Every few years or so, I have had the opportunity to have a near-death experience to help me truly appreciate life.

Last night we believe it was Charlie we have to thank for it. 
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update:  I realized after JoAnn's comment that it was unclear what happened.  I also realize I didn't link to any Charlie posts.  Charlie is our pet guinea pig.  He is the only thing we can figure I had an allergic reaction to. 

Pookie wrote a note to go on the fridge saying at what time and how much Benadryl I took in case I wasn't coherent enough when someone showed up.

Danny learned how to inject me with an Epi-Pen.

I learned that having a phone associated with a Voice Over Internet Protocol can delay the immediate response one wishes for when calling 911. 

The neighbors learned how alive our block gets with a visit from the ambulance, firetruck, and cops. 

And I'm pretty sure the neighbors thought I was giving birth in my living room. 

Baby girl in utero learned what half a Benadryl, Epinephrine, Terbutaline, Albuterol and Oxygen make her feel like.

Angela, my friend and neighbor, learned what it was like to put 8 kids to bed simultaneously.  The real challenge was in the four kids under two years  (her two being confused as to why they were sleeping at our house).

And after starving in the ER and then in Labor & Delivery for a few hours, Danny and I learned that on our way home shortly before midnight, Taco Bell drive-thru is the one place open late in our small town.

By the way, if you've been checking back for pictures on Gabbers birthday cookies, I'm not posting them.  They were ugly, yummy, but ugly.

Psst. I'm alive.

and still pregnant.  I know, I know.  I have 35 days to go until the scheduled c-section.  But I'm a little disenchanted at this point.  I waddle.  I snore.  I pee my pants when I sneeze or laugh.

I shaved my legs last night while showering and only got a tiny nick.  I consider that success.

Every night, I give thanks to my Heavenly Father that I am NOT carrying twins this time.  I can still sleep laying on my left side.  AND in my own bed. 

I feel very fortunate that for the most part, my heartburn has subsided.  I probably only experience it once or twice a week. 

Tomorrow is Gabbers 7th birthday.    I have cunningly convinced her that what she REALLY wants instead of a birthday cake is Cake Box Cookies.  hehehe.  too easy.  I'm even going to frost them.  I might even post pictures.  Wouldn't that be something?  Two posts after a three and a half week sabbatical?  Only for you.  ;)