Nope...I think the stump is kind of gross. We threw it away when it fell off.

We had pizza the other night and I cracked open the beer I've been craving for 9 months. Unfortunately after the first sip it didn't taste very good so I only drank about 1/4 of it. Margarita at a Mexican place is my next lusty desire.

I put my engagement ring and band on earlier this week and was so happy to have it back!

4.5 hours sounds heavenly. Tessa was up from 3 - 4:45 last night/this morning. Ugh. I'm dragging a bit today...maybe the stars will align and I can get both of them to nap at the same time so I can lay down.

No stump keeping for me. I despise belly buttons and couldn't wait for Morgan's stump to fall off.

I loved the first stretch of sleep. Hopefully, each night will get better. The first time Morgan slept from 10pm to 7am, I woke up in a state of panic and then was giddy with happiness.

Enjoy the visit with your family. Soak it up, when they offer to help, take it and run like the wind :)

We chucked the stump. I can't believe 18 days have gone by!! It's seems ike you had her last week!! Nice sleep schedule, keeping my fingers crossed she keeps it up.
Enjoy your visit with your parents. :)

Wanna know what an awesome parent I am? Both times, I lost the stump. Gone. One diaper change is was there and the next it was gone. Never found either one. Most likely cat chow (cue gagging sounds).

Enjoy the free time!

Blech, no. We didn't keep the stump. I was simaltaneously sad and also grossed out when Maddie's fell off. I did take a picture of her newly-stumpless belly button though - you might like to do that with Lexi, because you'll be shocked at how it changes.

Have fun with all those extra arms! Here's hoping that you continue to sleep through 3 & 4am!

Ewww no, we did not keep the stump. Are there really people that do?
Baby teeth, yes, I will keep.

And have fun with the family. Take some time to yourself!

Nope, tossed all 4 of them. ewww.

I hope you get to rest this weekend. And YA to Lexi for the long sleep!

You are too generious. I didn't do anything for my nurses or doctors. Was I supposed to? Uh oh. Good thing this time around I have new doctors and I will be at a different hospital, they just might steal him for payment! just kidding.

And when they get older all they want is daddy...enjoy the mommy time now. Your day WILL come for hand offs.

I, too, sent notes to all the nurses that were so kind to me while I was in the hospital. I also sent a kick ass letter to the Nursing Supervisor telling him he was blessed to have these fantastic women working for him. I received a phone call from two of the nurses telling me they were happy to have received my notes AND their boss had sat down with them and shown them the letter I wrote.

I loved having my Mom here after Morgan was born. She was here for the first week, went home for a week and then came back for two. H-E-A-V-E-N. Not just having her to help, but just having her THERE was awesome.

Sorry the FH is a punk about not being the Prince. The hell?!

You're doing great, Cass. So proud of you :)

When I was BFing, Mike kept saying he wished he had boobs so I could get a break. I reminded him that some men do and he should be lucky he isn't one of the ones with moobs.

I'm glad you're going to get to see your parents soon. Sometimes mommies can make things all better.

i think i must have that same cinderella complex - however my hubby does the same. exact. thing.

enjoy the time with your parents there and i like your plan - hope it works out.

First let me start...becuase I am soooooo gutter mind I was reading Andreanna's comment and she wrote BFing! Ha! I know what she means but at first I thought something else and I was let's say hysterical! OMG that made my day.
Cue maniacal laughter now!

Okay, I understand the whole losing your shit thing. I lost mine MANY times and let me just tell you it was diaherea. See my hubby was always gone (delivering everyone else's baby)so when he would come home I had these great expectations that he would somehow recue me from indentured slaveness and that never happened. It was sleepy couch time. Grrrrr. It was like a constant battle since I had two kids under two and one was colic (thought I would die). Anyway, one day he had a frank talk with me that pissed me off like I had never seen rage before. He said, "Honey look, I have crazy hours, I have office patients, I have surgery, I have deliveries, I have cheif os staff duties I have this and that and hospital meetings" and OMG I could go on and on. He said you are home and you have to this job and I cannot get up at night becuase I might not sleep for the next two days and anyway I cried like a baby when I understood that this childcare business was MY BUSINESS. But somehow I understood it was and somehow I worked it out and all was fine. Because yeah it was so true, there was no way he could care for all these people and me and the kids and geez it was overwhelming. Now I know your situation is different because you both work and yeah it's totally different at your house. So why did I tell you all this? I have no idea. But you will work it out but while you breastfeed it's going to be hard.

However, when hubby walked in the door many nights I did fake like a two-hour stomach ache and would sit in the bathroom and read. That did work. Ha!

And as far as doc gifts, my hubby does get a lot of gifts when patient's come to their post partum visit. It's very nice but just as many people don't give gifts. It is totally not expected AT ALL but nice that you did. I did not even give the nurses gifts at the hospital, but they were bitchy to me anyway because since my friggin' husband was the OB there I had some perks, of course I did, but this seemed to piss them off so whatever, they weren't on my gift list.

Sorry about the long crazy comment!

Thank you notes? Crap...I'm a compulsive thank you note writer but I was so drugged up I don't even know who my nurses were let alone send them notes. That is very nice of you.

Lactation from 2-4 am would be a blessing! I must admit that my hubby is awesome but when I see him nod off on the couch I want to slug him since he gets to sleep all night while I get up to play mother cow all night long.

You're a new mom. You're *totally* allowed to lose it and/or wish Daddy would/could do more. Of course, my friends that did not breastfeed? Their husbands would get up to give a middle of the night bottle & they say they were awake the whole time anyway, wondering what/how he was doing in there. But even so, you're still allowed to lose it.

As for gifts, one of my best friends is a surgeon. I get the impression that the favorite gifts are things you can eat. A tray of cookies, box of chocolates, stuff like that, that can be shared. It's appreciated but they never ever expect it so it's not like you need to feel obligated.

I speak not for all men; only for myself.

When I first went back to work (I took about 2-3 weeks off when my daughter was born), my routine was to immediately take my daughter when I got home and "play" with her (a newborn doesn't play, I get that, but they enjoy a good round of face staring as well as singing) and then we'd crash together on the couch. That actually lasted a good 4-6 months. After that, we canceled the nap and just hung out.

Although my wife was breast feeding, I was still able to do other stuff, like diapers, baths, and interactive/guided play (making a stuffed animal talk to her, stuff like that) after dinner too.

Bottom line: I slept through the night (partly because I wasn't lactating, partly because I was going to the office during the day) but other than feeding her, if I was home I was involved.

I don't really care how busy your day is, or how tired you are, ultimately you're still a father, and with that comes the responsibility to actually BE a father. It's not up to your wife and kid to figure out how to work around your schedule. It's up to you to sort out your shit so you can do your job (and I'm not talking about the one that pays you in money).

First, thank you notes? You are awesome. I never did anything. Well, not true. When Izzie had to have her hips x-rayed we took her up to L&D to visit with our favorite nurse (a guy!). And our OB was in there too, so she got to see her. Other than that, I did bubkus.

Secondly, I agree with SciFi Dad. I think I told you my dh came to EVERY.SINGLE.DOCTOR appointment for EVERY.SINGLE.PREGNANCY (and with the twins, it was monthly and with an ultrasound, so that was at least 2 hours each month). And not because I told him to, but because those were his kids and he wanted and needed to be a part of everything. He changes diapers, he gives baths. Of course now with 4 we have to split the responsibilites or I would go completely insane. He does the cooking most nights. He is both a father and husband, and as such, he needs to be able to balance those responsibilites.
Ok, off my soapbox.
Hats off to you for having family come. I actually never wanted that. Not even after the twins were born. Plus, my mom and MIL live within 40 minutes of us, so it was different. I preferred setting my own schedule and not having to work around someone else.
Oh my this is long, sorry.

One word:

sonofamotherlessgoatwhore

Oh man. I know exactly how you feel. I was 12 days late with the Kid (due July 8th had him the 20th-of 2004) And he came all on his own. Hang in there. She'll be here soon.
((hugs))

Your doc sounds like a douchebag.

Sorry to hear you are still pregnant. Really. I can't imagine how insane I would be without an end date. I am thinking of you lots and hoping this all ends happily and quickly for you guys.

Hang in there, Cass. I know, this is the most frustrating part about being pregnant.

I'm really glad your Mom and Gram came down. You need them right now. And I'm sure they feel a lot better being closer to you.

Call me if you need anything. Even if you just need me to listen to you cry (or curse, but that'll have to wait till tomorrow).

xoxo

Your doctor is making me want to punch him in the crotch.

And 9 pounds?! Holy crap.

I'm glad you got the Mom Hug. I'm sorry the FH feels that way, but I can understand it.

Cass, I'm feeling bad that you're so unhappy right now. It's not the way it should be. I hate that your last few weeks of being pregnant have been this emotionally and physically draining for you :( Wish I could help.

I'm totally confused here.

Your doc won't help put you into labor?

I need to be told flat out...so, so confused.

WHAT is he waiting for?! Tha's probably the stupidest and most frustrating question in the world, but I don't get it!!! ANd it is such an emotional roller coaster. Every visit, every question, another day. Hang int here CAss. YOu'll be holding her soon, and this will all disappear, the minute you do :)

I'm so sorry that it all sucks. I so wish the end were more relaxing for you. Promise me you'll rest so that tomorrow you can kick the doc in the ass and tell him to get you going. :)

Sending hugs. Feel free to email; I've been there 3 times before, so I remember it well!

This won't make you feel better at all, but I was due July 15 and didn't pop out until July 30 soooo you only until Wednesday and then Lexi and I can be birthday buddies! My mom has the memory of being in labor with me as Charles and Di got married.

Just wandered over from Pocklock's blog. I was bored & I've seen her & LFM Twittering with you. I'm going to throw my baby eviction vibes on the pile in the hope that maybe it can be the proverbial last straw & the timer dings on the baby cooker.

Hang in there. Have you thought about taking castol.oil. My girlfriend has done it will all three pregnancies. It is a little gross, but she swears by it. E-mail me if you want her e-mail so you can chat with her. Here is a site for a smoothie.
http://www.justmommies.com/articles/castor-oil-to-induce-labor.shtml

Good Luck!!!!

Oh my! Im glad you got your mom hug and I hope Lexi arrives sooN!

He was frustrated to see the red light on the DVR? Oh no....I'd have hurt him. One can mess with me in a few ways--you do NOT mess with my DVR. Especially in the summer when there's jack crap on. I LOVE MY Boys.

I laughed out lout at your dream and the 2nd baby. And then I stopped. Because that? Not funny.

If we lived in the same town, I could've saved you hours of jar hunting. I have 25 of them packed away in my storage unit. Don't ask why. We all know I don't cook/can/bake. I think I got the great idea to make jam one day, bought all the stuff and then decided I'd screw it up so, I didn't even try.

:)

I seriously expect homemade jam when you come visit. ;)

I am so surprised you had such a hard time finding jars! Our supermarket has 1/2 an aisle of them. I am also amazed there is a Ball University! And frustrated at the red light????? Did he go senial for a moment and forget that he was recording it for a pregnant woman?! Have fun today :)

I forgot to say something about your dream! I had WEIRD ones, (not quite this weird though) the last few weeks of my pregnancy. I remember fighting someone off me who was trying to take my BELLY, not baby, but BELLY. I kept hearing someone yelling my name, and it was my husband, who I was beating the crap out of in my sleep. OOPPS! And I had never see the Lion video...I was just in tears watching it! Nature is awesome.

My mom used to make the best strawberry jam...now I want some.

Turned it off because of the light? Seriously? My husband wouldn't have the balls to do that when I wasn't pregnant but now? No way. Good for you for letting him live.

I cried when I saw that lion video too! must be hormones.

Ha this is random...but hey that's what Tuesday's are for.

K so a few things here.

1. You are in Indiana? Or did you just grow up there? I was born and raised there. Ball State is a wicked party school, I miss going down there. I really wanted to go to college there but my mom got super pissed bc that was the year that it got named the #1 party college in America.

2. I had never seen the lion video before either. I cried, too. LOL.

3. I hope your dreams tonight are good ones!

I've made a conscious decision to stop answering the phone because if one more person calls to ask me "any changes?" I may actually drive to their house and ram my very pregnant foot in their ass.

When I was pregnant with Zach, they did yard work outside our apartment every. friggin. day at 8 AM- I was very, very ticked. So, I know how you feel.

I wonder how it's going to be for your lovely yard men when your little one has FINALLY gone down for a nap and then BZZZZ they are right outside the window... I look forward to some interesting blogs about that!

As far as people checking on your progress... if they were smart they'd do what I do, since I have no life... I come look at your twitter to see if it finally says "IN LABOR"! Hang in there... you're almost there! Go eat some ice cream. Do you get Schwans? I miss the Schwan man. That would do you some good right about now.

dude, send your lawn crew over my way. i have a lot of work they could take care of and i'm sure the trek from your place to mine would take them a while too. :)

Your hands are swollen because instinctively, we turn our wrists into us when we sleep. And because we have so much extra fluid in our bodies as ginormous pregnant people, it cuts off the circulation and causes fluid build-up.

I wear braces every night to keep my wrists straight. It's the only thing that helps. Not sure if it's worth the investment (they're about $20 each) since you have such little time left, but if it's really uncomfortable, they do work very well.

A gay rent a role husband? Love the idea. Mine would be useful to you for eating dinner, watching some tube and getting you whatever it is you would need. He may be a dumb boy, but he DID rock it hard core while I was pregnant. He even does feet rubs :)

Skip the outlets for now. Go have some iced tea on the porch/deck/couch/bed and chill.

Not too much longer, and you get to hold her in your arms - it's the coolest thing in the world to look into the face of your newborn.

Praying for comfort, peace and health for you, your baby and your husband...

J/

Wow, girl. You are getting CLOSE!

Once the big list is done, get some good books, put your feet up and read. I would if I could.

And AndreAnna is right~the swelling thing is all about the fluid. Keep an eye on it; it should go down during the course of the day.

OMG, I love the gay-rent-a-husband idea.

I want a hubby like that too! Great idea, I bet they are expensive though because they have good taste!

Andreanna is right about the wrist thing!

I read somewhere that if you prop your arms up on pillows that it helps with the swelling.

Are you getting tingling/numbness too?

Braces might be a good investment because often even after the baby is born, this swelling doesn't go away. I hate wearing braces, but they are the only thing that work for me.

I was born in July. I feel that my mother is a saint, as well.

Have a great day!

I love when you get all listy on us :)

And seriously? The Duggar family makes me say How? Why? How? over and over and over....

The Duggar family freaks me out. Same with Jon & Kate Plus 8. I feel that my 4 is plenty, thank you very much.

Lists are good. I am not good at making lists. And wills....we still don't have any. And I was a lawyer and WORKED for a lawyer who drafted wills. sad.

Ihope you get a great offer, that would be magnificent! Fingers crossed!

You know what? Baby classes aside, you're going to be fine. I know it sounds trite and dismissive, but really, there is no way to properly explain how everything just "makes sense" once you're holding your kid.

True story: the first diaper I changed was my daughter's (I was really good with kids, had a niece and a nephew, just never changed a diaper). My wife had a c-section, so she was unable to do stuff like that initially. And, she didn't coach me (since she figured I'd done it, like, a zillion times). And yet somehow, my kid's urine and feces didn't get everywhere. I just "knew" how to do it.

That's just one example. There are others... but it just sort of comes to you. You'll be fine.

(Of course, now FH will use this comment as further reason to avoid the class. My bad.)

I was born in January in a big snow storm. And my father wouldn't leave until he took a shower, oh and did I mention the pipes were frozen. Don't know how they made it there! hahaha

And we still have yet to set up wills and the Kid will be 4 next month and another coming in Sept. Yes, I still have 3 more hot sticky months to go. Lucky Bitch.

Love the lists!

Dear Duggars,

Stop having sex. It makes babies.

Love and kisses,
AndreAnna

Haha! this made me laugh. It will all get done, just breathe! I had my daughter Aug 29 and we hand no A/C!! not a lovely summer

Mmm...scrubbing and cleaning floors sounds like a lot of fun at 9 months pregnant! :)
You must have some dirty floors if they need "scrubbing"!!! Yikes...good luck with that.

I vote you splurge and hire a cleaning service for a "one-time" super-duty clean and RE-FRICKEN-LAX.

Whew, I'm tired just reading your to-do list! I agree, cleaning services would be awsome. Love your blog.

I'm with AndreAnna. Get someone in to clean. Don't overdo things. You don't want to be completely exhausted when Lexi makes an appearance. TRUST ME!

Wow, I am exhausted from working like, 2 hours so far today. You are superwoman!

Ugh, it alls ounds sooooooo fun...really fun...especially the floor cleaning.

Working 19 hours? That would have killed me. I am all for a cleaning service too. I hate scrubbing floors :(

Well, maybe if FH were Brad Pitt...

Don't even worry about the door thing, I do it once a week myself...it's kids sucking your brain out!

what ? for real the lady said that ???

Oh honey I feel for you. I probably would have smacked the lady at Starbucks though.

Oh dear!
I hope your day got better.

I'd kill (or maybe pay) for a blogworthy day like that! And you drafted the whole thing on your Blackberry! And I was just impressed that my phone could play freakin' music.

You need to mark this day on your calendar!!

Spray conditioner and a ponytail holder will help the hair and duct tape might help with hubby! (JUST KIDDING!) Hope you can get things done AND get a nap!

Woman, put the A/C on. Conserving energy, schmonserving schmenergy.

You're pregnant. You deserve to be comfortable and sleep well. You can conserve next year.

It will make you feel better.

i love down here in the land of humidity, and let me tell you, my cat is always on me, too! why do they do this???

It's wicked hot and humid here today too. It makes me really cranky. The hot laptop on my legs isn't helping. Must find lapdesk somewhere, probably in the boy's room.