Sandy diapers and a Medical Degree

Ah, life.  Life is wild and WE, my friends, are certifiably crazy.  So, here's what's happening in our world: My husband Rhett has decided, after over a decade in finance, that his calling in life is to be a doctor.  So guess who is starting medical school in the Caribbean in TEN days?  That's right, Rhett Buttars.  In other news, I am 8.473 months pregnant and having our third child in TWENTY days (or less, as my babies historically come 2-3 weeks early!).  However, I will NOT be delivering a child in the Caribbean.  I'll hang back here and have her on American soil, and then join my husband in a month or two, whenever I feel ready to move our 3 children across the ocean to a tiny - though beautiful - island.  So there's our newsflash.  For a Q & A, keep reading...

Typically, when we tell people, the same questions arise:

1.  So is he going to be there for the birth?

   - Possibly.

2.  So is he going to miss the birth?

     - Probably.  I'm not above Skyping it.  So if you'd like to watch also (you perv), then just call your old hacker buddy, and figure that out, mmmkay?

3.  Why the Caribbean?

     - So Rhett can start immediately.  He started his college career pre-med, so he's got the pre-reqs done.  But they are all about 15 years old.  And US Med Schools put an expiration date on their pre-reqs, typically 5-7 years.  Carribean Med Schools accept Rhett's old dusty pre-reqs.  So he can start now!  

4.  How long will you live in the Caribbean, and which island?

Anguilla, circled in RED.  Tiny little dot, right middle.

     - Only 16 months on the island of Anguilla (across from St. Martin, just east of Puerto Rico), followed by 2 years of clinicals in Chicago.  So we will be back to the US before my oldest even starts Kindergarten.

5.  Can he practice in the United States when he's done? 

     - Absolutely.  This Caribbean School only takes US and Canadian students, and their education is geared to pass all US Boards.  He will have to pass all American tests.  The more people we talk to, the more I learn that far more doctors went to Caribbean schools than I realized.  

6.  Are you excited?  

     - Mostly.  Rhett is happier than he has ever been, and so that makes me happy.  I'm always up for an adventure.  The timing is truly horrible, which obviously complicates things.  So I'm a little nervous, a little overwhelmed, and mostly excited.

unexpected progress

FIRST, some pictures I've been meaning to post.

We decided to have a little spontaneous photo shoot after church last Sunday with the big Buddha belly. This was the day of the daylight savings change, and I did not account for how quickly we would lose the light. I wanted to try to capture some of the gorgeous dusk shots that we have in Mountain Green, but no dice. So forgive the lighting and forgive the sometimes blurry shots. I present to you the best we've got. :)
(Belly @ 35.5 weeks)

Oh - below, I stumbled upon this gem in one of the folders on my flash drive. One might think this is was our Halloween costume from this year - current belly photo - but no. This is was in 2006 - before we were married - at the annual White Trash ChrismAss Bash at Windsor's cabin (legendary). All guests are encouraged to come in their finest White Trash attire. Hence, Britney Spears and Kevin Federline. I thought of repeating the costume this year with the REAL belly, rather than the one below which is made of a couple of towels. But frankly, I lost the motivation. ;)

Ah, memories.

AND NOW, let's move on to the unexpected progress, shall we?

We had a doctor's appointment yesterday, at 36 weeks, 4 days. I've been feeling great, no real pain or discomfort. And I've had a total of 4 contractions this entire pregnancy, which all happened last week. But nothing regular or sustained, and none for a few days now. My due date is Dec. 9, and I have fully anticipated lasting until then. So you can imagine my surprise when the doctor told me I was dilated to a FOUR, when we still have 3 1/2 weeks to go. Four seems like a lot to me! That's like almost halfway to baby time! Still feeling good, though. So for now we'll wait and see what happens.

Dr. Naisbitt said that when something does start to happen, though, get to the hospital quick, because he doesn't think my labor will be very long. When he was 'checking' me - a first, I might add, and not my favorite - he said "Now this isn't your first baby, right?" Yes, yes it is. "Oh wow. Well you've got a cervix to be jealous of." Thanks, doc. I've never received such a compliment. ;)

And Birtha, wow, my little angel is one heck of a chunker! 1 month ago (at 7 months pregnant) she was measuring about 5lbs, 6 oz. Two weeks ago, she measured about 6lbs, 5 oz. So a solid pound gain in just 2 weeks. And now, 2 weeks later, the doctor measured her again to get an estimated size. He took the measurements once, and then said he needed to do it again more accurately, because he didn't believe the size he was getting. Guess what the MORE accurate measurement was... SEVEN pounds, FIFTEEN ounces! She gained another pound and a half in 2 weeks. So our little girl is just a sliver shy of 8 lbs, with 3 1/2 weeks left to cook. You could see her cute little baby fat rolls on the ultrasound! Can not wait to meet my little chunky monkey.

Given this unexpected news, I'm very curious as to what all of you think about it!

I'm taking guesses

on her

BIRTH DATE & BIRTH WEIGHT!

Please enter your guesses in the comments, and the closest guess will get a rediculously cool prize.

something's in the water

I love Rhett. Not sure if I've mentioned that in a while. He makes me happy. And I know he's going to be such a great dad. I don't know who's more excited for Baby Birtha's arrival, him or me.

Last Sunday, at 33.5 weeks.

And the Sunday before, at 32.5 weeks.



And holy pregnant ladies, Batman -- check out all my hot pregnant friends! And had we had the baby shower just 2 weeks earlier, then Megan on the far left would have had that little guy inside too! From left: Megan (with Henry), Marina, Courtney, Emily, Venessa, and yours truly.

And the high school reunion on the couch moment- thanks for coming to the shower, ladies!

Lydia, Nat, Shanna, Angie, Lacey, Michelle, and Haley (the little girls are Lacey's and Michelle's)

Brunch was amazing. Melanie, your homemade quiche is basically the highlight of my life. And thanks for sharing your gorgeous home with us. Skyler was a real champ given that we went OVERtime.

Seriously, guys, the generosity was out of this world. Thanks again! Maybe I'll get the thank you notes in the mail, maybe I won't. The stars will have to align.

And kudos to Holly for staying up all night to finish this masterpiece of a quilt in time for the baby shower! Would you get a load of all those darling ruffles?? When I think of the hours and hours she must have spent on this quilt and the astounding amount of joy it brought to me, I realize that I'll never be that domestic, and I'm most likely a bad person for it! ;)

And again, Melanie, thanks for all the darlingness oozing from every inch of this baby shower. I realize the bad lighting in this photo doesn't do it justice, but she spelled out 'baby girl' with onesies on a clothesline.

And to all the picture-dodgers who intentionally stepped out of every photo op - you know who you are - next time I have the chance, I'll snap a really unflattering photo of you when you're not ready. And I'll post it right here for the world to see. And that will teach you to mess with me when I'm trying for tender group togetherness shots!

Someone is soooo grounded...

I died laughing. Please enjoy.

{and please pardon the expletive.}

Birtha does Lake Powell, and other such nonsense

We went down to Lake Powell for the few days prior to and including Conference Weekend. And it was probably the most perfect trip of all time. The weather was incredible!
It was not too hot, not too cold, and it never got windy like it usually does down there. The water stayed glass the entire time - which translated to very comfortable, non-bumpy boat rides for little ole me and the Fetus, whom we affectionately call Birtha {for now}.


I've been repeatedly pestered to post belly shots. I truly love to see belly shots of other people. Turns out, I like them much less when they're of my lovely largeness. But, your wish is my command. Above and below, Birtha at 30 weeks, enjoying a little boat ride.


We found the coolest canyon with this "fire dancing" on the canyon walls the entire time. It was one of the coolest canyons I've ever seen in all my days of exploring Powell. At the back of the little canyon, another boater informed us that if you hike up a little, there is a waterfall. So off we went, over the river and through the woods to find this mystical waterfall.
We had to overcome many obstacles - including climbing this creatively rigged ladder made of old ski ropes and driftwood.

The men tested it out before I attempted it.

Tell you what, Birtha loves an adventure. Best part of the adventure is a tie* between finding a little frog hopping around the wet sand, and watching Nate try to scale a slimy moss-covered wall. He failed miserably and ended up leaving a sliding butt trail down the steep mossy slope and doing a back-flop into the freezing pool of water below. The adventure ended when we realized that the little drizzle next to the scary ladder actually WAS the waterfall. It was breathtaking, I assure you.

*Not a tie at all. Not even close. Sorry little frog, you can't compete.

And in other news needing updates:

The nursery is coming together!

Rhett, my manly man, set up the crib like a pro.

He's so stinkin cute I can't even stand it.

We had a baby shower for my sister-in-law, Venessa last week. I'll let you guess just by looking at our bellies who is further along. And if you guessed me, well you'd be wrong. She's a whole month ahead of me. It is beyond me how she's got a nearly full-term baby inside there. Where does she put it? It was at this exact moment that I realized the honest truth of my hugeness. But aside from that, so SO excited that we are having kids just a month apart! And they are both little girls, so I can't wait for them to have a cousin their age to be buddies with! I know my cousins were my absolute best friends growing up. I would love to see that happen with our kids.


And one last belly shot to bid you farewell - 31.5 weeks and counting!

food for thought

Children Learn What They Live
By Dorothy Law Nolte, Ph.D.

If children live with criticism, they learn to condemn.
If children live with hostility, they learn to fight.
If children live with fear, they learn to be apprehensive.
If children live with pity, they learn to feel sorry for themselves.
If children live with ridicule, they learn to feel shy.
If children live with jealousy, they learn to feel envy.
If children live with shame, they learn to feel guilty.
If children live with encouragement, they learn confidence.
If children live with tolerance, they learn patience.
If children live with praise, they learn appreciation.
If children live with acceptance, they learn to love.
If children live with approval, they learn to like themselves.
If children live with recognition, they learn it is good to have a goal.
If children live with sharing, they learn generosity.
If children live with honesty, they learn truthfulness.
If children live with fairness, they learn justice.
If children live with kindness and consideration, they learn respect.
If children live with security, they learn to have faith in themselves and in those about them.
If children live with friendliness, they learn the world is a nice place in which to live.
Copyright © 1972 by Dorothy Law Nolte

"pregnant women do the weirdest things."

This morning I was enjoying my breakfast of champions at my desk. My boss came into my office to hand me a file, looked at my plate of deliciousness, and said,

"That looks disgusting. Pregnant women do the weirdest things."

I was eating a peice of toast with peanut butter and jam on it.

not ready not ready not ready

So I had a little panic attack this week when I went into a store to buy pillows, but instead I was bombarded by Halloween decorations. Suddenly, it occured to me that school starts this Monday, and as soon as kids go back to school, Halloween comes in the blink of an eye. Then the moment Halloween hits, suddenly it's Christmas, giving no thought to the fact that Thanksgiving has all but vanished into thin air.

I have a bun in the oven scheduled to make her appearance on December 9th... and I'm not ready! The time flies by so fast. I can't handle it. The room that will be Baby Birtha's nursery (Birtha is just what we call the fetus, not the child) is still currently filled with boxes that I need to go through and unpack. I have not purchased any baby essentials like cribs or carseats, instead I buy darling little baby clothes that don't really count on the be-prepared scale. Dang, I've got to get serious and get my act together! I think I will feel better once I have the essentials covered.

I'm open to any suggestions as to what in the world is considered essential. Seriously -- little help?

You probably could have told me so.

Frankly, you probably should have told me so. But here's the thing: It's my first time. I don't know any better. When the doctor tells me at ELEVEN weeks that he's absolutely sure (aka 80%) it's a boy, why would I question that?

But I know all of you questioned it. Every single one of you with any children or any experience in the whole baby-makin' business probably rolled your eyes when I announced the proud gender of my baby at 11 weeks. But you were all way too nice to say anything. Didn't want to steal my thunder, rain on my parade, whatever. So you smiled and gave your congratulations and well-wishes. But inside I know you wanted to pull me aside and tell me it's really too early to tell, sweetie, so... better not count on it. And then naturally, I would have thought you were some bitter bean who clearly had to wait much longer to find out. ;) So really, I shouldn't be surprised that here we are at 16 weeks with a fetus that has amazingly morphed genders.

That's right kids. As of yesterday, it's now a girl! And the doc's just as sure this time as he was the last time. So I don't know what to make of all of it. Literally the night before the ultrasound, I was deciding on paint colors for the nursery with my mom and sister. Good thing we didn't paint! I guess for now, I think we'll just wait for another ultrasound or two to confirm or deny before I go out and buy anything.

I'm way excited to have a girl! Just like I was so excited to have a boy! Truthfully, I'm just hoping to have a healthy human. That would be great. And Rhett was so excited when I told him we might be having a girl now. I was worried he might be disappointed since he's been planning on a boy for last 5 weeks. But he was such a champ! He got all thoughtful and asked if I thought she'd look like me or look like him. But he decided it didn't matter, because either way she'll be beautiful. How sweet is that?

first-timer alert

I felt the baby move for the first time last night! It was the craziest feeling! And it was completely random and unexpected. I was standing in the kitchen of our new house while Rhett was making some toast late last night. I had put a cold cube of butter in the microwave to soften it. I set the timer for who knows what -just pushed an auto-button to get it going, thinking I would take it out after a few seconds. Then, suddenly I felt the weirdest feeling on the right side of my little growing bump, and I pressed on it lightly to see if I could feel it again - and I could! I made Rhett put his hand on my belly to see if he could feel it too. Whether he really did or not, he swears he could feel something. It was so exciting! Such a little bonding moment.
Don't worry, completely boiled the butter.

one more announcement - we're moving!

We closed on a house last week! It finally funded yesterday, and we've got the green light to move in! I imagine we'll start taking the first load of boxes tonight. Can't wait. As delightful as the parents' basement has been, I think I'm ready for my own space!

It's in the beautiful Mountain Green. The views from my back porch are so pretty. And for those of you who think driving to Mountain Green is basically the equivalent of driving to Wyoming, it's only 12 measly miles from my parents house in East Layton. So we can't wait to have you over!

Pictures to come!

Did I mention I'm pregnant?

I'm officially past my first trimester now. 13 weeks along and feeling great! I'm not sure why I felt so nervous to announce it to the internet world - I guess because it seemed so difficult to take back if it didn't work out. But so far everything is looking healthy for both of us, and I'm finally feeling comfortable letting you in on it.

Rhett and I are so so SO excited about this new development and can't wait for baby to get here! December 9th is the official due date.


Also, at my 11-week ultrasound, we were greeted by an unexpected surprise...

IT'S A BOY!!! We certainly didn't expect to find out so early, but the shots were very clear and the little guy was perfectly positioned.

And, in 3D, the money shot:

Arrows helpfully pointing to the goods. Rhett is so proud.

Can't wait to welcome our little man.

So I have this problem...

I never manage to download my pictures from camera to computer in a timely fashion. I get to it approximately once per quarter, it seems. The other problem is that I hate posting blog stories with no pictures, especially when pictures to help document the story actually exist!

What this ends up doing is making my blog in a perpetual sad state, with only the meaningless randoms making the cut, and no real details of my life.

So what I'm saying is I'm sorry. I'll work on it. I actually have some stories to tell!

for the record, I take it back.

In reference to the post below, let me say that I like spring snowstorms. I sincerely do.

But not in May. I mean really, enough already.

blizzards make me happy

In case the rest of you cursed the snowstorm that is still going on outside...

Just wanted you to know, spring snow makes me smile.

{really, blizzards of any sort make me happy, including the kind from Dairy Queen. Yes please.}

luck o' the italian

I completely forgot about St. Patrick's Day. Not until I just googled something at work and I saw this little reminder did I realize.

Suffice it to say I did not wear green today. My hope is this: given that I'm not in junior high any more, I will manage to get through the day without getting called out for it. I can't think of anything more annoying than getting pinched.

nutmeg

"Nutmeg sat stoically atop the cushions. Yet her internal dialogue was a cacophony of discordant thoughts, mostly centered on the absurdity of the double Nelson clocks."

{and a special thanks to Mike Metcalf for alerting me to the existence of this site full of dull yet somehow thrilling mockery}

sometimes

Sometimes my sense of humor offends people.
And sometimes I'm sorry.
This is one of those times.

holy safari

My baby brother Josh just had his 19th birthday last week... a baby no more, I guess. We took him to Mikado because he was feeling brave and wanted to try sushi. We showered him with sweet gifts like a six-pack of Kraft Mac n' Cheese, Toaster Strudels, candy, and four super soft t-shirts.
And of course we didn't forget the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles bandanna.
Donatello.
Thanks for asking.

And in belated news - Josh also got his mission call, albeit on Christmas Eve. So without further ado, I'd like to announce that Josh is going on his mission to
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA!







That kid is going to be so amazing down there. He is so excited, and we are all very excited for him. My dad is already getting sad about losing his little buddy, and I'm sure we will all miss him a ton. Josh is such a great kid and I know he'll do so great.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HEED!
Love you brother.
{{His farewell will be on March 21 at 11am at the Fairfield Chapel, in case you're interested.}}

the best time to check the expiration date on the milk

... is before you take a massive thirst-quenching gulp. Turns out, it expired a week ago.