You just had to bite the apple, didn't you?

The power of the mind never ceases to amaze me.  The ability to remember minute details about some events and to block others out almost completely is astounding.  For instance, I can remember what we were doing when I went into labor with each child.  I remember what my husband was doing, I remember what happened immediately after the birth, but the pain has been blocked.  For some reason, I always walk into it blindly.  
Don't get me wrong - I know it will hurt.  I remember pain, but the intensity is totally lost on me.  Selective memory?  Memory block? Whatever it is, it's required for the human race to survive. Otherwise, women would only have one child and would probably work to convince their friends not to go through it.
Now, each woman's pain tolerance is totally different and their are many pain management options out there for those who choose to go down that path.  I, however, tend to develop this warrior attitude that demands that I push through without.  Why? I honestly don't know.  Perhaps I need to channel this attitude toward something non birth related - like the iron man. Actually, I'm not sure all iron men could make it through birth without pain meds.  Some definitely, but not all.  Birth is intense.
This time (final by the way), I found myself thinking of the comedy of it all.  This was my first induction and the relative calm that preceded the total hell of active labor and delivery was, well, comical.  We watched CSI episodes and munched on popcorn in between contractions.  Seriously.  Oh, and the biggest loser - last week's episode as I had been hopeful to be in active labor during the real show and didn't want to miss some of it.  As it turns out, I totally could have watched.  This lulled me into thinking that it really wasn't going to be a big deal.  I could totally handle it.  I am woman - hear me roar.
Then my mind wandered to the portrayals of births on television  and in movies.  The woman is either totally blissed out and unaware on medicine (those videos scare me) or is screaming at their husbands - something along the lines of "you did this to me!"  I experienced neither of these reactions.  In fact, my reaction this time around caught me by surprise.  Amidst my praying for a quick, healthy delivery and the strength to get through it all, I found myself thinking "you just had to bite the damn apple, didn't you, Eve?"  
Seriously, what would labor have been like if she didn't?  Can you imagine a labor without pain? All I can say is that it had better have been one hell of a juicy apple - honey crisp maybe? - to make this all worthwhile.  Personally, I would have an easier time forgiving her if it had been chocolate.

Fun Target Finds

This week there are a few good buys at Target.
First up - Archer Farms bakery.  There is a Target.com coupon for $1 off a bakery purchase (muffins, croissants, etc are $1.29).  My kiddos loved going there for a 29 cent treat!
Market Pantry sandwich bread ($1.39 for Wheat), get 50 cents off with the Target coupon.

Huggies wipes.  1.99 each, buy 3 (use 3 - 75 cent off coupons from Target and stack with $2.50 off of 3 from smartsource.com - make sure it takes off $2.50, they are having computer issues company wide with coupons, so it will likely take off 1.99 unless you say something.  then the cashier can manually enter in the correct price).  Grand total for 3 packages of wipes $1.22!

Feeling Rebellious

Why is it that when someone says you can't do something, that little switch goes off inside and says "I want to do that."?  I know I'm not the only one with this interesting switch.  In fact, I witness it in my children all of the time.  If I say "no" to going to the park, they become fixated on going to the park.  A "no" to having ice cream, prompts a meltdown.  More interestingly, though, is when it's something they don't normally desire to do.  For example, I was sick a few days ago and my 4 year old asked me to work on school with him.  I said, "not right now."  This caused him to bawl because he really wanted to do school.  This also prompted my 2 yr old to bring his school book to me and ask to "please do school mommy?"
In any case, the switch is there and has once again been flipped.  I've been feeling rather lazy the past 2 weeks, only working out a handful of times.  This meant nothing, however, until my OB told me to put my feet up and rest - no working out.  Now I can't seem to get the gym from my mind.
Even though I know it is best for baby and I right now if I rest, and I am resting... there is still that little part of me that wants desperately to go for a walk or better yet, hit the elliptical.  Will that switch stay flipped when the baby is born and I have the all clear to work out again?  I hope so, though I doubt it.  There is something extra special about doing something you are not supposed to do.  Come to think of it, maybe I should go tell me kids they are not allowed to clean their rooms.  I wonder how well that would work... :)