The Marah Fish is 18!!

My little sister is turning 18 today. Crazy. I really haven't registered any of her birthdays past 15, so this is getting a little rough on me.

And so, in celebration, here are 18 things we all love about Marah:1.) Marah is an excellent dancer and a fabulous singer, but her greatest talent is making sure no one knows that she has any talents.

2.) Her eyes change colors depending on what she's wearing. So I buy her lots of green clothes so I can look at her green eyes and wish mine were green, too.

3.) Marah is a food mooch. If you start cooking something, she'll casually saunter into the kitchen, strike up a conversation with you, and then--when your food is all ready--sweetly ask, "Can I have some?"

4.) If you're hard up for some entertainment, ask her to help you put the dishes away. Let's just say her response includes lots of moaning and rolling on the floor.

5.) When she was a kid, anything that walked on 4 legs was a "moo-cow."

6.) Marah finds math boring because it's too EASY for her. Obviously we inherited two very different genetic makeups.

7.) When she was little she had an invisible purple dog. One day she left it with me and Grandma Jan with strict instructions not to let it pee on the floor. In case you're wondering, it's really hard to keep an invisible dog from peeing on the floor.

8.) Marah thinks she's Jon's favorite sister in law. So does Kenna. And I'm pretty sure Beth's going to make a play for the position when she's here for two weeks in July.

9.) She owns a pair of flip-flops in every possible color.

10.) She refused to apply to ANY Arizona schools, so it's a dang good thing she got into BYU (I can't believe she's going to COLLEGE!!).

11.) There was an extended period of time when she would only wear clothes that had Princess Jasmine pictured on them. In fact, she insisted on being called "Princess Jasmine," and was furious when my mom tried to call her "P.J."

12.) As decided by me & Kenna, Marah is Dad's favorite child. No way either of us was going to get to drive the Avalanche when we had our licenses, much less our PERMITS. Driving it to school wouldn't even have crossed our minds, it was so out of the question. But not for Marah...

13.) Her nickname for a long time was "Muggy Marah." You couldn't sit down on the couch for any extended period without having Marah snuggled up against you, laying on your shoulder, or sitting in your lap (regardless of how hot it was).

14.) She has lovely olive skin and can get a better tan than Kenna without having to fake-bake. Proof, once again, that she and I came from opposite ends of the genetic spectrum.

15.) Kenna & I used to make her cry by singing about Barney getting killed. Worked every time.

16.) Due to a slight fireworks malfunction when she was little, Marah was terrified of "flowers" (those spinning fireworks) for a long time. We had to take the tulip sheets off her bed because she wouldn't get in them.

17.) She somehow ended up as Student Body VP despite being incredible shy and not really caring about getting the position.

18.) She is, quite possibly, my Dad's last hope for getting one of his girls to take up engineering. I bet she'll do it just to cement her position as his favorite child.

Happy Birthday, Fish! We're so proud that you're officially "a dolt" now. We love you!!

Killing several birds with one stone

Adrian warned me fair and square that any long absences from my blog would be interpreted as "I've had the baby and am too dang tired to post anything." So, apologies to any of you who thought I had something exciting going on. In my defense, last week included a doctor's appointment (I HATE these every week visits), two full (7am to 6pm) days of babysitting, a baby shower, and a baptism on top of the regular weekly activities. This week is a bit calmer, thank heaven, so I actually have time to blog.

First of all, I would like to introduce you all to my new best friend. This is actually version 2.0--I finished off the first bottle last week. If it weren't for this little bottle, I would get absolutely no sleep at night. As it is, I take a swig before bedtime (yep, straight from the bottle) and lay down for a full night's sleep. Until I have to roll over. Or go to the bathroom. Or wake up at 3:10 am for no good reason.

Second, I officially had a baby shower! Let me explain the awkward situation I found myself in: we found out we were expecting two weeks after we moved to Maryland. This was all fine and good, until I considered the prospects of having a baby shower. Basically, I was living at least half a country away from anyone who would be likely to attend or host my shower. I actually really didn't care until I hit somewhere around 30 weeks. Then suddenly, I cared. But what do you do? Call up your friend from the ward that you've known for all of 7 months and con her into throwing you a shower?

Enter my visiting teachers. That's right--the poor girls who have been assigned to visit me every month. Just as I was despairing that I would be the only girl I know who didn't get a shower, they called me up and offered to host one. I could have kissed their feet. And so, last Saturday, I had my baby shower.

I spent a good majority of the night before pondering whether anyone would show up. Like I said, I've only been in the ward for 7 months, and I've been hidden in Primary for 5 of those months. I was really touched by how many people came and by their generosity. Plus, the food was amazing. I have the best visiting teachers ever. And they only played two games (I HATE shower games in all forms) and both games were very low-key. One game involved not saying the word baby, and the other one had them trying to guess how big my belly was using a piece of yarn. In retrospect, I've decided that game was designed specifically to flatter me, as almost everyone's string was significantly longer than my actual measurement.

So I had a shower. And it was great. Although I have to admit, it wasn't what I had always imagined. It was weird to not have a single member of my family or any of my really good friends there to celebrate with me. Basically, I missed you all. Why don't you move closer to me? Just for clarification--I didn't care so much about having a shower in order to score a bunch of gifts. It was more a matter of not wanting to be forgotten. So it was an ego thing, not a materialistic thing (although the presents didn't hurt).

Third, and Fourth (they're both covered by this rather horrible picture of me--seriously, why do I always look terrified in these belly shots?):(Third) I got a haircut. And it looks much cuter from the front. Jon wouldn't let me stand facing forward--he said you couldn't see my belly well enough.

(Fourth) I'm still pregnant. 36 weeks last Tuesday. I had an appointment yesterday, and let's just say this baby isn't coming anytime soon. And I will be switching OBGYNs after this is all over. Seriously--why do I even HAVE a scheduled appointment if you're not going to get me in to the doctor until an HOUR after I was supposed to be in?

I'll end on a good note: the baby is still head down (and will STAY that way, right baby?) and his heartbeat is fabulous. And still no name. Seriously. He'll get named before we leave the hospital, though. No way Jon will actually PAY to get the name changed.

A Big, Fat Baby

...is what is in my tummy right now. Meaning that we got an ultrasound today and he is measuring right on target (anytime from July 17th to the 25th--official due date is the 22nd). The technician didn't see any cause for alarm, although my doctors won't see the results until a few days later (I have to go to a lab to get my ultrasounds done--I really wish they'd just do it at the doctors' office). So apparently I just have a short abdomen or something. Surprise. I did, however, get to find out what the appendage is that he has been using to CONSTANTLY poke me on my right side--two cute little feet. Not one--TWO feet. No wonder he can whack me so well. At least he's head down and will hopefully stay that way.

To sum it up--all is well. Hallelujah.

PS--I was going to put up a picture from the ultrasound, but he's so big that they didn't really get a good shot. The ones they got of his face are shaded strangely and make him look like Frankenbaby. So no pictures.

Random Snippets

I need to vent, and it's going to be here because Jon's not home.

First thing: I cut my hair yesterday. Like 12 inches of hair. I don't have a picture because I'm not sure I like it yet. I'm hoping once it's done being in shock that it will settle down a bit. I'm feeling much better about it today. When I left the salon yesterday I looked like Jennifer Aniston on the first season of Friends. It was terrifying. That's what you get when you're cheap (the total was $18). And yes, the hair went to Locks of Love, even though Jon tried to get me to sell it instead.

Second thing: I just got a package full of baby stuff from my old Young Women's leader. It's adorable, and way too generous. And for some reason now I want to cry.

Third thing: 34 week doctor's appointment today. Luckily I didn't have the female OBGYN. I dislike her immensely because she makes it perfectly clear that she is extremely busy and would rather not spend more time with me than necessary. I dislike her even more after today, because apparently she failed to tell me that I'm measuring small. Two weeks ago I was 2cm too small, now I'm 3cm. Which means they're worried about how the baby is growing and want to send me in for an ultrasound. Which means that I'm panicking (although not as badly as before, thank you, Adrian). I'm pretty sure I can chalk it up to this child's every-other-month growing spurts (this is an off month), but now I'm all nervous. And that makes me want to cry, too.

Fourth thing: I sliced the top of my thumb while opening said package. And I'm not putting a Band-aid on it because I want Jon to see it and feel sorry for me. I need some pampering.

And lastly, for Kristina:
More than you probably care to know about me:

Joys:
1. Being married to Jon.
2. My family (this includes the Bloods, too, of course). And I get to see all of them within the next two months!
3. Sleeping through the night (hasn't happened in a few months).

Fears:
1. Jon dying in a car accident on the way home from work.
2. Bees & wasps. I hate them, they hate me. I've been stung 4 times and had another attempt on my life yesterday. Luckily wasps eventually die when you drown them with Raid.
3. Not being able to manage a newborn and a load of piano students come September.

Goals:
1. Finish unpacking/cleaning this house.
2. Visit Europe. Someday.
3. Be one of those happy moms who have happy families and don't stress the small stuff.

Current obsessions/collections:
1. Can paranoia over labor and/or breastfeeding be considered an obsession?
2. Fried ice cream
3. Blogging. And getting comments from people. Because I need positive reinforcement, apparently.

Random surprising facts:
1. I'm actually quite artistic (watercolors, drawing, sculpture, music etc.). I just haven't done anything with my talents since high school. Which means I'm not even sure I have them anymore.
2. I hate black nylons and make fun of people who wear them.
3. Since graduating from high school I have moved 10 times within 4 different states--Utah, Arkansas, Iowa, and Maryland.

Odds are against me ever finishing the Hawaii blog. I'm awesome.

Help, PLEASE!

Dear Anyone who has kids, is having a kid, or knows lots of stuff about kid supplies:

I need your help. Much to my surprise, I am actually going to have a baby shower (which is a good thing, because otherwise you were all going to be subject to a "pity party" post by yours truly). However, I soon realized that I don't know anything about babies. Or nursing. Or the various products that come with these two subjects. You'd think I would have figured this out sometime before 33 weeks, but no.

SO...I need your help. Here's what I have:
Some clothes
Pack & Play
bassinet
glider
fake baby bjorn
Boppy
baby monitor
burp cloths
more blankets than this kid will ever use

Here's what I DON'T have, and need help figuring out what brand/type to get:
bottles
nursing bra (I really hope all brothers-in-law have stopped reading by this point)
nursing pump--for occasional use

I would love any and all input you can give me. Also, if there is something I absolutely need and don't have on this list, PLEASE tell me. By the way, I do realize we need a carseat, stroller, and changing pad. I'm not that bad of a mother-to-be. Oh, and diapers.

Please impart of your motherly wisdom and save my child from my ignorance.
Love, Megan

Monday, May 19th

Monday began our last week in Hawaii, and the first official day of full-time touristing. Although Hawaii has a fabulous bus system, we would have never been able to see everything we wanted to without the help of Aunt Lori and Grandpa & Grandma Carnahan. For our birthday presents, they rented us a car (and paid for $18/night parking at the stupid hotel). We REALLY, REALLY appreciate their generosity.

During my perusal of various tourist magazines and websites with titles like "Cheap things to do in Oahu," I had read a lot about Hanauma Bay--a sort of nature preserve where you could go and snorkel. We thought about going, but weren't sure we wanted to pay the $10 for both of us to get in and then $6 for snorkel equipment. Thankfully, Aunt Lori convinced us that not only did we NEED to go, we also NEEDED to rent the equipment. Luckily for us, we listened and obeyed. Hanauma Bay ended up being our absolute favorite thing we did in Hawaii.

Brief description: Hanauma Bay is a bay (duh) formed by a crater at some point. It's chock full of coral, fishes, and more than a few sea turtles. It's open to the public for snorkeling every day except Tuesdays, when they give the wildlife a break. Before you can get in the water, you have to watch a movie about not touching the coral and not chasing sea turtles if you happen to see one. And then they set you free.

Since we were being cheap, we only rented one snorkeling set (goggles, snorkel, fins) and shared it. Since Jon had a slight fear of snorkeling (I discovered), I went first. Holy crap, it was amazing! I expected to see a handful of fish--maybe some cool ones occasionally, but they were EVERYWHERE! And totally not afraid of people. I was kicking myself for not getting an underwater camera. I didn't know fish could come in those electric colors. Seriously, it was absolutely amazing. It was hard to convince myself that Jon needed a turn, too.

It didn't take him long to overcome his slight fear. He was actually pretty funny to watch--he'd float around for a while, looking at fish, and then he'd just take off in some random direction. Turns out he was chasing some fish or another. I think he had a hard time returning the equipment to me when it was my turn. By the way, Jon looks really funny in those goggles. Wish I'd taken a picture...

Despite my fears, my fat belly did not scrape the top of the coral (though there were some close calls). However, pregnancy did pose a total different and completely unexpected complication--heartburn. That's right: snorkeling gave me heartburn. Something about being in the water and on my belly, I guess. Let's just say that Jon got the snorkeling equipment back a bit faster than he would have under normal circumstances.

We each took a final snorkel around the bay, and then left for Sandy Beach. Remember how I was complaining about the wussy waves on Waikiki? Well, Sandy Beach totally made up for it. We stood on the shore and watched people get pounded over and over again. I was dying to get in the water, but those orange flags on the beach mean "No Pregnant Megans Allowed" (or "Don't Get in the Water Unless You're Okay with Eating Sand Repeatedly"). If we ever make it back there, I am so in the water.

Our last stop of the day was Lanikai Beach. When I originally posted that we were going to Hawaii, I included a picture of some feet on the beach. Aunt Lori later told me it was taken on Lanikai and that it was a gorgeous beach. So, off we went! I'll spare you the pictures I tried to take through the car window as we drove, but let me just say--it was gorgeous. Beach on one side, fabulous mountains on the other.

Because of strange parking issues, we weren't actually able to make it to the exact beach, but we were on the beach right next to Lanikai. The water was so gorgeous. Jon managed to find an abandoned water football, and, after much contemplation, decided to keep it. Our little memento from almost-Lanikai Beach.

Sadly, we weren't able to make it to the Halona Blowhole, which I was really excited about. They were doing construction on the pull out, so the only available parking was right along the narrow road. Not worth risking getting the rental car smashed by a stupid driver.

In case you missed it, here's the moral of this post: If you go to Hawaii, go to Hanauma Bay. If you go to Hanauma Bay, rent the snorkeling equipment, and bring an underwater camera (don't buy it there--they'll charge you $15 or something ridiculous).