dexter's bag for Grandma's house.  That won't take long though.  Plus, how do you pack when you don't know when you will need the clothes?  I do not have a lot of clothes and will probably end up foraging in there for what I packed.  Seems like a waste of time.

A2 is still active, keeping to his/her schedule and I think getting irritated with the lack of space in there.  Understandable... very understandable.  Baby gets the hiccups about 3-4 times a day.  I like feeling his/her hiccups.  I think it's incredibly cute!  I don't have much to report otherwise.  I just want to meet who is in there!  I want to see who has been growing and kicking and punching me!  Who do I love oh so much?!

Pregnant dream...

Last night I had a dream that I was sitting across from Rob Pattenson and Kristen Stewart at a picnic table.  They were being incredibly aloof and snobby but I always feel bad when people are being left out (as the rest of our group was ignorning them) so I was trying to talk to them.  I don't know anything about these people except what I read in tabloids (admittedly, I am a celebrity gossip-aholic but I don't believe everything) so the only thing I had to ask them about was when they were making Twilight.  I could tell this was annoying them as they hate the whole Twilight mania but they answered my questions.  Finally, I was getting so ticked off at their rudeness that I told them "Why don't you freaking tell me something about yourselves so I don't have to talk about this Twilight sh*t anymore".  This apparently was funny to them and they opened up to me a little bit.  Rob started out by doing a magic trick and we chatted for a little bit.  Then they flew away.  Yes, flew.

I would love to know what this dream is supposed to mean.

35 weeks

Haha, my picture cracks me up.  I had dinner at a friends house and got home a little later so I told Max to quick take my photo before I went to bed.  We whip out the camera and I realize I have no pants on so I can't just hike up my dress and I am not going to take a photo in only my bra if I were to pull the dress down.  My clothes were ALL THE WAY upstairs so I made Max give me his pants so we could take the photo.  Haha, it makes me laugh out loud even thinking of it. 

This week has been much more uncomfortable than previous weeks.  My hips are really bothering me.  I know that they are starting to spread and make themselves ready for birth.  There is a constant ache that gets really annoying to deal with.  I can't sit for very long at my desk at work without taking a "stand break" and I have to turn over so much at night, which if you have been huge pregnant before, is no easy task. 

I have been having a lot of cramps, braxtons and real contractions all week.  Nothing consistent that woudl matter but again, signs that my body is preparing for labor.  It makes me wonder if this baby really will come earlier than Dexter did. 

This heat is making my legs and feet swell up all the time.  It's really weird but my second to last toe on my right foot always gets super swollen and it feels super strange.  I like to poke at it when it gets like that.  Oh, the funny things our bodies do when we are pregnant.

Baby is still very active.  It is the strangest thing but I can literally feel the baby pushing at my hip bones trying to make more room.  I don't know that is actually what the baby is doing of course but s/he is very much pushing at my bones.  I'm sorry child but my bones will move at their own pace.  Patience! 

I've been getting sentimental as time gets closer... the other night I made Max put his hands on my belly to feel the baby move around because it won't be long and the baby will be out.  Then no more movements from inside... at least for a while.  We plan on more kids so I know I will feel it again :)  If Max has his way I will feel it again sooner rather than later.  I'm just not sure about that one! 

Maternity Photos

I am very lucky you know... I went to school for photography and in doing so, I have made some connections.  I have two very good friends I can count on to take photos for me the few times I need to actually be in them myself.  Miss Sarah took my maternity photos when I was pregnant with Dexter and yesterday, Ashley came up to take A2's maternity photos.  These aren't all of them of course but I ran through a few to be able to show you :)

I LOVE this photo!  Probably our last nice photo as a family of 3!

I knew exactly the look I was going for with this sunset light so we drove around BW until I found the perfect field with the perfect light and that we could get into without crawling through barbed wire!  I'm so, so, so glad I put up with Max's whining.  These turned out amazing!  The light!  The field!  Beautiful!

I can't decide which of the next three are my favorite!  I decided to just show you them all!

Just Momma and baby...

34 weeks

Sorry, I am late writing this.  It is has been very busy, like usual, and I went to bed early one night instead of writing this. 

I am very tired this week.  So, so, so physically tired.  This baby is wearing me out!  My belly is getting quite heavy and the baby is so low at times it honestly is like there is an invisible grapefruit between my legs.  By the time I put Dexter to bed, I have no energy for other projects.  I do them anyway, but that just makes the end of the week very hard.  Once I do get to sleep, I sleep like a rock which is fantastic.  The 3+ times I have to get up to pee?  Not fantastic but part of late pregnancy.

My ultrasound was on Wednesday.  Baby looked so healthy and wonderful.  We saw his/her heartbeat which was at 137 I believe.  Turns out, baby is running exactly on track and there is no extra fluid.  Baby A2 just likes to hang out as far as possible which is making me measure big, and look much bigger than I am.  I feel relief in knowing that I have extra time to get things done and then I feel disappointment that we won't meet who is in there early.  My guess is that Bug will come around 38 weeks like Dexter did.  So that gives us a month. 

Bug is still as active as ever and very strong.  S/he gets the hiccups often and they shake his/her body so badly that my whole belly wobbles when s/he has them.  It sort of cracks me up but I'll bet it's annoying for Bug.  Dexter had the hiccups a lot too and they were also very strong. 

Two nights ago I was woken up out of a dead sleep by a very intense contraction.  I can't remember too much of it because I was still out of it from sleeping but I woke Max up with my gripping on him and he said it lasted about 20 seconds.  He thought I was going into labor but it was just the one and then they went away and we went back to sleep.  It's funny how you obviously remember how painful giving birth is but then you are physically reminded and you end up cringing thinking about it.  OUCH. 

Coke is the craving of the week.  I love my coke.  I used to be a die hard Pepsi fan but after Dexter's pregnancy, I really don't like the stuff and much prefer Coke.  I have a cup of it right next to me as we speak and I won't feel guilty about it!

Goodbye's are the hardest thing...

At the beginning of this beautiful warm weather we started having, Max and I noticed that Dexter was getting a rash.  Everywhere.  Nothing I did would make it go away or alleviate Dex's itching.  Poor fellow.  It's so hard to see your baby deal with this.  Finally, I made a doctor appointment for him.  I couldn't handle seeing him like that.  We suspected allergies and right away his doctor ordered up an allergy panel along with several medications to help out with his rash. 

Coincidentally, that same night we went over to our friends house and they have a large dog and a small dog and the large one got one big lick right across Dexter's face and he blew up like a balloon.  Hives, swelling, itchy watery eyes (what was showing of his eyes anyway).  It was very bad.  Lucky I had some allergy meds on me so I dosed him up and within an hour the swelling had gone down.  It took a couple days for the redness around his eyes to go away though. 

You know what that means, Dexter is allergic to dogs.  The next day his allergy panel came back negative for everything except positive, and highly so, to dogs.  Well, we figured out that much.  Thankfully, we had gotten a new home for Clyde back around Thanksgiving.  Luca is a yorkie which is considered a "hypoallergenic" breed so perhaps we would be safe there.

So these past couple weeks we have been watching Dex to see how he does around Luca.  It seemed like he was doing fine but I was starting to get suspicious.  After getting done with some of his meds and after Luca had a 5 day stint outside (he had the poops and he had them bad!) Dexter was obviously still having some issues.  Itchy skin, red eyes.  I figured Luca was the cause.  Max was unwilling to believe it but finally last night, he did a little test.  He rubbed Dexter's hand, just his hand, in Luca's fur and not two minutes later it was all red and Dex started itching at it.  Well, that did it for Max.  He finally acknowledged that Luca was the cause.

Sadly, now we need to find a new home for our Luca.  When we re-homed Clyde, it felt different because we made the decision that a new home would be better for him and we were prepared.  This is a forced act.  Obviously not one that we draw out or are angry about.  Our son's comfort is much more important than having Luca around but we love Luca and this will be very hard. 

We have had problems with Luca in the past especially with his peeing in the house, but ever since we crate trained him a year or so ago, he has been so good.  Rarely any problems.  I hope that we can find him a good home that will keep in contact with us like Clyde's new owners do.  It will be so strange to have no Luca.  I will miss the little bugger.

Now the work will come finding him a new home and preferably, for Dexter's sake, as fast as we can. 

33 weeks- update

I had my doc appt on Friday.  Baby is healthy as a horse and heart rate was at 137 until we started talking about the differences between this baby and Dex then the heart rate jumped up to 156 :)  Baby knew we were talking about him/her.  Of course, I am still measuring quite large.  I was there for my 33 week appt and I was measuring 36 1/2 weeks.  The doc decided we would do an ultrasound to see if it is baby or if I just have a lot of fluid.  That is scheduled for this Wednesday so we will get to see baby again!

I really, really, REALLY hope he doesn't screw this up and tell us the sex of the baby.  I am going to go in there and just demand that he call the baby a he no matter what and we will look at the screen as little as possible because if it is a boy, you can't miss seeing his mister on that screen.  We don't want that! 

I'll let you know how it goes when I do my 34 week blog :)  I'm so excited to finally figure out what's going on!

We are almost to the finish line!

33 weeks

Why does my mind always blank when I get to the computer?  I always think of lots of things but then blank when it's time to write.

This week:  heartburn... LOTS.  Swelling has started (see below... my poor feet and legs).  Very hormonal although I try to keep it in check.  I am easily angry, easily frustrated and easily overwhelmed.  Makes for lovely time spent with wifey, huh Max?  Lots of cravings such as ice cream cake, garlic mashed potatoes, potato salad, apple danish, and bubble gum.  I have only had the bubble gum.  Tomorrow I will get ice cream cake though :)

I'm exhausted all the time.  It feels like I have spent a hard days work of physical labor by 8:00pm.  If I don't get at least 10 hours of sleep (which I never do) the following day is spent in attempting to keep myself awake by eating.  This encourages weight gain which I don't enjoy.  I think the bubble gum is helping with that though... if I have something to chew in my mouth I can't eat right?

I'm overwhelmed with how much I need to do for baby.  Max and I said we would be completely prepared by July 1 and that is only 2 weeks away.  I have a lot to do but I'm too tired to do it.  I need sleepy!

Baby is absolutely wonderful.  S/he seems to be keeping to a schedule and is very active as always and very strong.  My poor ribs... my poor pelvis.  I now have so much pressure on my pelvis that sometimes it is painful but mostly just uncomfortable.  I have reached the extreme waddling phase and walk very slowly.  If I walk too fast then I have to pee.  If I stand up, I have to pee.  If I sit down, I have to pee.  Lot's of peeing happening.  Unfortunately the bathrooms at work are downstairs.  After I get back up the stairs when I'm finished I have to pee again.  Is this TMI?  Oh well, don't read this then.

I have a doctor appt today that was rescheduled from last week.  I'm excited to see if we will have an ultrasound and see if baby is still running huge.  News from that won't be until next week though :)  If I remember that is. 

I like how the swelling surrounds where my sandal straps are, haha. 

Full of crap- a vent session.

Sometimes it seems like motherhood is just full of poop.  Literally.  I hopped on board this cloth diaper train and I am completely fine with it.  I got this dog 4 years ago, fine.

Yesterday I had to wash out Dex's diapers from the day.  No big deal.  Other than I have been doing it all the time and somehow the few diapers that Max changes he never gets a poop diaper.  Whatever.  Then I threw all of his diapers in the wash.  Again, no biggie but it smelled bad. 

Then, the freaking dog has had the craps so he is covered in poop as was his cage.  Seriously.  So I had to give the dog a bath (which was disgusting and yes, a biggie) and then clean out his cage. 

I spent about 30 min to 45 min essentially cleaning up poop.  That's a lot of poop.  To make things better the freaking dog was still sick this morning and crapped all over himself and his cage again. 

*sigh*  My hormones are getting to me. 

32 weeks

The thing I can report about this week is major pregnant brain.  I can't remember anything for the life of me.  I know I had some things tucked away for this week but I really can't remember.  Pregnant brain is not so much fun. 

I am so excited for this weekend, pending the finished installation of the carpet.  If that all goes smoothly and is finished tomorrow, then I will be able to set up the furniture in bug's room and put away all of baby's things.  I can get the diapers washed and ready, I can go through both boy & girl newborn clothes and get them washed and ready.  I will be able to assess what we need to get for little one still and I will be able to see what my nursery looks like all together!  I LOVE how the stripes turned out and I have the changing table painted and ready to go with the color scheme and I can't wait to see them together.  It will feel so much more real once the nursery is up and ready to go.

I was going to have a doc appt tomorrow but it got moved to next week.  No doctor news to relate.

Baby is very active still and loves to kick around.  I have noticed a trend in baby's schedule.  Bug likes to be very active around 830/9 am and again at 9/10pm.  Obviously s/he kicks more than just those times but it's a pretty much guarantee that s/he's moving at that time.  Last night when I went to bed, Bug was laying as far out as possible and you could feel his/her whole back on the left side of my belly.  I grabbed Max's hand so he could feel.  Funny how this baby likes that sensation... I wonder if that means a sling will be a good idea?

Still no stretch marks!  Yay for me!  Yay for my toosh!  I haven't weighed myself lately and don't plan to so I don't know where I'm sitting there.  I don't get enough sleep but hopefully that will change soon.  Probably not though as we are moving Dexter to a big boy bed this weekend (again, pending carpet installation).  It scares me to think of what he will be able to do with that freedom! 

I honestly don't care when this baby comes but I will say, it freaks me out a bit to think that Dexter was running perfectly on schedule and he came at 38 weeks.  This baby is running 3 weeks ahead (so I measure 35 weeks)... does this mean that in terms of comparing this pregnancy with Dexter's that the baby could come in 3 weeks?  THAT freaks me out!  I remind myself though that no two pregnancies are alike.  Just because Dex came at 38 weeks doesn't mean this baby will. 

Song of June 6th

I found this little gem today :)

Love will take you- Angus & Julie Stone

31 weeks

We have had a very busy week.  Sorry to say it has been enormously stressful as well.  My hubby has been working so hard at getting the trim all put in and finished.  I feel so horrible that I am just as tired and worn out as him and I have been doing nothing but growing a baby.  He is working all the time and the little time at home he has, he is doing the trim.  I am happy to say we are very close to finishing and the carpet is being installed next Wednesday and Friday.  Apparently our stairs are very difficult and require a full day to themselves.  I don't stinking care, I have a deadline as to when this stuff will be done.  I can come home in one week from today and I will finally be able to put furniture in the right places, I will be able to get the daycare area set up and ready for home visits from parents, I will have the nursery put together and have places to put the baby's things that are now currently in the daycare area and most importantly, my house will stay clean :)  Oh what a wonderful feeling.  I'm sure Max is excited to not have so much crap to do as well.  He really has been a trooper.

As far as baby goes, s/he is doing wonderful.  We had our 30 week appointment.  Heartbeat was at 141 and baby is still measuring 3 weeks ahead.  They won't be moving my due date but said to expect something more along the lines of July 15th.  We will have an ultrasound to determine how big baby is but not until we are a bit closer.  Max and I didn't pay close enough attention to see if that would be my next appt at 32 weeks (which is what I thought he said) or a couple weeks after that (which is what Max thought he said).  Either way, I have stopped worrying about it.  I know for sure that we have a big baby in there that probably has a due date that is a little off and I can probably expect to meet him/her in roughly 6/7 weeks.  As long as baby is healthy, I don't care anymore. 

I have also decided to stop stressing about my projects that need to get done.  Once the carpet is in and the house is back to normal, I will then get the rest of baby's projects finished.  I don't have anywhere to put stuff right now anyway.  So, I need to get a twin mattress for Mr. Dexter since we will be switching him over to a big boy bed next week (I don't want to dissemble the crib for the carpet installation, re-put it back together in his room and then dissemble it again in a couple months to put in the new nursery.  Might as well just dissemble once and put in new nursery right away.)  I also need to figure out a dresser for baby.  I was going to buy one at IKEA but the dog gone one I wanted was out of stock and no shipment date was in sight.  Crap.  I'll figure it out.  I won't stress about it.  (Repeat over and over.)

I am starting to feel very large.  This baby really likes to lay at the edge of my belly... basically so s/he is laying as far out as possible.  I suppose if I am measuring 34 weeks at this point instead of 31, it makes since I am feeling so big.  I am so HAPPY to say I have no stretch marks yet from this little one.  I have been paying very close attention.  According to the doc, my weight gain has been pretty on par to what it's supposed to be.  Yay!  I don't think we will hit that 60 lb mark that we did with Dex's pregnancy.  Yikes.  Let's hope not anyway.  I am loving raisins this week.  Raisin and spice oatmeal, Raisin Bran Crunch, chocolate cake with raisins.  All of it, YUM.  Cereal, as always, is a fan favorite.

30 weeks

This week marks the first time I felt the baby have the hiccups.  This is much later than when I felt it with Dexter but maybe this baby doesn't get hiccups much?  It sure seems like s/he does.  Now that I have felt it once, I have been feeling it quite often.  I think it is the sweetest little feeling.  I picture my sweet, sweet baby shaking with the hiccups.  Cute!

This week also marks the first time I have had contractions and not be in labor.  On Sunday night around 8 they started to come one.  Not super painful at all but definitely more than period cramps.  They were fairly consistent and lasted a couple of hours.  After reading a bit on the internet, I chugged some water (which I do not drink enough of) and watched part of a movie while laying on my left side.  They subsided after I did that.  I had a few braxton's with Dex but this was the first I've had contractions with no labor.  Thank goodness I didn't go into labor!  That would have been terrifying having the baby so early.

I was supposed to have my doc appt next Friday (we decided to go every 3 weeks since my pregnancies are so easy and uncomplicated) but this whole "3 weeks ahead, maybe move up due date" thing is driving me insane.  I need to know what's going on so I moved the appt up to this Friday.  I am fairly positive he will keep my due date the same and just expect baby a bit earlier but I'd like to know.  We are on a tight budget time-wise as it is...  a couple weeks is a couple weeks.

I have mighty big plans for this weekend.  I am finishing the nursery on Friday (first coat tomorrow, second coat Friday) and over my splendid 4 day weekend, I am sanding and painting the dresser and the changing table for baby.  Max has also finished trimming up the office so we can FINALLY move the computers out of the "new" daycare room.  I'm being a bit of an overachiever in thinking about painting the office as well.  It really needs it and it would be so handy to do it while all the furniture is out of there.  We'll have to see about that one though.  I also want to finish up some sewing projects and get the mobile made.  How I will do all of this with a toddler running around?  I have no idea, but I will do the best I can! 

Ugh... as a side note, my weekly pictures are making me really think about a haircut.  Man oh man is my hair fugly.  I'm terrified to cut bangs though and then hate them.  But sheesh, I need to do something!

Song of the Day

Oh yes, I do enjoy classical music. 

I  downloaded this song off Amazon today and have listened to it about 200 times.  Alright, that is an exaggeration but quite a few times.  I absolutely love it. 

The Heart Asks Pleasure First/The Promise performed by Michael Nyman.  It is from The Piano soundtrack.

A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick

 

 A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick

Summary: Ralph Truitt, a wealth older man who is lonely and troubled by his past puts an ad in the paper for a bride. Catherine Land is soon sent for to come to the harsh land of Wisconsin to meet and marry Ralph. Ralph is soon transfixed and in love with Catherine but does not know she has a secret. Ralph sends Catherine on a journey to help him bring back his long lost son and that decision will change everything.
Readability: Fairly easy. It did get a bit slow but the language was not difficult and it was not difficult to follow along.

Rating: I would say 5 out of 10. Not something I will probably read again. The author tended to drone on and on. It made me feel anxious to get to the next part just because I was bored which I did do a couple of times. I hate to stop a book in the middle though so I kept on reading.

Recommend: No, I would say not. Unless boring is your thing.

29 weeks

Sorry folks, this was a boring week.  Baby is growing like a weed and is very active even for the limited space s/he is in.  Poor babe is getting less and less space every day!  Lots of rolling around and sticking his/her butt up in the air.  It amuses me to see a big bum in my tummy that I know is the baby’s butt sticking up. 

My right ribs are still a fan favorite in there.  Sometimes s/he gets them so hard it really hurts!  Some things are just not meant to be kicks.  

Baby has dropped down even further.  I feel like if s/he goes down anymore it will be time to come out.  The pressure on my pelvis gets extreme when I walk a lot or sit for too long.  Again, this is much earlier than when I was pregnant with Dexter.  Everything about this pregnancy though is much earlier than it was with Dexter.

I have the second coat of paint up in the nursery so once I get my Mom to come over we can start measuring for the stripes!  I’m very excited for that.  AND I actually got Max to agree to carpet now!  My babies won’t have plank/plywood floors!  Yay!  I hate those floors.  Not only are the unattractive in every way but they aren’t child friendly.  Dexter will be in a big boy bed soon and I don’t want him to be playing on floors like that.  Plus it will make daycare parents feel better too since the kiddos will be napping upstairs. 

I started doing some baby prep stuff last night.  This baby will be hitting solids around November/December and yummy fruit is not on sale at that time so I am going to start buying this summer and freezing it so when it comes time to whip up baby food, I am prepared and have good stuff for baby.  I bought tons of strawberries since they were on sale and yesterday I got them ready to freeze.  They should be all ready by now.  I also started cutting up the fabric for nursing pads.  Man alive, my hands were cramping up after cutting up all those circles.  I need to wash my cotton batting and then I can start piecing them together.  I will start cutting up the wipes this weekend too if I find time.  Those I can start using now if I wanted but I think I will wait until the baby comes.

I went through and found all the cloth diapers we have so far for the baby.  While we have a lot, we still need quite a few so I will be searching the sales online.  I think we need a minimum of 10 more diapers.  I would feel more comfortable with 15 more but we will see.  I don’t mind buying secondhand as long as I know they are in good condition. 

As far as I’m concerned, based on my current due date of August 1, I am planning on 9 weeks until baby!  Based on my size though, I’m planning on less than 8 weeks!  Baby will be here so quickly… I can’t wait to see my little lovebug and see who has been causing such havoc in there!

Nothing Better!

Look what a happy face I got to wake up to :)  There is just nothing better than being a Momma!

Happy Mothers Day!

28 weeks

We are officially in the third trimester!  Every week I say the same thing but time whishes by like the springtime wind.  Before I know it, baby will be here and I will finally know who is in there!

Baby and I have had a very good week.  My back hasn't been bothering me at all and while I'm still not interested in food other than breakfast foods, I don't have a problem eating what's put in front of me.  My bump is an excellent resting place for my poor teething toddler who needs comfort from Momma quite frequently.  I think I will miss having that extra support to hold Dex since he's such a hefty fellow.

Baby's favorite place to kick has shifted from my bladder to the ribs on my right side.  S/he is continually kicking/rubbing his/her butt against them.  It doesn't feel good I can tell you that.  I don't like to say it hurts, makes me feel like a wuss but dang, that baby is strong!  Too bad s/he couldn't at least trade off sides so my right side gets a break. 

I had my 28 week appt yesterday.  I got that nasty glucose test done.  That orange sugar concoction tasted exactly as I remembered.  It's not as horrible as one would imagine but definitely not pleasant.  I decided with Dexter and stayed the same with this one that chugging is the just the best route to go.  My appt went well.  Baby's heart rate was at 131.  I am having no problems.  I feel a lot more pressure on my pelvis than I did with Dexter but I'm carrying this baby lower than I did with Dexter.  I've had a few braxtons I think but not very many and the doc didn't seem worried about it.  We did have a slight surprise in that when he went to measure me (for the first time since the ultrasound where I was measuring 9 days ahead) we discovered that I am now measuring 3 weeks ahead.  He seemed a bit surprised but assured me there was only one in there.  Since we had to guess on the due date for this little one he said we probably guessed wrong.  If I measure that large at my next appt then we will do another ultrasound and re-determine the due date.  Hopefully it's not gestational diabetes since I know that produces large babies.  I do NOT want to attempt that diet they make you go on.

Either way Max and I have decided that our very small time crunch has now gotten smaller so all this stuff we still have on our list needs to be done even quicker.  Yikes!  We are still installing trim, need to figure out carpet, need to figure out either a bed/crib for Dex or baby, prep for daycare, organize all the clothes and have newborn boy & girl washed and available, prep all the diapers (and buy more diapers), and the list goes on and on.  Yeeowzers!

Just call me Martha

Max's family likes to call you a Martha (or Martin) if you are doing something particularly crafty or fancy in the kitchen.  Hence, just call me Martha :)  I have been doing my best to make things myself for this coming baby and I do have to say I really enjoy this crafty business!  I didn't take any play-by-play photos while I was making any of this... sorry, but I can show you the finished product!  My Ass Bank friend Erin was kind enough to help me through the beginning stages of figuring out my dang sewing machine and reading the patterns.

Most of my projects I found on pinterest.  You just have to love that site right!  So many ideas and DIY tutorials on there!

Here is my new hooter hider for nursing.  I can't seem to find the blog where I found the tutorial for this but it was very easy.  I adjusted the pattern a little bit to suit myself... I have two layers of fabric instead of one and I don't like having the boning in my hooter hiders so I left that out was well.  The blue with the flowers is the outside, the light blue with the polka dots is the inside.  It's nice and big so when baby is moving all around under there, there is no risk of a nip slip.  If you've used one of these before you know what I'm talking about.

Next on the list was a carseat canopy.  I know you can find these cheap enough online but it's so nice to be able to pick out your own fabric and customize it to what you like!  Here is the site we used for the tutorial.  Isn't it beautiful!?  I just LOVE it.  I have only gotten to test it on Angel's carseat since Caitlin still has mine but it looks like it will work great :)  The brown polka dot material that makes the straps is also the backside.  No bright sun in this baby's face!

Next up, burp cloths.  Now I hated those little ones you'd get at the store.  Seems like after one time at the boob and the stupid cloth would be soaking wet.  Dumb.  I found the tutorial for these here.  These were honestly the easiest things ever to make.  Someone who knew the basics of working a sewing machine could do these.  It's just a Gerber cloth diaper on one side and flannel on the other.  Takes less than 10 minutes to whip one of these bad boys up.  My package of diapers came in 10 so I now have 10 top of the line (and super cute!) burp cloths for cleaning up after feedings.

Here is the diaper side.  

Another pinterest find :)  I know we won't stay at this house forever so this seemed like a great thing to make to keep for the kids growth chart.  We haven't been able to hang it up yet since we are doing all these home improvements and I don't know what's going where yet but I can't wait until we can hang it up!  Again, tutorial here.

I didn't get this last one off any tutorial.  I start crocheting this blanket for my baby and I had no idea what I was doing.  I just made squares and crocheted them together.  The result was cute, but an obvious newby had one it.  I put the circles on there to hide the corners.  They didn't look so good!  I really like how it turned out though and I love that I made this blanket for my little bug.  Crocheting takes so much more time than whipping up a blanket with the sewing machine.  This blanket was definitely made with a lot of love.

My squares were made up with a single crochet and the border I did in a treble crochet.  This was all super easy to do.

For the circles I just chained 3 and started a circle.  Followed that around until I had the circle as big as I wanted.

I still have some projects that I want to get done before baby.  Erin and I are going to have another sewing day to whip up some boppy covers (here), and I found this playmat that would be great as well (here).   I have been using cloth wipes on Dexter since we started using the cloth diapers but with baby's appearance, I think I'm going to actually make some nice ones.  I found this tutorial last night which I think I will follow.  I also plan on making some nursing pads instead of buying so many this time.  They seem super easy to make and you can just toss them in with the towels for washing. 

I think I'm getting a bit ambitious with all the projects I want to get done since I have so many other things going on with the house and the daycare prep.  I will find time though.  Who needs sleep, right?

Video of the Day

I know this video is super "old" but it still cracks me up :)

27 weeks

This previous week and the next couple weeks have been very busy for us.  We are in full out home improvement mode/daycare prep mode/baby prep mode.  Never has time moved as quickly as it is right now and IF this baby follows in Dexter's footsteps in coming at 38 weeks, that only give us 11 weeks to finish up what we need to get done.  And there is A LOT to get done folks.  Max has been working around the clock to get things done, I have been busy tending to Dexter and doing projects after bedtime.  I don't think Max and I have gone to bed before 1030 in a while.  We. Are. TIRED.  I look very tired in this weeks photo. Or maybe because I am so tired I just think I look tired?  I know I have bags under my eyes but this bad boy is photoshopped so I can pretend I look fabulous when I look back on these photos. 

Baby is doing well and growing like a weed.  I think something hormonal is developing in there because the nice "glowing" pregnant skin that I had last week has turned into 14 year old puberty stricken teenage boy skin.  It is not good.  I am trying to just keep my head up and know that it is all pregnancy related but your self confidence can only take so much!  Hopefully whatever is going on in there is just about done so my skin has some time to calm down.  Good thing my hubby loves me no matter what!

I'm confused as to when the 3rd trimester starts.  I've heard 26 weeks, 27 weeks and 28 weeks.  To be safe, I will wait until 28 weeks to consider myself in the third trimester.  Not that I care much... Dexter's 3rd trimester wasn't bad at all.  You just blow up like a German sausage is all and with this baby being in summer, I should expect wayyyyy worse.  I can tell my feet and legs are starting to swell up a little bit already.  Almost time for Max to start rubbing my feet again :)  Haha.

I can't wait for my appt next week to see how I am measuring.  Just today I got a weird look and was told "Are you sure there is only one in there?  Are you sure they have your due date right?".  At your 28 week appt they start measuring so we'll see if baby is still measuring 9 days ahead.  Or more.  I hope they move up my due date. 

Bug has been moving around a lot in there.  I wish I could see sometimes what s/he is doing.  Sometimes I just can't pinpoint what the devil is going on in there!  Some sort of crazy dancing.  From the way it feels it seems like limbs are flying everywhere while baby is head banging or something.  I think we are going to have a crazy baby on our hands!  As long as baby is even tempered.  His/her brother has a temper big enough for two kiddos.

I got the nursery all primed.  I was planning on painting the main coat last night but Max's dad came over to help him with trim and by the time bedtime and after bedtime chores were done, it was after 9 and I wasn't about to start painting at 9pm.  Tonight will be another late night.  I don't think I will be able to paint tonight either.  Maybe I can on Friday.  I'd like to try and get the nursery finished painted by the end of the weekend.  I'm planning on some stripes on the walls so I know measuring will take up a good amount of time.  I need to have two of me... or work part time.  Or not require sleep.  Something!

A gloomy Saturday

I got to spend the morning with some of my lady friends.  JW, Rach and I went to the Munchkin Mart consignment deal they were having at the MN fairgrounds.  We got there not even an hour after it opened but all the "big" stuff was already gone.  Bummer.  I was going hoping to stock up on the larger items I need for the daycare.  I was able to stock up on clothes for Sir Dexter though for either next year or the next.  Depending on how tall he gets.  JW found a couple cloth diapers for me which was awesome.  It is a brand I don't have and haven't tried but hey, 2 cloth diapers for $11 brand new?  I'll take it.  They will fit baby.  Other than that I only got kiddo utensils and some kiddo plates.  Sort of disappointing but I never regret the time spent with my friends or the "me" time I get.  Dexter spent the morning with Grammy and Papa.

After Munchkin mart, we decided to stop quick at Once Upon a Child.  Not even 2 minutes of walking in that place and I found a pack and play and a double stroller.  Sheesh.  Who needs the Munchkin Mart?!  I was also able to find a booster seat for the table and a potty training seat for when that time arrives.  I made out like a bandit and I feel much better about getting what I need for the daycare set up.  I have lots of time but yet time is flying so best get things when I see them.  Plus after the baby is born things will be a lot harder to shop for. 

I put Dex down for a nap at 2 and he's still sleeping!  It's almost 6!  I guess Grammy and Papa really wore him out!  Baby and I are getting pretty stinking hungry though so hopefully he wakes up soon.  I think it's a perfect evening for grilled cheese and tomato soup.  Don't you think? 

Max has been very busy as well.  We (by we I mean he) are installing trim next weekend so this weekend he is spending painting the trim.  I can't wait for these projects to be done so that I can set up the house better.  Right now the computers are in the "daycare" room and all of the baby stuff is stuffed in the corner because there is no point to bringing it upstairs when the carpet will hopefully be installed soon and everything will just have to get hauled downstairs.  The office is emptied out but needs some touch up work and then the trim.  I need to make some shelves for the kitchen so we can get rid of the shelf that's holding some oddball stuff like the crockpot and the rice cooker.  I'd rather not have the kids be able to get at that stuff.  We are also planning on buying a flat screen TV soon so we can mount it to the wall.  Currently we have a mammoth TV that weighs quite literally 300 lbs and the way we have the house set up now it just won't work.  Plus it would be best to get the TV and the DVD player off the ground so the kids can't get at that too.   We really want our house to be not only safe but appealing for potential parents who interview for childcare. 

I need to get crack-a-lackin on the nursery too.  I have it patched up with mud but need to sand it down and the put the first coat of primer on it.  It's hard to do these things when I only get 2-3 hrs (normally) a day when Dexter is napping.  Max is a very busy fellow and rightfully is not expected to be on Dexter duty while we have all these projects going on.  Cathy, my dad's wife, is giving us a dresser that I will need to paint.  I was thinking it would be the baby's but now I'm thinking I might use it for Max and I and give the baby our dresser.  Either way, one of the dressers would need to be painted.  Another project.  I need to not work.  Think of how much stuff I would get done!   

I have no idea who reads this blog and I'm sorry this one is so boring.  I'm just trying to pass time waiting for Sir Dexter to wake up.  I know if I sit on the couch I will crash and nothing else will get done.  Writing this sorry excuse of a blog guarantees a small break but that I will get up as well. 

26 weeks

26 weeks.  6 1/2 months.  I just can't believe it.

As I get bigger I can do less and less.  I really hate that I have limitations to the things I can do around the house.  Even less this time than when I was pregnant with Dexter.  This baby is sitting much lower than Dex ever did so my back hurts so much more often and I overdo it much more quickly.  I have had to tell myself to limit it to one project a weekend which is annoying.  We have so much going on around here and its frustrating to put it on hold.  I really wish I would be able to quit work early to get stuff done! 

Baby A2 seems like s/he is still happy and healthy.  I believe baby has taken after the Arco preference for soccer.  My bladder (especially full) is his/her favorite thing to kick.  Baby is still very active and moves around a lot.  Max is surprised at how strong baby is.  He always had such a hard time feeling Dexter moving but this one?  There is no missing that solid punch.  My stomach wobbles around as baby moves and I must say it's amusing to watch.  Baby has already started hurting a bit when s/he moves around depending on what is getting hit.  I always forgive A2 though, a mothers love right?

No cravings this week.  I know I'm not drinking enough water.  I don't know what it is but water is just so unappealing to me and while I'm thirsty, I'm not thirsty... does this make sense?  I could easily go through the whole day without drinking anything.  I don't let myself obviously but that is just how I feel.  Apparently it is probably what is making me feel a bit crampy.  I am very mean and I really need to get better about it.

I can't wait to meet this little bugger and call him/her by their name.  To share our names.  I know it will be an adjustment going from just our Dexter to Dex and ? but I can't wait.  I daydream about when baby is finally out (not birth of course *shudder*) and we find out who is in there and then coming home and taking care of both my sweet little babies.  

On the Island by Tracey Garvis-Graves

Summary:  30 year old Anna decides to take a summer job tutoring 16 yr old T.J. Callahan who is in recovery from Hodgkins lymphoma.  His parents have rented a summer cottage in the Maldives. 

On route to the cottage, their flight crashes and Anna and T.J. find themselves lost on a deserted island.  Time goes by and they are still not found so Anna and T.J. must survive anyway they can. 

As the years progress, Anna is scared for the recurrence of T.J.'s lymphoma and the fact that he is no longer a boy but a man.

Readability: Very easy.  Nothing hard about reading this book and the author makes nothing confusing.  The chapters alternate between Anna's side and T.J.'s side.

Rating:  I LOVED this book.  LOVED it.  I could not put it down.  Max physically took my kindle from me at 1230pm so that I would go to bed.  I have read hundreds and hundreds of books and this one is definitely one of my favorites.  10 out of 10 for me. 

Recommend:  YES.  Yes, all the way.  This is exactly the type of book I love.  My friends would even like it since it's not set in the "old days" as my usual preference goes.  Yes, there are some far fetched situations in there but hey, it's fiction and who knows.  I've never been deserted on an island so maybe it could happen.

It is your fault.

You know, men always complain we have so many clothes.

I just spent 2 hours going through all of my clothes.  ALL OF THEM.  Yes, I have a lot of clothes BUT if you think about it, I have to have a lot of clothes. 

If Maxwell thinks he is going to keep getting me pregnant I need skinny clothes (to attract him of course), I need maternity clothes (result of attracting him), I need fat clothes (I just had a baby, lay off!) and I need all the seasons for all these clothes. 
I blame men.  They are the reason we have so many clothes.