Back to School

Happy holidays from the Belly and I- 26 weeks big.

Cookie and I are writing this blog with a belly full of Outback Steakhouse, courtesy of a gift card from my  mom. (Thanks Muggy!) JBB and I have been having a great break - Christmas Eve was spent in Tipton, Christmas Day in Seymour, and yesterday was spent being happily snowed in. We went for a walk around the neighborhood, played three games of gin, cleaned out two hall closets, and got a good nap in. At dinner tonight, we talked about how lucky we are to be able to celebrate our Christmas with both sets of parents, all of our siblings, our niece and nephews, and my grandpa. There is truly nothing better. We look forward to this time every year. Now that it is passed, and we are both off work until next Wednesday, we are looking forward to next year. (Not, I should clarify, to going back to work). As we wait to ring in 2013, JBB and I, like thousands of other Americans, have signed up for classes for the "spring semester" - that's right, we're going back to school!! Baby School, that is.

At our first appointment, we were given a list of recommended baby classes that would help us "prepare" for Baby Blythe's arrival. Being the type-A personality that I am, I've been chomping at the bit to sign us up for these classes, but every time I went online to register, we were still too early. Even in my "get it done" state of mind, I realized it wasn't smart to take "Preparing for Childbirth" in December, when my due date isn't until April. I can't remember what I ate for lunch yesterday, so I sure as heck can't be expected to remember the finer points of labor and delivery 3.5 months in advance.

Finally, this week, I was able to register us for our classes. We are now the proud students-to-be of "Preparation for Childbirth," taking place three Monday nights in February. (Confession - can we talk about how I considered not taking this class once I realized it would be the same time as the new season of The Bachelor? I need to talk to the schedulers at this joint). We will also be taking "Breastfeeding Basics" in January, and I still need to sign us up for "Newborn Basics" and "Infant and Child CPR." We are also set to meet with Trish at Monogram Maternity to view the maternity suites and "formalize" my birth plan. Which will look something like this - get Cookie out safely, by whatever means necessary. Period. And someone please bring me unheated up Subway as soon as this baby is out!! (Italian Herb bread, ham and turkey, extra oregano. Thanks.)

Scrolling through the classes online, I had flashbacks to IU when I would finally get my paws on the schedule for the upcoming semester of classes - I'd spend a good three hours planning my schedule, my roommates'  schedules, the pizza delivery guy's schedule, and anyone else I could con into forking over their class requirements to me. I'd even make myself Plan B and Plan C class lists, where I'd plan alternate schedules - one typically revolved around not missing any of my shows, no small task in the pre-DVR days (how I miss you Dawson's Creek, Felicity, and Party of Five), and one typically centered on never having a class before 10:30 am or on Fridays. If I could have majored in class scheduling, I would have. Alas, scheduling for Baby U was not quite as flexible - classes are either Saturday morning (barf!) or Monday nights, from 6:00 - 9:00. You already know my beef with Monday nights, but class until 9:00?? Don't they know that pregnant women in their third trimester (especially first time moms who don't have toddlers to chase around, bathe, feed, and water) are in bed at 9:00 pm? Or maybe that's just me.

Regardless, I'm excited for these classes. I'm sure a lot of it will go out the window in the heat of the moment, and JBB and I will adapt on the fly and do whatever needs to be done, and whatever feels right for Cookie. Still, it feels like a rite of passage, and one in which I'm excited to partake. I'm also hoping to get the inside scoop on clipping those itty-bitty fingernails, how to care for the umbilical cord stump (this seriously has me flummoxed) and how to effectively use one of the those snot-sucker bulbs. I'll try to repress my inner geek and not take too many notes. I'm already anticipating the "discussions" that will arise over where to sit - I'll want to sit front and center in the front row (former teacher's pet), while JBB will want to be in the back, wisecracking with the other dads. Mom and Dad, we apologize in advance for any notes sent home from the teacher over our behavior. We've got our pencils sharpened and our trapper keepers bought - bring on the blue book tests!

Cookie's furniture, painstaking redone by JBB.
Just waiting for the hardware and they'll be done.

On the baby growing front, things are perking right along. Tomorrow we start 26 weeks; I can't believe I'm in my 3rd trimester! My belly button is pretty much gone, and is going to pop soon, I fear. I can't see my feet without leaning over and searching for them. I find I'm moving a little slower and having a little trouble getting the forward momentum needed to get out of bed. But certainly no complaints - I've heard too many war stories to quibble about a popped belly button or needing a push to get into a sitting position. Knock on wood this last trimester is as uneventful as the first two.

Cookie's crib, generously given to us by a friend.
Just need the mattress and bedding!

The nursery is coming along - Cook's furniture is painted, her fabric for the curtains has been purchased! (polka dots! yay!), and JBB is finishing the windows. We hope to have the nursery done by February. My first baby shower is January 16 at work - I can't wait! I'm so excited for these last 14 weeks. If you haven't already, pop over to the poll on the right side of the page and vote if you think Cookie is a boy or a girl. JBB and I think girl, but most of our family thinks boy. As my very wise dad says, "You've got a 50/50 chance." :)

Happy New Year's a few days early! Wish JBB and I luck as we head back to school!