34 Week update & Letter to Baby Beurskens

I had my 34 week check up on Monday, and all is well. No comment on the weight gain this update...suffice it to say I am more and more tired with the extra weight I am carrying around, but I am all belly still! Dr. Passes thinks the baby is around 5 lbs, and I am in the 40th percentile, and I am right where I should be. Since he lives right near us, we reviewed the quickest route to the hospital, depending on time of day and traffic. We'll be delivering at Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch, NJ. Many rooms have ocean views...I'm sure I am going to really care when all I will want to do is sleep! John and I will probably go on a tour of the maternity ward on 8/23. John asked what do we do if I were to go into labor before my last day of work (9/4), and Dr. Passes said, well, she drives herself home, you meet her there, and you drive over to the hospital! LOL! He said it will usually take a while even if my water has broken and contractions have started. However, I think I would probably have someone at work drive me home and someone else would follow them...I bet some of the folks I work with would be signing up for this, while others would be running the other way! I've stopped wearing my rings for now as my fingers hurt, as do my wrists. Dr. Passes said carpal tunnel syndrome is very common in pregnancy, often because of how you sleep and the position your hands are in. I did read that somewhere too, and it is definitely worse in the mornings after I wake up. But I am not swollen - at least not noticeably, but my rings are a little tight. I can get them on, but they are snug coming off and I don't want them to get stuck! We now have once a week appointments from now until the delivery too. And we are going to the hospital on 8/23 for a tour of the maternity ward.

Nursery is coming along, though I am not sure what I have or don't have...you probably wonder how that can be, but I honestly don't know as my mom and sister have really helped me a lot in putting things in their place and organizing stuff for me. I know where the diapers are at least, and the wipes. Starting to wash all the clothes and what not this week...the hamper is overstuffed! The pictures above are where we are at right now with the nursery. We have a few wall hangings to put up still and also some shelves. The pictures in the room right now are of family cats that my brother David painted or drew. We decided to keep them up in the baby's room for now, so he has no choice but to love cats!

On Sunday we met with a woman about daycare in her home - actually met the whole family, including their dog, a very friendly German Shepherd who immediately bonded with me, rubbed against my tummy and kept plopping at my feet wanting me to rub her belly! The dog is really good with kids - this woman has 3 of her own, all under age 7, and we don't have any concerns with the dog. The family was very nice but John and I need to talk a little further on what we want to do...I am leaning a certain way, and we need to make a decision soon, but we need to both think things through on our own and talk it out together so we make the best decision for us.

Last week I said I'd post the letter that my friend Denise wrote to Baby Beurskens so he understands a little about my side of the family, so I am sharing it here below...it is quite hysterical and I'll make some comments in italics along the way so you know it's me, and not Denise "speaking:"

Dear Baby Beurskens......

As your mom's best friend, I thought I should write you a letter to tell you how special you truly are....and how crazy your mom can be.

Your mom waited many years to bring you into the world so the old saying, "worth the wait" has never been more true than with you. You will be in great company with many cousins to show you the "Dziemian way of things." Emily and Alexis will fill you in about Grandpa Dave and his silly ways - just remember this, never-ever touch his beer stein, whether full or empty. And never root against Notre Dame, even when they are playing Rutgers. you may be thrown out of your mom's house, but at least you won't upset Grandpa Dave. Do all of this and I think a pick-up truck, including all of its stickers, will be in your future as your first car. Yikes! (For those of you who don't know, my dad has this Dodge truck with a ton of stickers on it...i.e. Buy American, Marines, Support our Troops, Rutgers, Notre Dame, etc. I learned to drive on 2 station wagons covered with many of the same stickers a lifetime ago!)

Now, your mom is very particular with her food at times - if you want to keep her as happy as the alien in E.T.....just keep feeding her plain M&Ms....remember this when you are 16 and asking to stay out past midnight....slip her a large bag and she'll agree to almost anything.....heck, how do you think you were finally conceived? (LOL) (I am definitely known for my obsession and love for M&M's...plain or dark chocolate only. I have 2 dispensers on my desk at work, and now one at home in the nursery!!!)

The beach, never come between your Mom and a sunny day in Avon. if she insists on going, just yes her to death----and if her primo parking spot at the McGovern's is eventually gone, don't complain if you are parked two towns over and walking to the beach, with a wind-up radio in one hand and boogie board with a busted strap in the other. And when you go - Cheez-Its are a MUST---your mom will be set until the box runs dry. (yes, I love my beach days, and am fortunate to have a great parking spot through a member at John's golf club! But before I did, I was known to walk several blocks, and one time did park in the next town over! As for the wind up radio, it also takes batteries but it is solar-powered and has withstood the elements for a few years. Denise is just upset b/c she borrowed it one day and I neglected to tell her that what she thought was the "on" switch for the radio was actually a siren that sounds like a police car. No idea why it's on the radio, I guess maybe if I needed to signal for help on the beach?)

Kohl's Department Store --- if she ever says she "has to run in to pick up one thing"....just know that it is going to take the better part of 2 hours and if Grandma Barbara is there - you'll be pushing three hours and asking the sales clerks for refreshments to make it past the shoe deaprtment. (Mind you, I did not get the same shopping DNA that my mom and sister have, but on occasion, I can dig deep and find it. But seriously, who out there can run into Kohl's or Target and not come out with at least ONE more item than they went in there for??)

Story telling ----we felt it appropriate at your baby shower to do a book wishing well. Not just to fill up your library, but more so that your mom sticks to the actual story when telling it to you. She has been known for "the gift of the Irish gab"....wonder which Grandma she got that from....so at least with all of these books, she won't stray from the story and each book shouldn't take more than 5-8 minutes. if the stories go longer, just PRETEND to be asleep, it has worked for John and many others during your Mom's story telling time. (I will own up to this being true, I can definitely forget when and how to land the plane sometimes!)

Your mom's cooking.....well, let's just say you better like pepperoni bread because I think you will be eating it before your Stage I jarred foods. Now, your mom has been known to venture out of her comfort zone....I've heard something about "pesto chicken" but I think it's a myth, because I've never seen or tasted it. Chopped salad from Vics....and exciting plain cheese quesadilla from SurfTaco....and oh, keep the cheese off of her burger.....I'll never understand that one. (in my defense, the nutritionist I saw a few years ago said I was NOT a picky eater, just a traditional eater! But I definitely have my fall-backs with food...and yes, while I love cheese and love burgers, I don't like cheese on any burgers. Chicken parm is okay, but not a cheeseburger.)

With all of this aside, just know Baby B that you are truly blessed. Blessed to have a mom so loving and patient (which she's learned from watching my kids). Blessed to have a mom that is a wonderful wife, daughter and sister. And blessed to have a mom that I am honored to call my best friend.

Love, your pseudo Aunt Denise

What can I say except thanks for such a touch letter to our baby...and that I think Denise owes me a few nights of babysitting...if i waited a few more years, her daughter could actually be the babysitter!