Week 35.4

Last week's ob visit presented many unappealing and sure to fail options for this puppy to be born naturally. Apparently, this bebé has not committed to being head down and that is not acceptable to any USA doctor. I may have to move abroad soon, as a version seems to be fruitless and unless we can "fake" being head down for the next 10000 sonograms (think one per week at dr and one per week at imaging center from now on) they will schedule me for a c-section. I am going this afternoon and I hope this baby can be or at least "act" head down so I do not have to worry about this. I am confident he/she could come out in any direction (we already have proof of that with A) but my doctor is not interested in my opinion!

Home Stretch Baby!

Well, here we are. A mere six weeks and one day away from my due date. Science tells us that I could meet this baby in even less time (though I doubt it). While this has been my most uncomfortable pregnancy, I am trying to soak it in as it is truly my last. My body is so much achier and older than just five years ago and I think five, a stellar odd number as it is, is a good place to stop. Can we even manage the ones we have? I think so. I hope so. I do not think anyone every regretted having too many siblings and my hope is that these 5 monkeys will grow up knowing how lucky they are to have each other and with some glimpse of appreciation that we did our best. My best doesn't always look (or sound) that graceful, but I try. I digress. My belly looks huge and is quite uncomfortable but most people still don't offer me a seat on the subway. That is okay, I am more comfortable standing. Sitting and laying down don't seem to suit this baby. It is so odd how I cannot imagine anything about this baby- note even gender- and in weeks time I will not remember life pre number five. Only a few days ago did I begin to look through my meager collection of baby keepsakes. Most went to charity. Baby clothes gets discolored. I went into a Babies R Us and felt overwhelmed by the countless products, many non-existent last time around. I did acknowledge and buy some basics like a nursing bra and some bottles. I am thinking this baby will make due with less crap than the others, though I will always welcome hand me downs. A dear friend kindly asked me if I wanted a shower. I was embarrassed to have one for M and really embarrassed to have one for AleVit. I would never want a shower this time- I feel much more private and simple this time. I do not even want a birth announcement email or any of that jazz- social media is too much for me. If we are close (or if we are in the same family), you will know and you will see- no need to parade the baby- though it is virtually impossible to stop other people. Okay, I am rambling. I need to go wake up one tired boyfriend and four slumbering students who must wear green for St Patrick's today. Daylight Savings Time has kicked our butts. M competes in the spelling bee today (hurray!) and sings in the talent show tomorrow (yikes!). Two days until spring break. Will this baby be born in Miami? I hope not. We'll see. Onward!

A & V

Me to A: I ordered you some new shoes.
A: Thank G-d!

V: I want this baby to come out so I can hug you again.

From M's Spelling Test (her illustrations of words)

1. Sometimes in the middle of an argument, my brother and I are speechless and we just stare at each other malignantly.

2. In my democratic opinion, Donald Trump is a loathsome person.

3. You should never harbor or keep inside negative thoughts or feelings.

4. The stars in Van Gogh's "Starry Night" painting are vivid with orange and yellow.

Back Banter

M: Can we watch Planet Earth?
J: What is that?
M: A documentary about nature.
J: Is that one where a man with a deep voice speaks? I don't want to see that.

V: Can we get a cake with shaving (whipped) cream for L?

V: Can you put come jello (gel) in my hair?

V to A: Do you want veins (bangs) on your head?

Studying the rain forest, V and A's teacher was talking about sloths. Do you know that those are?
V: Yes! You use it to clean your teeth (floss).

V as we passed a church: Can we ring and run?
Me: No!
V: Do they have security cameras?

V: Where can we buy money?

A: To be really rich, you need to steal money (true).

A: Can girls and women and ladies be drunk and blind?

Me to J: One day, in a long long time you will thank me for all of the music lessons.
J: Thank you now for making me a quality man.

V: Homeless people miss most of their life.

J looking at a Salvation Army building: What kind of soldiers are those?
Me: It is just a name. It is a charity that helps people.
J, looking at the "executive office" sign"" They execute people there?

V when I told him I was giving him a kiss from papi: Why are you acting like papi?

J to me: Are you 49 or 50?

A: Are M and J brother and sister?
Me: Yes
A: But they are not twins.

One of my students looking at my belly with a bewildered expression: When were you pregnant?

Belated Birthday Post- J is 9!!!

After a djembe solo in a chorus concert followed by bowling and NY Ninja the night before and a special diner breakfast the day of, J is officially 9- his last year in the single digits. Almost a week later, I want to tell you what a great midget you are. A royal pain too, but a talented and hardworking little guy. From chorus, music theory, and piano to karate, swim and basketball. You are a sweet boy and our eldest son. We love you ciccione!!