Lately, and mostly in a panic, I've been trying to politely tell Ian the appropriate things to do and say to comfort me while I'm in labor. I've also tried to explain there is a LARGE list of inappropriate things to do and say while I'm in labor, some of which he (and I) may not be aware of until that very moment. One night, we read a chapter out of a book about what the "coach" should expect to do and what to be prepared for. The book was clear and straight forward about some of the unexpected things that might annoy the woman in labor. I was hoping Ian was listening and taking mental notes - because goodness knows I am not the most patient person even when I'm not in pain.

After reading, I asked Ian what he thought was the most important thing he got out of the 7 pages of "coaching". His reply: "The coach should remember to pack some snacks for himself as labor can take a long time."

Wanted: A new birthing coach. Must be available in the next 1 to 7 days. Requirements: Must believe that the suffering, emotional, and screaming woman on the narrow cold bed is more important than snacks!

Today I took Ian back to work after lunch so I could have the car to run a few errands. Before he got out of the car, he leaned over and kissed me. Our noses touched and SHOCKED just a little tiny shock. Ian, looked at me and said in a very whinny voice, "ooouuch!"
I just looked right back and said, "You gotta toughen up!"
He took a long glance down at my bulging baby belly, then looked right back up at me and said, "I'll have to remember that one!"

Oh my gosh! If he even thinks about using that one on me in the delivery room this baby will only know her father from pictures!!!

WARNINGS!

WARNING #1
I had a doctors appointment today to check if I am dialated at all. We are going out of town to my nephews baptism and just wanted to make sure we were in the clear to "travel".

Nurse to Natalie: You know you shouldn't travel past 36 weeks.
Natalie to Nurse: Uuuu...we are only going an hour and a half away.
Nurse with pursed lips and furrowed eyebrows: But you know you shouldn't travel!
Natalie with smug inflections: It's like walking around the grocery store for an hour and a half.

Then I realized that didn't really make sense but I still pretended like I one-uped her.

WARNING #2
After my doctors appointment I decided to go to *The*Public*Library* (say it with a big freaky booming voice with shaking in the back ground and you'll get a better idea of what it's like for me to go there!)
I handed over my library card and asked for a computer. Keep in mind, I've been a very good girl about keeping the "one hour" rule for at least 5 times in a row. I've even left 3 to 5 minutes early as to ensure I don't go over. Don't you understand how much you can get done in 3 to 5 minutes of stalking time?

Librarian to Natalie: I need you to watch the clock. It looks like you've gone over your hour multiple times.
Natalie to Librarian, leaning in to make really good eye contact: I KNOW. I've been warned multiple times.
Librarian to Natalie: Well then, you know you are on probation and if it happens again you will lose your privileges.
Natalie to Librarian: Well, if it happens again, I will just come back in a disguise and apply for a new card under a new name.

I didn't really say that, but I wanted to. It was a great suggestion from my brother Miles. He told me to draw on a mustache and slick my hair. I'm sure they wouldn't recognize me...even though I would still be sporting a huge pregnant belly!!!! Funny! (We think we're really funny...and most times - WE ARE!)
He also suggested I start heavy breathing and fake labor if they tap me on the shoulder again. Seriously, I'm gonna try that one!

So, the day is still long. I'm going to see what other kinds of WARNINGS I can pick up today!

Making his mark where ever he goes!

Ian decided to take down his blog. He hadn't updated for over a year. He informed me my blog should be turned into the "family blog". Hmmm, that will be weird. Sharing the attention with someone else? Please! I was expecting our baby to get her own blog as well!
I guess I can make a few selfish sacrifices and do my best to report on everyone in my family.

For starters:
Ian has lived in Twin Falls for only 3 months and he's already in the paper!!!http://www.magicvalley.com/articles/2008/03/23/news/local_state/133389.txt
Makes me laugh.

He loves his job and has already found a golfing buddy. I think he thinks that what "work" is for. To find your next golfing partner. He went golfing on Saturday which was an absolutely beautiful spring day here in Idaho.

And today...it's snowing! What the...do we still live in Lansing?

Happy Easter!

We had the Easter Bunny visit our house this year! I think that's a first...and bound to be the first of many from now on! My sisters kids, Kayla, Alecia, Alex, and Karl, found their chocolaty loot in our back yard on Saturday. And we even had Easter Dinner at our house on Sunday.
I have two weeks left until my due date, but was telling everyone I was sure I would go another three weeks because she measures so small. WELL, I had a doctors appointment on Monday. The good Doctor informed me because she is so small...they will take her sooner. Thus, according to the doctor, I will be having our baby next week.

"Three weeks" didn't sound so scary.

"Next week" sounds VERY scary!

38 weeks pregnant

LOL!

My brother Miles' post is funny!

Check it out!

http://www.tomandmiles.blogspot.com/

Exception to the rule...

I've mentioned it before, but I'll say it again: It's hard not having the Internet at home. We've discovered it to be a luxury and not a necessity at home. It's wise for the budget but in all reality, I think it's crap! So, to use the Internet, I have to go to the Twin Falls Public Library where there are 20 computers for public use. Because I live in the Twin Falls city limits, it's free. Sweet!

Happily I signed up for my very own Library Card so I could have access to a computer. I immediately asked to "check out" a computer. The attendant took my card, scanned it, gave me a computer #3, and told me I had an hour. At the end of my hour, they would give me back my library card.

"AN HOUR??? " I asked in dismay.

"Yes, an hour. You are limited to one hour of computer time a day."

"ONE HOUR, PER DAY??" That's weird. Honestly, I wasn't so sure I could honor this absurd rule. Besides, there are 20 computers and only about 3 of them were currently being used.

A day later, I told Ian about this "hour" rule. Then I joked, "What are they going to do, tap me on my shoulder when my hour is up and kick me off?" We laughed because, seriously, would they do that?

YES, THEY WOULD DO THAT!!

The next day, I went to the library, "checked out" a computer, handed over my card, they scanned it, and gave me computer #11. Yes, I was watching the clock, but I was sure this crazy "hour" rule didn't apply to me today since there were only 5 other people in the entire library. I think I was the only one even using the computers!

An hour and 20 minutes into my computer time, sure enough, I got a tap on my shoulder.

"You need to finish up. Your hour is long gone."

Taken by surprise, I looked at the attendant with a half grin, thinking he was only doing his job, but that he would let me finish my blog stalking, which perhaps would take at least another hour. He stood there...waiting for me to log off. Hmmm, I guess this rule does applies to me today. I'll have to try again tomorrow, I thought

A few days later, I went to the library, handed over my card, they scanned it, and gave me computer #9. I made a conscious mental note to count how many computers were being used. I counted 3 others. So, as another conscious mental note, I told myself the "hour" rule definitely did NOT apply to me today!

1 hour and 30 minutes later - TAP! TAP! TAP! What the...

"Please finish up. Your hour is over."

"Hello - do you see a line of people needing to use this particular computer or any of the other available 16 computers? I'm a freaking city tax payer, I can use this computer as long as I want!" Don't worry, I only thought that, I actually didn't say it.

I took another 10 minutes to "finish up" and log off. I went up to the front desk to retrieve my card and was informed,

"Your card is currently put on "probation status" because of your lack of observance to the "hour" rule. If you go over one more time, your computer privileges will be taken away."

You know me, laughter comes easily. I almost laughed in her face. Well, actually, if you KNOW me, I almost cackled in her face. But luckily, I was able to refrain. I nodded politely, put my card in my purse and walked away. Seriously! Cant they see I'm a 33 year old, 9 month pregnant women! THE RULES DON'T APPLY TO ME!!!

I guess I'll just have to see if this "probation status" really effects me. I'm going to see if I can get up to an hour and 45 minutes tomorrow!

VACATION TIME

I'm just throwing this out there...
Ian and I have a TIMESHARE that will allow you to go just about anywhere in the world. We want to SHARE it with all of you. Lansing winter has been brutal this year and April's break is coming soon! (Good luck on finals, everyone!).

You could be spending your April break in Florida...or anywhere else for that matter? Or just when you are planning your next vacation, contact us and we will see what is available for you to use. You can use our timeshare.

Example: 7 days in Florida at the end of April for 4 people is $325 total. That's only about $82 per person to stay in a 5 star resort for 7 days. All 7 days!

Ian's parents visited us for a week and we stayed in a five star resort in Belaire Michigan for 3 days. We took a day trips to Mackinac Island, Traverse City, and enjoyed the Northern beauty of Michigan. (Personal opinion: Michigan is beautiful, Lansing is not.)

There are a few ways to use our timeshare. You can use "last minute vacations" and buy your vacation outright. Or you can use the "points" that are allocated under mine and Ian's account. (Points are associated with a dollar amount that is calculated based on your destination of choice.)

If you're interested, feel free to email me and I will help you search for your vacation. natalie.service@gmail.com

Or check out some destinations at RCI.com, and click on the RESORT DIRECTORY across the top.

I've been dreaming of the beach in Mexico lately...but I might be mistaken as a beached whale in my current condition!

THE COUNTDOWN HAS BEGUN!!

THREE WEEKS AND COUNTING!!
For those of you who were otherwise offended or grossed out by my previously posted "bare belly" picture, I have this completely covered picture of my 37 week belly.

And for those of you who didn't mind...

I think I'm so funny!

TOP 6 REASONS I MISS HAVING THE INTERNET AT HOME:
1. Blog-stalking
2. Blog-stalking
3. Blog-stalking
4. Chatting
5. Checking the 10 day forecast
6. Blog-stalking