February

I didn't get around to blogging in the month of February because I was sick. SO SICK. First it was strep throat, then it was a chest cold shared with Dan and Axton, then I ended the month with a sinus infection so bad that I thought it was an abscess tooth and went to the dentist to get it extracted. Throw that on top of being 9 months pregnant and I didn't feel like doing much other then laying on the couch.

Axton has been up to a lot though. Since it's been getting a little warmer he likes to play on the back deck. We've also started having play dates with our neighbor friend OP (pre-sickness).

We got a visit from my parents and Cole. They came with a bed for Axton, a bed for Dan and me, and colors for Axton's bath! Above is the only picture I got all weekend of Cole and Dan. Can you guess what they are doing?

One weekend in February Axton stayed with Aunt Shell and Uncle Scott, Kaleigh, Shayla, and Peyton. While he partied it up there, Dan and I re-decorated our master bedroom (picture taken while in progress). Okay, Dan did all the work. We also got to go out to dinner and see a movie before the new little guy comes...

ON MARCH 18TH!

This is Axton's new little bedroom complete with bed.

Reading with Grandma...

...sharing sweet treats on the couch before bed.

Axton loves Rex. This is Axton laying on Rex's head.

...and relaxing together.

IT GETS UGLY

I was joking with Cade about how ugly it gets in the last month of pregnancy. So ugly that it's sort of funny - peculiar - awkward. Childbirth is supposed to be such a happy/beautiful thing. At least that's what you hear about your whole life. I wonder what people would think if you told them the way it really is. If you don't want to hear it, don't read on. The following is the sad, cold truth.

The belly. It's huge. Regardless of whether you're a skinny gal or a little heavier, you're bound to feel like a cow in the last month of pregnancy. Cade says that I'm not as big as a cow, I'm only as big as HALF a cow. That's true. Thanks Cade.

The stretch marks. Whether you get a lot or a little or maybe you only have one. It's ugly. The worst part is that I think they show up even more after the baby...W T F? They show up so well because...

You are pale as hell. You can't tan pregnant and if you are one of those who uses the bottled tan while pregnant you should consider the nasty chemicals you are exposing your little fetus to. The translucent skin also shows the network of blue veins that make their way across the belly and boobs. AWESOME. The pale skin also makes it easier to see...

The hair. Whether you are a hairy person you can't argue that in the 9th month you can't see or reach the places that need to be trimmed. Sorry honey, if you're grossed out get the clippers and take care of if yourself. I'm not making a wax appointment in this state...okay maybe I should. I'll take that up on a day that I just don't have any pride left. Today is good.

Yes, now you are a hairy, stretch marked white cow with visible veins. If you lacked self confidence before you were pregnant, you're surely having some issues now.

Now I need to mention the nipples. That's right, I said it. They change. I don't remember what they were like before, but they were certainly not the size of pancakes with a marble on top. Yup. I did. I said it. Did you get the visual?

Occasionally I get some funky skin irritations while pregnant. Like a rash on my legs. I think it's because of having dry skin or maybe I'm just more sensitive to lotions and detergents. Either way you can stack that onto the pile.

Has anyone noticed that your nose gets bigger during pregnancy? This one is an amazing and curious phenomenon to me. How could it possibly get bigger? If you don't believe me, I'll post pictures of this one.

...And while I'm at it I'll mention the pregnancy mask. If you don't know what it is, go to hell. Just kidding. It sucks. I get mine on my upper lip of all places. No amount of makeup or waxing can get rid of the illusion that I have a mustache. It's so cool.

There you have it folks. My list. If you haven't had kids I hope you now have a more realistic idea of what you are in for. Most importantly, I hope you can laugh at it. At the end of the day it's worth it. But just keep in mind this is all BEFORE THE LABOR AND DELIVERY...

Just imagine what that list would look like.