The Necessities

. . . of pregnancy. Ok, maybe not for everyone, but I did find these things extremely useful to help ease the discomforts of pregnancy:

1. A body pillow. This has been particularly helpful during the 3rd trimester when sleeping is just uncomfortable.

2. Tums. I carry them in my purse now because you never know when the acid will hit you.

3. Good running/walking shoes. I've had a pair of Mizuno shoes from Fleet Feet for about 4 or 5 years now and they have served me very well. They were my best friends during all trimesters since my feet would easily swell and the muscles on the bottom of my feet would cramp up. Only these shoes would give my feet some relief and comfort.

4. A daily walk. Due to some foot complications in the 1st trimester, I was unable to exercise like I wanted to early on in my pregnancy. Honestly though, a good walk a day has helped so much with pregnancy discomforts. In the 1st trimester, it helped ease "morning sickness," in the 2nd trimester it kept me active and healthy, and now in the 3rd trimester, it helps my muscles stay loose and keeps me more comfortable.

As far as an update goes, baby is getting bigger and bigger. My stomach measures about 37 cm (Fundal Height - from pubic bone to top of the uterus). Dialated to 2 cm and about 75% effaced.

Really, that doesn't mean anything. I could go into labor in 1-2 days . . . or it could still be 2 weeks away - no one knows! We're waiting for our handsome little boy though! Jess says he's not allowed to come (or I'm not allowed to go into labor) before 10:00 am tomorrow (Friday) - baby might respect her wishes :)

Marshmellows

Cheap, and super fun - what to do with marshmellows on a date :)

1. Purchase marshmellows (large) and toothpicks
2. Build towers and see which model stands the longest :)
3. Eat the extras . . . yum

This One's for Brittany

When we were in Arkansas, we were able to stop and see the USS Razorback in all its pride and glory. It really was a pretty cool thing to walk through an old submarine - with all the tight space, crazy living conditions, and lack of air circulation (we've heard from a friend that conditions are much improved in modern submarines).

Note: I apologize for the blurry photos in advance, they were taken from cell phones.

Left: Torpedos (4) in the back end of the sub
Center: the Razorback's tower/tail
Top Right: more torpedo cases
Bottom Right: Picture of a crew member's bed - right on top of an extra torpedo

This sub was constructed in Maine and launched January of 1944. She conducted 5 combat patrols during WWII and was one of only 12 subs present in Tokyo Bay when the Japanese surrender was signed. Following WWII, the Razorback was active during the Cold War, conducting surveillance patrols around Russian ports.

Crew bunks - 3 high on each side of a very small hallway

She was decommissioned in August 1952 for conversion and modification under the "Guppy" Program. After re-commissioning in January of 1954, the Razorback returned to Cold War duties.

Left: Mess/Dining Hall sink/dishes/storage area
Center: Grate covering the lower level food storage/pantry
Top Right: Mess Hall (fed up to 60 people at a time)
Bottom Right: Kitchen - bet it got flaming hot in there!

The Razorback was decommissioned again in November 1970 and transfered to the Turkish Navy.

Top Left: Captain's quarters
Bottom Left: Officer's dining hall (it had gold lined dishes - oooh)
Right: Tiny hallway outside the Officer's dining hall and quarters

She made her way to Little Rock, AR in 2004 and has since been an exhibit at the Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum.

Controls and Control Room

For more history and information, visit: http://www.aimm.museum/razorback.asp

Left: Shower (crew was only allowed one every 2 weeks if they were lucky)
Top Right: Most handsome and wonderful husband in front of one of the ports
Bottom Right: Exit hatch :)

Apparently turtles LOVE old submarines! There were at least 50 swimming around in the water between the shore and the sub.