Is It Almost Over???

Day 4….and still alive!!

For anyone who wants to help, I could use some good company and a stiff gin martini. Oh and perhaps a slice of cake.

Gregory has been really good to me; he found out that if he brings me cheddar chips and gelato every day I seem to become bearable. Then I go into a food coma and pass out so he doesn’t have to deal with me.

Other news…Emma is “stuck” Despite all efforts to prevent this labor from happening early; everything is pointing in the direction of Emma coming out sooner than later. But, now, just because I have written that, she will decide to be “late”…anyhow, for those of you who are wondering what I am talking about; Emma has “descended “and in the process my legs have dislodged from my sockets and my belly has taken to looking like a basketball. Yes folks, I now look like a waddling anorexic twig who swallowed a basketball. Over the past month or so being sick, I have not been able to put on much weight. The doctors don’t seem worried because Emma is measuring fine…perhaps they should be worried as my a$$ is going to turn out smaller than what I started with (which was not that big to begin with and I will be forever traumatized from my sisters teasing throughout my life that I have a flat butt). Emma is getting her weight from somewhere…perhaps my overmusculated swimmer arms???

Anyhow, a stuck Emma is an unhappy Emma. Moving around freely in my belly, poking, prodding, kicking and even swimming has now been replaced with angry squirming and some nice foot jabs to my chest. She is not happy being stuck down there and I am sure she is plotting her “escape.” Determined little monster isn’t she? She is my daughter, so that should not surprise me or anyone else. Gregory finds it entertaining…lots of “mooooos”, ship horn noises and laughs coming from him when I waddle.

Other news tomorrow is Canada Day!! Whoo hoo! I think I will celebrate with turkey hot dogs and gelato. Oh wait, I have that every night…..

Also, Saturday marks the one year anniversary since I did La Marmotte. Pretty crazy what can happen in a year; it’s all Gregory’s fault.

As you can tell, I am going a bit stir crazy here… one more day and then I may be set free. If they keep me on bed rest, Gregory will have to remove all sharp (and dull) objects from the house and tie me up in a straight jacket.

Day 2

Day 2….I have made it almost 48 hours…and I am typing this, so obviously Gregory has not tied me up yet.

Funny thing is when you are on bed-rest, there seems to be a lot more time to write; about random stuff. So, you might be hearing a bit more from me this week.

Did you know that Jake and Vienna from the bachelor broke up? I am shocked!! There are reasons why the Menvielle household does not have a T.V. However, at times like this, I think it might be a nice luxury. Usually, I go downstairs to the clubhouse to watch my favorite programs if I have the urge, but Gregory won’t let me go down there because there is a treadmill and elliptical. He doesn’t trust me; smart man…

All joking aside, I do realize that I have to be careful what I say/write in this blog. People who don’t know Gregory and I might read my blog and think that we are absolutely INSANE!!...well, there might be some truth to that.

A lot of people might think that Gregory is somewhat “insensitive” when it comes to me and me being pregnant. I mean, who calls their wife “Panamax” and makes ship horn noises when they try to roll over in bed? Well, Gregory does, and it makes me laugh! Gregory also knows that unless it is absolutely necessary, I can carry my own bags, carry the groceries, put up a pantry door and do lots of heavy work (even WHILE pregnant) and if he tries to stop me, I might beat the shit out of him (not kidding). I have always been independent and I always will be independent, because that is who I am…and that is why Gregory loves me.

I can’t think of many men who could spend a night in the ER after an Ironman because their wife is in a coma and wonder if they are going to make it; then allow them to continue to pursue their dreams even if it scares the crap out of them every time I toe that race starting line. But, that’s the beauty of our relationship, Gregory demonstrates his love for me by letting me weather my own storms in order to learn and grow. It’s harder on him than putting his foot down, saying no and protecting me. He does not shelter me and I grow from that. Let me tell you, I am a MUCH different person that I was 3 years ago and I can look back and say that I was crazy; but, how would I know that if I wasn’t given the room, support and love to grow?

It takes a strong man to deal with me; I am not easy to get along with at times, and sometimes it is hard for me to admit I need help. But, bless my husband, because he knows exactly what I need when I need it. He is also brings out the best in me; even when I am on bed-rest. He is my best friend and realizes that sometimes all the material things in the world will never replace a good conversation.

I truly am fortunate. After a week like last, I could be down in the dumps, but to be honest, I am ok. I am not devastated, broken or torn down. Yes, I am tired and drained, but, I have over a year to plan with my husband how to overcome my visa issues. That is much more than what many others have. I may have spent more time that I like in a hospital, but Emma is still in my belly cooking; it does not matter how much discomfort and pain I may be in, she is #1 at this time. That is part of being a mom…nothing means more than your child and family. And as for my grandpa….well, words cannot describe the loss and the sadness I feel today when my family will put him to rest. But, I also can smile, because I can remember him for what an amazing man he was.

My Pop (grandpa) was one of the most determined, motivated, and stubborn men that I knew. Yet he was so kind and gentle, often taking an afternoon to just sit and watch birds. He had such an aura about him; he would wink at me always reminding me “I know what you are up to kiddo.” He was also very smart; an intellectual man whose charm and intelligence made you love him. These memories and stories I will treasure and look forward to sharing with Emma when she is old enough.


This is one of my favorite pictures taken during our last visit to France. It is the beach at Dieppe. My pop fought on this beach during WWII. It puts so much into perspective; words cannot describe. He will be missed dearly.

So there you have it; day 2 bed rest from the Menvielles. Everyone is accounted for and hanging tough! We are an optimistic bunch, sick I know…

Gregory is looking for a tranquilizer

Back in January, Gregory and I somehow found ourselves reading our “yearly” horoscope. The short of the long was we were going to have a “challenging” first ½ of the year and then things were going to be great!! Well, I must say that these first 6 months have not been the easiest and Gregory and I have been “tested” in more ways than one. We are counting down to Thursday, July 1st when things are supposed to “roll over” and the skies will part and rain skittles.


All of this being said, Gregory and I always try to look on the positive side of things and bring out the best in any situation. There are always people worse off and really, you need to be thankful for what you have. You may have noticed that many of my posts are laced with humor, and of course laughter is the best medicine. So, I am going to do my best with this post…although it might come across a bit cynical. Truth be told, life happens, it is not always good, but we always manage to survive and move forward.


That is until you bring in the words “full bed rest” and combine them with “Chewy”


Yes folks, that is right… full bed rest, for me…and the funny thing was I was not the first to break down in this situation, I think Gregory cried first!


I like to think I am a pretty strong woman. I didn’t cry when I found out that it would be impossible for me to obtain a Greencard within the next 2 years (although Gregory and I were lead to believe it was possible last year when we were contemplating where to deliver Emma) and that we may face the decision of relocation within a year to remain “legal” and I do not get deported. I didn’t cry when I started having contractions on Monday 6 & ½ weeks early and ended up in the ER where they shot me up 3 times on with some God awful medicine to stop the contractions and some antibiotic horse pills to cure my first infection, nor when I spent the next 4 hours puking my brains out only to find myself back in the hospital with more contractions. I didn’t cry when I found out my back was hurting not only due to contractions but due to an additional kidney infection started by a UTI and they had to shoot me up with more medicine through an IV. I didn’t cry when I was discharged and sent home only to receive a message the next morning that my grandpa had passed away. I didn’t cry that I couldn’t make it home for the funeral due to my health. I also didn’t cry when the contractions started again on Friday and kept me up all night. I didn’t cry when we were back in the hospital Saturday afternoon getting another shot to kill the contractions….but then the doctor said “we have to take you from restricted activity to full bed rest” I cried…


And then I laughed..Because I looked at my loving husband, who was absolutely drained from such a week and saw the sheer terror in his eyes when he realized he would have a restrained Chewy on his hands. I kid you not; he asked the nurse if she could keep me in the hospital and tranquilize me. Unfortunately for Gregory, they did not agree.


So, I am writing this post from home, in the “supine” position while Gregory is out purchasing restraints and scheming how he will lace my water with ambien so that I don’t drive him crazy.


You see, I can handle “slowing down for while”…heck, I can tolerate transatlantic flights, so it can’t be that bad. But you put a pregnant, nesting, type A personality woman in her house and tell her to stay in bed….you spell trouble. It’s like putting a Rottweiler in a cage and taunting it. In this case, Gregory is the dog trainer…this is not going to be pretty.


We had our first “altercation” this morning when he wouldn’t let me get up to put the laundry in the laundry machine. I threw a tantrum like a 2 year old…hence, why Gregory is out buying restraints and duct tape.


Come Friday, I am not so worried of what state of mind or frenzy I will be in, I am more worried on if Gregory will strangle me or not.


So, my follow-up appointment is on Friday with the doctors, which is July 2nd. YES, that is JULY!! Which means that the sh&tty first ½ of the year will be over! I am assuming at that time, they will allow to me start running again; at least 5 miles a day and perhaps let me have a roll of sushi…oh yeah and maybe a gin martini, because those are great for babies too! LOL…oh, and it will be raining skittles.


All sarcasm aside, Friday WILL be a good day, because although I may not be allowed off of bed-rest and my husband may be filing for divorce, my little Emma will be 35 weeks along, which is a heck of a lot better than 33 ½, 34, or anything under 35! 35 is the magic number; actually 37 is, but for me when you have experienced a week like this 35 weeks is the stage where you know that if you baby arrives early, they may need a bit of extra care and attention, but they will be ok.


Speaking of Emma; I may have not met her yet, but I have come to the conclusion that she is a little “overachiever” (hmmm..I wonder who she get’s that from?? Couldn’t be her mom or dad??) and that she is a little monster. I say that in the most kind, loving, caring way I possibly could. I LOVE this kid and she is such a blessing, but she really has an outrageously entertaining personality. Throughout this whole ordeal, guess whose heart rate did not change, kept boogying in my belly and poking around and made a game of trying to kick the monitors off my belly? Yup, Emma is doing just fine. The only time she behaves is when her dad talks to her; she is going to be “daddy’s little girl”…I REALLY cannot wait to meet her! …well, maybe 2 more weeks please! But by then, she probably will have decided she really likes my belly and will over-extend her stay to 42 weeks at which point in time they will induce me..you just wait! It probably will happen.


Gregory is home now….if you don’t hear from me this week, that means that Gregory has buried me alive….

1 cm down 9 to go!

No, I am not kidding; I will be 34 weeks pregnant on Friday and Emma is ready to go. Just like her mom, she is impatient. Why plan to do something in 6 weeks when you can do it now? Why be on time for a meeting when you can be early?

Fortunately, the doctors restrained the little munchkin and hopefully she will be staying put for a few more weeks to finish “cooking.” That is unless she decides to poke her finger through that 1 cm hole out of “curiosity”…I would not put it past her.

And for the record, it was not because I was “running;” I actually gave that up 3 weeks ago. I was going to write a long drawn out post about “the talk” that Gregory and I had regarding “temporarily putting the running on hold”. You know the very serious conversations in a marriage that might tilt the axis for a bit? The short of the long is that we both agreed that it would be better to keep my legs in their sockets (did you know that your hips stretch like gumbi once you hit 30 weeks?) and avoid peeing my shorts for a few weeks. So for all you running while pregnant nay-sayers, I WAS NOT RUNNING!!

I blame it on 2 things:

1. Swimming

2. Babies R’ Us

Now I have to actually go into the details of my wonderful 24 hour stay in the ER in order for me to prove my point. I have experienced “Braxton Hicks” contractions throughout the pregnancy; even at my 13 week ultrasound the technician pointed out one; so it was no surprise to me last week when I went in for my check-up that the doctor pointed out I was having some. Of course, I chalked that tight “abdominal” feeling to my stellar abdominal strength and fitness; at some point I had to face the reality that it was not true since I cannot sit up on my own anymore and Gregory has to help me roll over. One can dream though, right?

So, I had the very stern “orders” from the doctor: “NO MORE THAN 4 PER HOUR” while resting. Well, crap! I have been having these on and off for a while…I better pay attention.
Also, on a side note, I had been feeling a bit "off" for a few weeks prior, but when you are pregnant, everything is due to being “pregnant.” And, to be honest, when you have a personality like mine, there is no in-between "feeling" that you are sick. You are either "healthy" in terms that how you feel is manageable or you are "sick" as in stick a fork in me, I am done. I have learned through this experience, that I need to learn more about the "grey area"...kind of like that pain scale from 1-10 (in other words, numbers 2-9 actually do exist)...and I had better figure that out soon because they will not give me an epidural at 1 and it will be too late for an epidural at 10.

I digress...back to the action

So, Monday throughout the day, I felt the BH contractions a lot, and a lot stronger than usual. Time to call the doctor; we went through a few phone calls, resting, hydrating etc.. At 8pm the contractions got stronger and “regular”….time to go to the hospital.

We arrive at the hospital and they hook me up to the monitor; Emma is ticking along just fine and she HATES the little monitors on my belly. It actually was really funny to watch my belly shake as she tried to kick them off. As for the contractions, well there is this lovely drug that they use to “kill” them and they did. 34 weeks is a bit too early to have a baby if you don’t have to. They discovered I was 1 cm dilated and infected (lovely, I know). Bacterial infections are known to cause early labor/contractions, so I was discharged at 1 am with some antibiotics and my contractions were under control. I didn’t feel so hot, but attributed that to the medication…..

That was until we got home and I spent the night worshiping the white throne. At 5 am back to the hospital for an IV.

At 6 am, they knew there was something else wrong as my contractions were back. More medicine…

Don’t worry, Emma was fine…I don’t think anything phases this kid. She was having a grand ole time in my belly; still pissed off at the monitors though.

An abdominal ultrasound (which, by the way, the technician said I have a “big” baby for those of you who think I am too small…my liver is now located behind my boob), more tests, more drugs, more checks and 16 hours later we have concluded that I am still holding at 1 cm, I am still “infected” but in more ways than one. I mean, I know I like to do things “all out” but I think this is the icing on the cake!! Count it: bacterial vaginitis, a urinary tract infection and a kidney infection! And those were what caused the contractions…SO NO, IT WAS NOT BECAUSE I RAN UP TO 30 weeks!!

Thankfully, I am at home now with lots of drugs to keep things under control and keep the bun in the oven.

Oh, and in case I forgot to mention, Emma is just fine…I think she finds all the action entertaining.

However, I do have a theory behind all this madness; infections happen to the body when you are “exposed” and “stressed.”

How did I become “exposed”?? I blame it on the pool. I knew that the deep dreaded feeling coming from my gut when I look at the swimming pool wasn’t just because I loathed the thing. My body was telling my there were “bugs” in the water….ok, ok, I might be a bit overdramatic right now, but if I am this sick, I am going to use any excuse not to get back in the water. Additionally, I have past history to back it up…this is my 4th “infection” down there…and all of them occurred sometime after getting in the pool (doesn’t matter if it was one day or ahem…3 weeks after swimming). It has nothing to do with my hormone levels or peeing in any bush/porta potty I can find while running. But, we already covered the fact that none of this was due to running, so let’s stick to the important fact: swimming is BAD…BAD…BAD….

Reason # 2: STRESS

BABIES R US=STRESS!!!

Over the weekend, Gregory and I had to make one final stop at Babies R Us to pick up a few things. I don’t think I need to elaborate here and I will let the story speak itself through pictures….

The gate to hell....

Gregory is so excited to be in such a "supportive" and "comforting" environment for parents-to-be.

And..if you love the place as much as I do, they are hiring! Who wouldn't want to wear one of those lovely purple shirts...(If you are not catching my sarcasm here, please read back to previous posts)

Gregory took a walk throught the stroller section again...he is lucky they don't have his picture posted on the wall warning employees not to let him touch a stroller.

This is my "Why the hell do you need a plastic cover for the changing pad when the changing pad already has a waterproof cover...." The answer is: because Babies R Us can make 5 extra dollars by trying to sell it to insecure parents-to-be. I love this place....we went with the cheapest cover with NO plastic.

The aftermath....and this is when I think the contractions began.....

Good news, I get to work from bed and the boss gave me the day off...he is pretty nice:)

Baby Shower!!

Whoaa…this is unacceptable!! 3 weeks past and no blog entry!!...and no, I did not go into labor and have Emma, so sorry to keep you all in suspense. Basically, I was hit with a classic case of “life happening” and have been up to my ears in “stuff” that I will not bore you with.

There are so many fun things that have been happening and I have a back-log of them to share, but I would like to start with the most fun! My baby-shower!!

And no, it was not at Babies R Us…..

Well, in classic Menvielle fashion, we did not have the “traditional” baby shower with pastels , women and “virgin” mimosas. Instead, my good friends Laura (Super God Mamma!), Jenni and Heather put on the most awesome shin-dig that involved a co-ed guest list, lots of good food, fun prizes and booze!! (not for me….a few more weeks to go).

To give you an idea of what the “Treat” bowl contained

And since the World Cup is going on, Gregory had lots to discuss (or harass) with his Euro counterparts….I don’t think I saw him for most of the evening until it came time to play “games” and reveal what “Panamax” means…yes, that is his nickname for me at the moment. Stay tuned for the answer. Of course, he was fully present when it came time to open gifts. Let’s just say that our little Emma is going to be one spoiled rotten kid who is already loved by many! Gregory and I joke that we have so many friends and family lined up to take care of Emma that it will be weeks at a time between seeing her!

To give you an idea of what our little Emma received and will be sporting in a few months check out Erin Kummers blog.

Speaking of being spoiled. What an awesome experience to be pampered and taken care of. I cannot begin to thank Laura, Jenni and Heather for organizing such a fun party and taking care of Gregory, Emma and I.

After the shower it really hit home that we are almost “there”…how the time has flown! In a little over 6 weeks we will have a new little person in our household.

I took some time today to upload some photos of the pregnancy “start to 34th week” documenting my “bump.” Wow, I am disgusted with myself. Really!! I mean what the heck was I thinking sharing pictures of myself at 11, 14, 18 weeks pregnant??....Looking back and seeing how big I am now, I would have strangled me if I was the one being sent those pictures. I would give anything to be that “small” again. The funniest part is the stupid grin on my face because I was so proud of my “bump”…well folks, now it is a “bump” now and thank you for sparing my life when I complained that my jeans were getting tight.

All of that being said, I do know that I am not “huge” and am carrying this pregnancy well. I am fortunate in the fact that Emma takes up more vertical space than horizontal at the moment. Sometimes that leads to weird wheezing sounds from my squished lungs and only being able to eat an apple at a time, but at least I am not swollen like the michilan man….yet. I am just happy I can still fit a turkey hot-dog in my belly. All joking aside there has been the ups and downs but when I feel those little hands and feet moving around in my belly, everything melts away.

Finally, a big shout out to my wonderful husband. I know I joke about our relationship a lot and many of you who read this blog may wonder “who is this man!!” …Sometimes I wonder that too….just kidding! For those of you who do know my husband, you know that he is kind, funny and sensitive (well..I a pushing it a little there..he’s French). He is my best friend and my support. I am wishing Gregory a very happy “Premier” Father’s Day. Tomorrow Emma and I will be cooking dinner to celebrate; and no it is not going to be turkey hot dogs and macaroni and cheese. I might actually try something “non-processed”…that all depends on whether or not he helps me roll over in bed tonight since I cannot do that anymore on my own….

For a little fun, here are some of the fun questions asked/answered during the “game” portion of the baby shower:

Other Names Considered: Madeleine, Madison, Lee, Aurelie, Amber, Chantilly (this is a joke..it means whip cream in French)

Belly Circumference: 37 inches

Biggest Food Craving: Turkey Hot Dogs

What I weigh right now: 162 lbs

How many pints of gelato I average in a week: 3

How many strollers Gregory broke at Babies R Us: 4

My pregnant minute/mile pace while running : 10 min/mile

What is a Panamax (Gregory’s nickname for me since I was upgraded from Shamu)?: Super-tanker

How many birthing preparation classes Gregory and/or I have attended?: 0

Food I never ate before but love now: Avocado & hot dogs!

Is my belly-button an innie or outie? Innie still

Food I miss the most: sushi