Showing posts with label worry. Show all posts
Showing posts with label worry. Show all posts
April 03, 2011
April Already...
Where is the time going??? I always have the best of intentions to post on a more regular basis, then life happens! Super quick update as I am getting to the end of my night and still need to pay some bills, feed the cats, put a load of clothes into the dryer but I can hear Abby starting to cough.... And that leads me to my update: Abby has yet another ear infection!!! UGGGGHHH! I am always amazed at how wonderful she is, happy, playful, loving, until that 102.5 fever hits (and as always it is in the middle of the night--go figure)! Then it is all down hill from there! Bless her little heart! It was Thursday night when the latest fever hit and I knew right away that it was an ear infection (she had asked me to itch her ear earlier that day but I didn't think anything of it until then). So off to the Dr. we went. I can't say that I was happy to hear that she would need to go on an antibiotic (yeah, he said it was pretty bad) other than the last time the other Dr. over wrote her Rx (2 bottles instead of 1) and I still had a full round left. Other than having what I needed on hand, this is poopy! Little Peanut has been a bit clingy on both Friday and today, though Saturday was great--go figure! I just hope this works itself out soon because Mommy and Daddy are going for a little get-away soon....
January 17, 2011
This Time Next Week
I have to say that I am one of the lucky ones...God has blessed me with so many great things in life that trying to list them all right now would be foolish. One of my many blessings is the time God has given me to spend with my family this past year. As you know, just about this time last year I made the transition from working outside of the home to being a stay-at-home mommy and I have loved (almost) every moment of it!
Needless to say, the past 11 months have flown by and my baby has turned into a toddler and my list of To Dos is a little bit shorter. There is a part of me that wishes I could stay home until all my babies went off to college but that is just not feasible for us. Although I knew last February that this was not a permeate deal, I can't believe that the time has come for me to go back to work!!
This time next week I will once again be working for Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan managing volunteers. I'm not too sure how I feel about this...part of me is ready to work outside the home (selfishly looking forward to more adult interaction) and the other, larger, part of me is crying at the thought of leaving Abby. It is so hard to think that Abby will spend more waking hours in a day with someone other than us...that I won't be there to kiss her bumps and bruises when she falls or play blocks and dolls all day long. But in the end I am excited for her to make new friends and reap the benefits of daycare.
I am sure that my social butterfly will absolutely LOVE daycare and get so much out of it! Anytime we go next door to help for the day Abby plays and plays without looking for me or when we go to the mall she is off and running saying "hi!" to all the kids. It is comforting to know that she is ready for the transition (other than our nap issue and Mommy's control issue when it comes to food...) although I realize it just might be a rough week or two (or three and in the end it will probably be worse for me than Abby, or at least I hope that is the case). I just have to remind myself that this is a good thing for all of us.
So, I just keep reminding myself that I am so lucky to have been given this gift of time in order to keep from completely lose it this week!!
Needless to say, the past 11 months have flown by and my baby has turned into a toddler and my list of To Dos is a little bit shorter. There is a part of me that wishes I could stay home until all my babies went off to college but that is just not feasible for us. Although I knew last February that this was not a permeate deal, I can't believe that the time has come for me to go back to work!!
This time next week I will once again be working for Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan managing volunteers. I'm not too sure how I feel about this...part of me is ready to work outside the home (selfishly looking forward to more adult interaction) and the other, larger, part of me is crying at the thought of leaving Abby. It is so hard to think that Abby will spend more waking hours in a day with someone other than us...that I won't be there to kiss her bumps and bruises when she falls or play blocks and dolls all day long. But in the end I am excited for her to make new friends and reap the benefits of daycare.
I am sure that my social butterfly will absolutely LOVE daycare and get so much out of it! Anytime we go next door to help for the day Abby plays and plays without looking for me or when we go to the mall she is off and running saying "hi!" to all the kids. It is comforting to know that she is ready for the transition (other than our nap issue and Mommy's control issue when it comes to food...) although I realize it just might be a rough week or two (or three and in the end it will probably be worse for me than Abby, or at least I hope that is the case). I just have to remind myself that this is a good thing for all of us.
So, I just keep reminding myself that I am so lucky to have been given this gift of time in order to keep from completely lose it this week!!
August 04, 2010
T minus 14 Days and Happy Anniversary to Us!!
That's right folks, in just two weeks we will have a one-year old daughter!!! I'm not sure that I am coming to terms with this like I should be yet...hey I still have a little before I HAVE to :)
Today, our little fam went for a two hour walk...it was hot, it was humid and it was only 9 a.m. Abby slept for the first half then chattered and hummed for the second half. Then we hung out for a little and packed Abby up for an evening at Nana and Papa's (so MJ and I could enjoy an evening out in celebration of our third anniversary). As we were driving on the back roads, the weirdest thing happened--it rained a squirrel! From nowhere a squirrel dropped from the sky, right into the middle of the dirt road. Poor thing seemed stunned after its thump to the ground. I was surprised to see it get up and run away...hope he/she is ok this evening!!
After a drive-by drop-off we headed to the D for dinner and a Tigers game. We went to Small Plates downtown so that we could use a Groupon that we scored a few months ago ($40 of goods for the low price of $20...not too shabby). All in all the food was ok--kind of bland if I do say so myself--but the beer and drinks were good. Can't go wrong with good old Miller Light and a tasty drink called The DJ's Fav (vanilla Stoli, Southern Comfort and Coke--sweet but GOOD). I would go back for the BBQ pizza and fries, but you can keep the lettuce wraps and bagel brochette.
Next we made our way through town and down to the park, but not with out a stop into a local bar for a Jager Bomb. Chelie's Chili was MJ's place of choice tonight. In and out.
Then we settled into our seats, beer in hand, for a little relaxation. We had GREAT seats tonight thanks to StubHub and a season ticket holder. We scored seats in section 118, row 6. I don't know what I was thinking when we purchased the tickets but I was pleasantly surprised to see just how great the seats were. It was nice to see all the calls at home plate for a change.
We had a good time at the game. We chatted it up with the older couple to our left who were from Chicago. The were true White Sox's fans from head to toe...literally! Grandpa had the hat and shirt to show it while Grandma had the earrings, shirt, and flip-flops!!! They were in town for the series, nothing more, nothing less. By the end of the night we were showing off our little ones (6 grand kids for them) and laughing at the spectators together. Sadly, one of their grandsons is rather sick due to having half a heart. He sounds like a real trooper though and brings many smiles to their faces. I would just like to say that we have this family in our prayers tonight and hope you might do the same.
Well after 7 innings of not so great playing, MJ and I decided to hit the road so that we could pick up little Abb-ster and get to bed. It is funny just how much you can miss a little thing! Needless to say she was passed out in bed with Nana when we got there at 10:30. She must of had fun playing!
And that my friends brigs us to a close for this find day!
MJ--I love you and am so lucky to have you in my life (as is Abby). It is amazing to think of what a blessing the past 3 years have been with you in them. Thank you for loving me the way you do and for putting up with all my.....ummmm......crap sometimes! I truly don't know what I would do without you! You always managed to bring some sunshine to my day when I am struggling, love when I am down (and even when I'm not), laughter when I'm to uptight, and true prospective when I need it most! I love you Michael Johnson!!!!! I can't wait to see what the future has in store for us :)
Today, our little fam went for a two hour walk...it was hot, it was humid and it was only 9 a.m. Abby slept for the first half then chattered and hummed for the second half. Then we hung out for a little and packed Abby up for an evening at Nana and Papa's (so MJ and I could enjoy an evening out in celebration of our third anniversary). As we were driving on the back roads, the weirdest thing happened--it rained a squirrel! From nowhere a squirrel dropped from the sky, right into the middle of the dirt road. Poor thing seemed stunned after its thump to the ground. I was surprised to see it get up and run away...hope he/she is ok this evening!!
After a drive-by drop-off we headed to the D for dinner and a Tigers game. We went to Small Plates downtown so that we could use a Groupon that we scored a few months ago ($40 of goods for the low price of $20...not too shabby). All in all the food was ok--kind of bland if I do say so myself--but the beer and drinks were good. Can't go wrong with good old Miller Light and a tasty drink called The DJ's Fav (vanilla Stoli, Southern Comfort and Coke--sweet but GOOD). I would go back for the BBQ pizza and fries, but you can keep the lettuce wraps and bagel brochette.
Next we made our way through town and down to the park, but not with out a stop into a local bar for a Jager Bomb. Chelie's Chili was MJ's place of choice tonight. In and out.
Then we settled into our seats, beer in hand, for a little relaxation. We had GREAT seats tonight thanks to StubHub and a season ticket holder. We scored seats in section 118, row 6. I don't know what I was thinking when we purchased the tickets but I was pleasantly surprised to see just how great the seats were. It was nice to see all the calls at home plate for a change.
We had a good time at the game. We chatted it up with the older couple to our left who were from Chicago. The were true White Sox's fans from head to toe...literally! Grandpa had the hat and shirt to show it while Grandma had the earrings, shirt, and flip-flops!!! They were in town for the series, nothing more, nothing less. By the end of the night we were showing off our little ones (6 grand kids for them) and laughing at the spectators together. Sadly, one of their grandsons is rather sick due to having half a heart. He sounds like a real trooper though and brings many smiles to their faces. I would just like to say that we have this family in our prayers tonight and hope you might do the same.
Well after 7 innings of not so great playing, MJ and I decided to hit the road so that we could pick up little Abb-ster and get to bed. It is funny just how much you can miss a little thing! Needless to say she was passed out in bed with Nana when we got there at 10:30. She must of had fun playing!
And that my friends brigs us to a close for this find day!
MJ--I love you and am so lucky to have you in my life (as is Abby). It is amazing to think of what a blessing the past 3 years have been with you in them. Thank you for loving me the way you do and for putting up with all my.....ummmm......crap sometimes! I truly don't know what I would do without you! You always managed to bring some sunshine to my day when I am struggling, love when I am down (and even when I'm not), laughter when I'm to uptight, and true prospective when I need it most! I love you Michael Johnson!!!!! I can't wait to see what the future has in store for us :)
July 31, 2010
BPA Report
Well, just when I thought I was doing a good job of avoiding (or limiting our exposure to) BPA, I hear about another BPA study/spotting. Take a moment to read this if you like to get a receipt after every transaction:BPA in Store Receipts.
I'm thinking twice about touching that receipt--in the bag or with you just took on a whole new meaning!!!
I'm thinking twice about touching that receipt--in the bag or with you just took on a whole new meaning!!!
July 28, 2010
A New Staple
First, I have to say that we have been very fortunate to be able to nures as long as we have. And even though it got off to a VERY rough and painful start, I wouldn't trade one second of it for anything in the world. But I am sad to report that our days of saving money are quickly fading away, as we had to buy our first can of formula today!
We managed to get through the early bumps of nursing and going back to work with the help of free samples and therefore managed to go more than 11 months without having to buy any formula. It was FABULOUS! Then Emily gave us our last free can about a month ago after a long battle of getting Abby used to formula in the first place (we started out with 6 oz. of water to one scoop of formula. Anything more and she would gag and wipe her tongue...funny! Then about every 3-4 days I would add half a scoop. It took a while but now she will drink it). On the bright side, a large can currenly lasts us about a month because Abby is still nursing in the morning and at night, but this too is on the way out and the need for formula (then moo-juice) will soon be on the rise.
As we have started the weening process I find that I have a mix of emotions: sad that she is getting so old, happy that I was able to provide sustenance for my daughter, proud that I will make my goal of one year, relieved that Michael can get her breakfast for a change, excited to not have to worry about production levels, worried that Abby will have a hard time when Mommy's Milk is no more (she still asks for milk during the day and gets mad when I give her a sippy instead...), determined to get more of the "baby" weight off (no excuses now!) and scared to be done. I'm not sure why I am scared, but I am. Hummmm.
So for now I am enjoying every feeding that we have, savoring every moment and remembering the fun and closeness that Abby and I share during this time. Meanwhile, I am debating which feeding to eliminate next (morning or night) as both have their pluses and minuses. To help with the process I am currently nursing Abby after she has solid food in order to lessen the demand (A BIG THANKS to MJ for his help on this...I know that GETTING UP at 6 a.m. to feed Abby is not a favorite thing to do for either of us. You Rock Daddy!!) but I just can't decide which to give up. Well, I'll have to decided soon in order to get her down to one nursing a day by her birthday. Yikes!
We managed to get through the early bumps of nursing and going back to work with the help of free samples and therefore managed to go more than 11 months without having to buy any formula. It was FABULOUS! Then Emily gave us our last free can about a month ago after a long battle of getting Abby used to formula in the first place (we started out with 6 oz. of water to one scoop of formula. Anything more and she would gag and wipe her tongue...funny! Then about every 3-4 days I would add half a scoop. It took a while but now she will drink it). On the bright side, a large can currenly lasts us about a month because Abby is still nursing in the morning and at night, but this too is on the way out and the need for formula (then moo-juice) will soon be on the rise.
As we have started the weening process I find that I have a mix of emotions: sad that she is getting so old, happy that I was able to provide sustenance for my daughter, proud that I will make my goal of one year, relieved that Michael can get her breakfast for a change, excited to not have to worry about production levels, worried that Abby will have a hard time when Mommy's Milk is no more (she still asks for milk during the day and gets mad when I give her a sippy instead...), determined to get more of the "baby" weight off (no excuses now!) and scared to be done. I'm not sure why I am scared, but I am. Hummmm.
So for now I am enjoying every feeding that we have, savoring every moment and remembering the fun and closeness that Abby and I share during this time. Meanwhile, I am debating which feeding to eliminate next (morning or night) as both have their pluses and minuses. To help with the process I am currently nursing Abby after she has solid food in order to lessen the demand (A BIG THANKS to MJ for his help on this...I know that GETTING UP at 6 a.m. to feed Abby is not a favorite thing to do for either of us. You Rock Daddy!!) but I just can't decide which to give up. Well, I'll have to decided soon in order to get her down to one nursing a day by her birthday. Yikes!
April 08, 2010
SafeMama
Once upon a time, I was a Nalgene toting girl. I thought I was doing the right thing by avoiding the typical 20 ounce bottles of water and using my large, colorful, reusable bottle instead...
Then the news of BPA exploded and I freaked out! I started reading all about BPA and shortly realized that it is a scary, chemical-filled world out there and BPA is not the only chemical we should be worried about. The list of endocrine disrupting chemicals is oh-so-long and the issues they cause are even more scary (in short, they mimic hormones and may cause major problems over time). I did a lot of searching on the Internet for information on what products help limit my exposure to such chemicals, but had a hard time finding a site that compared products side by side. Then one day, Emily pointed me to SafeMama.com and I have been hooked ever since!!
Then I became pregnant and the worry launched into overdrive! Not only am I responsible for keeping myself healthy but now everything I rub on my body will in some way make it to my baby (chemicals in lotion soaks in to the skin...shower gel on body winds up in the mouth of a nursing baby) AND I'm also responsible for the products I put on her once she is born...I decided that I can not eliminate our exposure but I can do my best to limit our exposure by being an informed consumer.
I do have to give this warning: Once you start reading labels you may freak out as well. You are not a bad person. You may have a few decisions to make (what are you willing to give up, what are you able to spend, what do you think is something you should avoid, etc.).
My everyday favorite "Cheat Sheet" is the Safer Skin Care:
And because Lake Keliann is growing with each April Shower (which means 'Sketer season is almost upon us) I found this one tonight:
Be sure to visit SafeMama for Sunscreen and kiddie pool info too!
August 13, 2009
Snack Time
Dear Peanut,
I don't really believe in using food as a motivator, but I really need you to cooperate for today's non-stress test...that is the only reason why I am feeding you juice AND ice cream before our 2:45 appointment. See, mommy's worry is that you are not going be awake enough to get the information that they need and then would push for induction today or tomorrow when we may not need to go that route. So, enjoy your snack!
Love,
Mommy
I don't really believe in using food as a motivator, but I really need you to cooperate for today's non-stress test...that is the only reason why I am feeding you juice AND ice cream before our 2:45 appointment. See, mommy's worry is that you are not going be awake enough to get the information that they need and then would push for induction today or tomorrow when we may not need to go that route. So, enjoy your snack!
Love,
Mommy
August 07, 2009
Progress Report
* Finish sewing 12 burp cloths for Peanut-Half way done (and there are 16 of them)
* Sew snap in panel in nightgowns to cover cleavage (don't need guests seeing too much)
* Laundry-3/4 done
* Finish packing hospital bags (as much as possible)
* Fill out pre-check in to the hospital on line (did a paper version before but have not heard from them...)
* Put iTunes on laptop
* Add soothing music for labor to iTunes
* Charge cameras
* Doc appointment at 12-Check
* Grocery shop-Check
* Dinner at Longhorn with Michael-Check
* Purchase Gift Certificates for upcoming weddings and showers-Check
* Exchange MJ's jogging pants-Check
* Maybe do a Babies 'R Us run to get little items not purchased
* Look for plane tickets and hotel for Uncle Jason's wedding in October
* Scan and put out wedding pictures (yes, we just got them due to our very late ordering. But hey, they will be up before the baby pic. take over the house)
* Put away misc. baby gifts
* Clean our bedroom
* Put together jogging stroller (have to hit the trail ASAP after delivery and I want to be ready!)
Well that is where we stand on the To Do list. Now for the update on the doctor visit:
We saw the Nurse Practitioner, Heather, today...you know the super skinny one who told me it is only 300 extra cal. a day--which was only a yogurt and banana...Yes, my second "favorite" person at the practice.
So, my urine and blood pressure look good as well as baby's heart rate :). My weight "jumped" a little (2 lbs) so we discussed 6 small meals/light snacks...you know "carrot sticks and some almonds". Gee thanks for the oh-so-insightful-I-would-have-never-thought-of-that-on-my-own advice. All I could think was "Go eat a pizza B*&$h"...
Anyway....other than than NOTHING has changed--still sitting high at -3, thinned a little but still at 50% effaced and am not dilated at all yet...so then she starts talking about next week and induction. As you might imagine this made me even more upset. Ultra Sound on Monday, Non-stress test on Wednesday or Thursday. Ok, that is understandable. No problem with that. Then, tries to end the "conversation" with a "discussion" about scheduling me for induction on Thursday or Friday, which is what they "typically" do depending on the availability at the hospital. Wait, don't I get a little bit of say in this? Don't I get a chance to hit the 41 week mark before you sign me up for induction? So I ask the silly question of "what is the option of going past 41 weeks?". Blah, blah, blah, 9 1/2 lbs. baby, blah, blah, blah old placenta, blah, blah, blah there are risks.
I get that there is sound medical reasons for not going too long. But, I also think you should give me a chance to hit 41 weeks--which would be on Monday, not the previous Thursday or Friday. Hey, what happened to Saturday and/or Sunday even? I got the impression that Thurs./Fri. is a better option for the doctors...never mind what is best for me or baby. Now, MJ says he did not get that at all and that perhaps I am being a little quick to blame. Ok. No, I don't buy it. Perhaps she got confused as to when my due date is and when exactly we will hit the 41 week mark. I might buy that, but wait...isn't this her job? Shouldn't she pay more attention than that? This is why I asked the question about going past 41 weeks. I'm cool with induction after next Monday, but not before (unless one of the tests shows that it is time for Peanut to come out, then I am all about induction. But let's see the tests first people!). I think she picked up on my concern, double checked the dates, mentioned something about not being due until Sunday and back tracked a little on being induced on Thursday.
Needless to say, there will be much conversation with the DOCTORS before I show up for induction--especially on Thursday or Friday. Stay tuned....
* Sew snap in panel in nightgowns to cover cleavage (don't need guests seeing too much)
* Laundry-3/4 done
* Finish packing hospital bags (as much as possible)
* Fill out pre-check in to the hospital on line (did a paper version before but have not heard from them...)
* Put iTunes on laptop
* Add soothing music for labor to iTunes
* Charge cameras
* Doc appointment at 12-Check
* Grocery shop-Check
* Dinner at Longhorn with Michael-Check
* Purchase Gift Certificates for upcoming weddings and showers-Check
* Exchange MJ's jogging pants-Check
* Maybe do a Babies 'R Us run to get little items not purchased
* Look for plane tickets and hotel for Uncle Jason's wedding in October
* Scan and put out wedding pictures (yes, we just got them due to our very late ordering. But hey, they will be up before the baby pic. take over the house)
* Put away misc. baby gifts
* Clean our bedroom
* Put together jogging stroller (have to hit the trail ASAP after delivery and I want to be ready!)
Well that is where we stand on the To Do list. Now for the update on the doctor visit:
We saw the Nurse Practitioner, Heather, today...you know the super skinny one who told me it is only 300 extra cal. a day--which was only a yogurt and banana...Yes, my second "favorite" person at the practice.
So, my urine and blood pressure look good as well as baby's heart rate :). My weight "jumped" a little (2 lbs) so we discussed 6 small meals/light snacks...you know "carrot sticks and some almonds". Gee thanks for the oh-so-insightful-I-would-have-never-thought-of-that-on-my-own advice. All I could think was "Go eat a pizza B*&$h"...
Anyway....other than than NOTHING has changed--still sitting high at -3, thinned a little but still at 50% effaced and am not dilated at all yet...so then she starts talking about next week and induction. As you might imagine this made me even more upset. Ultra Sound on Monday, Non-stress test on Wednesday or Thursday. Ok, that is understandable. No problem with that. Then, tries to end the "conversation" with a "discussion" about scheduling me for induction on Thursday or Friday, which is what they "typically" do depending on the availability at the hospital. Wait, don't I get a little bit of say in this? Don't I get a chance to hit the 41 week mark before you sign me up for induction? So I ask the silly question of "what is the option of going past 41 weeks?". Blah, blah, blah, 9 1/2 lbs. baby, blah, blah, blah old placenta, blah, blah, blah there are risks.
I get that there is sound medical reasons for not going too long. But, I also think you should give me a chance to hit 41 weeks--which would be on Monday, not the previous Thursday or Friday. Hey, what happened to Saturday and/or Sunday even? I got the impression that Thurs./Fri. is a better option for the doctors...never mind what is best for me or baby. Now, MJ says he did not get that at all and that perhaps I am being a little quick to blame. Ok. No, I don't buy it. Perhaps she got confused as to when my due date is and when exactly we will hit the 41 week mark. I might buy that, but wait...isn't this her job? Shouldn't she pay more attention than that? This is why I asked the question about going past 41 weeks. I'm cool with induction after next Monday, but not before (unless one of the tests shows that it is time for Peanut to come out, then I am all about induction. But let's see the tests first people!). I think she picked up on my concern, double checked the dates, mentioned something about not being due until Sunday and back tracked a little on being induced on Thursday.
Needless to say, there will be much conversation with the DOCTORS before I show up for induction--especially on Thursday or Friday. Stay tuned....
August 04, 2009
Down to One Hand
I can't believe that our count down to our due date is down to one hand! That's right, T minus 5 (or so) days. It is hard to believe that five lonely digits (and hours of labor) separate us from the official world of parenthood!!!
I'm excited, nervous, anxious, scared, happy, in denial, proud and hormonal :) There are moments where I think to myself "I got this man" and other moments where I think "Oh shit, what did we do". I don't think this makes me a bad person/parent, just a little realistic. I'm sure that it is going to be the best journey I have ever taken. A journey full of twisty roads and flat lands, sunny days and stormy nights. Hopefully, I come out the other side a better person than I am now.
How is MJ you ask? Perhaps I should make him post on this topic today.....
I'm excited, nervous, anxious, scared, happy, in denial, proud and hormonal :) There are moments where I think to myself "I got this man" and other moments where I think "Oh shit, what did we do". I don't think this makes me a bad person/parent, just a little realistic. I'm sure that it is going to be the best journey I have ever taken. A journey full of twisty roads and flat lands, sunny days and stormy nights. Hopefully, I come out the other side a better person than I am now.
How is MJ you ask? Perhaps I should make him post on this topic today.....
June 12, 2009
Marathon
No question about it---it was a marathon!!! I'll keep the summary short:
10 couples braved the Saturday Marathon and of course it was a mixed crowd! Normal for the most part, which means one "know-it-all-couple", one "are-you-kidding-me-couple", that brought mom and one "so-sorry-for-you-big-guy-couple". I'll explain the last one in more detail: "Lucy" and "Bob" were about 16 or 17 years of age (strike one) and had "Lucy's" grandma (yup, she is on her way to being "Great Grandma"--strike two) in tow. Needless to say Grate Grandma to-be was NOT happy about the situation and was sure to let EVERYONE know (strike three....so sorry for you Bob) as often as possible!!! To add to their misery, she also loved to discuss her birthing experiences when given the chance.
Even though it was a Marathon, it did fall into the "Express" category as far as information goes. That, or I read way too much and expected too much from the class. MJ seemed to find it useful and I am sure I will appreciate his new knowledge of the birthing positions and all of the back rubbing he is REQUIRED to do when the time comes :)
What did I WANT to learn that I did not:
1) the true meaning of "pressure" and "pain"
2) will contractions feel more along the lines of "OMG Leg cramp" x10 or "Oh S#&$, my cervix is being RIPED open and set on fire"
3) detailed info on pain meds vs. epidural (Tylenol vs. numbing from the dentist??)
Pretty much what I could expect in the "feeling" department. I managed to talk to a girl at work who gave birth 3 months ago and tends not to take Advil, Pep-to, NyQuil, etc. like me and learn more in a 30 conversation than I did participating in the marathon. Thanks Renee!!
We did get to tour the facility....No bad. The family waiting room is a little on the small side, we might fill it up with just our families (hope no one else plans on giving birth when we do). On that note, we did notice that NO ONE was there. Well, new or delivering mothers that is--plenty of staff. At first we were a bit concerned Is this not a good place to have a baby? , then we realized that it was actually a good thing: You get all the attention you need/want because there is no one else to need anything. Score!
All in all I am glad that we went.
10 couples braved the Saturday Marathon and of course it was a mixed crowd! Normal for the most part, which means one "know-it-all-couple", one "are-you-kidding-me-couple", that brought mom and one "so-sorry-for-you-big-guy-couple". I'll explain the last one in more detail: "Lucy" and "Bob" were about 16 or 17 years of age (strike one) and had "Lucy's" grandma (yup, she is on her way to being "Great Grandma"--strike two) in tow. Needless to say Grate Grandma to-be was NOT happy about the situation and was sure to let EVERYONE know (strike three....so sorry for you Bob) as often as possible!!! To add to their misery, she also loved to discuss her birthing experiences when given the chance.
Even though it was a Marathon, it did fall into the "Express" category as far as information goes. That, or I read way too much and expected too much from the class. MJ seemed to find it useful and I am sure I will appreciate his new knowledge of the birthing positions and all of the back rubbing he is REQUIRED to do when the time comes :)
What did I WANT to learn that I did not:
1) the true meaning of "pressure" and "pain"
2) will contractions feel more along the lines of "OMG Leg cramp" x10 or "Oh S#&$, my cervix is being RIPED open and set on fire"
3) detailed info on pain meds vs. epidural (Tylenol vs. numbing from the dentist??)
Pretty much what I could expect in the "feeling" department. I managed to talk to a girl at work who gave birth 3 months ago and tends not to take Advil, Pep-to, NyQuil, etc. like me and learn more in a 30 conversation than I did participating in the marathon. Thanks Renee!!
We did get to tour the facility....No bad. The family waiting room is a little on the small side, we might fill it up with just our families (hope no one else plans on giving birth when we do). On that note, we did notice that NO ONE was there. Well, new or delivering mothers that is--plenty of staff. At first we were a bit concerned Is this not a good place to have a baby? , then we realized that it was actually a good thing: You get all the attention you need/want because there is no one else to need anything. Score!
All in all I am glad that we went.
June 05, 2009
Call Me Crazy...
I'm not sure how many of you realize that I am a tree hugger at heart; nor am I sue I knew just how much of a tree hugger I truly am before this journey started.
Sure, I have always recycled as much as possible and get upset when I see someone litter: Hey!! This is my Earth too...I don't come over to your house and throw my trash on your floor. So, why do you think it is ok to throw your trash around where I have to look at it and live with it??? And yes I tend to think of how I could re-purpose something verses throwing it in the trash, which I realize is not always the first thing on other people's minds when getting rid of things.
But, it is amazing how much more concerned I became about the impact we would have on the Earth and its resources once I realized Peanut was on the way. Immediately, I started to think of what I could do to lessen the effect our family would have on the current decay of our planet.
As you know, you can find and read all kind of things on the Internet regarding "becoming green/greener" and I think I have managed to spend hours upon hours doing so. In the end, I am happy to report that I think I have found a way to keep Peanut and Earth happy and clean: the "g diaper". Ok, I know you are asking "what the heck is the g diaper?' right about now. Let me tell you:
It is a cross between a traditional cloth diaper and the Oh-so-convenient disposable diaper. It consists of three parts:
The little g pants (washable outter shell, here are my favorites):
A non-plastic refillable liner:
And the flushable/compostable/disposable refill (40 pack):
Now, all of you experienced parents are probably thinking that it seems rather complicated...I get that. But, this is a pretty compelling video. Take a moment to watch it, please...
With that said, MJ and I have decided to use the g diaper!! Lucky for us, we are not "experienced" parents who are USED to the convenience of traditional disposable diapers and this will be able to st our definition of "normal" by way of the g diaper. Now, I am not saying that we won't ever use traditional disposables, I'm just saying that we are going to try to use the g as much as possible. When we do use "disposable" diapers (until poo becomes a little more predictable/normal, at night if the g is not serving us well, "oh crap, we're out of prepped g's", etc.) we hope to use Nature Babycare diapers, which are also made of more earth-friendly products than traditional, plastic disposable diapers:
Like I said, call me crazy....
June 02, 2009
Glad that's over...
Funny story about the doctor last week:
So being that I am RhD-negative, which I understand is not all that common, I had to get an injection this week. Lets start this story by stating: I HATE NEEDLES. Needless to say, I was not looking forward to this visit, but I knew I needed to be a big girl and take one for the team.
I arrived at the office at 6:20 for a 6:30 appointment and figured I would play a little Bejewled on my phone to pass some time. Three VERY long games later I had to take a bathroom break. Surely, I would be called while in the restroom. Not so mush. Back to the waiting room I went. Boy, is that area named appropriately. My name was finally called at 7:15....yes 45 minutes AFTER my appointment time. Strike one. Strike two occurred at the exact same time, only I did not yet realize it.
You see the "nurse" that called me back was the same "nurse" that waited on us last time. Very sweet girl, soft spoken and full of smiles--Lets call her "Courtney". But, (yes there is always a but...) she was a little flaky. I really did not think much of it at our last appointment when she "miscalculated" how many weeks I was, after all the spinney-wheel-thing that gave the date of your last period and then the due date below it seemed a little confusing. Nor did I think too much of the fact that she had to come back to the room because she realized that she forgot to take my blood pressure...basic task, she must do it a hundred times a day, I could see how she might forget if she took MY blood pressure.
On to the current appointment...into the room I went. Courtney said hello and asked if I was there for and injection of Rhogam. I concurred and told her that I HATE needles so she could avoid letting me see it. Courtney asked if I had it with me (usually the doc. writes a prescription for it and I fill it, but my insurance would not cover it that way) and I told her the story. She left the room and returned with the box in had. Then she starts talking: "So, how often do you have to get this, once a month?"
WHAT?! Why are you asking me, don't you know? "I think just this once, then again after labor I think."
"Hummm, so where does this go? In your arm or in your tushie?"
Did she really just say "tushie" when referring to my hip? No.
"I'd rather put it in your arm, unless you want it in your tushie. Though, I'm not sure where you are supposed to put it."
Yup, she said tushie--twice. And, did she really just say that she is "not sure"????
At this point she pulls out the direction booklet and starts flipping through the pages, looking to see where to put it. "I'm sure you could put it in the arm...do you remember where they said it would go?"
SERIOUSLY!!?! DID YOU JUST PULL OUT THE DIRECTION BOOKLET???? ARE YOU KIDDING ME? At this point I am getting more than a little nervous, I am starting to freak out. "Um, they didn't say..."
"Well, maybe I will go as a nurse." Flip, flip, flip. "Hummm, I guess I am just wasting time with this." Flip, flip, flip. "It says here you put it in the muscle, but it doesn't say if it is supposed to be in the arm or tushie..."
Did you not study this in nursing school...wait a minute...you said you were going to go as a NURSE...what does that make you??!? I am starting to wonder if I should ask for someone else to do this.
"Well, I'll be back, guess I will go ask the nurse."
Maybe the nurse will be the one to come back, maybe the nurse will come, maybe the nurse will come...
In walks Courtney. "Well, she said to put it in your tushie, well really it is your hip."
Two points for Courtney--she knows where it goes and what it is really called. Surly, the worst is over. Up I stand and lower my pants a bit.
Meanwhile, Courtney is prepping the needle. "Oh, gee. I hate this, all this air is in it and I will have to push out some of the liquid because the air is what really hurts. See all that air."
And with that, she puts the syringe up to my face for me to see all the air that is going to hurt me if she does not let it out!! Thanks Courtney--I HATE needles REMEMBER?!?! I turn my head as fast as I can to avoid seeing it--Strike three.
"I'm so sorry, I forgot!" and she hugs me and offers me a back rub to make up for it.
Not going to happen. Get it over with lady. "No worries." With that she pokes me and I wonder if I should have let her or if I should have asked for someone else as soon as she called my name. Next time, I'm asking for someone different...
So being that I am RhD-negative, which I understand is not all that common, I had to get an injection this week. Lets start this story by stating: I HATE NEEDLES. Needless to say, I was not looking forward to this visit, but I knew I needed to be a big girl and take one for the team.
I arrived at the office at 6:20 for a 6:30 appointment and figured I would play a little Bejewled on my phone to pass some time. Three VERY long games later I had to take a bathroom break. Surely, I would be called while in the restroom. Not so mush. Back to the waiting room I went. Boy, is that area named appropriately. My name was finally called at 7:15....yes 45 minutes AFTER my appointment time. Strike one. Strike two occurred at the exact same time, only I did not yet realize it.
You see the "nurse" that called me back was the same "nurse" that waited on us last time. Very sweet girl, soft spoken and full of smiles--Lets call her "Courtney". But, (yes there is always a but...) she was a little flaky. I really did not think much of it at our last appointment when she "miscalculated" how many weeks I was, after all the spinney-wheel-thing that gave the date of your last period and then the due date below it seemed a little confusing. Nor did I think too much of the fact that she had to come back to the room because she realized that she forgot to take my blood pressure...basic task, she must do it a hundred times a day, I could see how she might forget if she took MY blood pressure.
On to the current appointment...into the room I went. Courtney said hello and asked if I was there for and injection of Rhogam. I concurred and told her that I HATE needles so she could avoid letting me see it. Courtney asked if I had it with me (usually the doc. writes a prescription for it and I fill it, but my insurance would not cover it that way) and I told her the story. She left the room and returned with the box in had. Then she starts talking: "So, how often do you have to get this, once a month?"
WHAT?! Why are you asking me, don't you know? "I think just this once, then again after labor I think."
"Hummm, so where does this go? In your arm or in your tushie?"
Did she really just say "tushie" when referring to my hip? No.
"I'd rather put it in your arm, unless you want it in your tushie. Though, I'm not sure where you are supposed to put it."
Yup, she said tushie--twice. And, did she really just say that she is "not sure"????
At this point she pulls out the direction booklet and starts flipping through the pages, looking to see where to put it. "I'm sure you could put it in the arm...do you remember where they said it would go?"
SERIOUSLY!!?! DID YOU JUST PULL OUT THE DIRECTION BOOKLET???? ARE YOU KIDDING ME? At this point I am getting more than a little nervous, I am starting to freak out. "Um, they didn't say..."
"Well, maybe I will go as a nurse." Flip, flip, flip. "Hummm, I guess I am just wasting time with this." Flip, flip, flip. "It says here you put it in the muscle, but it doesn't say if it is supposed to be in the arm or tushie..."
Did you not study this in nursing school...wait a minute...you said you were going to go as a NURSE...what does that make you??!? I am starting to wonder if I should ask for someone else to do this.
"Well, I'll be back, guess I will go ask the nurse."
Maybe the nurse will be the one to come back, maybe the nurse will come, maybe the nurse will come...
In walks Courtney. "Well, she said to put it in your tushie, well really it is your hip."
Two points for Courtney--she knows where it goes and what it is really called. Surly, the worst is over. Up I stand and lower my pants a bit.
Meanwhile, Courtney is prepping the needle. "Oh, gee. I hate this, all this air is in it and I will have to push out some of the liquid because the air is what really hurts. See all that air."
And with that, she puts the syringe up to my face for me to see all the air that is going to hurt me if she does not let it out!! Thanks Courtney--I HATE needles REMEMBER?!?! I turn my head as fast as I can to avoid seeing it--Strike three.
"I'm so sorry, I forgot!" and she hugs me and offers me a back rub to make up for it.
Not going to happen. Get it over with lady. "No worries." With that she pokes me and I wonder if I should have let her or if I should have asked for someone else as soon as she called my name. Next time, I'm asking for someone different...
March 14, 2009
Pink or Blue?
After months of wondering we finally know what names to debate! Since I had to work both Wednesday and Thursday night, we (by that I mean "I") decided that we would wait until we could both enjoy the news of our baby's gender. So off to the Union we went (MJ has been asking for the Mac'n Cheese since November but just the thought of it made me gag, so he had to wait). As we were enjoying our dinner I was having second thoughts about finding out. Weird, I know.
You see, being the planner that I am, I always thought there wouldn't be a doubt in my mind about wanting to find out. But there I was, thinking that it might be nice to wait. It may seem like a little thing, but really it is a life changing fact. More so than being pregnant. How so? Well, we all know that "a child" will change your life: no more going out to eat at the drop of a hat, being more responsible about spending--college is expensive you know, sleepless nights due to worrying about your child partying instead of being out partying ourselves, etc. But Girl vs. Boy takes it to a whole new level: pink or blue, ballet class or football practice, prom dresses or tux, scaring off boys or girls, paying for a wedding or rehearsal dinner...see where this is going? So I started to think, maybe it would be nice to not worry about these things for another 5 months or so. Delay it as long as possible, you know?
Well, that wouldn't cut it for Michael. He wanted to know. I think it killed him to have to look at the envelope on the mantel for 2 days and wonder what it said. He wanted to know. So we finished eating and pulled out the life changing note. I slowly opened it and found:
A GIRL!!!! What?? Seriously?? Really??? How GREAT!!!! I thought for sure we were going to have a boy only because we could NOT decide on ANY names that could even be considered for a boy. At this point I had instated a "no name game" rule because we would just get cranky with each other about boy names and why argue over something that might not even be an issue!?! So for that simple reason I figured it would be a boy. But to our surprise, we are having a girl.
So bring on the pink (and purple), ballet classes, prom dress shopping and a large, expensive wedding!!!
You see, being the planner that I am, I always thought there wouldn't be a doubt in my mind about wanting to find out. But there I was, thinking that it might be nice to wait. It may seem like a little thing, but really it is a life changing fact. More so than being pregnant. How so? Well, we all know that "a child" will change your life: no more going out to eat at the drop of a hat, being more responsible about spending--college is expensive you know, sleepless nights due to worrying about your child partying instead of being out partying ourselves, etc. But Girl vs. Boy takes it to a whole new level: pink or blue, ballet class or football practice, prom dresses or tux, scaring off boys or girls, paying for a wedding or rehearsal dinner...see where this is going? So I started to think, maybe it would be nice to not worry about these things for another 5 months or so. Delay it as long as possible, you know?
Well, that wouldn't cut it for Michael. He wanted to know. I think it killed him to have to look at the envelope on the mantel for 2 days and wonder what it said. He wanted to know. So we finished eating and pulled out the life changing note. I slowly opened it and found:
A GIRL!!!! What?? Seriously?? Really??? How GREAT!!!! I thought for sure we were going to have a boy only because we could NOT decide on ANY names that could even be considered for a boy. At this point I had instated a "no name game" rule because we would just get cranky with each other about boy names and why argue over something that might not even be an issue!?! So for that simple reason I figured it would be a boy. But to our surprise, we are having a girl.
So bring on the pink (and purple), ballet classes, prom dress shopping and a large, expensive wedding!!!
We're having a GIRL!
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