Believe it or not, at most I have one week to go! This is what we call the FINAL countdown. I swear it feels like I have been pregnant for 20+ months. I had a wonderfully relaxing weekend with my mom and my friend who was in town visiting from the Philly area. We did a whole lot of nothing. We did manage to see a movie, Catch and Release. It was cute, not great but a good way to spend an afternoon.
Otherwise, not a whole lot going on. The boy's room is ready. We (gramma & I) got the letters on the wall Friday night. Its very cute! Now, we just need the boy.
I am working today and Wednesday in the office, from home Tuesday and Thursday and then I am taking Friday off. By Monday this should be all over, or just beginning as they say. Tomorrow I have visits to my ob and my perinatalogist. Last round! Who hooo...
Monday, January 29, 2007
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Me @ 37 weeks & Snow..
Ready to go #1! 37 weeks on this DAY (back on Sunday, January 21st)! Only 2 to go. That is if he doesn't decide to come early. You know your baby belly is HUGE when it makes the rest of you look relatively small. My legs look pretty normal ... but I think its just relative to the BELLY!
Ready to go #2!
The girl & the daddy hit the slope!
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Back to the 5th of February
Amnio came back...Lungs not mature enough yet. So we are back to the 5th. Though my doc says ... you are not going to make it till the 5th, so we'll just bump whoever we need to when you go into labor. GO INTO LABOR. Doesn't this totally defeat the purpose of the SCHEDULED C-section?
I know patience is a virtue and I surely want to wait if he's not ready, but I AM SO READY.
At least this gives me the time for the new diaper bag to arrive ... its scheduled for delivery on Monday. Hopefully, it, unlikely my new kid, will cooperate :)
I know patience is a virtue and I surely want to wait if he's not ready, but I AM SO READY.
At least this gives me the time for the new diaper bag to arrive ... its scheduled for delivery on Monday. Hopefully, it, unlikely my new kid, will cooperate :)
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Baby Boy
Ok, so today I went to see my ob for my routine check and she found me a bit closer to delivery than she anticipated. 3 cm dialated. That and the perinatalogist report that the boy is huge compelled her to try to move my surgery. For now, I am scheduled for Friday (this FRIDAY) at 12 noon. The 26th. Because it is 37 weeks not full-term they do require an amnio, which they sent me for this afternoon. So I will know 100% until tomorrow when those results come back if the lungs are mature enough. If not, I am not sure what they will do.
I didn't think I'd make it to February 5th but FRIDAY seems so soon ;) NEVER satisfied. I am ready. DONE ...
I didn't think I'd make it to February 5th but FRIDAY seems so soon ;) NEVER satisfied. I am ready. DONE ...
Monday, January 22, 2007
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Corrine Bailey Rae...
...is my new favorite singer, with my new favorite song, Like a Star. You can listen on her myspace page ...
Like A Star
Just like a star across my sky,
Just like an angel off the page,
You have appeared to my life,
Feel like I'll never be the same,
Just like a song in my heart,
Just like oil on my hands,
Honour to love you
Still i wonder why it is,
I don't argue like this,
With anyone but you,
We do it all the time,
Blowing out my mind,
You've got this look i can't describe,
You make me feel like I'm alive,
When everything else is au fait,
Without a doubt you're on my side,
Heaven has been away too long,
Can't find the words to write this song,
Oh.,.. Your love,
Still i wonder why it is,
I don't argue like this,
With anyone but you,
We do it all the time,
Blowing out my mind,
I have come to understand,
The way it is,
It's not a secret anymore,
'cause we've been through that before,
From tonight I know that you're the only one,
I've been confused and in the dark,
Now I understand, I wonder why it is,
I don't argue like this,
With anyone but you,
I wonder why it is,
I wont let my guard down,
To anyone but you
We do it all the time,
Blowing out my mind,
Just like a star across my sky,
Just like an angel off the page,
You have appeared to my life,
Feel like I'll never be the same,
Just like a song in my heart,
Just like oil on my hands
Like A Star
Just like a star across my sky,
Just like an angel off the page,
You have appeared to my life,
Feel like I'll never be the same,
Just like a song in my heart,
Just like oil on my hands,
Honour to love you
Still i wonder why it is,
I don't argue like this,
With anyone but you,
We do it all the time,
Blowing out my mind,
You've got this look i can't describe,
You make me feel like I'm alive,
When everything else is au fait,
Without a doubt you're on my side,
Heaven has been away too long,
Can't find the words to write this song,
Oh.,.. Your love,
Still i wonder why it is,
I don't argue like this,
With anyone but you,
We do it all the time,
Blowing out my mind,
I have come to understand,
The way it is,
It's not a secret anymore,
'cause we've been through that before,
From tonight I know that you're the only one,
I've been confused and in the dark,
Now I understand, I wonder why it is,
I don't argue like this,
With anyone but you,
I wonder why it is,
I wont let my guard down,
To anyone but you
We do it all the time,
Blowing out my mind,
Just like a star across my sky,
Just like an angel off the page,
You have appeared to my life,
Feel like I'll never be the same,
Just like a song in my heart,
Just like oil on my hands
Monday, January 15, 2007
Just for fun...let's go to the ER!
And for extra bonus points, let's do it in Richmond :) So I took a brief weekend trip to my godmother's for the weekend. The Girl and I decided to go visit ... its only an hour a 1/2 (just 1/2 an hour further than I should have been from my hospital at this point in my pregnancy) BUT what could possibly go wrong. Well, yesterday on my way into the house after lunch I decide let's slip and fall in the garage.
At first, I thought I was fine. Went in, sat down. Didn't feel any excruiating pain. Then I tried to stand up. Um, not so much happening. Severe pain in my lower belly and pelvis area. OUCH. I was pretty sure I had just pulled some muscles. I did a lovely split on the way down and didn't really hit the ground hard at all but the muscles were definitely stretched in ways they had not been in years, if ever! Still, my godmother a nurse for 27 years at MCV hospital insisted I call my OB's service. My OB is on vacation until the 21st. Which is actually a good thing because I am pretty sure she would have yelled at me. The OB covering for her recommended I go right away to be monitored. SO poor hubby who is in NOVA at the time gets a phone call that I am going to MCV L&D. We decide as a precaution its probalby good for him to come with me.
So by 5pm my mom and godmom have me in L&D at MCV. First let me say, the people there are EXTREMELY nice. Very competent and slightly horrified when I started giving them the medical history of this pregnancy. I think they thought I was a bit nuts until they finally got someone from Alexandria Hospital to fax over my medical records. At least I made their Sunday evening interesting. So, the standard protocol is 4 hours of monitoring the baby and contractions. IF nothing, then you can go home. My blood pressure was a bit up, but I think it was just because of the stress/anxiety of the situtation as throughout the pregnancy my BP has been perfect and the urine dip was negative for any protein that would indicate preeclampsia - pregnancy induced hypertension. See how much I've learned?
So they watched me from 5 until a little after 9pm and all was fine. A few minor contractions that tapered off and some severe pain still but nothing that is impacting the baby. They said his tracking made him the happiest baby there at the time. He was perfect. Perfect heartrate, perfect movement. They checked me via ultrasound too just to make sure I didn't tear anything or damage the placenta. Around 9:30 I was discharged and we made it home around 12 midnight. Of course, my car is still in Richmond but we'll figure that out later!
I am still in a lot of pain when I walk or go from sitting to standing or standing to sitting. But its just muscles. They will heal. I am so ready for this baby to come, but no I didn't try to shake him out!!!
At first, I thought I was fine. Went in, sat down. Didn't feel any excruiating pain. Then I tried to stand up. Um, not so much happening. Severe pain in my lower belly and pelvis area. OUCH. I was pretty sure I had just pulled some muscles. I did a lovely split on the way down and didn't really hit the ground hard at all but the muscles were definitely stretched in ways they had not been in years, if ever! Still, my godmother a nurse for 27 years at MCV hospital insisted I call my OB's service. My OB is on vacation until the 21st. Which is actually a good thing because I am pretty sure she would have yelled at me. The OB covering for her recommended I go right away to be monitored. SO poor hubby who is in NOVA at the time gets a phone call that I am going to MCV L&D. We decide as a precaution its probalby good for him to come with me.
So by 5pm my mom and godmom have me in L&D at MCV. First let me say, the people there are EXTREMELY nice. Very competent and slightly horrified when I started giving them the medical history of this pregnancy. I think they thought I was a bit nuts until they finally got someone from Alexandria Hospital to fax over my medical records. At least I made their Sunday evening interesting. So, the standard protocol is 4 hours of monitoring the baby and contractions. IF nothing, then you can go home. My blood pressure was a bit up, but I think it was just because of the stress/anxiety of the situtation as throughout the pregnancy my BP has been perfect and the urine dip was negative for any protein that would indicate preeclampsia - pregnancy induced hypertension. See how much I've learned?
So they watched me from 5 until a little after 9pm and all was fine. A few minor contractions that tapered off and some severe pain still but nothing that is impacting the baby. They said his tracking made him the happiest baby there at the time. He was perfect. Perfect heartrate, perfect movement. They checked me via ultrasound too just to make sure I didn't tear anything or damage the placenta. Around 9:30 I was discharged and we made it home around 12 midnight. Of course, my car is still in Richmond but we'll figure that out later!
I am still in a lot of pain when I walk or go from sitting to standing or standing to sitting. But its just muscles. They will heal. I am so ready for this baby to come, but no I didn't try to shake him out!!!
Friday, January 12, 2007
Baking 101
Baking with mom! The girl and I are doing our best impressions of Julia Child, making some banana bread. One of her favorite things in the world is cooking!
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Baby Update
Well, we had our weekly doctor appointments today and all is still well. Not to be excessively graphic but Dr. J-C examined me and found me 1 cm dialated ... as she put it "I can feel the head so you are at least a cm" ... nice! NO wonder I feel like there is a skull resting on my bone down there! Then off to Dr. G who measured not once, not twice, but three times. Apparently this baby boy is BIG. First measurement was putting him at 9 lbs 5 oz give or take 1.5 lbs. Second put him at 8 lbs 4 oz, again give or take 1.5 lbs. STILL big!
He is going to recommend/make clear that delivering him even earlier is a totally viable option. 1 - He is huge, 2 - I've been through enough and am ready to be non-pregnant, and 3 - the steriod injections should have nicely matured his lungs! I am alllllll for that. SO maybe he can talk my OB into a week earlier. We'll see...I am not holding my breath!
Otherwise, much of the same. I am 35 weeks, 2 days and definitely counting. Only 3 weeks and 5 days to go...that is if we don't move the surgery up!
He is going to recommend/make clear that delivering him even earlier is a totally viable option. 1 - He is huge, 2 - I've been through enough and am ready to be non-pregnant, and 3 - the steriod injections should have nicely matured his lungs! I am alllllll for that. SO maybe he can talk my OB into a week earlier. We'll see...I am not holding my breath!
Otherwise, much of the same. I am 35 weeks, 2 days and definitely counting. Only 3 weeks and 5 days to go...that is if we don't move the surgery up!
Friday, January 05, 2007
It's Even MORE Official Now...
What a beautiful view!
Nice Bedrooms!
And Lovely Furnishings!
Isn't that a LOVELY view? I know I shouldn't get too excited cause we all know stuff can come up for for now I am excited. We have booked our next trip to STJ. House, Car, Airfare! Even the water taxi from St. Thomas over. I am a planner if nothing else. Hubby, myself, my mama, and the kiddos will be heading to STJ over Thanksgiving 2007. Only 313 days to go.
Check out our home away from home for 8 nights, Drake's Lookout.
Or ... see how truly obsessed I am by checking out my countdown to STJ!
Thursday, January 04, 2007
The Kiddos' Rooms...
As long ago (back in OCTOBER) promised ... here are a few pics of the new and improved rooms. The girl decided to move down the hall to the room she could paint pink & the baby's room is just about finished. We need a bit of art!
The Girl's Room
The Boy's Room
The Girl's Room
The Boy's Room
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
2 More Doc Appointments Down
Yesterday took care of two more doctor's appointments & all is still well. Baby boy still has the fluid in the belly. No more, no less - subjectively speaking. He is still happy as a clam. Dr. G is very happy w/ his nonstress testing and movements. Go baby!
4 weeks, 4 days to go.
4 weeks, 4 days to go.
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Happy New Year!
The Preggos & The Bartender Enjoy a Bite
The Katrina House comes down!
A Shot from Dance Camp Performance!
Well, happy new year all! In my effort to start the new year out right, I have been on a straight up cleaning, organizing, decluttering frenzy. It could be the nesting instinct kicking in, since we have 4 weeks and 5 days to go. NOT that anyone here is counting.
We spent our 2nd 3 day holiday weekend a bit more low key. Friday the girl had a dance performance at the Little Gym for her winter dance camp. I was EXTREMELY impressed by how much the teacher had been able to get them to learn and do. Still, it was SO funny. Too too cute. They did a dance to "Hot, Hot, Hot" that resulting in mom snorting into the video camera mic!
Friday night we had a great dinner w/ Dr. G and his lovely wife. The girl was a peach. Very well behaved and very engaged in the convo.
Saturday, a hair appt followed by a pink elephant party which was a lot of fun. Saturday night we didn't do much of anything.
New Year's Eve Morning aka Sunday morning, up and cleaning by 8. De-decorated the house. All Christmas paraphenalia is in the basement, nicely sorted and packed away. Then I hit the laundry room cabinets, the office, the girl's toy drawers. Purged, sorted, organized! New Year's Eve was spent at P&Bs with their 4 year old little one and Dr. G and C. It was a great time. Very low key. Hubby was the designated bartender and I have never seen so many buzzed on pink drinks in my life. Cosmos - the original w/ cranberry juice and a fancy pomegranate version for the new year. We ate tons of B's famous dumplins! YUMMY. Played a game called Table Talk, which was a lot of fun - just convo starting questions. Eg. What's more important common sense or intelligence? and so on. The girls constructed their gingerbread houses and were thrilled. My girls collapsed soon being deemed "the gingerbread house that katrina built" but she coped quite well. Her only comment "oh well I guess I have to eat it now!"
We all made it to see the ball drop even the little ones. We were home around 12:45. Slept in until almost 11 yesterday! More cleaning, a trip to Walmart and then Hubby's family gathering for New Years Day. More GREAT food. I think I gained 5 lbs in 2 days. But it was worth it.
Today I have two more doctor's appts. OB first then the Peri. Did I mention we are under 5 weeks?!?!?!
The Katrina House comes down!
A Shot from Dance Camp Performance!
Well, happy new year all! In my effort to start the new year out right, I have been on a straight up cleaning, organizing, decluttering frenzy. It could be the nesting instinct kicking in, since we have 4 weeks and 5 days to go. NOT that anyone here is counting.
We spent our 2nd 3 day holiday weekend a bit more low key. Friday the girl had a dance performance at the Little Gym for her winter dance camp. I was EXTREMELY impressed by how much the teacher had been able to get them to learn and do. Still, it was SO funny. Too too cute. They did a dance to "Hot, Hot, Hot" that resulting in mom snorting into the video camera mic!
Friday night we had a great dinner w/ Dr. G and his lovely wife. The girl was a peach. Very well behaved and very engaged in the convo.
Saturday, a hair appt followed by a pink elephant party which was a lot of fun. Saturday night we didn't do much of anything.
New Year's Eve Morning aka Sunday morning, up and cleaning by 8. De-decorated the house. All Christmas paraphenalia is in the basement, nicely sorted and packed away. Then I hit the laundry room cabinets, the office, the girl's toy drawers. Purged, sorted, organized! New Year's Eve was spent at P&Bs with their 4 year old little one and Dr. G and C. It was a great time. Very low key. Hubby was the designated bartender and I have never seen so many buzzed on pink drinks in my life. Cosmos - the original w/ cranberry juice and a fancy pomegranate version for the new year. We ate tons of B's famous dumplins! YUMMY. Played a game called Table Talk, which was a lot of fun - just convo starting questions. Eg. What's more important common sense or intelligence? and so on. The girls constructed their gingerbread houses and were thrilled. My girls collapsed soon being deemed "the gingerbread house that katrina built" but she coped quite well. Her only comment "oh well I guess I have to eat it now!"
We all made it to see the ball drop even the little ones. We were home around 12:45. Slept in until almost 11 yesterday! More cleaning, a trip to Walmart and then Hubby's family gathering for New Years Day. More GREAT food. I think I gained 5 lbs in 2 days. But it was worth it.
Today I have two more doctor's appts. OB first then the Peri. Did I mention we are under 5 weeks?!?!?!
Friday, December 29, 2006
We're going back...
Ok, so we all know the trip to STJ for '06 was cancelled. Well, I could NOT stand it anymore. So frequent flier tickets for the time span I was eyeing became available. There was no resisting. We'll be heading back Thursday, November 15 - Friday, November 23rd, 2007. Yes, this means we'll be spending Thanksgiving on island! 8 glorious nights, 9 wonderful days. Plus, we'll be overlapping gramma's birthday as well as it lands on Turkey Day in 2007! And the best part is I won't be prego so I can enjoy all the Rum Punches and Painkillers I want!
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Busy Holidays!!!
Before I forget all the fun things we have going on this holiday season & before I complain about being tired one more time ... let's reflect on our holiday schedule!
Friday, December 22: Gramma came to town and she and I shopped old town for the afternoon and then headed home to the girl and daddy. Then we had a surprise visit from hubby's brother and 3 year old nephew for some play time. (My sister in law had been mega shopping for 2 days straight and my brother in law couldn't take it anymore. But he brought us goodies so that was ok!)
Saturday, December 23: Kathykins, Maggie and Jeff (Godmother & Brood) came to town for a little Christmas Adam (that's what we call the day before Christmas Eve) cheer. My mom's homemade lasagne, nice salad, garlic bread, chocolate cake. Yummy goodness. We invited the 3 cousins over as well and they really seemed to enjoy themselves. Plus, we did a bit of early Christmas present opening.
Sunday, December 24th: KK & her hubby and mama came over with a wonderful roast and sides. We enjoyed a YUMMY dinner, more presents and dessert!
Monday, December 25th: Neither Gramma or I made it out of our PJs (even when we had to run to Exxon for batteries and milk). We opened gifts, watched the girl's amazement. She was MOST thrilled that Santa wrote her back. She left him a note asking why he only comes when she's asleep and he answered her! Imagine that. She, of course, got way too many presents. A new dollhouse, a dinosaur, a talking microscope, a new coat, new stuffed kitties, and on and on. Mama (that's me) got a LOVELY new jewelry box - very large to consolidate the 3 smaller ones I have things in now & with room to grow (Hint to daddy). Daddy got spoiled too ... lots of boy toys. Electronics, games, camping stuff, weird things that only boys enjoy. All in all Christmas day was the most relaxing of the whole weekend.
Today, Wednesday, December 27th: Daddy & I have a date night! Which will entail as little physical activity as possible!
Friday, December 29th: We are going for a nice dinner with our friends Dr. G (our pediatrician not to be confused with Dr. G of perinatology fame) & his lovely & also prego wife. She's due in May! Part of the baby boom!
Friday, December 22: Gramma came to town and she and I shopped old town for the afternoon and then headed home to the girl and daddy. Then we had a surprise visit from hubby's brother and 3 year old nephew for some play time. (My sister in law had been mega shopping for 2 days straight and my brother in law couldn't take it anymore. But he brought us goodies so that was ok!)
Saturday, December 23: Kathykins, Maggie and Jeff (Godmother & Brood) came to town for a little Christmas Adam (that's what we call the day before Christmas Eve) cheer. My mom's homemade lasagne, nice salad, garlic bread, chocolate cake. Yummy goodness. We invited the 3 cousins over as well and they really seemed to enjoy themselves. Plus, we did a bit of early Christmas present opening.
Sunday, December 24th: KK & her hubby and mama came over with a wonderful roast and sides. We enjoyed a YUMMY dinner, more presents and dessert!
Monday, December 25th: Neither Gramma or I made it out of our PJs (even when we had to run to Exxon for batteries and milk). We opened gifts, watched the girl's amazement. She was MOST thrilled that Santa wrote her back. She left him a note asking why he only comes when she's asleep and he answered her! Imagine that. She, of course, got way too many presents. A new dollhouse, a dinosaur, a talking microscope, a new coat, new stuffed kitties, and on and on. Mama (that's me) got a LOVELY new jewelry box - very large to consolidate the 3 smaller ones I have things in now & with room to grow (Hint to daddy). Daddy got spoiled too ... lots of boy toys. Electronics, games, camping stuff, weird things that only boys enjoy. All in all Christmas day was the most relaxing of the whole weekend.
Today, Wednesday, December 27th: Daddy & I have a date night! Which will entail as little physical activity as possible!
Friday, December 29th: We are going for a nice dinner with our friends Dr. G (our pediatrician not to be confused with Dr. G of perinatology fame) & his lovely & also prego wife. She's due in May! Part of the baby boom!
Saturday, December 30th: Mama (again me) will be going over to a girlfriends for a Pink Elephant party. I am not 100% sure what that is ... but I am game!
Sunday, December 31st: We'll be spending New Years Eve with our friend P & B, Dr. G & his lovely prego wife, and the kids. The girls will be constructing gingerbread houses. I know that is more of a Christmas thing but they are 4 and don't care!
Then it will be JANUARY. And the final countdown can truly begin. I should stop complaining about being so darn tired as it is all my own doing. Here's hoping for only the best in the New Year!
Another Doctor Appointment Down...
...only 9 more scheduled appointments to go! Now that we are moving into the final stretch of things, I visit my OB 1x a week and my Perinatologist 1x a week for sonograms and fetal monitoring.
Yesterday, I did my 1/2 hour in the chair at the perinatal center at Alexandria hospital and the baby did fantastically. Sono showed the same. Beautiful lungs and practice breaths, still fluid in the belly. Doctor G. assures me this is nothing to worry about, non life threatening. He said the baby is behaving as if he could care less that the fluid is there. Which is a great thing. Baby boy has been EXTREMELY active and I am still in doubt I will make it to February 5! That's 5 weeks and 4 days! Seeing in my opinion will be believing. I am looking forward to that GIANT sigh of relief. Probably loads of tears of relief too!
So ... a week ago they measured and there is a good reason I feel MORE pregnant now than I did at the end with the girl. She weighed 6 lbs, 15 oz at birth. This guy is already over 7 lbs! TGF C-sections! They will measure every other week to make sure nothing is too out of control. Of course my mom - who delivered an 11 lb, 4 oz and an 11 lb, 14 oz baby has no sympathy! Not really, she feels my pain.
I am ready. When he is ready I am ready! Is it February yet???
Yesterday, I did my 1/2 hour in the chair at the perinatal center at Alexandria hospital and the baby did fantastically. Sono showed the same. Beautiful lungs and practice breaths, still fluid in the belly. Doctor G. assures me this is nothing to worry about, non life threatening. He said the baby is behaving as if he could care less that the fluid is there. Which is a great thing. Baby boy has been EXTREMELY active and I am still in doubt I will make it to February 5! That's 5 weeks and 4 days! Seeing in my opinion will be believing. I am looking forward to that GIANT sigh of relief. Probably loads of tears of relief too!
So ... a week ago they measured and there is a good reason I feel MORE pregnant now than I did at the end with the girl. She weighed 6 lbs, 15 oz at birth. This guy is already over 7 lbs! TGF C-sections! They will measure every other week to make sure nothing is too out of control. Of course my mom - who delivered an 11 lb, 4 oz and an 11 lb, 14 oz baby has no sympathy! Not really, she feels my pain.
I am ready. When he is ready I am ready! Is it February yet???
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
Christmas!!!
A new dollhouse from Santa!
Cookie Making is fun!
Gramma Mezo and all the Cousins!
A present for mama - note "not for Daddy"
Sous Chef Girl w/ her new hat from KK
Dino Construction with Daddy
My New Microscope - it talks.
5 things you didn't know about me until now
Summer tagged me so I must play along! 5 things you didn't know about me until now... though I can't promise you don't know these .. I am pretty much an open book.
1. My entire life I always thought I would grow up to be a lawyer. I even still entertain thoughts of going to law school for the fun of it. My husband says my argumentative skills are going to waste.
2. I weighed 11 lbs, 4 ozs at birth. Which is why my mother offers ZERO sympathy when I whine that this boy in the belly is already over 7lbs. Looks like he'll weigh in around 9-10 lbs when all is said and done. A good lb or two smaller than me. My brother was 11 lbs, 14 oz. My mother is 5'2. Yes, we were delivered the old fashioned way. HOW I do not know!
3. I am the only member of my family - including aunts, uncles, cousins, brother, mom, dad, grandparents - to be born south of the mason dixon line. Hence my rebel status :)
4. I have a masters degree in Social Work. Though many would think it is going to waste, all the psychology and clinical training required for that masters comes in handy every day.
5. When I was growing up I lived in Jamaica (Virginia) in a little country house with horses, a goat, ducks, chickens, guinea hens, a dog and cat!
And the Bonus #6...Though I don't look so huge from the front (see above)...
Friday, December 22, 2006
It's ALMOST Christmas...
How did this happen?? Only 3 more days. The girl is of course more excited about Gramma coming than Santa, but still ... Christmas morning should be a lot of fun this year.Merry Christmas all!!!
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Stealing from Summer...
So where have you been? I had been more places than I thought. This is all the states I have actually visited, not including plane stops. Just like Summer. I will get to add Utah to the list this Summer - conference time! And Colorado will be added in late 2007 as we go for our pre-con site visit in Denver.
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
8lbs & Banking Cord Blood
8 lbs ... no that is not how much the baby weighs already, that's how much I have gained. I feel like I've gained about 50 lbs. Though in reality 5 lbs is baby, 5lbs is other baby incubating materials. I've really lost 2 lbs. How is that for rationalizing? Trust me, I could care less how much I gain or don't gain, I just want a healthy little one.
I visited Dr. J-C this morning, however she was off to the hospital to deliver a woman who had called at 9:30 am saying she "thought" she was in labor. To be cautious, Doc sent her to the hospital. They checked her ... she was 8cm! So needless to say, she needed to go. So I saw the nurse and everything seems fine.
I head out around 1pm to go to see Dr. Ghidini for the fetal stress test and the weekly sono.
7 weeks from yesterday this will all be over! Or as some might say, it will have only just begun!
We have also decided to bank this baby's cord blood. Many say its a rip-off scheme, but its not something I am willing to risk not doing and then wishing I had. Its about $2000. $1800 after the special discount! But they let you pay it over a year and then its just $125/year to store it. Right now it has been used to treat about 40 different things, cancers, inborn errors of metabolism, etc. Considering all we've been through with this pregnancy and the fact that our children are of mixed race (i.e. hard to find a match in a public bank), I think it is worth it. I hope it is an insurance policy we NEVER have to use.
I visited Dr. J-C this morning, however she was off to the hospital to deliver a woman who had called at 9:30 am saying she "thought" she was in labor. To be cautious, Doc sent her to the hospital. They checked her ... she was 8cm! So needless to say, she needed to go. So I saw the nurse and everything seems fine.
I head out around 1pm to go to see Dr. Ghidini for the fetal stress test and the weekly sono.
7 weeks from yesterday this will all be over! Or as some might say, it will have only just begun!
We have also decided to bank this baby's cord blood. Many say its a rip-off scheme, but its not something I am willing to risk not doing and then wishing I had. Its about $2000. $1800 after the special discount! But they let you pay it over a year and then its just $125/year to store it. Right now it has been used to treat about 40 different things, cancers, inborn errors of metabolism, etc. Considering all we've been through with this pregnancy and the fact that our children are of mixed race (i.e. hard to find a match in a public bank), I think it is worth it. I hope it is an insurance policy we NEVER have to use.
Friday, December 15, 2006
Coincidence or Something in the Water? You Decide!
First it was just an interesting coincidence that while I was expecting a new baby one of my friends was in the process of adopting a new baby. Then, it was just a little odd but not completely over the top that my hubby's best friend from junior high through high school is expecting a baby in March. THEN, we found out his other extremely close friend from that time frame is expecting a baby in MAY. And today, I get an email from one of his friend's (now also my friend) from junior high ... she's expecting a new baby. It is a baby boom.
I would suggest not drinking the water and/or ending your friendships with my husband if you do not want to reproduce anytime soon ;)
I would suggest not drinking the water and/or ending your friendships with my husband if you do not want to reproduce anytime soon ;)
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Are people REALLY this dumb?
Today while stopping off on the way in to the office at Dunkin Donuts I witness the following. FFX co. cop parked in the "FIRE/DO NOT PARK HERE ZONE" (Yes, the cop is in the car not inside getting a donut). A young professional looking guy in a silver audi pulls up, hits the hazards and runs into the store. The cop gets out and begins to give him a ticket. Guy comes out, donut and coffee in hand, and says to the cop "What are you doing?"
Cop: "Well, sir, I am writing you a ticket?"
Yuppie: "What?"
Cop: "Did you not see my MARKED car?"
Yuppie: "Sure, but I didn't think you'd give me a ticket."
Cop: "Did you see the sign?"
Yuppie: "Yeah but I was only in there for a minute."
The cop just shakes his head and snickers...and hands him the ticket.
Seriously, I can understand you park there run in and when you come out a cop is there waiting...but to park IN FRONT OF THE COP CAR and get out and run in...people, seriously!
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
So yesterday ...
So Yesterday I went for my first fetal stress test & my 30th weekly sonogram. The stress test is really nonstressful. You sit in a recliner. They strap you to a fetal heartrate monitor and a contraction monitor, bring you a glass of juice and ask you to push a button everytime you feel the baby move. Simple enough. If the baby is active it can take as little as 20 minutes. Basically they are just looking to see if the baby has any heart rate anomolies or any issues related to movement. They are also looking to make sure that I am not having regular contractions. So I sit, drink, and push the button for about 1/2 an hour. Baby looks great. Heart rate good and steady. I do great, only 1 contraction which at this point is normal as the old uterus starts practicing. Lucky for me ... it won't need this practice because c-section makes perfect :) Blood pressure is 116/65. Looks great.
Well, each week from here on out after the stressfree stress test I go back to the sonogram room for a scan. Supposed to be brief to measure amniotic fluid & just peek at the baby. Dr. Poggi comes in and looks around. Amniotic fluid is good, lungs are good, but there is seemingly MORE abdominal swelling/fluid than before. Its all getting really subjective now asa the baby's rate of growth increases, so is it more relative to the baby's growth, who knows. But it looks like more. She says she'd feel better if Ghidini looked at it. Ok, fine by me as I love him and I'd feel better that way too.
Still, my heart races a bit because the last time someone looked at a sonogram and left the room to get someone else the word "catastrophic" came up shortly there after. Anyway, in comes Ghidini with his sunny disposition. He takes a look & is honest, says he can't really explain it. Further accumulation would be contrary to his expectations and all literature and that it is definitely not negatively impacting anything. Ok, so why is it there? No idea. Great. SO frustrating.
They say they will, of course, meet with the neonatologists and offer them a complete history of this pregnancy, they will be there at delivery, that he expects at best they'll do little other than an ultrasound of the baby at birth & send him home w/ me at 3 days with close follow-up. At worst, they will want to drain the fluid and still possibly send him home at 3 days. I think they really don't know until he is here. Which brings me to this ...
7 weeks and 4 days! I think I can I think I can I think I can.
Well, each week from here on out after the stressfree stress test I go back to the sonogram room for a scan. Supposed to be brief to measure amniotic fluid & just peek at the baby. Dr. Poggi comes in and looks around. Amniotic fluid is good, lungs are good, but there is seemingly MORE abdominal swelling/fluid than before. Its all getting really subjective now asa the baby's rate of growth increases, so is it more relative to the baby's growth, who knows. But it looks like more. She says she'd feel better if Ghidini looked at it. Ok, fine by me as I love him and I'd feel better that way too.
Still, my heart races a bit because the last time someone looked at a sonogram and left the room to get someone else the word "catastrophic" came up shortly there after. Anyway, in comes Ghidini with his sunny disposition. He takes a look & is honest, says he can't really explain it. Further accumulation would be contrary to his expectations and all literature and that it is definitely not negatively impacting anything. Ok, so why is it there? No idea. Great. SO frustrating.
They say they will, of course, meet with the neonatologists and offer them a complete history of this pregnancy, they will be there at delivery, that he expects at best they'll do little other than an ultrasound of the baby at birth & send him home w/ me at 3 days with close follow-up. At worst, they will want to drain the fluid and still possibly send him home at 3 days. I think they really don't know until he is here. Which brings me to this ...
7 weeks and 4 days! I think I can I think I can I think I can.
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
The New Plan...
So I've been thinking about our next vacation. I found out via Destination St. John's lovely Lori that we are not wed to the house we originally booked, so I have found a new contender. Possibly the lovely Calicaribe. That's the pool. NIce, eh? The plan for now (I am waiting for Delta's FF tickets to open for this time frame) is to leave the day after Thanksgiving 2007 or Friday, November 23rd - returning on Friday, November 30th. I have found after several trips to STJ it is best to avoid Saturday and Sunday departures or arrivals. Our last trip we arrived on a Tuesday and it was fantastically quiet and easy to get where we needed to go.
So I am hoping the FF tickets will be easy to snag and then we'll set it all up! I need something to look forward to after all that we've been through in 2007. We'd have to pull the girl out of school for a week, but I think she'll survive. Its ONLY kindergarten. So she'd be 5.5 and baby would be almost 10 months old.
Monday, December 11, 2006
8 weeks ... and yes I am COUNTING
8 weeks from today (at the latest) we should have a baby boy. 2 weeks till Christmas and then only 6 weeks more ... am I counting? YES!
Friday, December 08, 2006
A Christmas Retrospective
Look what we found under the tree!
Here at 1.5 years old (after tears) agreeing to sit on the doggie.
2.5 LOVING the tree
3.5 trying to look sweet...
Here at 1.5 years old (after tears) agreeing to sit on the doggie.
2.5 LOVING the tree
3.5 trying to look sweet...
Daniel Craig
I was a nonbeliever. Bond can't be blonde and blue-eyed. I wanted Clive Owen (and still think he would have made an excellent choice). But Mr. Craig pulled it off. Complete and total hotness. Not that I would EVER objectify a man. I don't usually like action flicks. Not really into Bond. But this was a damn good story. 2.5 hours long and I would have sat through another hour without a complaint.
Thursday, December 07, 2006
4lbs, 6 oz. & February 5th
I had two doctor's appointments this week - Tuesday with the perinatologists for a sonogram and Wednesday with my ob for a routine check (and to officially schedule the c-section for February 5th). All is looking ok.
Baby boy is only up 2 oz! That's a good thing. He's still growing and is 90% for size and weight in utero. How they know this I have no clue. There is still persisting abdominal fluid which is freaking me out but doesn't appear to be worrying the docs too much. I am not sure if they are not too worried because they know there is nothing they can do about it but wait till he is on the outside or if its truly not a big deal. So .. I worry. Its what I do now. I don't like anything that is not normal, but relatively speaking I guess for this baby its ok. Lungs are looking great. He's very active and got another 8 of 8 on fetal movement.
So from here we are going to the OB every other week until January, then its every week. Perinatologists want to see me weekly from here on out. In theory, 8 weeks of doctor's appointments to go. I based on nothing but my own gut do not think I will make it 8 more weeks. I think we'll be meeting this baby in late January. But that's just me! I feel more pregnant NOW than I did at the end with the girl! Boys!
Baby boy is only up 2 oz! That's a good thing. He's still growing and is 90% for size and weight in utero. How they know this I have no clue. There is still persisting abdominal fluid which is freaking me out but doesn't appear to be worrying the docs too much. I am not sure if they are not too worried because they know there is nothing they can do about it but wait till he is on the outside or if its truly not a big deal. So .. I worry. Its what I do now. I don't like anything that is not normal, but relatively speaking I guess for this baby its ok. Lungs are looking great. He's very active and got another 8 of 8 on fetal movement.
So from here we are going to the OB every other week until January, then its every week. Perinatologists want to see me weekly from here on out. In theory, 8 weeks of doctor's appointments to go. I based on nothing but my own gut do not think I will make it 8 more weeks. I think we'll be meeting this baby in late January. But that's just me! I feel more pregnant NOW than I did at the end with the girl! Boys!
Friday, December 01, 2006
A Fun Holiday Questionnaire
1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? Oh both...Love egg nog if it involves RUM and is nice and cold. Warm egg nog NO! Hot chocolate is yummy goodness!
2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? Santa wraps using his own special wrapping paper, unless said present is HUGE and then it just goes under the tree with a big bow.
3. Colored lights on tree/house--colored or white? WHITE. Only. Though when we go Christmas Light looking we enjoy the colors!
4. Do you hang mistletoe? Nope.
5. When do you put your decorations up? Usually the weekend after Thanksgiving or the first weekend in December. This year we started WAY early because I am only gonna be marginally mobile for a little while longer. As it was getting the lights on the tree was a challenge. MEN + Lights = DISASTER!
6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)? My mom's sweet potatoes - they are caramelized goodness & my gramma's homemade noodles (which I now make because she's no longer around). And anything my Godmother makes!
7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child? STOCKINGS! Love love love the stocking. I still whine if mine is not properly filled!
8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? I was about 8 I think...I think I suspected but held onto the fantasy cause it meant more presents! Then a present appeared under the tree before Christmas from Santa. MOM was found out!
9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? Usually just 1!
10. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree? White lights and ornaments that signify something. I try to get an ornament everywhere we visit so there is a cowboy hat from San Antonio and a Cactus from Arizona, my favorite is the really sparkly Fleur de lis from New Orleans. There are also a couple of Ella's Christmas pictures framed from year's past and a few I made as a kid. Its like an adventure every year. Ella spent the entire time we decorated this year unwrapping an ornament and exclaiming "OH MY GOODNESS, THIS IS BEAUTIFUL" and then proceeding to hang 4 per branch.
11. Snow! Love it or Dread it? I love to look at it. I hate it when it keeps me immobile. As long as we can go and do I am ok. If I am homebound for more than a day I hate it!
12. Can you ice skate? Have you ever fallen on the ice? Um, NO. Never tried but I am pretty sure still no. Plus the center of gravity is a bit off these days. I don't think I have fallen on the ice.
13. Do you remember your favorite gift? The one that is most memorable was a crayola color craft center that I got when I was about 7 or 8 from my godmother. I LOVED IT. It had everything ... scissors, paint, crayons galore. I was also truly ecstatic when I got my first walkman - it was the yellow sony one ... anyone else have one of those?
14. What's the most important thing about the Holidays for you? Trying to not become overwhelmed and trying to take the time to catch up with old friends and my family. Plus, making it somewhat magical for Ella. It really is way more fun with a kid!
15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? Pecan pie!
16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? Decorating the tree with Ella. Can it be a tradition if we've only done it a couple of years?
17. What tops your tree? A big gold bow.
18. Which do you prefer giving or Receiving? Giving when I get it just right and find the perfect thing for someone. Receiving when I get something and I realize that someone really knows me based on what they got me.
19. What is your favorite Christmas Song? I love the new Sarah McLachlan Christmas CD - Wintersong - her voice is so beautiful. Love Ave Maria too. Jingle Bell Rock!
20. Candy Canes! Yuck or Yum? YUM! Love Peppermint!
2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? Santa wraps using his own special wrapping paper, unless said present is HUGE and then it just goes under the tree with a big bow.
3. Colored lights on tree/house--colored or white? WHITE. Only. Though when we go Christmas Light looking we enjoy the colors!
4. Do you hang mistletoe? Nope.
5. When do you put your decorations up? Usually the weekend after Thanksgiving or the first weekend in December. This year we started WAY early because I am only gonna be marginally mobile for a little while longer. As it was getting the lights on the tree was a challenge. MEN + Lights = DISASTER!
6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)? My mom's sweet potatoes - they are caramelized goodness & my gramma's homemade noodles (which I now make because she's no longer around). And anything my Godmother makes!
7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child? STOCKINGS! Love love love the stocking. I still whine if mine is not properly filled!
8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? I was about 8 I think...I think I suspected but held onto the fantasy cause it meant more presents! Then a present appeared under the tree before Christmas from Santa. MOM was found out!
9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? Usually just 1!
10. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree? White lights and ornaments that signify something. I try to get an ornament everywhere we visit so there is a cowboy hat from San Antonio and a Cactus from Arizona, my favorite is the really sparkly Fleur de lis from New Orleans. There are also a couple of Ella's Christmas pictures framed from year's past and a few I made as a kid. Its like an adventure every year. Ella spent the entire time we decorated this year unwrapping an ornament and exclaiming "OH MY GOODNESS, THIS IS BEAUTIFUL" and then proceeding to hang 4 per branch.
11. Snow! Love it or Dread it? I love to look at it. I hate it when it keeps me immobile. As long as we can go and do I am ok. If I am homebound for more than a day I hate it!
12. Can you ice skate? Have you ever fallen on the ice? Um, NO. Never tried but I am pretty sure still no. Plus the center of gravity is a bit off these days. I don't think I have fallen on the ice.
13. Do you remember your favorite gift? The one that is most memorable was a crayola color craft center that I got when I was about 7 or 8 from my godmother. I LOVED IT. It had everything ... scissors, paint, crayons galore. I was also truly ecstatic when I got my first walkman - it was the yellow sony one ... anyone else have one of those?
14. What's the most important thing about the Holidays for you? Trying to not become overwhelmed and trying to take the time to catch up with old friends and my family. Plus, making it somewhat magical for Ella. It really is way more fun with a kid!
15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? Pecan pie!
16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? Decorating the tree with Ella. Can it be a tradition if we've only done it a couple of years?
17. What tops your tree? A big gold bow.
18. Which do you prefer giving or Receiving? Giving when I get it just right and find the perfect thing for someone. Receiving when I get something and I realize that someone really knows me based on what they got me.
19. What is your favorite Christmas Song? I love the new Sarah McLachlan Christmas CD - Wintersong - her voice is so beautiful. Love Ave Maria too. Jingle Bell Rock!
20. Candy Canes! Yuck or Yum? YUM! Love Peppermint!
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Christmas Decorating
Well, our holiday decorating is in full swing. The tree is up. The banisters are decorated. The door is lit, the wreath is hung. Everything it seems is done. I am also doing my part to keep the UPS and FedEx drivers in a job, the deliveries have begun. I am proud to say I have COMPLETED all shopping for the kids in my life. Now, if only the adults were that easy.
Monday, November 27, 2006
Post Turkey Coma
Thanksgiving People
Magster & Alana up to no good.
Us -aren't we so sweet :)
It's the Monday after Thanksgiving and I am still in the post-turkey coma phase. Hopefully I will come out of it in time for Christmas. I should have gone to bed before midnight last night! Every day of this long weekend seemed like Sunday, so when Sunday finally arrived I was in denial.
We had an enjoyable Thanksgiving holiday. It began with my mama coming to town on Wednesday afternoon - the day of her 57th birthday! The girl and I had made cupcakes for her and wrapped presents. They were so excited to see each other! Gram picked her up early at Jeannie's for the day. Wednesday night we went out for a birthday dinner and then came home to sleep.
We were up early on Thursday to prepare our contributions to the thanksgiving lunch at my godmother's. My granny's homemade egg noodles from me and carmelized sweet potatoes from my ma. YUM! Smelling those all the way to Richmond was torture. Thanksgiving at Kathykins was great. There was tons of food and family and the girl thoroughly enjoyed playing with her cousins.
Christmas ambition set in on Saturday with us going out to get a Christmas tree, putting up our decorations and decorating the tree in the evening. The little one was LOTS of help. Every ornament she pulled out got an "OH MY GOSHHHHHHHH THIS IS BEAUTIFUL" oh, to be a child again! Last night hubby and I battled the garland with lights for the bannister. What a total PITA. But we got it done. Tonight the last phase, the garland with lights for the front door. Then we are pretty much set. Except I think every day I am gonna here "Mama, when is Christmas? Is today Christmas?"
Tis the season...
Friday, November 17, 2006
4lbs, 4oz
A face shot for your viewing enjoyment. It is now official - this baby boy is an over achiever. He is measuring about a week bigger than a standard baby. Nothing to worry about and not surprising considering the girl has always been at the top or off of the growth chart! So I have big babies, sue me! We went today for a "routine" sonogram check. The fluid on the lungs is still gone. YAY. The fluid in the belly is still there, actually accounting for some of those ounces. Boo. It is less this time but only marginally so - down from 1 oz to .93 oz. Still we are happy to take less.
Fetal movements are great - 8 out of 8 (and who makes an 8 pt scale anyway?).
He seems happy. I go back on Tuesday, December 5th for anther "routine" scan.
I am supposed to go to Utah the week after thanksgiving for our conference site visit but I am thinking that's not gonna happen. Chances are all would be fine, but I am not so into taking any chances right now. At first I think I was euphoric after the lungs cleared and thought I am fine ... but I just would never forgive myself if after all this something happened that I could have prevented.
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
So my husband says...
The other night we are just chatting and he says to me, "I feel sorry for our kids future spouses."Me: "Why?"
Hubby: "Well I feel sorry for the Ella's because well she's Ella"
Me: "WHAT!" (she's not high maintenance or anything, she just knows what she wants!)
Hubby: "And I feel sorry for our son's future wife, well because of you."
Me: "WHAT!" (though I know EXACTLY what he is saying.)
I continue: "You are probably right, I'll be way worse than your mother and I won't give up as easily!"
So ... which brings me to this. Don't we all think the baby boy will need this shirt?
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Back To Business
After an entire week - 7 days ... count'em - with no doctor appointments we are gearing up for another round of baby related things.
Today I had an early morning dental cleaning. Nice clean polished teeth feel so lovely.
Lunchtime Massage appointment today as well. My back is doing better but I have decided massages every other week are key.
Tomorrow we have NOTHING.
Thursday I need to go for my glucose test (which requires fasting so we do this first thing in the morning) and for my bile acid bloodwork.
Friday first thing in the morning I will go for my rhogram injection. That's for my RH - status. I got one after the first amnio, but they recommend a 2nd injection at 28 weeks. Then I get to see my best buddy, Dr. Ghidini again. Just a routine check to measure baby and check the lungs via sonogram. I am slightly nervous but confident things will still be good.
Tuesday of next week I go for my next OB check-up with Dr. J-C. That is when we will schedule the c-section.
Then I get to relax & enjoy Thanksgiving!
The big sister's room is finally coming together. While I was out relaxing with my friend KK last night getting a pedicure and having dinner, Dad & the girl put together her new dresser (she hammered & was very proud) and 4 bookcases for her new room. Really now it is just a matter of moving her bed, clothes, and wall hangings etc. Hopefully by this weekend she'll be settling into the new digs. I'll post pictures once we get it done.
Today I had an early morning dental cleaning. Nice clean polished teeth feel so lovely.
Lunchtime Massage appointment today as well. My back is doing better but I have decided massages every other week are key.
Tomorrow we have NOTHING.
Thursday I need to go for my glucose test (which requires fasting so we do this first thing in the morning) and for my bile acid bloodwork.
Friday first thing in the morning I will go for my rhogram injection. That's for my RH - status. I got one after the first amnio, but they recommend a 2nd injection at 28 weeks. Then I get to see my best buddy, Dr. Ghidini again. Just a routine check to measure baby and check the lungs via sonogram. I am slightly nervous but confident things will still be good.
Tuesday of next week I go for my next OB check-up with Dr. J-C. That is when we will schedule the c-section.
Then I get to relax & enjoy Thanksgiving!
The big sister's room is finally coming together. While I was out relaxing with my friend KK last night getting a pedicure and having dinner, Dad & the girl put together her new dresser (she hammered & was very proud) and 4 bookcases for her new room. Really now it is just a matter of moving her bed, clothes, and wall hangings etc. Hopefully by this weekend she'll be settling into the new digs. I'll post pictures once we get it done.
Monday, November 13, 2006
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Who Did This?
My mama took this picture of me this past weekend when I was visiting her. WHO DID THIS? All of a sudden I am huge! 6 months +.
The Girl & I go to the Oyster Fest
The Girl and I decided to celebrate our good news last week with a trip to the 49th annual Urbanna Oyster Festival (her 5th my 28th or so). Dad had to work and thus couldn't join us. With the boss' approval we decided to play hookie and got up on Friday morning and headed to Gramma's!
Happy to be at Gram's house!
The Good News Just Continues
From least to most important....
1. Britney dumps K-Fed --- Isn't FedEx the BEST celeb moniker ever?
2. Dems take the House!
3. Dems appear to take the senate with VIRGINIA'S new senator elect Webb. Just a few months ago, behind 16 points in the polls. Thank you former Governor & soon to be former Senator Maccaca Allen!
4. Rumsfeld steps down!
5. We have our first EVER female Speaker of the House.
6. It appears that "deciding factor" Justice Kennedy is at least asking the tough and good questions on the current abortion case before the Surpreme Court. Can I just reiterate ... No Uterus...NO OPINION. Still, I was heartened to hear some justice on NPR (not sure which one) in the proceedings yesterday say and I am paraphrasing, "But we aren't talking about any fetus who would be viable outside the womb. These are not fetuses who are going to live. Period." And maybe the same guy maybe someone else chiming in saying that shouldn't judges stay out of the way of the doctors and the women faced with the decisions, i.e. the judge makes a bad decision and a woman pays for it with her future fertility or even her life.
Maybe I am hypersensitive to this issue having just faced a potential "late-term" abortion. I was 19 weeks pregnant when we found out that our baby was struggling. We had an ultrasound tech actually use the word "catastrophic" in reference to the potential problems. Typically, the edema and fluid on the lungs is a sign that the baby has a devastating anamoly - genetic or structural - and is NOT going to make it. It looks like we are going to be EXTRAORDINARILY fortunate and have faced down incredible odds. Babies with this have a 2-50% survival rate depending on the underlying cause. That means more than HALF don't make it.
I can NOT imagine ending a pregnancy that I wanted, especially when you are half way there. But what I can NOT imagine even more than that is being told I have NO CHOICE but to carry to term & deliver a child that is dead or who will die shortly after delivery. Many woman choose that route. Others do not, finding it to be severely emotionally traumatizing. How about this? Let's let the women actually faced with the decision, in consultation with their doctors, decide!
I am not 100% sure what I would have decided if I had to make a decision. Thank goodness I did not have to go there. However, I do know the important thing to me and my psychological health was that I had a choice. I could decide. Either way. I always believed in my convictions before being put to this test. Now, I even more firmly believe that no one can make that decision for anyone else. It is so personal and so difficult that is makes it impossible to be absolutist.
1. Britney dumps K-Fed --- Isn't FedEx the BEST celeb moniker ever?
2. Dems take the House!
3. Dems appear to take the senate with VIRGINIA'S new senator elect Webb. Just a few months ago, behind 16 points in the polls. Thank you former Governor & soon to be former Senator Maccaca Allen!
4. Rumsfeld steps down!
5. We have our first EVER female Speaker of the House.
6. It appears that "deciding factor" Justice Kennedy is at least asking the tough and good questions on the current abortion case before the Surpreme Court. Can I just reiterate ... No Uterus...NO OPINION. Still, I was heartened to hear some justice on NPR (not sure which one) in the proceedings yesterday say and I am paraphrasing, "But we aren't talking about any fetus who would be viable outside the womb. These are not fetuses who are going to live. Period." And maybe the same guy maybe someone else chiming in saying that shouldn't judges stay out of the way of the doctors and the women faced with the decisions, i.e. the judge makes a bad decision and a woman pays for it with her future fertility or even her life.
Maybe I am hypersensitive to this issue having just faced a potential "late-term" abortion. I was 19 weeks pregnant when we found out that our baby was struggling. We had an ultrasound tech actually use the word "catastrophic" in reference to the potential problems. Typically, the edema and fluid on the lungs is a sign that the baby has a devastating anamoly - genetic or structural - and is NOT going to make it. It looks like we are going to be EXTRAORDINARILY fortunate and have faced down incredible odds. Babies with this have a 2-50% survival rate depending on the underlying cause. That means more than HALF don't make it.
I can NOT imagine ending a pregnancy that I wanted, especially when you are half way there. But what I can NOT imagine even more than that is being told I have NO CHOICE but to carry to term & deliver a child that is dead or who will die shortly after delivery. Many woman choose that route. Others do not, finding it to be severely emotionally traumatizing. How about this? Let's let the women actually faced with the decision, in consultation with their doctors, decide!
I am not 100% sure what I would have decided if I had to make a decision. Thank goodness I did not have to go there. However, I do know the important thing to me and my psychological health was that I had a choice. I could decide. Either way. I always believed in my convictions before being put to this test. Now, I even more firmly believe that no one can make that decision for anyone else. It is so personal and so difficult that is makes it impossible to be absolutist.
Thursday, November 02, 2006
Life Is Good & Alessandro Ghidini is my favorite person on the planet...
The fluid is gone!!!!! I just got back from the follow-up sonogram and there were two perfect lungs. Dr. Ghidini indicates that once this resolves it doesn't reappear. Can you say RELIEF? The skin swelling is all gone. The lungs are totally clear. He looks healthy and kicked the hell out of the sonogram probe (I think he was thinking last time a needle poked me after I felt that thing). There is a small pocket of fluid in the belly but that is usually the last to resolve he says and should be gone by the follow-up.
I was SOOOOO Nervous today before the appointment. When asked how I am I am typically a "fine" "doing well" kind of responder. Well, when they asked me today I fessed up to being so nervous I thought I might throw up. I had tears in my eyes before he even put the jelly on my belly! Then I hear "I see lungs" and I say, "LUNGS as in 2" and he says, "Yes, two beautiful lungs!" I was bawling. I couldn't speak. The Doc very funny "where's my stoic mom? This is good news!" I was able to say Thank you and I love you I think. Love love love Dr. Ghindini. He has been a rock through this procedure and he even said I was a great mom/patient. Usually (as we suspected) moms are a bit more freaked out --- understandably so. I tried and was for the most part very zen. Yoga breathing, not stressing, asking good questions but not overly anxious. I figured what good will it do for me to totally freak out? Ok on the inside, I was freaking out.
I don't really believe in miracles ... so I am chalking this up to a miracle assisted by a couple of medical interventions. I go back in 2 weeks for measurements and to make sure everything is as it should be but he said to expect a totally normal outcome!
I am in shock. Happy shock, but shock. We've gone from fatalistic, to measured hope, to pretty much damn we are going to have to get ready for this baby! Thank you to every single one of you who has counseled, listened, hugged, and sent positive vibes our way. I feel like I can breathe for the first time in 6 weeks and 4 days!
I was SOOOOO Nervous today before the appointment. When asked how I am I am typically a "fine" "doing well" kind of responder. Well, when they asked me today I fessed up to being so nervous I thought I might throw up. I had tears in my eyes before he even put the jelly on my belly! Then I hear "I see lungs" and I say, "LUNGS as in 2" and he says, "Yes, two beautiful lungs!" I was bawling. I couldn't speak. The Doc very funny "where's my stoic mom? This is good news!" I was able to say Thank you and I love you I think. Love love love Dr. Ghindini. He has been a rock through this procedure and he even said I was a great mom/patient. Usually (as we suspected) moms are a bit more freaked out --- understandably so. I tried and was for the most part very zen. Yoga breathing, not stressing, asking good questions but not overly anxious. I figured what good will it do for me to totally freak out? Ok on the inside, I was freaking out.
I don't really believe in miracles ... so I am chalking this up to a miracle assisted by a couple of medical interventions. I go back in 2 weeks for measurements and to make sure everything is as it should be but he said to expect a totally normal outcome!
I am in shock. Happy shock, but shock. We've gone from fatalistic, to measured hope, to pretty much damn we are going to have to get ready for this baby! Thank you to every single one of you who has counseled, listened, hugged, and sent positive vibes our way. I feel like I can breathe for the first time in 6 weeks and 4 days!
Today I am Nervous...
I don't know why (well that's a lie) but the closer I get to sonogram appointments the more anxious and frayed I get. I manage well for most of the time when its off in the distance - a week or more away. Even 3 days + I am ok. Then it gets to be the day before and then the day of and I get very worked up. And the harder I try to be calm, the less calm I am. I am sure it is the lack of control and the not knowing what we'll see that is making me crazy, but it is MAKING ME CRAZY.
I get crabby. I get busy. I try to do too much. To distract myself. I worry. I know that nothing I do can change what we will see ... either more fluid, less fluid, no fluid. It is a balancing act because I want to be prepared for the worst but even when you tell yourself not to hope for total resolution you have that glimmer of hope that they ultrasound will show its all gone! You don't want to hope for that, because you don't want to be disappointed, but in reality you can't help but hope.
This kid is the greatest test of my life. The thing I can't believe is that every break so far is going in our direction. That too has to give us hope. My OB yesterday said at the next appointment in 3 weeks (November 21) we'll schedule my c-section for 38 weeks. As if scheduling it can make it so! She's very into the power of positive thinking. We talked - our appointments are more like counseling sessions now than OB appointments. So she comes in after everything is looking ok - BP is fine, weight is good, measurements are good - and sits and says, "Talk to me." So I talk. She listens. She tells me I am absolutely right to be scared to death but also to have hope. Because there are so many things pointing to the fact that this kid is strong and that he's fighting and that whatever is wrong its not structural, its not chromosomal, its not infectious.
I can't give up. Not just yet. 25 weeks, 4 days ... and COUNTING.
I get crabby. I get busy. I try to do too much. To distract myself. I worry. I know that nothing I do can change what we will see ... either more fluid, less fluid, no fluid. It is a balancing act because I want to be prepared for the worst but even when you tell yourself not to hope for total resolution you have that glimmer of hope that they ultrasound will show its all gone! You don't want to hope for that, because you don't want to be disappointed, but in reality you can't help but hope.
This kid is the greatest test of my life. The thing I can't believe is that every break so far is going in our direction. That too has to give us hope. My OB yesterday said at the next appointment in 3 weeks (November 21) we'll schedule my c-section for 38 weeks. As if scheduling it can make it so! She's very into the power of positive thinking. We talked - our appointments are more like counseling sessions now than OB appointments. So she comes in after everything is looking ok - BP is fine, weight is good, measurements are good - and sits and says, "Talk to me." So I talk. She listens. She tells me I am absolutely right to be scared to death but also to have hope. Because there are so many things pointing to the fact that this kid is strong and that he's fighting and that whatever is wrong its not structural, its not chromosomal, its not infectious.
I can't give up. Not just yet. 25 weeks, 4 days ... and COUNTING.
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Let the Appointments Resume...
Today at 10:30 am I have my routine 6 month ob appointment. Measure the bump, pee in a cup, take the blood pressure, and generally make sure MOM is relatively healthy.
Tomorrow at lunchtime I am squeezing in a back massage --- Thank you Jenny for fitting me in --- to hopefully give my back some relief. I am not an s-curve today but its still pretty pinched.
Tomorrow at 2 pm we go in for our fluid check-up/sonogram. I sound like a used car going in for an oil change. If the check is good ... we're done for now (for like a week). If little man has more fluid on the lung then we are back to the hospital Friday morning for another thoracocentesis.
Let the games begin again.........
Tomorrow at lunchtime I am squeezing in a back massage --- Thank you Jenny for fitting me in --- to hopefully give my back some relief. I am not an s-curve today but its still pretty pinched.
Tomorrow at 2 pm we go in for our fluid check-up/sonogram. I sound like a used car going in for an oil change. If the check is good ... we're done for now (for like a week). If little man has more fluid on the lung then we are back to the hospital Friday morning for another thoracocentesis.
Let the games begin again.........
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
I am in love!
Ok, no its not the hubby...or the girl...or the baby to be. I love them all. But I have found the new love of my life.
The belly bra. When you are pregnant and have a bad lower back you think nothing will help. Well after a weekend of suffering I decided to put it on just to see if it would help. It didn't heal me like a miracle or anything but it sure helps! I love it! You too can own one ... find it at target!
The belly bra. When you are pregnant and have a bad lower back you think nothing will help. Well after a weekend of suffering I decided to put it on just to see if it would help. It didn't heal me like a miracle or anything but it sure helps! I love it! You too can own one ... find it at target!
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Lovin' the new sofa...Hating Ultrasound Associates
The new furniture has arrived. Delivery time: 11am - 3pm. They actually showed at 11am! WHO HOOO! Who knew that deliveries could actually come as scheduled. Anyway, the guys were great and did a great job of getting everything in and together. New dining set looks great. Love the sofa! I see lots of races to get to the wedge chaise portion FIRST!This is kind of an odd week as we don't have a bunch of doctor's appointments and things to deal with. I guess just moving in the right direction is good right?
I did have the pleasure of discussing denied insurance claims this morning with BC/BS. Seems they are a bit confused and their "SYSTEM" won't allow them to process two claims for the same procedure (even though it was two different providers) on the same day. So day 1 of this ordeal when we went for the horrid ultrasound and then were immediately sent for a follow-up that same afternoon they thought "duplicate claim" let's just deny one. So I get a $485 bill from the lovely folks at Ultrasound Associates who as those who have been keeping up will remember handled the situation so gracefully in the beginning! NOT! Anyway, it seems all I have to do is file an appeal, but seriously ... why? Why, when I just explained it do I have to appeal it? And why does it take 10 minutes and pressing of 100 digits to get a human being?
There a little vent and I feel better...
Baby's Ipod Music Mix
Music, I find, can be very healing & can bring peace when most nothing else will. So I've made a baby ipod mix. Some are sad, some are hopeful, some make me cry, some make me smile. Kind of sums up the emotions I have been feeling for the last 5 weeks and counting...
Grace - Kate Havensvick
Answer - Sarah McLachlan
Baby - DMB
Blackbird - Sarah McLachlan version of the Beetles song
Broken - Jack Johnson
Chasing Cars - Snow Patrol (thanks Mari) Grey's Anatomy 2nd Season soundtrack
Cocoon - Jack Johnson
F-Stop Blues - Jack Johnson
Full of Grace - Sarah McLachlan
Love's Recovery - Indigo Girls
Not Going Anywhere
Out of My Hands - DMB
Riverwide - Sheryl Crow
So Damn Lucky - DMB
Surround Me - James Taylor's kid, Ben
The Cove - Jack Johnson
The Long Day is Over - Norah Jones
The Nearness of You - Norah Jones
Why Worry - Dire Straights
Wonderful - India Arie
Grace - Kate Havensvick
Answer - Sarah McLachlan
Baby - DMB
Blackbird - Sarah McLachlan version of the Beetles song
Broken - Jack Johnson
Chasing Cars - Snow Patrol (thanks Mari) Grey's Anatomy 2nd Season soundtrack
Cocoon - Jack Johnson
F-Stop Blues - Jack Johnson
Full of Grace - Sarah McLachlan
Love's Recovery - Indigo Girls
Not Going Anywhere
Out of My Hands - DMB
Riverwide - Sheryl Crow
So Damn Lucky - DMB
Surround Me - James Taylor's kid, Ben
The Cove - Jack Johnson
The Long Day is Over - Norah Jones
The Nearness of You - Norah Jones
Why Worry - Dire Straights
Wonderful - India Arie
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