Ok, so there really is an end to this madness!
When I went to the Dr. today, after waiting almost 2 hours to be seen (ah, Tricare...) I was told to take Evening Primrose oil to help soften my cervix and we scheduled her induction date for Monday August 13. She said they like to schedule them for 41 weeks and 5 days, this is 41 weeks and 6. I know it seems like a long time from now, especially since I had a nervous breakdown on the treadmill this morning because my body doesn't seem to be cooperating, but with any luck Phil may be here for it or at least shortly after. We can all go home from the hospital together.
She also guestimated her weight to be around 7 lbs. 10 oz., so mommy has to quit eatting ice cream if she's going to come out the right way!
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Monday, July 30, 2007
Snakes on a Plant
Ok, so here's a stupid silly one for you..... I spent this evening in the Labor and Delivery triage area of Womack Army Medical Center tonight because of a stupid snake. Yes, I said a snake. (No, this photo is not the snake I saw, but it looks like it.)
Had I not just spoken about snakes yesterday with my next door neighbor who told me she saw one, I may not have ever seen this little bastard. But, I eyeballed a red, ripe tomato hiding underneath the zuchini leaves and since I couldn't reach it from outside the fenced area of my garden, HAD to go in and rescue it from the aphids.
So, I get in, pick the tomato and start looking around at the cucumbers and the zuchini, and I suddenly spy this long, skinny snake just hanging out on top (yes, I said ON TOP) of the tallest zuchini plant leaves. He apparently had just feasted on either a bunch of aphids (good for him) or on a cherry tomatoe, I'm not sure. But he had this really full, fat spot on his belly and he was just chillin out, digesting.
So, I FREAK OUT and try to get out of the garden as quickly as I can. Not an easy feat for someone with an extra 30 lbs who is kind of front/top heavy. So, I trip over my 2 feet of chicken wire fence so that I am not "confined" with this slithery creature. I pretty much got my flip flop caught on it, scratched up my leg and landed kind of sideways on my hip, my leg, my arm and perhaps my belly. I don't know for sure if I hit it or not.
So, I called my friend (props to Jenn B.) who is an OB, who told me to go to Labor & Delivery to be hooked up to monitors and have some tests run, just in case! She said best case scenario, I go home in a couple hours (yeah!) and worst case, the perform a c-section on the spot.
So, I head down and sit there for 4 hours in which time I had the mother of all cervical checks. This guy must have been an intern or resident, but he OBVIOUSLY does not have a vagina (or even access to one) and maybe should have gone to school to be an appliance repairman or an auto mechanic or even a landscaper, since he's got such great digging skills!
I also found out that I am having contractions. Maybe I dislodged something in the fall, but I had quite a few in those 4 hours, and while not painful, I could definitely tell they were contractions. Maybe they are the end result of the cervical check?
Anyway, cervix is still closed and not ripe. Baby is comfy in her home, I guess.....
Had I not just spoken about snakes yesterday with my next door neighbor who told me she saw one, I may not have ever seen this little bastard. But, I eyeballed a red, ripe tomato hiding underneath the zuchini leaves and since I couldn't reach it from outside the fenced area of my garden, HAD to go in and rescue it from the aphids.
So, I get in, pick the tomato and start looking around at the cucumbers and the zuchini, and I suddenly spy this long, skinny snake just hanging out on top (yes, I said ON TOP) of the tallest zuchini plant leaves. He apparently had just feasted on either a bunch of aphids (good for him) or on a cherry tomatoe, I'm not sure. But he had this really full, fat spot on his belly and he was just chillin out, digesting.
So, I FREAK OUT and try to get out of the garden as quickly as I can. Not an easy feat for someone with an extra 30 lbs who is kind of front/top heavy. So, I trip over my 2 feet of chicken wire fence so that I am not "confined" with this slithery creature. I pretty much got my flip flop caught on it, scratched up my leg and landed kind of sideways on my hip, my leg, my arm and perhaps my belly. I don't know for sure if I hit it or not.
So, I called my friend (props to Jenn B.) who is an OB, who told me to go to Labor & Delivery to be hooked up to monitors and have some tests run, just in case! She said best case scenario, I go home in a couple hours (yeah!) and worst case, the perform a c-section on the spot.
So, I head down and sit there for 4 hours in which time I had the mother of all cervical checks. This guy must have been an intern or resident, but he OBVIOUSLY does not have a vagina (or even access to one) and maybe should have gone to school to be an appliance repairman or an auto mechanic or even a landscaper, since he's got such great digging skills!
I also found out that I am having contractions. Maybe I dislodged something in the fall, but I had quite a few in those 4 hours, and while not painful, I could definitely tell they were contractions. Maybe they are the end result of the cervical check?
Anyway, cervix is still closed and not ripe. Baby is comfy in her home, I guess.....
Tomorrow, Tommorow....I love ya, tomorrow
You're only a day away!
Don't I wish? I think Mackenzie's due date will come and go and be about as uneventful as the past 2 weeks. I know I said she would probably come on the 8th, but it's amazing how, even if you are trying to see past the due date, you start to lose your patience, or maybe begin to worry about whether or not you CAN birth the child at all. These are probably all irrational fears, but it must be the start of questioning your competence as a parent. I am suddenly much more mentally prepared for a c-section, too.
I didn't walk yesterday, I was way too tired, but I walked this morning which brought on some Braxton Hicks contractions. That's a good sign, I haven't had many of those, and I actually had a few while on the treadmill.
I need to run to Priscilla's today and check on her house again and make sure her plants are still alive. While I do that, I may stop by the mall and walk around (not shop like I did the other day).
Don't I wish? I think Mackenzie's due date will come and go and be about as uneventful as the past 2 weeks. I know I said she would probably come on the 8th, but it's amazing how, even if you are trying to see past the due date, you start to lose your patience, or maybe begin to worry about whether or not you CAN birth the child at all. These are probably all irrational fears, but it must be the start of questioning your competence as a parent. I am suddenly much more mentally prepared for a c-section, too.
I didn't walk yesterday, I was way too tired, but I walked this morning which brought on some Braxton Hicks contractions. That's a good sign, I haven't had many of those, and I actually had a few while on the treadmill.
I need to run to Priscilla's today and check on her house again and make sure her plants are still alive. While I do that, I may stop by the mall and walk around (not shop like I did the other day).
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Crazy Sleep Schedule
So, now my sleep is really messed up.
Last night the baby was moving A LOT and SHE'S STRONG until she finally let me go to bed around 1:00 a.m. so I couldn't actually fall asleep in the first place. I went to FREE Movies on Demand and ordered Alice in Wonderland (Lewis Carroll was smoking something for sure) and watched it hoping it would help me sleep.... but the baby wasn't as bored as I was for sure. In fact, she seemed to love it!
I woke up a couple times to pee and then hungry around 4:00 a.m. with persistent and nagging thoughts about my unripened cervix, or wondering if and when I will actually go into labor, the thought that with all the pillows I sleep on, I should probably try to to protect them with a towel in case my water breaks, if they have to induce me, when will they do it (I want the baby to have her own birthday, so we can't induce on the 8th, 9th, 10th or 11th) and if they do it on a certain date, who will come, my mom or mother in law? and then I began trying to visualize the baby moving down, my cervix softening and thinning, to see if it might just help. (They say people who visualize their white blood cells fighting infection can put cancer into remission if they do it right and consistently, so, why not?) these crazy thoughts kept me up for about 2 1/2 hours or until around 6:30 a.m.
So, then, around 7:30 this morning, the dogs woke me up to eat, as they always do, and I tried to go back to bed around 8:00 until around 9:30.
I'm surprised I didn't go to sleep earlier last night. Kristen S and I went to the mall yesterday and spent 5 hours on our feet shopping. Then, after dinner I took another walk, so I was totally pooped out by 9:00 and in my mind ready for bed. (We bought our husbands some new clothes for when they come home on R&R. We hope they like them.)
So, I really feel like I only got about 5 hours of sleep last night and like I should go take a morning nap. Ah, such is my life. Sleeping, walking, waiting, stressing, cleaning, and being enslaved to the whims of my dogs, who apparently think my new job is to play with them all the time.
Last night the baby was moving A LOT and SHE'S STRONG until she finally let me go to bed around 1:00 a.m. so I couldn't actually fall asleep in the first place. I went to FREE Movies on Demand and ordered Alice in Wonderland (Lewis Carroll was smoking something for sure) and watched it hoping it would help me sleep.... but the baby wasn't as bored as I was for sure. In fact, she seemed to love it!
I woke up a couple times to pee and then hungry around 4:00 a.m. with persistent and nagging thoughts about my unripened cervix, or wondering if and when I will actually go into labor, the thought that with all the pillows I sleep on, I should probably try to to protect them with a towel in case my water breaks, if they have to induce me, when will they do it (I want the baby to have her own birthday, so we can't induce on the 8th, 9th, 10th or 11th) and if they do it on a certain date, who will come, my mom or mother in law? and then I began trying to visualize the baby moving down, my cervix softening and thinning, to see if it might just help. (They say people who visualize their white blood cells fighting infection can put cancer into remission if they do it right and consistently, so, why not?) these crazy thoughts kept me up for about 2 1/2 hours or until around 6:30 a.m.
So, then, around 7:30 this morning, the dogs woke me up to eat, as they always do, and I tried to go back to bed around 8:00 until around 9:30.
I'm surprised I didn't go to sleep earlier last night. Kristen S and I went to the mall yesterday and spent 5 hours on our feet shopping. Then, after dinner I took another walk, so I was totally pooped out by 9:00 and in my mind ready for bed. (We bought our husbands some new clothes for when they come home on R&R. We hope they like them.)
So, I really feel like I only got about 5 hours of sleep last night and like I should go take a morning nap. Ah, such is my life. Sleeping, walking, waiting, stressing, cleaning, and being enslaved to the whims of my dogs, who apparently think my new job is to play with them all the time.
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Ode to waiting patiently
Thank you Ricky Nelson for this oldie.... it appropriately sums up how I feel about life in general right now. Walking 3 times a day per Dr.'s orders and waiting for Phil to come home.
I'm walkin, yes indeed and I'm talkin bout you and me
I'm hopin that you'll come back to me, uh uh
I'm lonely as I can be, I'm waitin for your company
I'm hopin that you'll come back to me
Whatcha gonna do when the well runs dry
you gonna run away and hide
I'm gonna be right by your side for you, pretty baby, I'd even die.
I'm walkin, yes indeed and I'm talkin bout you and me
I'm hopin that you'll come back to me.
I'm walkin, yes indeed and I'm talkin bout you and me
I'm hopin that you'll come back to me, uh uh
I'm lonely as I can be, I'm waiting for your company
I'm hopin that you'll come back to me.
Whatcha gonna do when the well runs dry
you gonna sit right down and cry
whatcha gonna do when I say bye bye
all you're gonna do is dry your eye
I'm walkin, yes indeed and I'm talkin bout you and me
I'm hopin that you'll come back to me.
Plus, here's a fun article.... http://www.babyzone.com/loadpage/article.asp?contentid=820
I'm walkin, yes indeed and I'm talkin bout you and me
I'm hopin that you'll come back to me, uh uh
I'm lonely as I can be, I'm waitin for your company
I'm hopin that you'll come back to me
Whatcha gonna do when the well runs dry
you gonna run away and hide
I'm gonna be right by your side for you, pretty baby, I'd even die.
I'm walkin, yes indeed and I'm talkin bout you and me
I'm hopin that you'll come back to me.
I'm walkin, yes indeed and I'm talkin bout you and me
I'm hopin that you'll come back to me, uh uh
I'm lonely as I can be, I'm waiting for your company
I'm hopin that you'll come back to me.
Whatcha gonna do when the well runs dry
you gonna sit right down and cry
whatcha gonna do when I say bye bye
all you're gonna do is dry your eye
I'm walkin, yes indeed and I'm talkin bout you and me
I'm hopin that you'll come back to me.
Plus, here's a fun article.... http://www.babyzone.com/loadpage/article.asp?contentid=820
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Update from Doctor's Appointment
Well, they finally checked me to see if I was dilated, effaced, etc. And the verdict is......
My cervix is closed and hard as a rock and according to her, "we're going to have to induce you".... and, "well, I've seen worse cervix's at this point".......
Fun times..... :) Maybe she's really holding out for daddy to come home. So, we'll just be patient with that, too. I have a feeling she won't be needing the newborn diapers we have. Or the just born sized onsies. Or the cute little premie outfit Aunt Carla sent.
Maybe I should change my prediction to August 14.
My cervix is closed and hard as a rock and according to her, "we're going to have to induce you".... and, "well, I've seen worse cervix's at this point".......
Fun times..... :) Maybe she's really holding out for daddy to come home. So, we'll just be patient with that, too. I have a feeling she won't be needing the newborn diapers we have. Or the just born sized onsies. Or the cute little premie outfit Aunt Carla sent.
Maybe I should change my prediction to August 14.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Monday, July 23, 2007
News from Iraq
READ ME! I'm an article about Phil's unit's progress.
He called today like 5 times, but we couldn't get a very good connection, so we didn't actually get to talk. I heard his voice though, and that seems to make all the difference.
He called back later on and we got to talk for awhile. He's super excited to come home and will be home on leave mid-august instead of the beginning. No big deal, he gets 18 days which is good for me, baby and him! :) and since he'll be here a little later, he goes back a little later, and we'll be over 1/2 way done with this deployment! YEAH!!!!!
The downside is that he will most likely not be here when Mackenzie is born, BUT she will be a little older and after we've established the whole nursing thing for 2 weeks, he'll be able to give her a bottle and be part of taking care of her, which I know he's really looking forward to!
Like he said, when he goes back, he'll be a changed man! (he'll have changed lots of diapers, changed baby many times, etc.)
He called today like 5 times, but we couldn't get a very good connection, so we didn't actually get to talk. I heard his voice though, and that seems to make all the difference.
He called back later on and we got to talk for awhile. He's super excited to come home and will be home on leave mid-august instead of the beginning. No big deal, he gets 18 days which is good for me, baby and him! :) and since he'll be here a little later, he goes back a little later, and we'll be over 1/2 way done with this deployment! YEAH!!!!!
The downside is that he will most likely not be here when Mackenzie is born, BUT she will be a little older and after we've established the whole nursing thing for 2 weeks, he'll be able to give her a bottle and be part of taking care of her, which I know he's really looking forward to!
Like he said, when he goes back, he'll be a changed man! (he'll have changed lots of diapers, changed baby many times, etc.)
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Wanna Join my Pity Party?
Rare is the day that I actually feel sorry for myself and for the situation that I find myself. Rarely do I feel like I need to call my husband for anything. Rarely do I feel like I just don't want to play Army wife anymore. Today happens to be that day. Maybe its because the closer it gets to being time for the baby to make her arrival, the more alone I feel. Maybe it's that I wake up to new stretch marks and tighter clothes every morning, and have no one to comiserate with. Maybe it's that our anniversary is Tuesday and we can't be together for it. Maybe it just feels like there is so much happening that I feel like it's just happening to me, even though I know this, and much more is happening 1/2 way across the world, too. Maybe I'm having a hormone surge and that means the baby will be showing up soon to distract me from it. (I sure hope that's what it is.)
If not, I will just pray for more acceptance and more peace and more patience and even more ice cream to help get me through it. Afterall, what is a party without ice cream?
If not, I will just pray for more acceptance and more peace and more patience and even more ice cream to help get me through it. Afterall, what is a party without ice cream?
Friday, July 20, 2007
Cool New Duds for Mackenzie
Mackenzie got her newest outfit in the mail today. Isn't it the coolest thing ever? Especially frilly and dainty for our little girl! Between this and the bib that says "Chute Happens" with a little paratrooper on it, Daddy should be THRILLED to see her wearing both!
the website is http://www.mamamonkey.com/ and has some of the most hilarious onesies I've ever seen....
IPOO, IPEE, Who You Calling Poopy?, Who You Calling Stinky, etc.
On what's happening here, I am finally doing some of the last minute things to get ready to go into labor and bring home a baby. For instance, I went to Sears and bought a new water filter for the fridge. I know, EVERY new parent needs clean fridge water, especially if they plan to breastfeed.
I also realized we didn't have a baby brush or comb, so I ran to Target and bought that. I got the cutest little birth announcements and started filling them in, besides the obvious, date, weight, etc. It may still take 5 months to actually print all the photos and mail them, but at this point I am one step ahead of the game.
I also did what I hope is the last load of baby laundry before she comes home. You realize baby clothes are so small, but a full washing machine of little clothes takes a LONG TIME to fold and put away! Who knew?
So all I have to do between now and baby being born is continue to eat 5 or 6 times a day, shower at least once each day, brush my teeth, feed, medicate and bathe the dogs, vaccum the house and not die of boredom.....
Anyone feel like calling to keep me company?????????? (don't I sound lonely????) hee hee
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Predictions?
Ok, so awhile back, I polled the entire family on the whole boy/girl question. Now is the time to hear any predictions with regard to birthday and time of birth.
I have thought she'd be born around August 8 - which is like 9 days late. Phil has suggested our anniversary, which is July 24. I had 2 phone calls this morning wondering if I'd gone into labor or not.
So, I'd like to hear from you - what do you think? Our actual due date is July 31......
I have thought she'd be born around August 8 - which is like 9 days late. Phil has suggested our anniversary, which is July 24. I had 2 phone calls this morning wondering if I'd gone into labor or not.
So, I'd like to hear from you - what do you think? Our actual due date is July 31......
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Adventures in Pottery
Today Carron S and I went to Southern Pines for lunch, dinner and took a drive along the Pottery Highway http://www.seagrovepotteryheritage.com/. Very interesting facts to be learned about North Carolina pottery. There are some really cool ways they make these pretty glazes. http://www.philmorganpottery.org/ was absolutely beautiful, but quite expensive. $900.00 for a 2 gallon sized yellow vessel. YIKES!!!!
I bought a red piece awhile back, and so we decided today was the day to head up to Seagrove, NC http://www.discoverseagrove.com/ where they make it to find a larger piece for the living room. That place was closed, but we found a few other places. It was a nice day, until it poured down rain on us!
We went to Sweet Basil for lunch, a cute little local place in Southern Pines and then the Bonefish Grill, which I'd never eaten at before. Let's just say Mackenzie loved the Bang Bang Shrimp! :)
The day tired me out, but I am still craving a strawberry milkshake, so I am heading out to go get one before I retire for the day!
I bought a red piece awhile back, and so we decided today was the day to head up to Seagrove, NC http://www.discoverseagrove.com/ where they make it to find a larger piece for the living room. That place was closed, but we found a few other places. It was a nice day, until it poured down rain on us!
We went to Sweet Basil for lunch, a cute little local place in Southern Pines and then the Bonefish Grill, which I'd never eaten at before. Let's just say Mackenzie loved the Bang Bang Shrimp! :)
The day tired me out, but I am still craving a strawberry milkshake, so I am heading out to go get one before I retire for the day!
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
The baby's room
Well, this is the crib and the baby's room. It was easy to do. Our guest bedroom was already painted this peachy color and the curtains were already there, too. The guest bedroom was moved upstairs (thank you Megan and Brian F.) and we already had the dressers, shelves, night stand, etc. So, we got the crib (thanks Mimi and Pipa) and put it together (thanks Mimi, Pipa and Uncle Tom). Now it's just waiting for baby.I decided it is finally time to open the boxes of bottles and make sure they are clean, so I will do that today before I head to Circuit City for today's release of NCAA 08 FOOTBALL for Phil. He'll be so surprised when he comes home! (unless of course, he's reading this too!) That's all he said he wanted when he came home - $39.99 to go purchase his game. He is pretty easy to please!
Sunday, July 15, 2007
The initial descent....
I think the baby is starting to drop a little bit! Yeah! She doesn't seem to be kicking as high up in my ribs as she was a few days ago, and she seems to be cramped in and putting uncomfortable pressure on my bladder to the point where it hurts to walk around! Who knew pregnancy was so uncomfortable? What was Eve thinking?????
The dogs and I have had a boring weekend. We actually left the house today, which we didn't do yesterday. I took Rudy to get breakfast and then I played with them a little bit outside. Rudy was cute, chasing this black and yellow butterfly all over the back yard. I've never seen her jump quite so high!
Doris Ann, my doula, was supposed to come over today for a pre-natal visit, but since the weather was actually tolerable, I guess her husband wanted to ride his motorcycle, so she didn't.
I'm not sure exactly what she's going to cover in this pre-natal visit, but maybe we'll talk about my birth plan, my comfort options, etc. I just want to have this baby!!!! I would like my mobility and comfort back! I know of a couple of pressure points and other ways to stimulate contractions, so if I wanted, I could try to induce myself, but I will see what happens naturally. I still have a bag to pack, and in a way it's kind of nice to be 'fat an wracy'.
The dogs and I have had a boring weekend. We actually left the house today, which we didn't do yesterday. I took Rudy to get breakfast and then I played with them a little bit outside. Rudy was cute, chasing this black and yellow butterfly all over the back yard. I've never seen her jump quite so high!
Doris Ann, my doula, was supposed to come over today for a pre-natal visit, but since the weather was actually tolerable, I guess her husband wanted to ride his motorcycle, so she didn't.
I'm not sure exactly what she's going to cover in this pre-natal visit, but maybe we'll talk about my birth plan, my comfort options, etc. I just want to have this baby!!!! I would like my mobility and comfort back! I know of a couple of pressure points and other ways to stimulate contractions, so if I wanted, I could try to induce myself, but I will see what happens naturally. I still have a bag to pack, and in a way it's kind of nice to be 'fat an wracy'.
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Dreaming of Mackenzie
I keep dreaming about the day I will meet this beautiful little miracle in person.She already has nicknames:
Uncle Jim (Jimmy Mac) is going to call her "little Mac"
Daddy calls her the "Kenzi Girl" or just "Kenzi"
Benjamin and Jordan call her "Kenzi"
Mommy will stick to "sweet girl" for now
Friday, July 13, 2007
I heard from Phil yesterday!
I got to talk to Phil yesterday for an hour! He is doing well, his spirits are good and I can't even tell you how much he's looking forward to coming home, meeting his daughter, buying fresh fruit and vegetables, and buying Butt Paste (http://www.buttpaste.com/)!
He told me how his vision of coming home has changed since he first left. When he first deployed in November, before we found out we were pregnant and when we expected a mere 5 months apart, the plan was to come home, and take a week to go to a Sandals resort or something of that nature.
Then, when we decided we probably wouldn't get our money's worth on adult beverages with a vacation like that (although, I could probably have eaten our money's worth in food at that point), we'd have to re-think where we'd go. Well, we didn't have to think too long and hard about that one, because Uncle Sam extended his unit until June.
So, his idea evolved into just coming home and waiting for the baby, maybe do a little shopping for last minute baby stuff, take a couple of childbirth and infant care classes, etc. Maybe head to Wilmington to the beach for the weekend, maybe run to Pinehurst for an afternoon, etc.
Now, he seems ever so thrilled at the idea of coming home, putting the baby in the Baby Bjorn and simply going to Target to buy Butt Paste. You know, it really is the simple, everyday things like going to Target, things we have all taken for granted, that become the things you cherish most when whatever prevents you from doing them with your best friend.
So, remember to thank God for even the most monotonous activities you do with your family. No matter how much what you are doing may suck the life out of you, the fact that you are spending that time together is where you should focus your attention.
He told me how his vision of coming home has changed since he first left. When he first deployed in November, before we found out we were pregnant and when we expected a mere 5 months apart, the plan was to come home, and take a week to go to a Sandals resort or something of that nature.
Then, when we decided we probably wouldn't get our money's worth on adult beverages with a vacation like that (although, I could probably have eaten our money's worth in food at that point), we'd have to re-think where we'd go. Well, we didn't have to think too long and hard about that one, because Uncle Sam extended his unit until June.
So, his idea evolved into just coming home and waiting for the baby, maybe do a little shopping for last minute baby stuff, take a couple of childbirth and infant care classes, etc. Maybe head to Wilmington to the beach for the weekend, maybe run to Pinehurst for an afternoon, etc.
Now, he seems ever so thrilled at the idea of coming home, putting the baby in the Baby Bjorn and simply going to Target to buy Butt Paste. You know, it really is the simple, everyday things like going to Target, things we have all taken for granted, that become the things you cherish most when whatever prevents you from doing them with your best friend.
So, remember to thank God for even the most monotonous activities you do with your family. No matter how much what you are doing may suck the life out of you, the fact that you are spending that time together is where you should focus your attention.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
High Maintenance Dog
Well, today Rudy and I are heading to NC State University's Vet School up in Raleigh. She is their favorite patient (and the favorite patient of our vet here in Hope Mills) and loves to take the 1 1/2 drive up there every so often.
She is fortunate enough to get to go to one of their specialty clinics - dermatology - where she is treated for her allergies, demodex, and everything else that ails her. We also get to pick up her very expensive special food today. We're getting a couple 30 lb. bags so we have enough to get us through until baby arrives.
It's been 6 months since she's been there and this time she'll be getting a refill on her shampoo, special ear cleaner, an exam, food and there was something else.... oh yeah, unflavored Heartgard. Should cost a mere $250. We just spent $120 on her last week at our vet trying to clear up her ear infection, paw infection and something else. Pet health insurance you ask? Yeah, I should definitely look into that one!
For a mutt, she sure came with lots of quirks and genetic baggage! But, we promised to love her forever despite these minor annoyances. And we do! Thank goodness Bradley is such a low maintenance dog! I don't think we could afford 2 of them.
On an unrelated note, the new collegiate dictionary now contains my favorite word, "ginormous".
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
What I miss about life before pregnancy
Ok, most people in my situation would be writing about what they miss most about their husband who is half way across the world. But I will do that another time, perhaps after he’s come home and gone back, since I miss everything about him the most.
No, today is what I miss most about my pre-pregnancy body/life. Once MacKenzie is born, you’ll probably hear all of the reasons I miss being pregnant. But in my current state, I think this is most appropriate.
I miss wearing my wedding ring. I’ve had this silver “place holder” on my left hand since the end of March.
I miss bending at the waist, although I do a pretty good job of bending from the hips if I spread my legs apart far enough, or lift one in the process.
I miss sleeping on my stomach. I have commandeered about every pillow in the house to make a “bowl” for my tummy, and yet, I still sleep in a contorted side-lying position that makes whichever unfortunate bottom leg fall asleep.
I miss being able to hold in my pee. I never had to drink as much water as I do now, or at least I never did drink as much water as I do now, I never had the pressure on my bladder and I hear that will get worse before it gets better.
Getting a continuous night’s sleep; this definitely will get worse before it gets better. At least now, I can go back to bed after I wake up.
I miss liking the house temperature around 76 degrees. I’ve been keeping it at 74, but it’s still kind of hot.
I miss being able to move a piece of furniture without calling in a bunch of friends for help. I definitely don’t miss mowing the lawn!
I miss the flawless skin on my stomach, and the intact hiney. Unfortunately, I think I need to kiss both of those goodbye forever.
I miss being able to scrub the bottom of my own feet. Now, the luxury of a pedicure has become a necessity.
I miss reaching my back and my back side. You never know how much you take this for granted until it becomes such a challenge.
I also miss being able to easily dress myself. Shorts and underwear – well, let’s just say I’ve developed my own “maternity yoga” program for this. Fortunately, flip flops have made shoes a non-issue.
I miss conversations that don’t include pregnancy, children, hemorrhoids, stretch marks, breastfeeding, diapers, sleep patterns, due dates, and being anywhere that someone doesn’t ask me if I’m due any day now.
I miss being able to turn my body in the car to see where I am going when I back out of a parking spot. There’s not a lot of give under these ribs….
Anyone who has ever been pregnant understands that while being pregnant, bodily functions become topics of everyday conversation, because there is so much "magic" happening all the time. In light of that new knowledge, I am not embarassed to say that I miss pooping once a day instead 3 - 5 times per day. (although, I can't complain about any constipation - for sure! Go Lean Crunch!)
No, today is what I miss most about my pre-pregnancy body/life. Once MacKenzie is born, you’ll probably hear all of the reasons I miss being pregnant. But in my current state, I think this is most appropriate.
I miss wearing my wedding ring. I’ve had this silver “place holder” on my left hand since the end of March.
I miss bending at the waist, although I do a pretty good job of bending from the hips if I spread my legs apart far enough, or lift one in the process.
I miss sleeping on my stomach. I have commandeered about every pillow in the house to make a “bowl” for my tummy, and yet, I still sleep in a contorted side-lying position that makes whichever unfortunate bottom leg fall asleep.
I miss being able to hold in my pee. I never had to drink as much water as I do now, or at least I never did drink as much water as I do now, I never had the pressure on my bladder and I hear that will get worse before it gets better.
Getting a continuous night’s sleep; this definitely will get worse before it gets better. At least now, I can go back to bed after I wake up.
I miss liking the house temperature around 76 degrees. I’ve been keeping it at 74, but it’s still kind of hot.
I miss being able to move a piece of furniture without calling in a bunch of friends for help. I definitely don’t miss mowing the lawn!
I miss the flawless skin on my stomach, and the intact hiney. Unfortunately, I think I need to kiss both of those goodbye forever.
I miss being able to scrub the bottom of my own feet. Now, the luxury of a pedicure has become a necessity.
I miss reaching my back and my back side. You never know how much you take this for granted until it becomes such a challenge.
I also miss being able to easily dress myself. Shorts and underwear – well, let’s just say I’ve developed my own “maternity yoga” program for this. Fortunately, flip flops have made shoes a non-issue.
I miss conversations that don’t include pregnancy, children, hemorrhoids, stretch marks, breastfeeding, diapers, sleep patterns, due dates, and being anywhere that someone doesn’t ask me if I’m due any day now.
I miss being able to turn my body in the car to see where I am going when I back out of a parking spot. There’s not a lot of give under these ribs….
Anyone who has ever been pregnant understands that while being pregnant, bodily functions become topics of everyday conversation, because there is so much "magic" happening all the time. In light of that new knowledge, I am not embarassed to say that I miss pooping once a day instead 3 - 5 times per day. (although, I can't complain about any constipation - for sure! Go Lean Crunch!)
Monday, July 9, 2007
3 weeks until "D" Day!
Well, we are definitely getting excited and looking forward to the big day!
I moved the bassinett around in the bedroom, and set up a little area nearby with the diaper changing station stuff. Should make for an interesting arrangement once baby is here! Unfortunately, Bradley has to move his "bed" to make room for her. (Maybe that explains the puking episode from this morning at 5:45 a.m.)
We have signed up for the New Parent Support program through Ft. Bragg. I think it's really for people who are a bit younger than Phil and I, and who have no clue how to care for babies, but I decided there are some pretty good resources (free childcare classes, play groups, free books, advice, etc.) that I can take advantage of. I've actually learned quite a bit already!
One of the LCSW's is coming over for a home visit today. I guess they check to make sure we have everything we need and that we know to take all the cute stuff out of the crib before putting the baby in it!
Tomorrow morning we have a Dr. appointment for 37 weeks! The baby is full term, so as far as I am concerned, she can come anytime - although I am holding out for Phil to be home on leave and here for at least that part of the pregnancy!
I moved the bassinett around in the bedroom, and set up a little area nearby with the diaper changing station stuff. Should make for an interesting arrangement once baby is here! Unfortunately, Bradley has to move his "bed" to make room for her. (Maybe that explains the puking episode from this morning at 5:45 a.m.)
We have signed up for the New Parent Support program through Ft. Bragg. I think it's really for people who are a bit younger than Phil and I, and who have no clue how to care for babies, but I decided there are some pretty good resources (free childcare classes, play groups, free books, advice, etc.) that I can take advantage of. I've actually learned quite a bit already!
One of the LCSW's is coming over for a home visit today. I guess they check to make sure we have everything we need and that we know to take all the cute stuff out of the crib before putting the baby in it!
Tomorrow morning we have a Dr. appointment for 37 weeks! The baby is full term, so as far as I am concerned, she can come anytime - although I am holding out for Phil to be home on leave and here for at least that part of the pregnancy!
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