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Oh the Beauty of Things

Ionia is getting its first real snowfall of the season. I have this crazy tree in the backyard that blooms 3 different colored blossoms throughout the year-blue, white, and red. Right now it is in full red bloom. Here is a picture of it against the white snow! I wish I were an English major and could wax poetic (or a photographer to capture its true beauty!)

Trial Run

You would think that having had a child already I would know if I was in labor. Not so. Yesterday afternoon I developed terrible abdominal cramps similar to ones that I had had the night before. I contributed both to eating too much. We had gone out to dinner with friends Wednesday night and I was so hungry by the time dinner came I ate a lot in a short amount of time. The pain I was feeling was high up in my abdomen. I contributed it to unlady-like indigestion. However, the same thing occurred yesterday. This time I figured it was because I had sat at my desk too long and had a disagreeable lunch. By the time I got home from work, the pain as so bad I was on my hands and knees in tears. We decided to play it safe and head to the hospital. Di and Wes made it to our house in 5 minutes and we were out the door. Turns out, I was having contractions. So much for knowing what to look for:( Once they got me on the monitor, we could see the contractions as they occurred. It was very reassuring to listen to the baby's heart beat which was very strong. However, a couple times it dipped down into to the 60 bpm range so they did an ultrasound to see that I had enough amniotic fluid. All looked great. The funny thing was that last night was the most active I have ever felt this baby. He or she was having a grand ole' time. Anyway, the doctor decided he wanted the baby to stay in a little while longer so they gave me something to stop the contractions. The drug made be feel as if I had just downed a 2L of Coke. The first round of meds didn't stop the contractions so they gave me another shot and an oral dosage. At this point, the doctor decided it was best if I stay over night for observations. Luckily we had grabbed my suitcase and book so I had all the essentials. The baby had a great night and the contractions finally stopped for good. I was sent home late morning to rest until next time:) I could go again next week or the end of December. Only God knows. As for the trial run, the only thing I forgot was my pillow and shoes to wear home. I had worn my work clothes in and was still wearing heals. Ooops!!!!!!

Baby and Bachelorette

Today was my week 34 doctor's appointment and once again all was well. Baby's heart was beating at 148 bpm. After Thanksgiving, I start going to the doctor every week. Four days after my 36 week appointment with John-John he was born. I am anxious to see if history repeats itself. The nursery is officially ready and my bag for the hospital is packed. It is hard to believe that in just a few short weeks I will be a mother of two.
On a completely opposite note, my sister's bachelorette party was this past Saturday. She was the ultimate bachlorette. You could have invited nuns to my bachelorette party so this was a real eye opener. We rented a suite at the Courtyard Mariott in GR where were had a lingerie party. Carrie had to guess who bought her which piece of lingerie. I got her bright red, sock monkey feet pajamas. She guessed mine right away. Even the bra made of candy necklaces:) Then it was off to Dr. Grin's Comedy Club. What a riot. Throughout the evening, we randomly pulled out slips of paper which contained tasks that Carrie had to complete. Such as, "Ask a man for his business card and have him write a piece of marriage advice on the back." This was a tame one! After that, the ladies headed to MoJo's. It was too smokey for me so I headed home, but rumor has it Carrie had a fantastic time. I have a posted a few pictures below, or at least the ones that are appropriate for a public blog:)

My drink glass for the evening.

My idea of lingerie for my little sister!

Ashley and Jill - Hot and Single

The results are in and...

OK, so at this writing it may be a bit early to call the presidential race but things sure are looking good for Obama. Yes, I am an Obama Mama! I was going to vote straight party ticket but I really wanted to fill in the bubble for Obama/Biden. I have been waiting to do that since 2004 when I first saw Obama speak on TV at the Democratic National Convention.


On another note, baby and I had a check-up yesterday and an ultrasound today. All was well considering the very stressful day I had. Baby's bpm was 146 and measuring right at 32 weeks. I actually lost 3 lbs during the last 2 weeks. Not for lack of eating, but due to working too hard. It is so hard to slow down. The big news is that I will not have to have a c-section due to the fibroid tumor. I am so relieved. That isn't to say that I couldn't have one for other reasons, but at this point all is on track to delivery naturally. I can honestly breathe a sigh of relief.

Halloween 2008 - A record year

Milewski Halloween 2008

It was a splendid Halloween in 2008. It started by not having school this year. It was parent/teacher conferences this past week and we always get the Friday after off. It just so happened that it was on Halloween this year. John-John and I started the day at a friends house for a play date. The weather was beautiful so the kids got to spend their time running around outside. Prime activity for long afternoon naps:)
Next, while JJ had is nap, I went for a much needed massage. I discovered I can lay on my stomach if I use my Boppy pillow. What a lovely feeling.
After nap, it was off to another friend's house for the annual pre-trick or treat hotdog party. As soon as the siren sounds, the kids spread to the four winds to collect their treats. We headed back to our house to hand out candy. This is always a big event for us. We have eye-ball lights in the shrubs and scary music on the iPOD. Since we have such a deep front porch, we bring out chairs and a table and camp-out and hand out candy. My sister Carrie comes over every year to help us. He fiance Jim also came as well as Di and Wes. This year we set a record and handed out candy to 384 trick-or-treaters. WAHOO! John had to run to the store to get more.
Note - John-John does not like candy. Yep, you heard me correctly. Trust me I have tried. So we took him to our neighbor's house and Chuck and Mary had an apple for him. He was as happy as a kid with a pillow case full of candy. I sure wish I didn't like candy:)
After cleaning up, it was bedtime for all involved. What a great day!

Even the pets got dressed up

Aunt Carrie couldnt resist dressing up