Pain in my chest?

So I don't know what this pain in my chest is all about. I think it is gas pushed up so high because it has nowhere else to go. But it is keeping me from sleeping tonight which sucks because I am actually tired and could fall asleep easily. So here I am playing around. I was able to find links to some of my favorite So You Think You an Dance moments. I am totally addicted to that show. The other night our cable was out and I was TERRIFIED that it wouldn't come back on in time for me to watch the top 6 perform. Anyway, my absolute fav...


Ivan & Allison

There was another one I love but it was just this past week so it's not up yet that I can see. I totally want to be these people. They have amazing bodies and are able to convey so many emotions through movement. I wish I had danced for longer...

No news is... no news

Apparently Erin is VERY happy in there, as was her big sister, because as of this morning, there has been no change from 2 weeks ago. The doc said that at my appt next Monday morning, he will strip my membranes to see if we can get something going. I am NOT looking forward to that (with Leah it was pretty painful), but I am if you know what I mean. I had it done on a Thursday or Friday with Leah and started with contractions on Sunday night. So either way it will probably still be at least until early to mid-week next week.

My dr appt on Monday

I forgot to update, but there was nothing really to report. I saw another doc in the practice just to meet him in case he is the one who delivers me. He looked at my blood pressure, weight, and fundal height measurement and said "Keep doing what you are doing." So that was it. Next appt Tuesday at 10:30. Baby Watch 2007 continues. Stay tuned.

Quick Dr Appt Update

My doctor told me that I am 1 cm today! It is the beginning of the end. No thinning of the cervix though, so he says probably not this week. I predict within a week of my due date. He said we will induce if no baby by August 22nd. So there you have it - one month left no matter what! I have weekly appts now, on the next 2 Mondays. Stay tuned for Baby Watch 2007.

Stay at home Mommy!

I am officially a stay-at-home mom! I am finished with school and am ready to tackle the millions of projects I have in mind for the summer before the baby comes. I wish my body could keep up. :) The baby's room has bedding and a dresser. She has a bookshelf, drapery hardware and paint ready to be used. I still need to find curtains but I want something simple so it shouldn't be too hard.

Leah said the cutest thing the other day. She was patting my belly and she said "Baby Erin needs her mommy." I said I know and she said "Her mommy is at work." I said "No, I am her mommy just like I am your mommy. Can you share your mommy?" She threw herself on the ground and said "NOOOOOOOOO!" and started to fuss. This may be an issue...

I just watched an episode of A Baby Story and almost lost it. The woman has a daughter and had another one. I watched the three of them snuggle after the birth and realized that I will be there soon. How amazing is that???

It's another Gallers girl!

In case you haven't read this elsewhere, we are having another little girl join our family in August. Her heart rate was 144bpm today and she is much more active in utero than Leah was. Does this mean she will be an athlete?

Good news! and another gender ID delay

For those of you who haven't heard, Mike is being hired on permanently by Bank of America. This means 3 things to us: a raise, vacation days for Mike, and better health insurance for less money. We are very excited about it. But because of this, my next dr appt has been rescheduled for June 1st when our new insurance kicks in. SOOOOO needless to say another good 5 weeks until my next ultrasound.

I may not have time to do the baby's room before Hive. I take that back, I will be done with school June 8th, so I will just get to work right away and bust it out. I guess I should have 2 bedding sets picked out and the paint colors ready to purchase at Lowe's. I really like the Sophie bedding at Pottery Barn Kids for a girl. I love how there are many patterns mixed together. I think I will only buy the bumper, bed skirt, and some window treatments. I can buy other cheaper sheets, especially since they will be pooped and thrown up on. What do you guys think? What colors/patterns would you use for the walls? I just realized I haven't posted pics of Leah's room since it was painted! I will get on that today.

Another ultrasound and no cigar

So this darn baby is a bit of a pill. :) During the entire half hour we looked, he or she had a foot pressed up against the important spot. We tried everything, but that baby was TOO comfy. So the doc generously said he would check again next appt (May 16th). How am I supposed to get ready for him or her???? Obviously I still need to be taught the lesson of flexibility when it comes to kids, because this kid is definitely making sure I learn it.

Book Tour info will be posted later today or tomorrow. Make sure you check it out!

Happy Easter!

We had such a wonderful day here at casa Gallers. It is the absolute best thing to watch your child be excited about something. Leah could NOT stop talking about the Easter bunny coming. When I went in to get her this morning, she started dancing on her bed and said she was so "esscited". Digging through her basket and finding the eggs in our living room were highlights of her morning. She was quite upset when Mike took the jellybeans and chocolate eggs out of her basket after breakfast so she wouldn't keep eating them. She was so funny with the jellybeans. She would keep them in her cheek like a squirrel and then spit them out when the good stuff was all sucked off.


After naptime, we all headed over to the Maddexes for our neighborhood egg hunt. From left to right, you see Ty, Ian, Leah, Hannah, and Alex. Hannah and Alex belong to our friends who live one block over. We met them right around Super Bowl time and they have been a part of our group ever since. We are missing some of the traditional members of the cul-de-sac crew due to family trips and sickness. Anyway, Leah was a Super Egg Hunter! She raced around so fast that I was afraid the other kids wouldn't get that many eggs, so I called her off to sit in the grass and open some of the eggs. Then everyone came over for a fish fry that my dad generously cooked for. We had a lovely friend and family day.

On another note, my next doctor's appt has been changed to April 18th. The doc had a "family emergency" and had to cancel appts for an entire week! So we won't be able to check on the sex of Baby Gallers until then. It's getting to the point where if we can't find out this next appt, I will just have to pick gender neutral bedding. I want to start on the paint and stuff soonish so that the room is finished by Hive. So boo on the doctor.

Happy Easter to all and to all a good night!

And the money kept rolling out

in all directions (from Evita)

I just paid bills today (not our regular monthly bills) amounting to $800! They are for vehicle taxes and doctor bills for me. Since our insurance only pays 80% we are scrambling to come up with the other 20% for now. When Mike goes permanent with Bank of America we will be 100% insured and this issue should go away. But for now, we are trying to figure out how to afford to be pregnant.


We went to Carowinds last Sunday for a wonderful day. I didn't realize how many rides they have for little kids. Leah could ride 6 rides! I was so afraid on 2 of them that she would be terrified once they got going (she rode with Mike). But she loved every minute of it! One of the rides actually had her riding ALONE! I couldn't believe it and again was nervous for her. She had so much fun she rode it twice! I realized that I can't let a mother's fears hold her back. She has to be able to try things to see what she likes. We had such a great day and I can't wait to go back again.

This weekend we go to Durham to see the Wrigleys move into their new house and to see Ronni & Steve also. I have to check out Durham on the web and see what there is to do there so we can hang out there on Saturday and wait for everyone to arrive. Any ideas?

Only 2 weeks until my next doctor's appt and hopefully we can tell what kind of baby I have this time. Leah's room has been mostly taped out and is waiting to be finished and painted. After that it is baby's turn, but we have to know what kind it is first.

I have a 2 day week next week because spring break starts. Our anniversary is Thursday but we will probably will wait until the following week to celebrate because my dad will be in town and can babysit for us. Leah & I may go meet Mike in the city for lunch that day though to do SOMETHING fun.

That's all I have, have a great week!

The Waiting Game

For those of you have been anxiously awaiting the sex of baby Gallers, your wait will be extended indefinitely. The ultrasound tech said that she didn't see any evidence of a penis but the baby was not positioned correctly for her to be sure. So we are assuming a girl, bubt we don't really know. We are not going to be picking bedding or names or anything until we are sure. I was counting on today to set my mind at ease on thinking of boys' names. No such luck :) The baby was completely healthy as far as we could see with all parts in place and everything the right size. The heartbeat was 153bpm and looked fabulous. So ultimately we are happy.

I did however manage to finish the playroom today. Here is a photo of one of the walls. I am really happy with how it came out. You never know when you have an picture in your head how it will actually work. I was also unsure about the sponging technique since I have never used it before. So all in all, it looks just like I thought it would. Now it's time to move on to the next project, Leah's room.

PS Here is a video of Leah playing her new favorite game.

Just another lovely weekend...

Mike is still not finished with that darn shed! He put in quite a few hours this weekend and got very close. There are a few finishing touches still to do, but he promised to help me paint the playroom next weekend, so I don't know when he will get to those. I want the playroom, Leah's room, and baby's room to be done before Hive so everyone can see them.

We also rearranged our upstairs to put furniture in the proper rooms. The futon moved from craft room to music room. The guest bed moved from baby's room to craft room. The CRIB moved from Leah's room to baby's room. That's right, it is officially out. Leah has not looked back once since she transitioned. It was cute though, yesterday before nap she asked to go see her crib. She wasn't too sure about it not being there. But she slept fine.

Sunday night we had neighbors over and grilled yummy stuff to eat. I made a fruit salad and bacon ranch potato salad that was awesome. We really wanted to play outside but it had finally gotten too cool to be out and the wind was insane. You almost couldn't stand upright! It was nice to get together with everyone, especially since Laurie brought a trifle made with cake, cheesecake pudding, and berries!

I felt the baby move I think it was Friday night for the first official time. I have been feeling things I thought could be baby squirms for a good 2 or so weeks now. But that night was a distinct thump on my insides. So we know he or she is alive and kicking. Can't wait until next Wednesday when we have our big ultrasound. I hope that baby cooperates and shows us his/her privates.

Weekend Update

Well I had the most exhausting weekend. I flew to Jacksonville Friday morning. Saturday at noon I hosted a bridal shower for my friend and maid-of-honor Mandi. It went really well, but I was running around all morning getting ready for it. Then that afternoon we drove to Orlando for the bachelorette party. It took us 4 hours to get there! So we got there, ate pizza and got ready for the night. We left the hotel at about 11 for Pleasure Island! I haven't stayed up that late in over 2 years! It was as fun as can be for a pregnant non-drinker at a bunch of clubs. Mandi had a blast though. The fun began getting home. We were trying to get into our hotel room and the key wouldn't work. So I called information to get the hotel's phone number and the hotel has no record of our room! Finally we realize that we are at the wrong hotel! This is at 3am. The front desk threatened to call the cops because the drunk girls were banging on the door of the room we thought was ours. Turns out there are 2 Howard Johnsons within a half-mile of each other on the same road. What drama! The next morning we drove back to Jacksonville and from there I flew home Sunday night. I was so dead, I practically passed out in bed. I am NOT used to partying like that, even without drinking.

Today I had a doctor appointment with the new OB. I really like the office, the nurses (so far) and the doctor himself. He did not make me feel rushed at all and was very accomodating as far as scheduling blood work and such. We listened to the baby's heartbeat. It was a strong 154 bpm. He also taught me how to feel the top of my uterus so I can feel myself grow. The biggest news out of the appointment is that my ultrasound/sex determination is scheduled for March 14th at 2pm. I can't wait! I hope so much that the baby cooperates.

I forgot to tell about our Valentine's Day gift. Mike made us a cake! We woke up that morning and we had cake for breakfast. Mike always comes with the most creative ways to celebrate things. I love that about him.

Leah is no longer sleeping in her crib. I guess it started last week. She asked for her big girl bed at bedtime instead of her "kib" and that was that. I had always hoped that she would get used to the big girl bed if we just left it in there and that's the way it worked. Knock on wood, things have been incredibly easy with her big girl transitions so far. We shall see what happens with potty training. :)

Another step toward big girl-dom

Leah no longer uses a pacifier for sleeping! I could not believe how it happened. I had anticipated it being tough when we finally decided she had to give it up. (Disclaimer: we had NOT decided this yet. We were not even trying to get rid of it.) One night before bed she did not ask for it and did not seem to notice it on her nightstand next to the crib. So we didn't offer. It took a while for her to fall asleep, she talked to herself for a long time. Throughout the night she would wake up and cry a bit. But we never went in and she never asked for her "nuk." This happened 3 nights ago. We put away the pacifiers and she has not looked back once. It hasn't even been an issue. And after that first night, she has not woken up crying once. I do notice that she talks to herself FOREVER now before falling asleep. But that is a small price to pay to the "Nuk"ie gods. :)

On another note, I have decided to change obstetricians. I really want to deliver at Presbyterian Hospital in Matthews. It sounds more like Helen Ellis (where Leah was born) than the one I toured with Laurie. Remaining in the same room my entire stay and having enough room for visitors after the birth are more important to me than I realized. I guess I took it for granted last time. So I found an OB who delivers there through a co-worker who adores him. His office is in the hospital which is handy. :) She claims he does lots of ultrasounds! So my first appointment there is February 19th. Mike and I are both off work so he will probably come with me. We haven't decided whether to bring Leah. If I knew he was going to do an ultrasound, we might bring her. But I just don't know.

Snowfall here in NC!

We woke up yesterday morning to our house looking like this. We bundled up quickly, still in our PJs, and rushed outside to see what it was really like. The snowflakes were HUGE and falling fast. We got covered before we went back inside to change into real clothes and boots. When we got back outside, our neighbors had all turned out to play too. We love the fact that our closest friends live on our cul-de-sac. We never would have all gotten together to play in the snow had we not lived close like this. We made a snowman, threw snowballs, and tried to find something to slide on. We were all upset we did not buy a sled when we had the chance. After a while, it was breakfast and cuddle in front of the fire time. My school was closed and Mike worked from home so he could play every once in a while too. That afternoon, Leah and I used our painting easel to make a felt board (laid a large piece of felt over it and clipped it). Then I cut things from other pieces of felt and stuck them on there (felt sticks together). We made a boy and a girl and clothes for them. We made a rainbow, flowers, a cloud and a sun. She really had a ball putting them on and taking them off. I recommend felt boards for toddlers. :)

I forgot to update about my doctor's appt on Wednesday. There is a baby! They actually did do an ultrasound and we got pictures! In this one, the little hand is in front of the face. He said everything looks good and the due date is still August 17th even though the ultrasound did say I looked a few days further along. They don't change the due date unless they find out it is way off. It was so reassuring to see the baby. He/She actually moved and I saw the image on the screen jump. Mike was disappointed he didn't come, but we didn't know for sure about the ultrasound. The next appt is March 5 and they will take blood to screen for many things at that time. Then the NEXT appt is the big one, in-depth ultrasound and they will tell us the sex! I can't believe it is only 2 appts away. I AM still considering switching doctors. It just depends on what I think of the other hospital. We do the tour March 10th. Then I will have a better idea of what I want. Until then, I will just continue growing Baby Gallers to the best of my ability. :)

No news is good news

Not too much going on here lately. I had a miserable sinus cold so I was sniffly and headachy all last week. Thank goodness is seems to have cleared up and I feel much better today, just tired. I have my first official OB appointment today and can't wait to see what they do. I really want them to do an ultrasound but they probably won't considering it's my second pregnancy and I am very sure of my dates. I do hope at the very least they can find the heartbeat with the Doppler. I will be so disappointed if I leave with no evidence of a healthy baby. I need something to make this seem real to me besides my bouts with reflux and my slowly tightening clothes. C'mon doc, help me out!

Laurie and I toured the hospital last week. It was very clean and new, but not quite as up-to-date in their practices as Helen Ellis (where Leah was born). The rooms were TINY! There is no way people can fit in there to visit. SO, I may look into another hospital. We shall see after my appointment on this afternoon.

Other than that, life is good. We now live by ourselves after cohabiting with Dave & Rhiannon for 2 months. That is very nice. Leah is talking all the time. I love it!

New beginnings...

Tomorrow we are leaving to go to the mountains for the weekend. I am very excited about it for two reasons. First of all, just our little family is going. We have never been on a trip that was just us. It's kinda nice to start doing things on our own. In addition, I am very excited to see how Leah reacts in the snow. We have an adorable snowsuit for her and some boots. She looks so cute and wants to wear it around the house. I am afraid she will give herself a heat stroke! But it's nice to see that she is excited. She talks about going with daddy to the mountains to play in the snow. So I will update about how our weekend went when we get back.

More news from us! We set up a toddler bed in Leah's room last night. Ever since Ian started sleeping in his big boy bed (a twin), Leah has talked about her big girl bed. So we borrowed one from our neighbor (Thanks, Tiffany!) and set it up. We read our bedtime stories in it last night and she really liked that. Then when she laid down and I covered her up, she said, "No, Mommy!" So we talked about it and she wanted to be in her crib. I really don't care one way or another (at least until the baby comes). I just figured while she was interested, we would let her play in it and get comfortable for when she HAS to switch (not for many months yet).

On a personal note, I have been reading/seeing quite a bit lately about postpartum depression. When I was pregnant with Leah, I knew it existed but never even considered I would have it. And I didn't. But with this one, I don't know. I am really scared about it. I just think the combination of a newborn and a toddler might send me over the edge. This journal on babycenter.com has really made me think. Here is a seemingly perfectly normal woman with two precious children and for several months in the beginning, she just can't get it together. Then the recent episodes of Scrubs features Carla getting postpartum depression with her first child. I just wonder if I will be able to handle it. I gues millions of people DO handle it every day. I will just try not to think about it.

And a happy new year!

I have been severely chastised for not updating this blog so here it is. :)

The weekend before Christmas, my step-dad came to visit. He took Leah into the "forest" near our house and she had a blast. She still talks about everything that she saw in the forest ("tee fall down"). It was so cute what she said one day too. My step-dad shaves his head. So we were talking about what color hair everyone has. Leah said brown for her own, mommy, and daddy, but for Pops she said "all gone!" How funny!

Then, we had a wonderful Christmas with my mom here. Leah got so used to opening presents every time she woke up (from naps and nighttime) that she continued to ask for them every time. I don't know how much Leah understood of Santa, but we left out milk and cookies and carrots for the reindeer. She liked doing that.


After Christmas, our friends from Florida Jason & Nikki came to visit for a few days with their daughter Halle who is 10 months. It was fun catching up and seeing the two girls interact. It has rained a lot this past week though, yuck. Mike is going a little stir crazy.

Next weekend we are planning to head over to Banner Elk, I think, to check out the mountains and give Mike a chance to try out his new snowboard. We even got a Leah some snow pants the other day at Target. Now all she needs is boots and we are set. Come to think of it, I need boots too.

I'm sure all of you know this by now but I wanted to officially announce it here. We are expecting another baby Gallers. I am almost 8 weeks along and the baby is due August 17th (Aunt Brittany's birthday). I have been feeling pretty well most of the time, just tired a lot. I do have bouts with a yucky feeling but nothing permanent. We are so excited. Leah now says "big sisser We-ah." It is adorable.

Well, that's all the news for now. Hope everyone out there had a wonderful holiday season and I wish much happiess in the coming year for you and your families.