NST

Today was my first non-stress test (NST) at Banner Thunderbird.  


I was no big deal...just took nearly three hours.  I am hoping it will be a bit quicker now that I am registered and all questions about my medical history have been answered.


They strapped me to a monitor and monitored Blip for about 30 minutes.  He's a mover and a shaker, so it took a few minutes longer than normal to get all the info they needed.  He refused to move for our 4D ultrasound, but he wouldn't sit still for this stupid (free) test.


After they determined he was complete perfection, I waddled down the hall to the ultrasound room.  A super nice ultrasound tech explained what she needed to measure and then we got started.  She did an AFI...which basically measures the amniotic fluid Blip currently lives in.  I think I measured a nine....and between 5 and 25 is "normal".  So that was perfect too.  

The ultrasound tech also gave us a good look at Blip's heart (it's probably one of our favorite parts of every ultrasound)...and a nice long look at him sticking his tongue out.  That's definitely my favorite part.  She was so nice and let us just stare at our little guy...it was fun.


I've had more ultrasounds than I can keep track of.  It's the only good part of having so many issues.  It's funny that it never gets old.  I could lay there and look at the fuzzy pictures all day long.  It just makes me happy.


Although I hope and pray my next pregnancy has 100% less complications, it will be hard not to see the baby all the time.  We have been spoiled...and I like it.


My blood pressure was really low (more like normal) today.  So I'm  thinking that's a good sign as far as the avoiding pre-eclampsia goes.  I hope everything stays on track...it feels nice to be told normal numbers and etc for a change.


I will continue to do these NSTs twice a week until Blip makes his grand entrance.  I am ready to not be pregnant....or at least to be allowed to get some real exercise and to not feel like my pelvis is being ripped in half.

Tonight is the first time I really broke loose and just said "screw it".  I organized a bunch of Blip's stuff.  I really just got it mostly put in one place.  Anna is coming to paint this weekend, so the playroom and the nursery needed to be emptied out.  I drug/pushed all of Blip's new stuff to the living room and stacked it along the wall.  All of his furniture and bathroom stuff is upstairs on the landing.  


That pile is just child restraints (one infant carrier and two convertible seats), his stroller, swing, bouncy seat, a portable swing (for upstairs...and it was free), his Bumbo chair, his booster chair (instead of a high chair...we think), exersaucer, diaper bags, porta-crib/bassinet, and a second smaller porta-crib to either stay downstairs or go the babysitter's house (from a friend of a friend for $10!), a box of blankets/towels, a bag of bottles/pacifiers/etc...You get the idea.  Across the room from all that crap the diapers we've been collecting are stacked up.


Nothing has been opened yet.  I have been waiting for the nursery to be finished, so I have a place to put everything.  I decided I should at least start washing the blankets, towels and washcloths. Once his furniture is in place, I can start washing some of his new clothes.  I think just about everything is hanging in Blip's closet...I took a picture of just his 0-3 months/newborn clothes.  They are so tiny and so cute!!

 This week my sisters took me to Buy Buy Baby to buy my stroller and a few other items.  I can't wait to open everything and get it all put together.  It's shocking to me how much stuff we have acquired...and how much we've spent.  Yikes!!  Luckily, I'm not a big believer in blue and pink, so almost everything is pretty gender neutral and can be used for the next baby no matter what sex he or she may be.  I am far (far) from a feminist, but I really hate how gender specific some of this crap is.


Tomorrow is New Year's Eve...I am thankful I am not in the dark place I was last year at this time.  I was really struggling with our infertility...I didn't even leave the house.  I avoided several friends' parties.  I can't believe how much difference a year (and really expensive fertility drugs) can make.  I am thankful for how far Mike and I have come in this year.  I am so very thankful for Blip...he's already brought so much joy to my life.  I am so excited to meet him.

32 Weeks 6 Days...50 more days

I met with Dr. T this morning.  Today's appointment was pretty uneventful.  My blood pressure was so much lower than it's been for weeks...108/71.  It's been averaging about 131/83ish.  I still don't see how it was so low, but whatever.


She only wants to see me every other week for now, so the once a week thing is over!! Yay!!  I'll take it....even if it's only for the next two weeks!!  


I start my twice weekly NSTs on Friday.  Which is what my Perinatologist wants, but I also fell yesterday, so I would be going in for one anyway.  Mike got my car washed for me...they must have put Armorall on the running boards.  I don't normally need to use the running boards, but with my pelvis feeling the way it does with a small child sitting on it...I need the boards.  


Anyway, I stepped on the running board with all my weight...and I lost my footing.  I was getting something out of my backseat...so I luckily fell/landed on the backseat...but my belly did take the brunt of the landing.  It hurt a little, but not for long...and there was no bleeding or "gush of clear liquid"...so I didn't think too much of it.


Dr. T thought more of it than I did.  She just wanted the NST to make sure everything is fine....so since I already have one scheduled....makes it that much easier. 


One funny thing I want to document happened last night.  It was a first...and it made me smile...and squirm. 


According to our latest ultrasounds, Blip is head-down...on my right side.  He is bent at the waist with his butt at the top of my uterus and his feet near his head.  When we saw this, I understood why I hadn't felt the baby in my ribs...like a lot of women talk about.


Last night, I finally got my first taste of the baby-in-the-ribcage.  Blip was moving A LOT...and when he finally settled down, he was still head-down...feet stretched out and up in my ribs.  I had to stretch out so I could breathe.  It made me laugh...it wasn't super comfortable, but it was funny.  


It seems Blip has gone back to his "normal" position...which is lucky for my lungs, but tonight he did do some sort of happy dance on my bladder.  I kinda needed to get up to use the restroom...a few minutes later, I HAD to go really bad!!  Then I didn't.  Then I did.  Then I didn't.  Then I did.  


It was so funny, but so strange at the same time.  It made me laugh.

Christmas 2011

This year Christmas was very low-stress for us.  As we prepare for the baby's arrival, we agreed not to do a lot for each other.  It seems any extra money we can find has found its way to the baby loan, the baby store, the baby room, etc.  We each bought a few things for each other, but two of the gifts I bought for Mike...were opened long before Christmas.


I found a super cute book on-line called My Dad is My Hero.  I ordered it...and then forgot.  I asked Mike to pick up the mail for me a few days later...and he found a package waiting.  He opened the package and found the book. Dang.


I also found some Skechers shoes that look like little police cars...and the red and blue lights even light up!!  I couldn't resist, so Mike got those long before Christmas too.  Dang.  I am terrible.


Don't worry...I had a couple thing I was able to keep from him that he was able to open.  Although, by the time Christmas morning got here, they weren't exactly a surprise either.  Long story.


I was lucky enough to start my celebrating Friday morning with my girlfriends at my favorite breakfast place.  I met Erin, Natalie, Michelle, Laura and Pottle at US Egg for breakfast at 8am.  Yep.  You read that right.  I was up, dressed and had driven to Tempe by 8:10 in the morning.  


THAT'S how much I love my girls.  


We always struggle to make ALL of our schedules work at the same time, so it was truly a miracle to get to ALL be together to celebrate.  Erin refused pictures...since the two of us didn't do a lot to make ourselves presentable that early in the morning!!  Now I'm sad, but then I was on board with no pictures!!

Anywho...Mike and I started our holiday celebrating on Christmas Eve with the Buvala family.  We all met at Kelly's house for dinner, presents and togetherness.  We had prime rib, mashed potatoes, corn, green beans, salad, rolls and several desserts.  Grandpa Santa made his annual appearance...and passed out gifts to everyone.  Everyone seemed happy with their loot and with just being together.  It was a great night.

Mike and I came home and got ready for bed.  Unfortunately, it was a painful night for me (which then includes Mike).  I am pretty sure last night was my most painful night so far.  I'm not sure what/why, but I was in agony.  I was exhausted by the time we got home from Kelly's, but I'm not sure where the pain came from.


I am getting tired of it.  I am also starting to wonder what is causing so much pain.  If my ovaries have come down...and pregnancy shouldn't be painful all by itself...what is causing me so much pain and discomfort.  It's starting to really worry me.  I am also wondering of all my pain causes stress/issues to the baby.

Oh well.  I'll be fine.  We fell asleep sometime in the early morning and slept late.  Our last Christmas to sleep as late as we wanted...next year will be so much different.  We can't wait.


We woke up, had cocoa (Mike had coffee) and opened our presents to each other as we sat in front of our beautiful Christmas tree.


Mike turned on the fireplace, I sat in my recliner, Mike turned on the TV until it was time to get ready for the Rodgers family celebration at my dad's house.  Mike ate some left over prime rib for breakfast and he made me an egg sandwich.


Because of my pain level Saturday night...and the fact it stayed for the festivities on Christmas Day, I plopped in my dad's big recliner as soon as we got to my parents.  Everyone started arriving a few minutes after we got there.
  

My dad BBQ'd steaks on the grill, we had sweet potatoes, regular potatoes, asparagus, fruit and homemade rolls.  It was all yummy!!


After we finished eating, we hung out for a bit and then began our white elephant gift exchange.  I decided I wanted to keep the pickled butts one more year...and hoped no one would notice.  Oops...I wasn't so lucky.  So next year they will for sure be one of our gifts.  :)


Richelle wrapped up one of our favorite inside jokes.  Unfortunately, McKenna picked it for her gift...and boy was she unhappy with her selection.  Richelle and I were laughing so hard we were crying.  It's the picture keeps showing up (I'm not sure I should go into more detail.  It isn't bad....just a bad picture.  Carol...you know what it is!!).  I stole it back from McKenna so she could choose again.  My dad ended up stealing it from me....so I got to pick again.  

In the end, I got a pretty good gift.  I walked away with two metal straws from Circle K and a $10 gift card.  Not bad.  Mike ended up with a glovebox toolkit (one of our gifts...not that he knew that at the time).

We finished up our 19 person (seems we were missing quite a few family members this Christmas) gift exchange and my dad said he had something for his grandkids.  He spoke to the kids about his love for this great country and the sacrifice made by so many...including his own father.  He spoke about how Heavenly Father also loves this great nation and how He chose for the Church to be restored here.  He then passed out (nearly) completed state quarter maps to each of the grandkids present...including our little Blip.

It was fun to have a little one included...even if he isn't quite here yet.  I want so badly for my son to know both of his Grandpas.  I pray daily for both their health and strength...to be  here on this Earth for many more years.  It's something I have really struggled with since I was in my early 20's....the thought of my dad not being here and my children not knowing him.


We finished up the gift exchange by having our 2nd annual snowball-in-a-box fight.  We had a good time with it again this year.


The desserts were ready to be served by that time, so we all made our way into the kitchen and found what we wanted.  Robyn had made several different pies.  I had a little slice of banana cream, a sliver of cherry cheesecake and another little piece of Richelle's yummy pumpkin roll.


Everyone cleaned up our mess and then we all headed home.


Mike and I sat on the couch and turned on the TV when we got home, but by the time we picked up the remote...we decided we just wanted to go to bed.  We turned off the TV and headed upstairs (by about 10 o'clock).

Mike and I had a wonderful holiday together and with our families.  I think we mostly enjoyed talking about and being excited about how different Christmas will be next year with Blip.  Although I've wanted to be a mother for more years than I can remember, it's strange to be so close to that reality.  As the days pass, I think I am getting more anxious.


I am so excited to finally meet this little guy...to see what he looks like, to hold him, to tell him how much I love him, to watch him grow.  As hard as the pregnancy has been, there is a huge part of me that will miss it.  I hope I get to do it again someday, but if not...I hope I loved every second of this miracle (even the bad moments).  


I have tried my very best to soak up all of this time I've had to experience the miracle that is pregnancy.  I am nervous about the birthing process, but I am also excited to experience another miracle.  It will be so fun to have Blip here with us.  The holidays from now on will take on so much more meaning for us.


(Once again...we were awful at taking pictures.  We better work on this...)

Blip in 3D

We had our gender ultrasound at 14 weeks (almost exactly) with a company called Baby's First Ultrasound.  We were happy with their service, so we decided to go back for a 3D/4D ultrasound.  They told us the best time for this ultrasound was between 28-32 weeks...so we decided since I am 32 weeks we should hurry and get it done.

This was the first thing we saw.  Yep.  Blip's head and feet are in the same location...which puts his butt up near the top of my uterus...still on the right side.  It doesn't look very comfy, but when you're tiny and don't have to compete with gravity...I guess anything goes.

We were given (I really mean we paid for) 83 pictures on a disc...so these are just a few.  Blip was also caught with his umbilical cord in his mouth...gross.  We'll have to talk about what goes in your mouth and what doesn't. :) haha

We also have an album with a bunch of these pictures (that'll I will be carrying around with me and trying to show off to people) and a video (the 4D portion of the ultrasound).

There aren't words to describe how I feel.  I am so anxious...I want this little guy to cook as long as he needs, but I can't wait to meet him.  I feel like I've been waiting forever...and at the same time it's shocking to me that I am 32 weeks pregnant.


I sat here by myself tonight looking through all these pictures of the tiny life growing inside of me.  As tears streamed down my face, I thanked my Heavenly Father for this amazing miracle.  I don't understand how anyone cannot believe we were created by someone greater than us.  

Mike and I made this human being...he started out smaller than a poppy seed (in a lab too).  Now he has a heart, a brain, lungs...toes, lips, eyes...and everything else needed to sustain life.  He moves and grows inside of me.  I have never been more humbled by any other experience I have been through.


I love to feel Blip moving inside of me.  Nothing brings me greater joy than to sit and just enjoy him.  I am loving all the movement I can feel as Blip grows.  I also love seeing the movement.  

Blip lays along my right side.  Today in the ultrasound he was still head-down...with his legs up at his head too.  This explains why I feel a lot of kicking below my belly button...and his head can still be down.  The right side of my belly is rock hard.  The left is empty and looks slightly deflated.  It makes me laugh.  Almost all the movement I feel is on my right side.


Although I do have pain (often), I wouldn't trade this experience for anything.  I have some heartburn, but nothing a couple Tums won't fix.  So far, it really isn't as bad as I thought it would be.  I'm sure some of the other crap makes up for it.

I am truly in love with my life.  I never thought I would be here...I am so thankful I made it.

Maternity Pics

About a month ago Mike and I had a fun photo session with Natalie. It was not the easiest pictures I've ever had taken.  I was really uncomfortable that day...and Mike's arm wasn't really supposed to be out of the sling yet.  We did clear it with the doctor, but he had very little mobility.

Another Ultrasound, Another Appointment

On Monday morning...I had an ultrasound at my Perinatologist's office.  The tech who did the ultrasound is one we've had before....one we didn't like the first time.  When she opened the door and called me back...I'm sure I sighed.  I was disappointed to have the grouchy tech a second time.  (I won't be having her a third time.)


I was scheduled for the ultrasound on Friday for the following Monday.  Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of last week were pretty painful.  On Friday...when I still didn't feel much better...Mike said he wanted to take me to the hospital.  I didn't think I needed to go to the hospital...I refuse all pain meds and I was terrified they would take Blip because of the pain he was causing me.  We compromised instead.  I called my OB to find out what she thought I should do.


I contacted the nurses line and left a message.  I got a call back in about 20 minutes...the nurse went over everything I was feeling with me and then said she wanted to contact my OB directly.  She called back and said Dr. T wanted me to go to the hospital if the pain spiked again.  She said it was okay for me to take Vicodin (uh...no it's not) and that I should if I needed some relief from the pain.  


She also wanted me to schedule an ultrasound for as soon as possible.  The nurse had already tried to set me with their techs, but they were booked most of the next week.  I told her I had just had a growth ultrasound at the high risk doc's office, so I was sure I could go there.  She agreed and faxed over some paperwork to that office.


A few minutes after we hung up, I called to make an appointment.  The scheduling chick was so helpful.  She got me scheduled for Monday and then spoke with my doctor too.  He agreed that if the pain spiked again, I needed to go to the hospital.  If not, I could just rest at home. 


Luckily, the pain didn't spike again.  It last most of the weekend, but by Sunday night/Monday morning I felt much better.  I went in the for ultrasound (which happened to be scheduled while Mike was at his physical therapy) by myself.  The grouchy tech opened the door and called me back...


She had me twisted and turned crazy on the table in order to get to my ovaries.  She poked and prodded my belly for what seemed like an eternity.  She was dead silent the entire time.  If I asked a question, she was short and mostly answered in one word answers.


She finished all her measuring, told me to stay put, and left the room.  She returned about 15 minutes later and told me I could go.  I asked her if there were any answers to what my pain was......she said no.  She told me my ovaries had gone down in size, but no more than they had two months ago.  They are still somewhat larger than "normal".  Most of the cysts are gone or are much smaller.  


That was great to hear, but I am still in pain.  


I left the office without any answers.  My ovaries had not twisted ...that was about all I learned...and I already knew that.


On Wednesday...I had my weekly check-up with Dr. T.  I really do like her.  Even coming in past the half-way point...she is so much better.


She assured me they would not take Blip this early unless HE was under distress.  As long as I can handle the pain...or whatever is thrown at me, and he is safe...he gets to stay.  That made me feel better.


We asked a bunch of questions (mostly too personal to make the blog) and then we said our goodbyes.  Nothing has really changed. I have not progressed what-so-ever...which is fine with me.

Potty Break

We've had a few issues with our master bathroom this year...mostly the toilet flooded twice...causing the entire bathroom to flood...causing the flooring to be damaged (it was crap already)...causing the toilet to be replaced...causing one of the worst days of my life.  When my dad came to replace the toilet, he found a black mess under the old toilet.  The sub-floor was nasty and needed to be replaced.  The trick was finding someone to replace the sub-floor and then lay some tile.


I had two companies come out to give us quotes on the tile portion, but neither one wanted anything to do with the fixing of the sub-floor.  One company did recommend someone that could/would fix it for about $100.  I called that guy numerous times, but never got a call back.  We called a family friend, but that turned out to be no good either.  Finally, we had someone at the house to fix our front door...and he looked at the floor and said he could do it for $150 PLUS materials.  Fine.  Whatever.  Just fix the floor.

He also gave us a quote to lay the tile, but his quote was about $500 higher without any of the materials.  Uh...no.  So he fixed the floor and I called to schedule one of the tile companies.  I called, left voice mails, talked to someone, e-mailed two different people...never got a call back.  So we went with the second company.

We've been using the guest/hall bathroom toilet since June...and just living with the flooring issue in our master bathroom.


Until today.  Today our bathroom was finally finished!!  We now have a WORKING toilet and a beautiful tile floor!!  

While the bathroom was out of commission, I ordered window covering for the baby's room, our bathroom and our bedroom.  Another project that we've been needing to get underway...that seemed impossible with both of us working so many hours.  Since I was home...I got it crossed off the list.  

Our bathroom is nearly done (for now).  I'd like to have drapes made and add a few more things for some color, but for now...I am just happy.


We would love to remodel our master bathroom someday (maybe when we aren't paying to be pregnant?), but for now...we are so happy to have our bathroom back.  

Not the greatest picture....but you get the idea.

As for the bedroom window coverings...there aren't many words that need to be written.  I ordered shutters for our bedroom...and I couldn't be happier.  Because we have funky shaped windows, what we had in there made me gag every time I walked in the room.  I am a believer that your bedroom should be your sanctuary.  If you gag when we walk into it...that does not a sanctuary make.  Not to mention I've been spending quite a bit of time in there over the last 7 months.

The quote for the majority of the house to be fitted with shutters was a bit much to swallow, so we will add shutters over time.  It was so great to get started.  I have always wanted shutters, so this was a welcome change to our bedroom.  I was surprised how affordable they really are, but not all at once.

O Christmas Tree

Last night I had some ladies (Natalie, Billie, Janet, Sharon and Andrea) volunteer to come over to decorate our Christmas tree.  I wasn't sure about it at first...I know there are people who need more help than we do...especially this time of year.  I am so glad Natalie was insistent.  

Our tree looks beautiful.  I've ALWAYS wanted ribbon on my tree.  Last year I even went so far as to buy some at an after Christmas sale.  I didn't actually think I would ever use it.  Natalie found that ribbon and put it on my tree.  I love it soooo much!!  

I love to decorate, but I don't feel as confident with holiday decor.  I don't have a ton and only decorate a few things around the house for each holiday.  I've never had anyone to decorate for...it just didn't seem worth it for myself.

I want to do a lot more decorating...for Blip's sake, but need to start picking more decorations up over the next few years.

Anyway...by the time the ladies left, my house looked a lot like Christmas.  I love all of it.  I hope I can recreate it all again next year on my own...plus more!!

I am so very grateful for these ladies and their selflessness to come to our home and spend hours of their own time to help two gimps feel the spirit of Christmas.

30 Weeks & Counting

Mike & I had a growth ultrasound scheduled for Monday morning at our Perinatologist's office.  We lucked out and got our favorite ultrasound tech.  I don't know her name, but we love her...she is so happy and super excited about everything Blip is doing.

Blip is about 3 pounds 3 ounces...exactly where he should be for 30 weeks 4 days.  He measured 30 weeks 3 days, but we are pleased with how well he's doing.  All his organs are right where the need to be, and everything else seems in place too.

We left the doctor's office and stopped of at Einstein's for a quick bite to eat.  We had a few minutes before my OB appointment, so we sat and blabbed to each other about how cute Blip is.  After we ate, we headed across the street for my OB appointment.

We were seen pretty quickly...which meant we quickly got to see the scale.  Awesome.  I gained another 7 pounds...what could be better than that?  I've never even had nightmares about weighing as much as I do, but here I am...still pregnant. Still time to gain more weight. 

I don't understand how some people only get pregnant in the belly...I am pregnant ALL over my entire body.  Regina and I agree on this awful phenomenon that is in our genetics...it sucks.

I did my urine sample and then headed to the room.  Dr. T came in quickly and we got started with all the good news.  We really do like Dr. T...she seems much more confident and concerned about all of my issues.

Dr. T's assistant called me last week and asked me to pick up a prescription she called in for me.  We played phone tag a few times, but when I picked up the prescription, I saw it was the same one I had been prescribed for a UTI.  I assumed I had another one (which wouldn't be a shock to me...even though I didn't feel a thing.).  

Dr. T informed me it wasn't actually a UTI.  I apparently had a certain protein in my urine that is associated with being a carrier of Strep B.  Luckily Carol Ann also had Strep B, so I really didn't think much of it...otherwise I think I would have done some worrying.

Dr. T said that testing for Strep B isn't usually done until 35-37 weeks, but since the protein is already showing up (for the third time...maybe the fourth?) it's clear I have it.  Whatever...add it to the list, right?

My blood pressure was also high yesterday (138/80something)...add that to my swollen feet that keep falling asleep/getting tingly and I am now borderline pre-eclamptic.  I have to take my blood pressure a couple times a day and keep track of it.  If (when) it reaches 150/90 or above, I will be on official, no more modified bed rest. 

Oh...and my pulse was too high at my last appt with my endocronologist too.  That is also a concern. Luckily, my thyroid is still where it needs to be. My Endo just lowered my dose and that kept my levels where they need to be. He said it is rare with pregnant patients...usually preggos need a higher dose, not lower. I told him I don't do anything the easy way.

Dr. T wants to see me once a week now, and I have to do the Non-Stress Tests twice a week at the Perinatologist's office and we will still do the growth ultrasounds (probably only one more). She doesn't think we'll make it past 35 weeks, but it's obviously not a perfect science, so we'll see. 

It is what it is...I'm not stressed about it. He'd be fine if had to come now...he'd just need a little help. So every day is a blessing. :)

My doc also said no more salty food....which is funny since in the very beginning my docs all said to eat salty food (it should have helped with my ovary issue). So I will need to be more careful....dang it.

We left there feeling slightly overwhelmed, but no more than normal.  We aren't too stressed about any of this, but will keep up on it as best we can.  I borrowed my dad's blood pressure cuff so we can keep track of where I am several times a day.

I am still not craving anything.  My heartburn isn't as bad as I've heard other women talk about.  I get it nearly every day, but nothing one or two Tums doesn't cure.  I am thankful that it isn't any worse.

My feet are fat and swollen...it's quite interesting.  Flip flops and Crocs are the only shoes that fit my feet.  It's been so cold here this week that Crocs are now my only shoe.  It's kind of funny...I never thought all this would actually happen to me.

We are happy...and continue to anticipate Blip's arrival.  His nursery is far from finished...we have A LOT to buy still, but we are getting done as best we can when paired with both of our health issues.

Club 33, Royale Street, New Orleans Square, Disneyland

On Friday, we woke up and got ready for our big day!!  We had reservations at Club 33!!  We were all so excited...and we were there to celebrate Carol's birthday.  Her 33rd at Club 33!!

 Robyn, Sydney and I took the French Lift upstairs and Richelle and Carol took the stairs (not sure why?).  Once we were all there, we were shown to our table.  We learned we were in the main dining room (capacity 66).  The second, less formal dining room was closer to the lift and only had a capacity of 33.

It was everything we hoped for...and more.  Thanks to our assistant waiter, Josef, we got a little tour...complete with some fun history.  After we placed our order, we helped ourselves to salads, sea food, bread and soup.  I had some lobster, shrimp and crab legs...and I also had some tastes of a few different salads.  I had a filet for my main course...it was delicious.  

After we finished our food, we helped ourselves to the dessert bar.  There were several things to choose from.  We all decided to try a little of everything.  An eclair, cookies, apple pie, a Mickey macaroon, German chocolate cupcakes, a fudge type cupcake, fruit pizza/pie, chocolate cake, the most amazing s'more thingy...I was stuffed by that time, but I really wanted my desserts.

30 weeks pregnant

I took a break from stuffing myself while Josef took us out on the balcony for a quick history lesson and some picture taking.

This is Josef giving us our history lesson...

This custom-designed harpsichord decorated with a hand-painted scene of the New Orleans harbor from the 19th century was in the gallery area with other original sketches and other works of art.

This is the two-leged table that was also in the movie Mary Poppins.  Totally not my style, but I want it at my house.

This table was originally from New Orleans...Josef told us this guy has the longest holding handstand. 

This phone booth has beveled glass and was inspired from the movie The Happiest Millionaire.  I hadn't even heard of that movie until this was mentioned...

Do see what looks like a ship's mast in the picture...and a flag? This was done to give the feel of having a ship in port in New Orleans.


Walt Disney died just before Club 33 opened.  He had the idea for the club because he wanted to be able to properly entertain dignitaries.  New Orleans Square was completely paid for with monies earned by Walt Disney from Mary Poppins.  There were some original sketches of the main characters on the walls. 

There was a piece of art on the wall that depicted Walt Disney eating in the Club.  The napkins on the table were folded the same way as in the picture.  I thought that was cool.

We bought some souvenirs that can only be purchased at the Club and then said our goodbyes to the private club we may never get to see again.  What an awesome experience...especially for us true Disney lovers.  We owe Robyn HUGE for making this happen for us...what an amazing day we had.