50%

It's strange but I feel like I have been both pregnant forever and that it has gone by in a blink. As of today we are officially at the half way mark at 20 weeks!!! I guess we should probably start getting the wheels in motion on the baby purchases, eh? Rick hit the ground running on Monday after we found out Super's gender with some adorable purchases, none of which will provide a baby a place to sleep or a safe mode of transportation, but he/she will be very fashion forward. It's all about looking good in our house.

According to the ultrasound on Monday (real doctor data, not silly phone data), Super is now 11 ounces. Super is around 9 inches long (cucumber-sized according to the cannibals that run the Pregnancy Companion Ap) and is starting to accumulate meconium. What's that, you say? Well, it's a green colored sticky stool that it will pass after he/she is born. Excellent. How's your breakfast tasting? Here's praying for a timely delivery with no passing this green goo in utero.

In other news, I washed my hair with face scrub this morning. Now that my hair is properly exfoliated, it's time for Miami!!! We can't wait to get down there to hang with the family and finally divulge our Super Secret!

A Christmas Story

Christmas was a bit of a whirlwind this year. It was different in that GB and Big Daddy were not in town, leaving all the children and grandchildren to fend for ourselves. It was also different in that I was stone cold sober the entire time. Though I was sober, I had to refer back to the pictures to see what we actually did. It was quite a blur of activity. We started off the holidays a bit early and asked Parker and Chloe to have a sleep over to allow time for Chaney and Dan to prep for the family on Christmas eve and to get any last minute arrangements with Santa in line.

We made a special trip to Dewey's for some pizza. The girls each got to pick their own toppings for their half of the pizza. Chloe, always concerned about cholesterol and her girlish figure, chose sausage and bacon.

Parker chose pepperoni and pineapple. Surprisingly good! Ricker tried a piece of each to make sure they weren't poisonous.

We went home and watched "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" and EVERYONE (myself included) was in bed by 8:11. The girls were up at 6:00 sharp and we beat feet out the door to miss the snow to get donuts and last minute provisions. Then Rick and the girls spent the rest of the morning riding a sweet sugar buzz and making mixed CDs for the party that night.


We attended the Christmas Pageant at Webster Groves Presbyterian Church. Happy made it into town with his customary 83 seconds to spare and we slid into the pews just in time for the start of the service. Parker was spiffed up for the occassion and was wearing a DRESS! She looked beautiful.

Chloe had an actual speaking part (Behold, I bring you good news of great joy!). I can't tell if this is Chloe or not, but it is her gang of angels up there. If you want better pictures, get me a better zoom lens.

In customary Parker/Rick fashion, a snowball fight was started outside the church. Parker has excellent aim and missed David's head by a centimeter from about 25 feet away.

We had an impressive snowfall throughout the day on the 24th, which resulted in one of the most beautiful Christmas Eves I have seen in a while. This was the Hagemann's house. It really got everyone in the holiday spirit!

As with any Harkins/Loyd/Erwin/Hagemann gathering, there is never a shortage of food or booze. Shisha kept stating that she "just wasn't hungry", though I seem to have several pics that indicate the contrary. At one point I looked over and she was spooning mac and cheese onto a piece of garlic bread. Truly inspired.


This is David. I think it's safe to say that David and Shisha are dating. David is an excellent sport and participated in a pretty rowdy snowball fight. The fun lasted all the way up until Rick and Patrick, emboldened by countless Four Lokos, climbed out onto the roof and dumped a huge sheet of snow on him. I think they scared themselves straight and David took everything in stride. Good man.

WARNING: Four Loko consumption will cause you to spontaneously do the Robot at holiday parties. And it's not a good Robot. Other side effects include (as they were relayed to me) tingling skin, inability to feel your hands, poor judgement, itchy tongue, and a mysterious rash. Still not clear why the FDA banned this stuff.


hard to transition from Four Loko to your newest niece...On Saturday Rick and I rushed off to Fulton for some Erwin Family Holiday Action. Chase Marie was officially 6 months old on Christmas, and in lieu of a half birthday cake, she opted to dine on wrapping paper at any chance she saw.

I'll just have a little piece...

Why is Mom not letting me have any of this crinkly, colored goodness? Doesn't she know it's my half birthday?!?

Chase with Grandpa Erwin

Chase with Aunt Judy.

It became clear during this holiday season who the main planner is in this family. Here's a hint: It's not me. It's someone that decided to spend the holidays in warmer climates to prepare for our NYE trip. Chaney is second in line, but she took on the responsibility of the big Christmas Eve shin-dig. In a brief moment of clarity I realized, on December 23rd, that we did not have any plans for Christmas evening. Being the unselfish sort that I am, I offered up our house. Because I refuse to get stressed out about this (it's bad for Super, I am told), I high-tailed it to Trader Joes and purchased 2-3 of every frozen appetizer they sell. Rick got a ham. Viola! Dinner is served. Luckily I know my siblings are not picky as long as there is booze provided and I think everyone enjoyed the selection.

Who's this little pop tart? It's Ms. Chloe, donning her newest cami and hipster hat. She also received new boots and tights to add to her already impressive boots and tights collection.

Then we were robbed. Just kidding! This is Parker in her equal parts freaky and cute Panda mask. The plan is that this mask will allow Parker to continue to ride her bike to school in the increasingly frigid temperatures. She might also be able to hold up a convenience store or two.


All in all it was a wonderful Christmas season, though now I see why I was so exhausted on Sunday. Looking forward to some relaxation time with the family in Miami this weekend. Running around Miami with all 10 of us will certainly be restful, right? RIGHT?????

Big Day!

Super!!!

So we know the gender, but we can't say because we are waiting to get to Miami on Thursday with the GB/Big Daddy and Harkins sibling contingent to tell all of them. What we do know is that the baby is great, all limbs are accounted for and everything checked out. Super is a mover and a shaker for sure and was taking full advantage of the extra space in there. Both Rick and I couldn't believe how much movement there was (that I of course, couldn't feel). The ultrasound tech had some trouble seeing the cord, but I assured her that Super keeps a tidy womb and hides all cords out of view. He/She gets that from GB.

It's Thursday!!!!

And the dedicated POMBs (People of my blog) know that means it is time for an update on Super! At 19 weeks, he/she is still hovering around 6 inches (this time the baby is compared to a large bell pepper, thankfully moving off of the fruit, though I can't say I have ever seen a bell pepper that large either) and has packed on a few ounces since last week and is tipping the scales at 8-9 ounces. I plan to really focus on how much weight Super is putting on when I get weighed in at the doctor's office on Monday. It's not me, it's the baby.



Super is covered in a waxy white substance called vernix caseosa, which keeps our little bell pepper's skin from becoming chapped. Interesting to learn that the chapstick affection starts in the womb. I should probably send extra-teethy vibes to the baby this week as the permanent teeth buds are forming around this time. I think this might have been the week GB went on vacation or forgot to brush when she was carrying me, resulting in my not-quite-complete set of chompers. I'm pretty sure that's how it all works. Here's hoping Super gets its Dad's teeth. Super may also start sleeping this week. I think I will regularly start to invoke the "Shut up, my baby is sleeping" line when people start to annoy me now. You have been warned.

Some other baby at 19 weeks. GB-THIS IS NOT SUPER. You can tell it's not our child because of the slender calves, though I am excellent at this particular yoga move. I am about to have a panic attack at the thought of getting stuck in this pose in a cramped space for 20 weeks. Moving on...

Bring it On!

So guess who got their first Christmas gift this weekend?

You like my "editing" of this photo, no? In a brief moment of clarity, I figured out that it's probably not a great idea to advertise the address of our home in the unlikely event I have a crazy blog stalker. However, if any crazy blog stalkers would like to send Super or any other member of the Erwin clan some presents, I will be more than happy to provide you our address. IM me.

If you guessed Super, you'd be correct! Rick immediately made efforts to open the box, which were thwarted by yours truly. I am not sure what the protocol is for opening your unborn child's christmas gifts, but it's fun to drive Rick crazy with unopened presents, even if they aren't for him.

In an uncharacteristicly responsible and not procrastinatory move, I actually got all our gifts in the mail today. I cannot believe it. And I didn't even have to pay $150 to get them delivered in time for Christmas. This is truly a Christmas miracle. Though there will be no christmas cards this year. It was either one or the other. I am a mere mortal after all.

10 Days

I have been thinking a lot lately about the enormity of December 27th. For those of you not keeping track, that's the day we find out if Super is a boy or a girl. If we are having a son or a daughter. It's a decision that's already been made, but we are just not privy to it yet and it's a pretty massive one. I am sure there will be one day when we can't remember a time when we didn't have our son or daughter, much less know if it was a boy or a girl. I honestly don't know how you people that don't find out the sex until the birth do it.

I am torn because while I am excited about this next phase of our lives and our growing family, I don't want to forget or discount the amazing and exciting life Rick and I have had together for the past seven years. It's just about to get amazing and exciting in a whole new way. When Rick and I first started dating we would send eachother lyrics to songs that reminded us of our relationship or something equally sweet/nauseating (hey, it was long distance, you gotta do what you gotta do). Rick was always much better at it than I, and it has died down a bit though Rick the cassanova still sends me some that make me swoon to this day. Sometimes you hear a song 1,000 times and it never really makes an impact (or in this case, you get pretty sick of it) but then you actually listen and there's something that all of a sudden rings very true. That happened to me on the way to work this morning. So here's my lyrics for the day to my two person Erwin Team:

These are days you'll remember. Never before and never since, I promise, will the whole world be warm as this. And as you feel it, you'll know it's true that you are blessed and lucky. It's true that you are touched by something that will grow and bloom in you.

These are days you'll remember. When May is rushing over you with desire to be part of the miracles you see in every hour. You'll know it's true that you are blessed and lucky. It's true that you are touched by something that will grow and bloom in you.

These are days. These are the days you might fill with laughter until you break. These days you might feel a shaft of light make its way across your face. And when you do you'll know how it was meant to be. See the signs and know their meaning. It's true, you'll know how it was meant to be. Hear the signs and know they're speaking to you, to you.

Bust out the comb and tweezers!

It's week 18 and Super now has scalp hair and early eyebrows and eyelashes!!! Super, I am going to apologize in advance that it's quite likely that you are going to be the "eyelash runt" amongst your cousins. Parker and Chloe have eyelashes for miles and I have a sneaking suspicion that it's not from our side of the family (unless it's some bizarre recessive gene that none of the rest of us enjoy). Best to start addressing this at an early age. If you are a girl, I will start researching infant fake eyelashes from the jump. Don't worry, I have your back.

For your weekly fruit reference, Super is now the size of a cantaloupe and weighs about 7 ounces! Is anyone else glad it's winter and most fruits are out of season, because I might never look at a fruit salad the same way again. Why they can't be making non-edible references is beyond me. Sickos.

My Hero

Rick has often accused me of being a little jumpy and paranoid. He attributes these charming characteristics of mine to a fairly robust addiction to shows like Dateline, 48 Hours, and Forensic Files. Hell, there's a whole channel that airs nothing but shows about greusome criminal acts (i love you, Investigation Discovery). Sure, there was that one time when he was pointing out a crack in our stairwell to me, and after repeated prompts for me to move closer and closer to the top of the stairs to get a closer look, I asked "is this when you push me down the stairs?" I feel it's best to ask these questions up front. No one likes that type of surprise. Best offense is a good defense and all that. I call it being prepared. But I digress...


Rick called this morning to tell me about how he was startled by an object in the museum that he originally thought was an intruder before he turned on the lights. Our fearless leader ignored his flight response and went straight to his patented kicking and windmill fists of fury move. Then he turned on the lights.

Rick's justification for finding this stuffed bear so realistic: "It was wearing a vest."

Let this be a warning to any 2 foot tall, santa hat wearing, vest donning marauders out there: Rick Erwin has cat-like reflexes and will swing first and ask questions later.

The Adventures of Parker and Chloe

I tell ya, these girls are jet-set. This weekend they are spending time with Big Daddy and Gaddy in Kerrville, Tx. Oh yes, their Mom is there too.

They got tours of the ranch from Gaddy (background). It would appear that P found some antlers. She looks like quite the natural.

If you want to give your granddaughters extra incentive to come visit, I recommend procuring a BABY DEER! I guess it is officially being referred to as Lash. You will always be BABY DEER to me. Chloe seems to be quite the Deer Whisperer.

Parker seems a little less sure of the situation.

Endless hours were spent playing in the empty pool with cousin Ethan.

In the event Gaddy hadn't done the appropriate amount of research regarding care for a BABY DEER, Chloe brought a book on deer care and read it to him.

From Big Daddy's reports, it sounds like everyone is having a beautiful time in Kerrville. They better soak up the nice sunny weather and wildlife, because they are returning to a winter wonderland here in Missouri. Say "Hi!" to Gaddy and Lash for us!

Super Thursday-WEEK 17!!!

Looks like my grapefruit reference last week was a bit premature, because according to my trusty-dusty phone, Super is now the size of a grapefruit. It also says that Super is 6 inches, so clearly modifications in agriculture are generating monster sized fruit these days. I am also a bit confused by the weight they provide (5 ounces), which seems a little light for that size. Oh well, I don't think actual bones have started to form yet (also starts to happen this week), so that might pack on some pounds in the near future.

What also might pack on some pounds is the new layer of fat that is starting to form. Super's weight will be 2-6% fat at birth, so clearly we have a ways to go. I should start feeling some more drastic movements soon as the bones form and loud noises may also start to startle the baby. Lucky for me my family is so quiet and serene that this shouldn't be a problem over the holidays.

Bad timing

I don't recommend mixing grief and pregnancy to anyone. The lack of access to any mood altering substances during this time is a bit of a drag. I can't even exercise my way out of it because elevating my effort to anything that works up a decent sweat results in an inability to breathe. It forces you to actually face things and acknowledge what is going on in your life, and let's be real people, that's not the way we do things in this family. But I guess we don't really have much of a choice in this situation. What does seem to help is getting out of the house, so I was probably a bit over-excited about Parker's Holiday Program last night.

Parker seemed a little unsure of the situation at first. Or knowing her quality control issues, she might have been a bit nervous about the performance abilities of her fellow third graders. Or that she was underdressed compared to the girl next to her. No worries Sweet P, in this scenario, contrary to the rule which states otherwise, I think it is best to be under-dressed than over-dressed.

It was a mighty group. It's interesting to see the level of squirmy-ness decrease from the risers as these kids get older. No one fell off this year, which means it was a huge success.

Believe it or not, this is the excitement level increasing.

The 3rd Grade Class ultimately got their groove on with several songs which involved both choreography and sign language. I like to think that here, all the 3rd Graders are giving "the finger" to sadness (in reality I think they were pointing towards the north star or something equially precious).

So thanks again, P-nut, for once again raising my spirits. I know I can always count on you!

A word of advice

I get it. People are just trying to make us feel better and it's always hard to come up with the right thing to say in a situation where someone has lost someone (or something) close to them. But I'll tell ya what's not a really comforting exchange:

Person: How old was your dog?
Me: He was around 11.
Person: Well, that's pretty old for such a large dog.

WTF people? And this seems to be the more common of the comments we are getting. Imagine the human equivalent of that discussion:

Person 1: How old was your Dad?
Person 2: He was 80.
Person 1: Well, that's pretty good given the shorter life expectancy of males these days.

Just stick to the basics. Don't try to make me feel better by pointing out that he was old and big and was on borrowed time (apparently). Between this and the frequently asked, "So was this an accident?" question when we told people we were pregnant, I am becoming more and more convinced that people very rarely think before they speak.

Sad

Some things are so sad that you don't want to write them down, because then they become a part of your history. They become real. And I don't want this to be real, but I guess there's no changing the facts. We had to put our sweet Bexar/Bear down yesterday. When the time came, there wasn't really any denying what had to be done, and I know he wasn't really there any more, which made the decision easy. I am trying to focus on the Bexar that would knock you over for his leash and then proceed to walk himself with his leash in his mouth for a mile. The Bexar that would lean into your legs in a loving "leg hug" until you thought your knees would snap. The Bexar that could maneuver his cold biscuit nose under your arm so your hand was perfectly positioned for head scratches at his will. There are so many wonderful memories, and it's impossible to pick a favorite. He will always be a huge part of our family's history as our biggest "lap dog" (maxing out at 109 pounds at his heaviest), the first dog to live in four houses, and essentially giving Rick and me a trial run at parenthood.

Thank you buddy, for being a faithful and loving companion for the past 11 or so years. You taught us that getting slobbery just means you are sharing the love and that massive amounts of fur equals an excellent cuddle buddy on cold winter days (and makes all that sweeping well worth it). We will all miss you. Go lay down now.

16 WEEKS!!!

While I hate Tuesdays, I luurve Thursdays, because that means our dear Super is one week older! Super is now the size of a large orange (can't they just say grapefruit?) and weighs approximately 3.5 ounces. Looks like I am not the only one who put on a little weight at Thanksgiving!

Toenails are starting to form (hopefully Super won't click-click-click his/her toenails all over the house like someone else we know) and primitive hearing starts now but won't be able to hear fully until 24 weeks. Looks like now might be a good time to start easing up on the f and s-bombs. I am looking at you GB...

And what I have feared the most, hiccuping often starts at this point but is "infrequent". Why would a grown adult be afraid of hiccups, you might ask? Well, as the only adult I know that gets hiccups a minimum of once a day, this is the one trait that I am hoping I have not passed along to my child. If my own hiccups often get up enough momentum to make me feel like I am going to barf, I can only imagine the sensation of "in stereo" hiccups coming from both my own diaphragm and my womb...

Have I mentioned that I hate Tuesdays?

For whatever reason, Tuesdays are always especially difficult for the b-dog. And as a result, they are very difficult for the other two non-canine residents of this home. B started to act a little funny yesterday afternoon (after a long day of sleeping) and it just seemed to go downhill over the course of the evening. In honor of the recently departed Leslie Nielsen, I felt this clip aptly depicts how I felt long about 4:00 this morning (the good times travelled into Wednesday):





So I should start with the good news that he slept from around 8:30 in the evening to 2:30 in the morning. Then he started crying. I went down, helped him up, and got him some snacks. I also let him outside for a potty break and then got him to lay back down. That didn't last long. I should mention here that the acoustics in our house are phenomenal. Probably has something to do with the size. Either way, when he's up and walking, all you hear is a constant creaking and clicking of the claws. I am thinking of shipping him to Guantanamo as a torture device. All you hear is click/scrape...scrape/click...nonstop. Until he stops. Then you worry why he stopped. So I got up and checked and sure enough, christmas came early in the form of an accident on our newly steam cleaned kitchen tile floors (FYI, grout is a like a sponge for pee. now you know. though this was not pee). Clean that up and lay on the couch while he circles me like a furry, clicking landshark. Finally he lays down and I head upstairs, circa 3:15. It's then that the heartburn sets in. So I pop some tums, lay back down and I guess he fell asleep because I didn't hear any movement until around 4-ish, when I heard the click, click, scrape, pee noise. I then sent Ricker down, because I was beginning to lose my mind at this point. While I was listening to my dutiful husband clean up the pee, I rubbed my eyes in preparation for sleep when I must have gotten something lodged back by my optic nerve. I then had to get up and flush my eye out while Rick remained downstairs.

I finally drifted off to sleep around 5:30, only to be startled back awake by what can only be described as the squirrel version of WWE right outside our window. That kept up to varying degrees until I decided to just give up and get on with the day. I will spend the remainder of today avoiding bear traps and wet paint and hoping things improve tonight.