No more hospital bed!

It was a momentous morning over here! The rental company came around 10 am to remove the hospital bed from the living room. It feels so much bigger and brighter now with the couch not in front of the slider. I love the feeling of liberation it brings to have that out of here! Now we'll have to lounge on the couch, but that's okay with me. I can SIT on it and not have to lay down.
Speaking of laying down, my back is really adjusting to carrying this belly now! It's as if I "woke up" and was 8 months pregnant. I talked to a nurse from my insurance company this morning and she suggested using an Icy Hot patch on the sore area of my back. So, this afternoon I had my mom put one on...well, I noticed it said to consult your physician if you're pregnant like so many meds do. I decided I would call just in case...and, of course, the one time I actually do something before calling, she says that she doesn't recommend them for pregnancy! Whoops! So, I riped it off, jumped in the shower and here I am :) They said it should be fine and that I can use a heating pad on low if I need it. Maybe I'll try that later. I just had to laugh because I never jump ahead and just do something but the one time I do, oh well!
Sophie is actively resisting quiet time this afternoon, so I'm off to play in her room! Hope you're all having a good day!

We went to church!

This morning Tom felt well enough to take Sophie and I to church. We went to Spring Hills and I got to hear the new minister for the first time. I really enjoyed it and thought the service was excellent. We ran into a few friends that were excited to see me "vertical" and were so welcoming. It was a wonderful Sunday morning.
I also had my maiden voyage in the new van. It's very nice. Can't wait to feel strong enough to hit the open road on my own :)

Tired Saturday

I'm definitely tired from my little amount of movement the past few days. My mom is out of town for the weekend and Tom is really sick, so I'm on my own more than I have been in several months. Sophie has been really good about mommy not moving around too much. I never would have guessed this but my back is the most achy. I guess it's adjusting to carrying this belly around!
I watched a documentary last night called "God grew tired of us." It's about the lost boys of Sudan. I would recommend it to anyone. It was done really well. It followed the lives of three refugees that came to America. Unbelievable story.

Surprise!

This morning I met my bible study group out for breakfast, my first outing! One of the women picked me up and brought me since I'm not driving yet. When we arrived I realized it was a surprise baby shower for me! It was sweet and unexpected! It was such a fun morning. I truly enjoyed myself.
The photo is of the beautiful flowers that were on our table. Such a promise of spring! One of the women brought candles to have on the table...but my sensitive nose couldn't take them for more than a couple of minutes! We had to put them back in the bag! I will enjoy them again someday!
I actually wore jeans today! It's the first time in almost 4 months that I've worn something other than sweats or yoga pants. I felt like a "real" person again! It's the little things, isn't it?
Sophie on the other hand, wore her pajamas to school today for "pajama day." She just loved it! She really dislikes getting dressed in the morning so it was like and extra-special treat to her to wear her jammies and Zoe slippers to school. What a fun day!

I'M UP!

Great news from the doctor this morning. My cervix is still looking good, and she's released me from strict bed rest! I am so, so excited. Just to sit up is wonderful. I do know that I will be so tired as I start trying to keep up with Sophie, but the doctor said to increase my activity level by 20-30% each week. I think I need some help with that equation...I was never very good at math! I think another way to say it is, go slowly and don't do too much at once!
She has cleared me to go out to eat, go to church, things that involve sitting and not too much activity. She even said that I can drive in town if and when I feel up to it. Wow! I can drive my new van sometime...don't think I'll start with that too soon!
She doesn't want me cleaning house, carrying things, or doing any "real cooking." So, my mom is going to help, especially with the dinner prep still. She's also going to spend a couple of hours here and there each day with us to keep me from overdoing it. It's so wonderful to have her next door! I just don't know how we could have made it through this without her. And, all our wonderful friends and neighbors who have brought us meals 3 nights out of the week. It has made such a huge difference for our family. I can't thank you all enough. You have truly "loved your neighbor as yourself," and we are so very thankful! Thank you!
We are counting down to March 27th! I pray the next eight weeks go quickly and uneventfully!